Study of ultrafast processes in matter by means of time-resolved electron diffraction and microscopy

One of the most fundamental problems of modern natural science is the direct observation of atomic motions in the course of various processes. For this purpose, in the experiment it is necessary to provide high spatial-temporal resolution. The solution to this problem is achieved by using a pulsed electron beam of ultrashort duration to create a stroboscopic diffraction pattern in the method of time-resolved electron diffraction (TRED). Three types of experimental schemes have been developed at our lab. The experimental complex includes (i) 20-keV table-top apparatus for TRED, (ii) 75-keV ultrafast transmission electron microscope and (iii) lensless table-top device for femtosecond electron diffraction. The obtained experimental results are presented

Study of ultrafast processes in matter by means of time-resolved electron diffraction and microscopy

One of the most fundamental problems of modern natural science is the direct observation of atomic motions in the course of various processes. For this purpose, in the experiment it is necessary to provide high spatial-temporal resolution. The solution to this problem is achieved by using a pulsed electron beam of ultrashort duration to create a stroboscopic diffraction pattern in the method of time-resolved electron diffraction (TRED). Three types of experimental schemes have been developed at our lab. The experimental complex includes (i) 20-keV table-top apparatus for TRED, (ii) 75-keV ultrafast transmission electron microscope and (iii) lensless table-top device for femtosecond electron diffraction. The obtained experimental results are presented

Recombinant Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist Conjugated to Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for Theranostic Targeting of Experimental Glioblastoma

Cerebral edema commonly accompanies brain tumors and contributes to neurologic symptoms. The role of the interleukin-1 receptor antagonist conjugated to superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION–IL-1Ra) was assessed to analyze its anti-edemal effect and its possible application as a negative contrast enhancing agent for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Rats with intracranial C6 glioma were intravenously administered at various concentrations of IL-1Ra or SPION–IL-1Ra. Brain peritumoral edema following treatment with receptor antagonist was assessed with high-field MRI. IL-1Ra administered at later stages of tumor progression significantly reduced peritumoral edema (as measured by MRI) and prolonged two-fold the life span of comorbid animals in a dose-dependent manner in comparison to control and corticosteroid-treated animals (P < .001). Synthesized SPION–IL-1Ra conjugates had the properties of negative contrast agent with high coefficients of relaxation efficiency. In vitro studies of SPION–IL-1Ra nanoparticles demonstrated high intracellular incorporation and absence of toxic influence on C6 cells and lymphocyte viability and proliferation. Retention of the nanoparticles in the tumor resulted in enhanced hypotensive T2-weighted images of glioma, proving the application of the conjugates as negative magnetic resonance contrast agents. Moreover, nanoparticles reduced the peritumoral edema confirming the therapeutic potency of synthesized conjugates. SPION–IL-1Ra nanoparticles have an anti-edemal effect when administered through a clinically relevant route in animals with glioma. The SPION–IL-1Ra could be a candidate for theranostic approach in neuro-oncology both for diagnosis of brain tumors and management of peritumoral edema