A new species of Stenobiella Tillyard (Neuroptera, Berothidae) from Australia

Stenobiella variola sp. n., a new species of beaded lacewing (Neuroptera: Berothidae), is described and figured from south-eastern Australia. A preliminary key to Stenobiella species is presented

PET Molecular Targets and Near-Infrared Fluorescence Imaging of Atherosclerosis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: With this review, we aim to summarize the role of positron emission tomography (PET) and near-infrared fluorescence imaging (NIRF) in the detection of atherosclerosis. RECENT FINDINGS: (18)F-FDG is an established measure of increased macrophage activity. However, due to its low specificity, new radiotracers have emerged for more specific detection of vascular inflammation and other high-risk plaque features such as microcalcification and neovascularization. Novel NIRF probes are engineered to sense endothelial damage as an early sign of plaque erosion as well as oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) as a prime target for atherosclerosis. Integrated NIRF/OCT (optical coherence tomography) catheters enable to detect stent-associated microthrombi. Novel radiotracers can improve specificity of PET for imaging atherosclerosis. Advanced NIRF probes show promise for future application in human. Intravascular NIRF might play a prominent role in the detection of stent-induced vascular injury

Stent malapposition and the risk of stent thrombosis: mechanistic insights from an in-vitro model

AIMS: To examine the effect of under-expansion on stent thrombogenicity with an in-vitro perfusion model. METHOD AND RESULTS: Drug eluting stent (DES) samples were partially under-deployed in silicone tubes and perfused with porcine blood containing 10% Anticoagulant Citrate Dextrose solution for 4 minutes at a flow rate of 200ml/min. Thrombus formation was evaluated and compared between the well apposed and malapposed sections. The malapposed sections showed significantly more thrombus formation compared to the well apposed sections (13.9 vs 0.41 mm2, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Stent malapposition has a very direct impact on thrombus formation. Optimized stent implantation is required to minimize malapposition in DES and BVS to reduce thrombus formation