Non-invasive molecular imaging of inflammatory macrophages in allograft rejection.

BackgroundMacrophages represent a critical cell type in host defense, development and homeostasis. The ability to image non-invasively pro-inflammatory macrophage infiltrate into a transplanted organ may provide an additional tool for the monitoring of the immune response of the recipient against the donor graft. We therefore decided to image in vivo sialoadhesin (Sn, Siglec 1 or CD169) using anti-Sn mAb (SER-4) directly radiolabelled with (99m)Tc pertechnetate.MethodsWe used a heterotopic heart transplantation model where allogeneic or syngeneic heart grafts were transplanted into the abdomen of recipients. In vivo nanosingle-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT/CT) imaging was performed 7 days post transplantation followed by biodistribution and histology.ResultsIn wild-type mice, the majority of (99m)Tc-SER-4 monoclonal antibody cleared from the blood with a half-life of 167 min and was located predominantly on Sn(+) tissues in the spleen, liver and bone marrow. The biodistribution in the transplantation experiments confirmed data derived from the non-invasive SPECT/CT images, with significantly higher levels of (99m)Tc-SER-4 observed in allogeneic grafts (9.4 (±2.7) %ID/g) compared to syngeneic grafts (4.3 (±10.3) %ID/g) (p = 0.0022) or in mice which received allogeneic grafts injected with (99m)Tc-IgG isotype control (5.9 (±0.6) %ID/g) (p = 0.0185). The transplanted heart to blood ratio was also significantly higher in recipients with allogeneic grafts receiving (99m)Tc-SER-4 as compared to recipients with syngeneic grafts (p = 0.000004) or recipients with allogeneic grafts receiving (99m)Tc-IgG isotype (p = 0.000002).ConclusionsHere, we demonstrate that imaging of Sn(+) macrophages in inflammation may provide an important additional and non-invasive tool for the monitoring of the pathophysiology of cellular immunity in a transplant model

The use of omic technologies applied to traditional Chinese medicine research

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Pointing-and-Acquisition for Optical Wireless in 6G: From Algorithms to Performance Evaluation

The increasing demand for wireless communication services has led to the development of non-terrestrial networks, which enables various air and space applications. Free-space optical (FSO) communication is considered one of the essential technologies capable of connecting terrestrial and non-terrestrial layers. In this article, we analyze considerations and challenges for FSO communications between gateways and aircraft from a pointing-and-acquisition perspective. Based on the analysis, we first develop a baseline method that utilizes conventional devices and mechanisms. Furthermore, we propose an algorithm that combines angle of arrival (AoA) estimation through supplementary radio frequency (RF) links and beam tracking using retroreflectors. Through extensive simulations, we demonstrate that the proposed method offers superior performance in terms of link acquisition and maintenance

Oxygen-Vacancy Engineering of Cerium-Oxide Nanoparticles for Antioxidant Activity

© 2019 American Chemical Society. To address an important challenge in the engineering of antioxidant nanoparticles, the present work devised a surface-to-bulk migration of oxygen vacancies in the oxygen radical-scavenging cerium-oxide nanoparticles. The study highlights the significance of surface oxygen vacancies in the intended cellular internalization and, subsequently, the radical scavenging activity of the nanoparticles inside the cells. The findings advise future development of therapeutic antioxidant nanomaterials to also include engineering of the particles for enhanced surface defects not only for the accessibility of their oxygen vacancies but also, equally important, rendering them bioavailable for cellular uptake

Protocol-directed Weaning in a Neurosurgical intensive Care Unit – a Pilot Study

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High resolution remote sensing of densely urbanised regions : a case study of Hong Kong

2008-2009 > Academic research: refereed > Publication in refereed journalVersion of RecordPublishe

Research progress of bone matrix non-collagen protein containing RGD peptides in osteoporosis

2008-2009 > Academic research: refereed > Publication in refereed journalVersion of RecordPublishe

Recurrent pneumothorax in pregnancy: What should we do after placing an intercostal drain

Recurrent pneumothorax is rare during pregnancy. We describe a Chinese woman, with a history of spontaneous pneumothorax managed with an intercostal drain, who developed a recurrent pneumothorax during her 32nd week of pregnancy. There is no consensus on management in this situation. We review the literature and discuss different management approaches. Thirty-six cases of antepartum pneumothorax have been reported in 31 case reports. An intercostal drain only (n=11) or surgeries (thoracotomy, n=9; or video-assisted thoracoscopy, n=2) were common treatment options with no surgical complications reported. Twenty-two (61%) patients progressed to a normal vaginal delivery, while the rest required forceps delivery (22%) or Caesarean section (14%). No single treatment option outweighed the others. There were no maternal or foetal complications reported in those who underwent antepartum surgical intervention. Surgical management of recurrent pneumothorax during pregnancy is well tolerated.published_or_final_versio

Mechanism involved in genistein activation of insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor expression in human breast cancer cells

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