Conjugated Polymers Combined with a Molecular Beacon for Label-Free and Self-Signal-Amplifying DNA Microarrays

A conjugated polymer (CP) and molecular-beacon-based solid-state DNA sensing system is developed to achieve sensitive, label-free detection. A novel conjugated poly(oxadiazole) derivative exhibiting amine and thiol functional groups ( POX-SH ) is developed for unique chemical and photochemical stability and convenient solid-state on-chip DNA synthesis. POX-SH is soluble in most nonpolar organic solvents and exhibits intense blue fluorescence. POX-SH is covalently immobilized onto a maleimido-functionalized glass slide by means of its thiol group. Molecular beacons having a fluorescent dye or quencher molecule as the fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) acceptor are synthesized on the immobilized POX-SH layer through direct on-chip oligonucleotide synthesis using the amine side chain of POX-SH . Selective hybridization of the molecular beacon probes with the target DNA sequence opens up the molecular beacon probes and affects the FRET between POX-SH and the dye or quencher, producing a sensitive and label-free fluorescence sensory signal. Various molecular design parameters, such as the size of the stem and loop of the molecular beacon, the choice of dye, and the number of quencher molecules are systematically controlled, and their effects on the sensitivity and selectivity are investigated.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/64307/1/3317_ftp.pd

Light-chain amyloidosis presenting with rapidly progressive submucosal hemorrhage of the stomach

SummaryThe gastrointestinal tract is frequently in involved light-chain (AL) amyloidosis, but significant hemorrhagic complications are rare. A 71-year-old man presented to our hospital with dyspepsia and heartburn for 1 month. Gastroscopy revealed a large submucosal hematoma at the gastric fundus. Two days later, a follow-up gastroscopy indicated extensive expansion of the hematoma throughout the upper half of the stomach. The hematoma displayed ongoing expansion during the endoscopic examination, suggesting that rupture was imminent. Emergency total gastrectomy was performed, and amyloidosis was confirmed after examining the surgical specimen. Bone marrow examination revealed multiple myeloma, and serum immunoglobulin assay confirmed the diagnosis of myeloma-associated AL amyloidosis. At manuscript submission, the patient was doing well and was undergoing chemotherapy

Successful Management with Glue Injection of Arterial Rupture Seen during Embolization of an Arteriovenous Malformation Using a Flow-Directed Catheter: A Case Report

We present a case in which an arterial rupture occurring during embolization of an arteriovenous malformation of the left occipital lobe with a flow-directed microcatheter, was successfully sealed with a small amount of glue. We navigated a 1.8-Fr Magic catheter through the posterior cerebral artery, and during superselective test injection, extravasation was observed at the parieto-occipital branch. The catheter was not removed and the perforation site was successfully sealed with a small amount of glue injected through the same catheter. Prompt recognition and closure of the perforation site is essential for good prognosis

Primary carcinosarcoma of the gallbladder

Carcinosarcoma of gallbladder (CSGB) is a rare malignancy characterized by malignant epithelial and mesenchymal components. Its pathogenesis is unknown and most CSGBs are associated with poor survival because the disease normally presents at an advanced stage, and as a result, curative resection is uncommon. This report describes a case that underwent curative resection. A 77-year-old woman presented with right upper quadrant pain. The preoperative diagnosis was gallbladder (GB) cancer, and thus, curative radical cholecystectomy was performed. However, pathologic examination of the surgical specimen revealed that the tumor was composed of two histologic components of squamous cell carcinoma and spindle cell sarcoma, which was consistent with a diagnosis of carcinosarcoma. The tumor was found to extend to the perimuscular connective tissue and to have metastasized to one lymph node (LN). The prognosis of CSGB remains poor despite curative resection, and thus, the authors recommend that effort be made to improve surgical outcomes

Hemorrhage from a jejunal polypoid hemangioma: single incisional laparoscopic approach

Bleeding lesions in the small bowel are a much more significant challenge in terms of detection and treatment than those of the stomach or the large bowel, and require extensive gastrointestinal evaluation before a diagnosis can be made. The authors report the case of an 81-year-old female patient who underwent small bowel segmental resection by single incisional laparoscopic approach for distal jejunalhemangioma, which caused severe anemia. An abdominal computed tomography scan demonstrated a highly enhancing polypoid tumor in the distal ileum. During the single incisional laparoscopic exploration using a 2 cm sized skin incision, jejuno-jejunal intussusceptions and a jejunal tumor were noted. Single incisional laparoscopy was performed to assist the jejunal segmental resection. Pathologic reports confirmed the lesion to be a jejunalhemangioma. The authors report an unusual case of jejunalhemangioma caused by intussusception and gastrointestinal hemorrhage, which was treated by single incisional laparoscopic surgery