Embolized cerebral arteriovenous malformations: a multivariate analysis of 101 excised specimens.

Objective: Endovascular approaches have evolved from a technique practiced at very few centers to a widely available option in the management of arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) of the central nervous system. Embolization can be employed as definitive therapy or as an adjunct to surgical excision. A wide variety of embolic agents have been successfully developed and used in the clinical setting.

VEGFR2 promotes central endothelial activation and the spread of pain in inflammatory arthritis.

Chronic pain can develop in response to conditions such as inflammatory arthritis. The central mechanisms underlying the development and maintenance of chronic pain in humans are not well elucidated although there is evidence for a role of microglia and astrocytes. However in pre-clinical models of pain, including models of inflammatory arthritis, there is a wealth of evidence indicating roles for pathological glial reactivity within the CNS.

Development of novel murine mammary imaging windows to examine wound healing effects on leukocyte trafficking in mammary tumors with intravital imaging.

We developed mammary imaging windows (MIWs) to evaluate leukocyte infiltration and cancer cell dissemination in mouse mammary tumors imaged by confocal microscopy. Previous techniques relied on surgical resection of a skin flap to image the tumor microenvironment restricting imaging time to a few hours. Utilization of mammary imaging windows offers extension of imaging of the tumor microenvironment.

Transforming growth factor beta receptor type III is a tumor promoter in mesenchymal-stem like triple negative breast cancer.

Introduction: There is a major need to better understand the molecular basis of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) in order to develop effective therapeutic strategies. Using gene expression data from 587 TNBC patients we previously identified six subtypes of the disease, among which a mesenchymal-stem like (MSL) subtype. The MSL subtype has significantly higher expression of the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) pathway-associated genes relative to other subtypes, including the TGF-β receptor type III (TβRIII).

Established and novel methods of interrogating two-dimensional cell migration.

The regulation of cell motility is central to living systems. Consequently, cell migration assays are some of the most frequently used in vitro assays. This article provides a comprehensive, detailed review of in vitro cell migration assays both currently in use and possible with existing technology.

Magnetically attachable stencils and the non-destructive analysis of the contribution made by the underlying matrix to cell migration.

Cell migration is controlled by the integration of numerous distinct components. Consequently, the analysis of cell migration is advancing towards comprehensive, multifaceted in vitro models. To accurately evaluate the contribution of an underlying substrate to cell motility in complex cellular environments we developed a migration assay using magnetically attachable stencils (MAts).

Lack of transforming growth factor-β signaling promotes collective cancer cell invasion through tumor-stromal crosstalk.

Introduction: Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) has a dual role during tumor progression, initially as a suppressor and then as a promoter. Epithelial TGF-β signaling regulates fibroblast recruitment and activation. Concurrently, TGF-β signaling in stromal fibroblasts suppresses tumorigenesis in adjacent epithelia, while its ablation potentiates tumor formation.

Targeting tumor cell motility to prevent metastasis.

Mortality and morbidity in patients with solid tumors invariably result from the disruption of normal biological function caused by disseminating tumor cells. Tumor cell migration is under intense investigation as the underlying cause of cancer metastasis. The need for tumor cell motility in the progression of metastasis has been established experimentally and is supported empirically by basic and clinical research implicating a large collection of migration-related genes.

Single-photon-counting detector for increased sensitivity in two-photon laser scanning microscopy.

We present the use and characterization of a photon-counting detector for increased sensitivity at low signal levels in fluorescence laser scanning microscopy (LSM). Conventional LSM photomultiplier tube detectors utilize analog current integration and thus suffer from excessive noise at low signal levels, introduced during current measurement. In this Letter we describe the implementation of a fast single-photon-counting (SPC) detector on a conventional two-photon laser scanning microscope and detail its use in imaging low fluorescence intensities.

An epidemiological study of the ocular and visual profiles of Oklahoma Cherokees and Minnesota Chippewas.

Over the last three decades some American Indian tribes in North America have received attention in the literature as a minority group with unique visual characteristics. Studies on the refractive status of Indians have shown an increase of refractive errors and particularly an abnormally high prevalence, and amount of, with-the-rule astigmatism. These changes appear to have taken place over the last 40 years.

Swyer syndrome with gonadoblastoma.

Any patient who has a portion of a Y chromosome present should have gonadal extirpation to avoid the risk of gonadal neoplasia, whether benign or malignant. The following case history is presented to illustrate this risk and to lay aside the misconception that such patients are free from risk in the absence of an adnexal mass.

Ecological dosimetry: radiation levels influenced by plant growth.

The feasibility of using lithium-7-fluoride thermoluminescent dosimeters under field conditions for natural radiation at levels of 5 milliroentgens is demonstrated. Radiation dosages in tree trunks increased threefold from winter to spring and summer. This increase is attributed to the gamma radiation field resulting from relatively high levels of potassium-40 and other radionuclides present in the foliage and branches during the growing season.