Optical coherence tomography of the larynx using the Niris system.

Objectives: To present our experience using the first commercially available optical coherence tomography (OCT) device for use in the head, neck, and upper aerodigestive tract and to determine the feasibility and efficacy of this system in comparison with our previous experience using other research OCT systems.

Methods: Using the Niris OCT imaging system (Imalux, Cleveland, OH), we obtained OCT images of benign and premalignant laryngeal disease in 33 patients undergoing surgical head and neck endoscopy. This imaging system has a spatial depth resolution of 10 to 20 mum and a depth scanning range of 2.

Thymosin beta4 promotes matrix metalloproteinase expression during wound repair.

Immobilized patients, diabetics, and the elderly suffer from impaired wound healing. The 43-amino acid angiogenic peptide thymosin beta4 (Tbeta4) has previously been found to accelerate dermal wound repair in rats, aged mice, and db/db diabetic mice. It also promotes corneal repair in both normal rats and mice.