A Hybrid Imaging Platform(CT/PET/FMI) for Evaluating Tumor Necrosis and Apoptosis in Real-Time.

Multimodality imaging is an advanced imaging tool for monitoring tumor behavior and therapy . In this study, we have developed a novel hybrid tri-modality system that includes two molecular imaging methods: positron emission computed tomography (PET) and fluorescence molecular imaging (FMI) and the anatomic imaging modality X-ray computed tomography (CT). The following paper describes the system development.

In vivo long-term investigation of tumor bearing mKate2 by an in-house fluorescence molecular imaging system.

Background: Optical imaging is one of the most common, low-cost imaging tools used for investigating the tumor biological behavior in vivo. This study explores the feasibility and sensitivity of a near infrared fluorescent protein mKate2 for a long-term non-invasive tumor imaging in BALB/c nude mice, by using a low-power optical imaging system.

Methods: In this study, breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-435s expressing mKate2 and MDA-MB-231 expressing a dual reporter gene firefly luciferase (fLuc)-GFP were used as cell models.

Validation of Bevacizumab Therapy Effect on Colon Cancer Subtypes by Using Whole Body Imaging in Mice.

Purpose: Preclinical imaging offers a useful tool for monitoring cancer biological behavior and therapy in vivo without the necessity of animal surgery. The following paper describes our examination of tumor progress and anti-angiogenic therapy with Bevacizumab on colon cancer subtypes (SW480 and SW620) by using different non-invasive real-time in vivo imaging techniques.

Procedures: Color Doppler ultrasound imaging (CDUI) was used to observe the formation of new blood vessels; a homemade fluorescence reflectance imaging (FRI) apparatus was mainly used to test the difference in VEGFR2 expression between the tumor subtypes.

Overcoming foreign-body reaction through nanotopography: Biocompatibility and immunoisolation properties of a nanofibrous membrane.

Implantable immunoisolation membranes need to possess superior biocompatibility to prohibit the fibrotic deposition that would reduce the nutrient supply and impair the viability/function of the encapsulated cells. Here, electrospun membranes based on thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) were fabricated to contain microfibers (PU-micro) or nanofibers (PU-nano). The two types of membranes were compared in terms of their interaction with macrophage cells and the host tissues.

Establishment of an mKate2-Expressing Cell Line for Non-Invasive Real-Time Breast Cancer In Vivo Imaging.

Purpose: Non-invasive real-time in vivo imaging experiments using mice as animal models have become crucial for understanding cancer development and treatment. In this study, we have developed and validated a new breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-435s that stably express a far-red fluorescence protein (mKate2) and that could serve as a highly valuable cell model for studying breast cancer detection and therapy using in vivo fluorescence imaging in nude mice.

Procedures: The new cell line (MDA-MB-435s-mKate2) was constructed by plasmid transfection.

Prospective assessment of the gastroesophageal microbiome in VLBW neonates.

Background: The distal GI microbiota of hospitalized preterm neonates has been established to be unique from that of healthy full-term infants; the proximal GI, more specifically gastroesophageal colonization has not been systematically addressed. We prospectively evaluated early colonization of gastroesophageal portion of the GI tract of VLBW infants.

Methods: This study involved 12 infants admitted to a level III NICU with gestational age (GA) 27 +/- 0.