Multimodal Imaging of Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia-Associated Hyperviscosity-Related Retinopathy Treated with Plasmapheresis

While plasmapheresis is well known to significantly improve both retinal findings and systemic manifestations associated with Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia, few reports exist documenting changes in optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A). The authors present a case of a patient with Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia who had resolution of white-centered peripheral retinal lesions and parafoveal outer nuclear layer hyperreflective material following plasmapheresis. Applying image analysis software to before and after OCT-A images, the authors were able to show an objective decrease in retinal capillary and large vessel density following plasmapheresis. This technique can be used to guide treatment and surveillance for patients with hyperviscosity-related retinopathy.

The use of image analysis software increases the accuracy of the periacetabular osteotomy fragment placement

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to report on the use of image analysis technology to enhance accuracy of intra-operative imaging and evaluation of periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) correction. This was a retrospective study reporting on the first 25 cases of PAO performed with the use of an image analysis tool. This technology was used intra-operatively to assess the position of the supine coronal image in comparison to pre-operative standing images using a ratio of pelvic tilt (PT). Intra-operative PT, Tönnis angle, lateral center–edge angle (LCEA) and anterior wall index were compared to post-operative images. Post-operative radiographic parameters in the study group were compared with a control group of PAO cases performed prior to the implementation of the new software. The image analysis software was able to obtain intra-operative supine imaging that was equivalent to pre-operative standing imaging. When comparing the PAOs performed with the use of the software versus those without, the study group trended toward being more likely within the surgeon’s defined target range of radiographic values, which was statistically significant for LCEA. This tool can be used to assure the surgeon that the intra-operative image being used for surgical decision-making is representative of the functional radiograph. PAOs performed with the use of this technology showed enhanced accuracy of surgical correction for the parameters within our defined target ranges. This may increase the ability of the surgeon to place the acetabular fragment more precisely within his or her goal parameters for acetabular reorientation correction.

Does intra-articular injection of adipose-derived stem cells improve cartilage mass? A case report using three-dimensional image analysis software in knee osteoarthritis

Background Mesenchymal stem cells are currently a research focus because of the possibility of cartilage regeneration through several mechanisms, including mesenchymal stem cell sheets. However, there are no published reports visualizing cartilage in three dimensions. Here, we report a case of improved cartilage volume. We purified and cultured adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells and then performed adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell therapy by directly injecting these cells into the articular cartilage. Cartilage was quantitatively evaluated before and after injection using three-dimensional image analysis software based on the magnetic resonance imaging. Case presentation The patient, a 55-year-old Japanese woman, experienced pain in both knees and was diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the knee. We performed adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell therapy in both knees at our hospital and quantitatively evaluated cartilage before and after the treatment using the three-dimensional image analysis software “SYNAPSE VINCENT”. Conclusions Preoperatively, the cartilage defect area was 33.59 mm2 in the femur and 122.31 mm2 in the tibia; however, 12 months postoperatively, it improved to 13.59 mm2 and 51.43 mm2, respectively. Furthermore, the preoperative femur and tibia volumes were 9.58 mL and 3.82 mL, respectively; however, 12 months postoperatively, these values improved to 10.00 mL and 4.17 mL, respectively. For the quantitative analysis of cartilage, SYNAPSE VINCENT visualizes the state of cartilage in a high-definition three-dimensional image, which is excellent for understanding the state of the disease and explaining it to the patient. Although SYNAPSE VINCENT can only analyze the thickness of cartilage, and the reproducibility of the error is debatable, SYNAPSE VINCENT would be useful as a clinical tool for regenerative medicine. We have shown in this case report the promising effects of adipose-derived stem cell intraarticular injections in treating osteoarthritis and the use of new diagnostic instruments.

Secondary Dentin as an Aid in Gender Predilection: A Forensic Study

Background Forensic odontology deals with age, sex, and race determination of the deceased at crime scenes, disasters, or natural calamities. Studies regarding the role of secondary dentin in age estimation have been documented on a several occasions in the literature but use of secondary dentin in gender predilection has not yet been documented. So, the present study was aimed at using the secondary dentin as a diagnostic tool in gender predilection. Materials and Methods The study included a total of 20 samples (10 males and 10 females). Extracted teeth were collected and placed in 10% neutral buffered formalin solution. The sections were ground on Arkansas stone until the appropriate thickness of the ground sections was achieved. The freshly prepared ground section was mounted on a slide using DPX mounting media. Ground sections were visualized under a microscope and the thickness of secondary dentine was measured using the image analysis software. Results The data were collected and subjected to group statistics. The secondary dentin thickness of all the samples, males and females, was measured. It was observed in our study that the mean thickness of secondary dentin was more in male samples (0.2970) with the standard deviation of 0.01494, as compared with that of females where the mean thickness was found to be 0.1970 with the standard deviation of 0.02058. Conclusion This study has shown that variation in secondary dentin thickness does exist between male and female groups. This criterion can be considered as an aid for gender determination in the future.

Pengaruh Variasi Temperatur Tuang pada Pengecoran Daur Ulang Al-Si terhadap Struktur Mikro dan Kekerasan dengan Pola Styrofoam

Penelitian ini bertujuan mengetahui pengaruh temperatur tuang pada pengecoran daur ulang Al-Si terhadap struktur mikro dan kekerasan dengan menggunakan pola Styrofoam. Material aluminium dari velg bekas diplih sebagai bahan utama dalam penelitian ini. Parameter yang digunakan dalam pengecoran adalah temperatur tuang dengan variasi 660, 710, dan 760oC. Pengamatan struktur mikro dan pengukuran SDAS menggunakan mikroskop optic dan image analysis software. Pengujian kekerasan dilakukan untuk mengetahui sifat mekanis material. Hasil pengujian menunjukkan SDAS semakin kasar atau meningkat 56 % pada temperatur tuang 760o C sehingga mengalami peningkatan kekuatan mekanik sebesar 2.59%.

In vitro study of homeopathic medicines in macrophages co-cultured with Leishmania (L.) amazonensis

Background: In previous studies the effect of homeopathic medicines in murine cutaneous Leishmaniasis were described, indicating immunomodulation. The phagocytes migration and their activity increased after Thymulin 5cH and decreased after Antimonium crudum 30cH treatment. Methods: The morpho-functional features of RAW macrophages co-cultured with Leishmania (L.) amazonensis in RPMI medium were analyzed in vitro, after 24h treatment with 20% of Thymulin 5cH, 6cH and 7cH or Antimonium crudum 6cH, 30cH and 200cH. All assays were performed in blind and in three series of quadruplicate. The spreading was analyzed by the breadth and area of each macrophage, photographed in a NIKON Eclipse 200-Coolpix system and measured by Metamorph® Image analysis software. The phagocytosis was analyzed by the percentage of amastigotes incorporated into the phagocyte vacuoles. ANOVA and Tuckey Krammer were used as statistical methods. Results: A marked increase of macrophage spreading (considering breadth and area) was seen in Thymulin 5cH and Thymulin 7cH treated cells (p≤0.01), as in Antimonium crudum 30cH (p=0.05) and 200cH (p=0.001) treated cells. Only Antimonium crudum 200cH presented increase in phagocytosis index (p=0.001). Conclusions: The in vitro assay corroborates the findings obtained from in vivo studies and represents the first step to a deeper understanding of the mechanism of action.