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Brollo PP, Bresadola V. Enhancing visualization and guidance in general surgery: a comprehensive and narrative review of the current cutting-edge technologies and future perspectives. J Gastrointest Surg 2024; 28:179-185. [PMID: 38445941 DOI: 10.1016/j.gassur.2023.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the last decade, there has been a great effort in developing new technologies to enhance surgical visualization and guidance. This comprehensive and narrative review aimed to provide a wide and extensive overview of the current state of the art on this topic and their near-future perspectives linked to the development of artificial intelligence (AI), by focusing on the most recent and relevant literature. METHODS A comprehensive and narrative review of the literature was performed by searching specific terms on PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Embase databases, assessing the current state of the art on this topic. RESULTS Fluorescence-guided surgery, contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), ultra-high frequency ultrasound (UHFUS), photoacoustic imaging (PAI), and augmented reality (AR) are boosting the field of image-guided techniques as the rapid development of AI in surgery is promising a more automated decision-making and surgical movements in the operating room. CONCLUSION Fluorescence-guided surgery, CEUS, UHFUS, PAI, and AR are becoming crucial to give surgeons a new level of information during the intervention, with the right timing and sequence, and represent the future of surgery. As many more controlled studies are needed to validate the employment of these technologies, the next generation of surgeons must become more familiar with the basics of AI to better incorporate new tools into the daily surgical practice of the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pier Paolo Brollo
- Department of Medicine, General Surgery Department and Simulation Center, Academic Hospital of Udine, University of Udine, Udine, Italy; General Surgical Oncology Department, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (Istituto Nazionale Tumori), Aviano, Italy.
| | - Vittorio Bresadola
- Department of Medicine, General Surgery Department and Simulation Center, Academic Hospital of Udine, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
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Privitera L, Paraboschi I, Dixit D, Arthurs OJ, Giuliani S. Image-guided surgery and novel intraoperative devices for enhanced visualisation in general and paediatric surgery: a review. Innov Surg Sci 2021; 6:161-172. [PMID: 35937852 PMCID: PMC9294338 DOI: 10.1515/iss-2021-0028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Fluorescence guided surgery, augmented reality, and intra-operative imaging devices are rapidly pervading the field of surgical interventions, equipping the surgeon with powerful tools capable of enhancing the surgical visualisation of anatomical normal and pathological structures. There is a wide range of possibilities in the adult population to use these novel technologies and devices in the guidance for surgical procedures and minimally invasive surgeries. Their applications and their use have also been increasingly growing in the field of paediatric surgery, where the detailed visualisation of small anatomical structures could reduce procedure time, minimising surgical complications and ultimately improve the outcome of surgery. This review aims to illustrate the mechanisms underlying these innovations and their main applications in the clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Privitera
- Wellcome/EPSRC Centre for Interventional & Surgical Sciences, London, UK,Developmental Biology and Cancer Programme, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Irene Paraboschi
- Wellcome/EPSRC Centre for Interventional & Surgical Sciences, London, UK,Developmental Biology and Cancer Programme, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Divyansh Dixit
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Owen J Arthurs
- Department of Clinical Radiology, NHS Foundation Trust, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK,NIHR GOSH Biomedical Research Centre, NHS Foundation Trust, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Stefano Giuliani
- Wellcome/EPSRC Centre for Interventional & Surgical Sciences, London, UK,Developmental Biology and Cancer Programme, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK,Department of Specialist Neonatal and Paediatric Surgery, NHS Foundation Trust, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
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3
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Izzetti R, Vitali S, Aringhieri G, Nisi M, Oranges T, Dini V, Ferro F, Baldini C, Romanelli M, Caramella D, Gabriele M. Ultra-High Frequency Ultrasound, A Promising Diagnostic Technique: Review of the Literature and Single-Center Experience. Can Assoc Radiol J 2020; 72:418-431. [PMID: 32721173 DOI: 10.1177/0846537120940684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Ultra-high frequency ultrasonography (UHFUS) is a recently introduced diagnostic technique which finds several applications in diverse clinical fields. The range of frequencies between 30 and 100 MHz allows for high spatial resolution imaging of superficial structures, making this technique suitable for the imaging of skin, blood vessels, musculoskeletal anatomy, oral mucosa, and small parts. However, the current clinical applications of UHFUS have never been analyzed in a consistent multidisciplinary manner. The aim of this study is to revise and discuss the current applications of UHFUS in different aspects of research and clinical practice, as well as to provide some examples of the current work-in-progress carried out in our center. MATERIALS AND METHODS A literature search was performed in order to retrieve articles reporting the applications of UHFUS both in research and in clinical settings. Inclusion criteria were the use of frequencies above 30 MHz and study design conducted in vivo on human subjects. RESULTS In total 66 articles were retrieved. The majority of the articles focused on dermatological and vascular applications, although musculoskeletal and intraoral applications are emerging fields of use. We also describe our experience in the use of UHFUS as a valuable diagnostic support in the fields of dermatology, rheumatology, oral medicine, and musculoskeletal anatomy. CONCLUSION Ultra-high frequency ultrasonography application involves an increasing number of medical fields. The high spatial resolution and the superb image quality achievable allow to foresee a wider use of this novel technique, which has the potential to bring innovation in diagnostic imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossana Izzetti
- Unit of Dentistry and Oral Surgery, Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, 9310University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Saverio Vitali
- Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Department of Translational Research and of New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, 9310University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giacomo Aringhieri
- Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Department of Translational Research and of New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, 9310University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Marco Nisi
- Unit of Dentistry and Oral Surgery, Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, 9310University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Teresa Oranges
- Unit of Dermatology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, 9310University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Valentina Dini
- Unit of Dermatology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, 9310University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesco Ferro
- Unit of Rheumatology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, 9310University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Chiara Baldini
- Unit of Rheumatology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, 9310University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Marco Romanelli
- Unit of Dermatology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, 9310University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Davide Caramella
- Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Department of Translational Research and of New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, 9310University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Mario Gabriele
- Unit of Dentistry and Oral Surgery, Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, 9310University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Izadifar Z, Babyn P, Chapman D. Mechanical and Biological Effects of Ultrasound: A Review of Present Knowledge. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2017; 43:1085-1104. [PMID: 28342566 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2017.01.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2016] [Revised: 01/26/2017] [Accepted: 01/30/2017] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Ultrasound is widely used for medical diagnosis and increasingly for therapeutic purposes. An understanding of the bio-effects of sonography is important for clinicians and scientists working in the field because permanent damage to biological tissues can occur at high levels of exposure. Here the underlying principles of thermal mechanisms and the physical interactions of ultrasound with biological tissues are reviewed. Adverse health effects derived from cellular studies, animal studies and clinical reports are reviewed to provide insight into the in vitro and in vivo bio-effects of ultrasound.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Izadifar
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.
| | - Paul Babyn
- Department of Medical Imaging, Royal University Hospital, University of Saskatchewan and Saskatoon Health Region, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Dean Chapman
- Anatomy & Cell Biology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
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5
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Li Y, Lee C, Chen R, Zhou Q, Shung KK. A feasibility study of in vivo applications of single beam acoustic tweezers. APPLIED PHYSICS LETTERS 2014; 105:173701. [PMID: 25422525 PMCID: PMC4224677 DOI: 10.1063/1.4900716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2014] [Accepted: 10/16/2014] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Tools that are capable of manipulating micro-sized objects have been widely used in such fields as physics, chemistry, biology, and medicine. Several devices, including optical tweezers, atomic force microscope, micro-pipette aspirator, and standing surface wave type acoustic tweezers have been studied to satisfy this need. However, none of them has been demonstrated to be suitable for in vivo and clinical studies. Single beam acoustic tweezers (SBAT) is a technology that uses highly focused acoustic beam to trap particles toward the beam focus. Its feasibility was first theoretically and experimentally demonstrated by Lee and Shung several years ago. Since then, much effort has been devoted to improving this technology. At present, the tool is capable of trapping a microparticle as small as 1 μm, as well as a single red blood cell. Although in comparing to other microparticles manipulating technologies, SBAT has advantages of providing stronger trapping force and deeper penetration depth in tissues, and producing less tissue damage, its potential for in vivo applications has yet been explored. It is worth noting that ultrasound has been used as a diagnostic tool for over 50 years and no known major adverse effects have been observed at the diagnostic energy level. This paper reports the results of an initial attempt to assess the feasibility of single beam acoustic tweezers to trap microparticles in vivo inside of a blood vessel. The acoustic intensity of SBAT under the trapping conditions that were utilized was measured. The mechanical index and thermal index at the focus of acoustic beam were found to be 0.48 and 0.044, respectively, which meet the standard of commercial diagnostic ultrasound system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Li
- NIH Transducer Resource Center and Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California , Los Angeles, California 90089-1111, USA
| | - Changyang Lee
- NIH Transducer Resource Center and Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California , Los Angeles, California 90089-1111, USA
| | - Ruimin Chen
- NIH Transducer Resource Center and Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California , Los Angeles, California 90089-1111, USA
| | - Qifa Zhou
- NIH Transducer Resource Center and Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California , Los Angeles, California 90089-1111, USA
| | - K Kirk Shung
- NIH Transducer Resource Center and Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California , Los Angeles, California 90089-1111, USA
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Foster FS, Hossack J, Adamson SL. Micro-ultrasound for preclinical imaging. Interface Focus 2011; 1:576-601. [PMID: 22866232 DOI: 10.1098/rsfs.2011.0037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2011] [Accepted: 05/13/2011] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past decade, non-invasive preclinical imaging has emerged as an important tool to facilitate biomedical discovery. Not only have the markets for these tools accelerated, but the numbers of peer-reviewed papers in which imaging end points and biomarkers have been used have grown dramatically. High frequency 'micro-ultrasound' has steadily evolved in the post-genomic era as a rapid, comparatively inexpensive imaging tool for studying normal development and models of human disease in small animals. One of the fundamental barriers to this development was the technological hurdle associated with high-frequency array transducers. Recently, new approaches have enabled the upper limits of linear and phased arrays to be pushed from about 20 to over 50 MHz enabling a broad range of new applications. The innovations leading to the new transducer technology and scanner architecture are reviewed. Applications of preclinical micro-ultrasound are explored for developmental biology, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. With respect to the future, the latest developments in high-frequency ultrasound imaging are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Stuart Foster
- Sunnybrook and Health Sciences Centre , University of Toronto , Toronto, Ontario , Canada
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Greene JM, Dunaway CW, Bowers SD, Rude BJ, Feugang JM, Ryan PL. In vivo monitoring of fetoplacental Vegfr2 gene activity in a murine pregnancy model using a Vegfr2-luc reporter gene and bioluminescent imaging. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2011; 9:51. [PMID: 21496302 PMCID: PMC3084164 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-9-51] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2010] [Accepted: 04/16/2011] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR2) plays a pivotal role in angiogenesis by eliciting vascular endothelial cell growth when bound to VEGF, a powerful pro-angiogenic ligand. While Vegf and Vegfr2 are expressed throughout gestation, the latter third of gestation in mice is characterized by a marked increase in fetoplacental angiogenesis. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine the feasibility of monitoring fetoplacental Vegfr2 gene activity non-invasively using a Vegfr2-luc reporter transgenic mouse and bioluminescent imaging. METHODS Imaging parameters were optimized using two wild-type (WT) females, bearing Vegfr2-luc fetuses. Then, seven WT females, bred to Vegfr2-luc males, were imaged from gestational day (GD) 12 to 18 to determine the usefulness of the Vegfr2-luc mouse as a model for studying fetoplacental Vegfr2 activity during pregnancy. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR of Vegfr2 was also performed on whole fetoplacental units during this time. Additionally, resultant neonates were imaged at postnatal day (PND) 7, 14 and 21 to monitor Vegfr2 activity during post-natal development. RESULTS Fetoplacental Vegfr2 gene activity was detected as light emissions beginning on GD 12 of gestation and increased throughout the imaging period (P < 0.05), and this paralleled the Vegfr2 mRNA data obtained from RT-PCR analysis. A decline in fetoplacental light emissions was associated with a poor pregnancy outcome in one pregnancy, indicating that this approach has potential use for studies monitoring pregnancy well being. Additionally, neonatal Vegfr2 activity was detected at PND 7, 14 and 21 but declined with time (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS In utero fetoplacental Vegfr2 gene activity was monitored longitudinally in a quantitative manner using a luciferase reporter gene and bioluminescent imaging during the latter third of gestation. This study demonstrates the feasibility of using the Vegfr2-luc mouse to monitor late gestation fetoplacental angiogenic activity under normal and experimental conditions. Additionally, neonatal Vegfr2 gene activity was monitored for three weeks postpartum, allowing continuous monitoring of Vegfr2 activity during the latter third of gestation and postnatal development within the same animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan M Greene
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Medicine, Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State, MS, USA
- Facility for Organismal and Cellular Imaging, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, USA
| | - Chad W Dunaway
- Facility for Organismal and Cellular Imaging, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, USA
| | - Susan D Bowers
- Facility for Organismal and Cellular Imaging, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, USA
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, USA
| | - Brian J Rude
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, USA
| | - Jean M Feugang
- Facility for Organismal and Cellular Imaging, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, USA
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, USA
| | - Peter L Ryan
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Medicine, Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State, MS, USA
- Facility for Organismal and Cellular Imaging, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, USA
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, USA
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Mu J, Slevin JC, Qu D, McCormick S, Adamson SL. In vivo quantification of embryonic and placental growth during gestation in mice using micro-ultrasound. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2008; 6:34. [PMID: 18700008 PMCID: PMC2527569 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-6-34] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2008] [Accepted: 08/12/2008] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-invasive micro-ultrasound was evaluated as a method to quantify intrauterine growth phenotypes in mice. Improved methods are required to accelerate research using genetically-altered mice to investigate the interactive roles of genes and environments on embryonic and placental growth. We determined (1) feasible age ranges for measuring specific variables, (2) normative growth curves, (3) accuracy of ultrasound measurements in comparison with light microscopy, and (4) weight prediction equations using regression analysis for CD-1 mice and evaluated their accuracy when applied to other mouse strains. METHODS We used 30-40 MHz ultrasound to quantify embryonic and placental morphometry in isoflurane-anesthetized pregnant CD-1 mice from embryonic day 7.5 (E7.5) to E18.5 (full-term), and for C57Bl/6J, B6CBAF1, and hIGFBP1 pregnant transgenic mice at E17.5. RESULTS Gestational sac dimension provided the earliest measure of conceptus size. Sac dimension derived using regression analysis increased from 0.84 mm at E7.5 to 6.44 mm at E11.5 when it was discontinued. The earliest measurement of embryo size was crown-rump length (CRL) which increased from 1.88 mm at E8.5 to 16.22 mm at E16.5 after which it exceeded the field of view. From E10.5 to E18.5 (full term), progressive increases were observed in embryonic biparietal diameter (BPD) (0.79 mm to 7.55 mm at E18.5), abdominal circumference (AC) (4.91 mm to 26.56 mm), and eye lens diameter (0.20 mm to 0.93 mm). Ossified femur length was measureable from E15.5 (1.06 mm) and increased linearly to 2.23 mm at E18.5. In contrast, placental diameter (PD) and placental thickness (PT) increased from E10.5 to E14.5 then remained constant to term in accord with placental weight. Ultrasound and light microscopy measurements agreed with no significant bias and a discrepancy of less than 25%. Regression equations predicting gestational age from individual variables, and embryonic weight (BW) from CRL, BPD, and AC were obtained. The prediction equation BW = -0.757 + 0.0453 (CRL) + 0.0334 (AC) derived from CD-1 data predicted embryonic weights at E17.5 in three other strains of mice with a mean discrepancy of less than 16%. CONCLUSION Micro-ultrasound provides a feasible tool for in vivo morphometric quantification of embryonic and placental growth parameters in mice and for estimation of embryonic gestational age and/or body weight in utero.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junwu Mu
- Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute of Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - John C Slevin
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Dawei Qu
- Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute of Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - S Lee Adamson
- Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute of Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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Abstract
Progress has been rapid in the elucidation of genes responsible for cardiac development. Strategies to ascertain phenotypes, however, have lagged behind advances in genomics, particularly in the in vivo mouse embryo, considered a model organism for mammalian development, and for human development and disease. Over the past several years, our laboratory and others have pioneered a variety of ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM)-Doppler approaches to study in vivo development in both normal and mutant mouse embryos. This state-of-the-art review will discuss the development and potential of ultrasound biomicroscopy as a tool for the in vivo imaging and phenotyping of both cardiac and non-cardiac organ systems in the early developing mouse. Broad, long-term research objectives are to define living structure-function relationships during critical periods of mammalian morphogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin Kit Lun Phoon
- Pediatric Cardiology Program, New York University School of Medicine, New York 10016, USA.
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Rao S, Ovchinnikov N, McRae A. Gestational stage sensitivity to ultrasound effect on postnatal growth and development of mice. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006; 76:602-8. [PMID: 16998817 DOI: 10.1002/bdra.20292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An experiment was conducted to find out whether ultrasound exposure leads to changes in postnatal growth and development in the mouse. METHODS A total of 15 pregnant Swiss albino mice were exposed to diagnostic levels of ultrasound (3.5 MHz, 65 mW/cm2, I(SPTP) = 1 mW/cm2 Intensity(Spatial Peak-Temporal Peak), I(SATA) = 240 mW/cm2 Intensity(Spatial Average-Temporal Average)) for 30 min for a single day between days 10 and 18 of gestation (GD 10-18). Virgin female mice were placed with same age group males for mating in the ratio 2 females : 1 male and examined the next morning for the presence of vaginal plug, a sign of successful copulation. The females with vaginal plugs were separated and labeled as 0-day pregnant. Maternal vaginal temperature was also measured. A sham exposed control group of 15 pregnant mice was maintained for comparison. All exposed as well as control animals were left to complete gestation and parturition. Their offspring were used in our further studies. They were monitored during early postnatal life for standard developmental markers, postnatal mortality, body weight, body length, head length, and head width, and growth restriction was recorded up to 6 weeks of age. RESULTS An exposure to ultrasound induced nonsignificant deviations in the maternal vaginal temperature or developmental markers. Significant low birth weight was observed in the present study, after exposure at GD 11, 12, 14, and 16. However, 14 and 16 days postcoitus during the fetal period appears to be the most sensitive to the ultrasound effect, in view of the number of different effects as well as severity of most of the observed effects when exposed on these gestation days. CONCLUSIONS The results indicate that diagnostic ultrasound can induce harmful effects on mouse growth and development when given at certain critical periods of gestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suresh Rao
- Anatomy and Cell Biology Unit, Department of Preclinical Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad, West Indies.
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Kulandavelu S, Qu D, Sunn N, Mu J, Rennie MY, Whiteley KJ, Walls JR, Bock NA, Sun JCH, Covelli A, Sled JG, Adamson SL. Embryonic and Neonatal Phenotyping of Genetically Engineered Mice. ILAR J 2006; 47:103-17. [PMID: 16547367 DOI: 10.1093/ilar.47.2.103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Considerable progress has been made in adapting existing and developing new technologies to enable increasingly detailed phenotypic information to be obtained in embryonic and newborn mice. Sophisticated methods for imaging mouse embryos and newborns are available and include ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for in vivo imaging, and MRI, vascular corrosion casts, micro-computed tomography, and optical projection tomography (OPT) for postmortem imaging. In addition, Doppler and M-mode ultrasound are useful noninvasive tools to monitor cardiac and vascular hemodynamics in vivo in embryos and newborns. The developmental stage of the animals being phenotyped is an important consideration when selecting the appropriate technique for anesthesia or euthanasia and for labeling animals in longitudinal studies. Study design also needs to control for possible differences between inter- and intralitter variability, and for possible long-term developmental effects caused by anesthesia and/or procedures. Noninvasive or minimally invasive intravenous or intracardiac injections or blood sampling, and arterial pressure and electrocardiography (ECG) measurements are feasible in newborns. Whereas microinjection techniques are available for embryos as young as 6.5 days of gestation, further advances are required to enable minimally invasive fluid or tissue samples, or blood pressure or ECG measurements, to be obtained from mouse embryos in utero. The growing repertoire of techniques available for phenotyping mouse embryos and newborns promises to accelerate knowledge gained from studies using genetically engineered mice to understand molecular regulation of morphogenesis and the etiology of congenital diseases.
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