Sentinel lymph node detection by combining nonradioactive techniques with contrast agents: State of the art and prospects

The status of sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) has a substantial prognostic value because these nodes are the first place where cancer cells accumulate along their spreading route. Routine SLN biopsy ("gold standard") involves peritumoral injections of radiopharmaceuticals, such as technetium-99m, which has obvious disadvantages. This review examines the methods used as "gold standard" analogs to diagnose SLNs. Nonradioactive preoperative and intraoperative methods of SLN detection are analyzed. Promising photonic tools for SLNs detection are reviewed, including NIR-I/NIR-II fluorescence imaging, photoswitching dyes for SLN detection, in vivo photoacoustic detection, imaging and biopsy of SLNs. Also are discussed methods of SLN detection by magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasonic imaging systems including as combined with photoacoustic imaging, and methods based on the magnetometer-aided detection of superparamagnetic nanoparticles. The advantages and disadvantages of nonradioactive SLN-detection methods are shown. The review concludes with prospects for the use of conservative diagnostic methods in combination with photonic tools.

Endovascular addressing improves the effectiveness of magnetic targeting of drug carrier. Comparison with the conventional administration method

Many nanomedicine approaches are struggling to reach high enough effectiveness in delivery if applied systemically. The perspective is sought to explore the clinical practices currently used for localized treatment. In this study, we combine in vivo targeting of carriers sensitive to the external magnetic field with clinically used endovascular delivery to specific site. Fluorescent micron-size capsules made of biodegradable polymers and containing magnetite nanoparticles incorporated in the capsule wall were explored in vivo using Near-Infrared Fluorescence Live Imaging for Real-Time. Comparison of systemic (intravenous) and directed (intra-arterial) administration of the magnetic microcapsule targeting in the hindpaw vessels demonstrated that using femoral artery injection in combination with magnetic field exposure is 4 times more efficient than tail vein injection. Thus, endovascular targeting significantly improves the capabilities of nanoengineered drug delivery systems reducing the systemic side effects of therapy.

[New aspects of Helicobacter pylori infection: Association with metabolic disturbances]

The review is devoted to the analysis of the literature on the possible association of Helicobacter pylori infection with type 2 diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome and its supposed mechanisms.

Transfer of cells with uptaken nanocomposite, magnetite-nanoparticle functionalized capsules with electromagnetic tweezers

Targeted cell delivery via electromagnetic tweezers.

In vitro and in vivo MRI visualization of nanocomposite biodegradable microcapsules with tunable contrast

Tunable MRI contrast of microcapsules was obtained.

[Socio-economic aspects of epidemiology of helicobateriosis]

There are considered special social and economic aspects of the epidemiology of Helicobacter pylori. These aspects acquired the particular importance for the last time due to the fact that the provision of the people with pure water has been becoming the focus of the attention of geopolitical and socio-economic interests in a number of countries. The availability ofpure drinking water serves a marker of the socio-economic state of the territory and the population living there. In Russia where different climatic conditions are deposited by considerable regional differences in the conditions of communal services caused both by various level of the socio-economic development of the territory, the supplementation with pure drinking water serves as the social determinant of the ecological conditions of the population’s life. This particularly has impact on the unfeasible technical state of the water distribution systems, microorganism ecology of which can substantially affect public health. The performed by authors a specialized screening ofpresented at the official web site of the joint-stock company «Mosvodokanal» current data concerning the quality of drinking water consumed by 2500 Moscovites, tested for the Helicobacter pylori infection revealed no deviations from the sanitary standards in the water received by the consumers. Along with that, the comparison of the map documents of the distribution of the Helicobacter pylori infection in Moscow with the distribution of citizens’ complaints of the decline of the quality of tap water has revealed a territorial fastening of the high values of the population infection rate of n^ylori and the urban sites with the greatest number of complaints. In the microbial ecology of water-distribution systems there are tightly aligned problems of their epidemiological safety, technical state and economic damage caused by corrosion as a result of microbiotic activity. In contrast to acute bacterial and viral infections which are deemed of the greatest importance when assessing the sanitary condition of water sources and water-distribution systems, the consequences of infection with H. pylori may not be manifestedfor a long time but some years later they may be manifested as serious chronic diseases (from gastritis to adenocarcinoma of the stomach and a wide range of extraintestinal pathologies), which causes great social and economic losses. Thus, the socio-economic aspect of the epidemiology of helicobacteriosis includes at least two components: the technic - the maintenance of the feasible technic and sanitary state of the water distribution systems and the medico-social - expenditures for screening and treatment of infected patients. In total they are an inseparable part of the prevention of socially-important diseases in the public health system.

Liposomes loaded with hydrophilic magnetite nanoparticles: Preparation and application as contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging

Magnetic fluid-loaded liposomes (MFLs) were fabricated using magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) and natural phospholipids via the thin film hydration method followed by extrusion. The size distribution and composition of MFLs were studied using dynamic light scattering and spectrophotometry. The effective ranges of magnetite concentration in MNPs hydrosol and MFLs for contrasting at both T2 and T1 relaxation were determined. On T2 weighted images, the MFLs effectively increased the contrast if compared with MNPs hydrosol, while on T1 weighted images, MNPs hydrosol contrasting was more efficient than that of MFLs. In vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrasting properties of MFLs and their effects on tumor and normal tissues morphology, were investigated in rats with transplanted renal cell carcinoma upon intratumoral administration of MFLs. No significant morphological changes in rat internal organs upon intratumoral injection of MFLs were detected, suggesting that the liposomes are relatively safe and can be used as the potential contrasting agents for MRI.

[Prevalence and routes of transmission of pyloric Helicobacter infection. II. Transmission infection from an external source (literature review)]

AIM OF THE STUDY

On the available reports to assess the possibility of the infection with pyloric Helicobacter (H.pylori) from external sources--via contaminated food and water. BASIC CONCEPTS: H. pylori was established to be unable to multiply in dairy and other products, but under favorable conditions, can survive in the limited time. There are obtained epidemiological data about the feedback between the prevalence of H. pylori infection in the region and the availability of safe water. There was recorded ability of bacteria to survive for a short time in water in bacillary virulent form. In different water sources in different countries there was found H. pylori coccal form.

CONCLUSION

H. pylori ability to survive in the commonly used product supports the hypothesis that contaminated food (tank-human) may serve as a conductor of infection. The literature data testify to the possibility and importance of the waterway for H. pylori infection transmission that changes the approaches to prophylaxis and the prevention of associated with it diseases.

[Prevention of pyloric H. pylori infection is the actual problem of modern preventive health care]

In the article there are presented data on the high prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection in Russia and its consequences, including the development of gastric cancer. There is presented the evidence of possible transmission of H. pylori with water previously underestimated. There is substantiated the necessity of preventing infection, which should include the informing of the population, compliance with hygiene standards and widespread availability of safe water.

[Prevalence and transmission pathways of the pyloric Helicobacter infection. Transmission from person to person (literature review)]

The purpose of review: analysis of the available in the literature data about the possible kinds and pathways of transmission of pyloric Helicobacter infection from person to person. Knowledge of these data is necessary for its prevention. Subjects--available literature, mainly English-language articles. There were separated two modes of transmission of Helicobacter pylori: vertical--the spread of infection from older to younger and horizontal--by contact between persons outside of the family. Basis statements. There is abundant evidence confirming the gastro-oral, oral-oral and fecal-oral transmission of H. pylori. To prevent the transmission of infection from person to person and the development of related diseases an essential measure is elibiotics.

[The study of spatial distribution of Helicobacter pylori infection rate in able-bodied population of Moscow in the course of medical examination of the manufacturing contingents]

Numerous studies have shown that Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a leading etiologic factor in the development of chronic atrophic gastritis, one gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer and gastric cancer. Effective prevention of gastroduodenal pathology requires the right information about its prevalence in the population and risk factors. The most reliable information can be obtained during medical examination of the able-bodied population, which provides in-depth clinical examination of contingents with the identification of asymptomatic pathology, detection of risk groups, the substantiation ofprophylactic measures and tracking their efficacy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

During the clinical examination of the manufacturing contingents there was performed a study of the presence of infection Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) in 2414 people aged 19 to 74 years. For more details on the presence of gastroduodenal pathology 991 people were examined with the use of clinical methods and interviews. The aggregation of information presented in the form of estimates for its geocoding and mapping has been made. Cluster analysis was performed.

RESULTS

H. pylori infection was diagnosed in 2,182 people accounting for 90.4% out of 2414 examined cases. Infections occurred equally in males--91.7% and females--89.6%. The risk of development of gastroduodenal pathology in individuals infected with H. pylori is 4.4 times greater than the risk in seronegative individuals (95%, confidence interval 1.9-6.4). Cluster analysis revealed a statistically significant clusters for the strata with a prevalence of 100% (X2 = 45.5204) and below 50% of infection rate (X2 = 7.36). It is in prospect to analyze in more detail the data relating to these areas in order to identify the factors contributing to the different degree of infection rate of residents, including the assessment of drinking water.

[To the problem of evaluation of public health: screening for gastroduodenal pathology on the example of atrophic gastritis in mass medical examination of the population]

Assessment of health status of the population - the most important issue in preventive medicine. The objective of this work - to determine the possibility of nonendoscopic screening for gastroduodenal pathology, by the example of atrophic gastritis, in mass medical examinations of working residents in Moscow. Minimally invasive diagnostic test system GastroPanel ("Biohit", Finland) has been used. It allows with the ELISA method to determine both serum indicators of the function of the stomach -pepsinogen 1, gastrin 17 and the presence of H. pylori infection. 758 persons have been examined. The performed study confirms the possibility with the use of a set of mentioned indicators to identify individuals suspected for the presence of gastroduodenal disorders, especially atrophic gastritis, recognized as a precancerous condition. The use in preventive medicine complex diagnostic system, firstly, will make assessment of the health of the population more correct, increase the effectiveness of preventive measures and quality of life, and secondly, will contribute to the diagnosis of diseases of the stomach and duodenum in the early stages.

[Epidemiological characteristics of Helicobacter pylori infection in Moscow]

The authors studied the prevalence and a number of epidemiological features of Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection in Moscow. A prophylactic medical examination revealed the infection in 863 working residents of the megapolis. A mini-invasive study was used. Enzyme immunoassay was carried out to determine serum IgG antibodies against Hp. The authors' questionnaire was used in 634 interviews. There was an extremely high incidence (88%) of Hp infection. The prevalence of the infection was found to be related to age, social status (social position, educational level), living conditions (shared or hostel habitation, no sewerage system), contact with waste waters. No association was found between the rate of the infection and the examinees' gender, the intake of raw Moscow tap drinking water, and the contact with domestic animals. Moscow was rated among the cities with a high prevalence of Hp infection. The study revealed a number of epidemiological features of the infection in the megapolis, a knowledge of which is required to elaborate measures for its prophylaxis and the prevention of its associated diseases.

[About early preclinical diagnosis of gastroduodenal pathology upon exposure to environmental factors]

The paper presents new screening capacities for the early detection of gastroduodenal diseases. The GastroPanel diagnostic system can determine the functional state and indirectly the mucosal structure of different segments of the stomach from blood tests using the enzyme immunoassay. The system permits Helicobacter pylori infection to be detected. Helicobacter pylori is well-known to be the principal cause of the most common gastroduodenal diseases, such as chronic gastritis, including atrophic gastritis regarded as precancer, as well as ulcerative disease of the stomach and duodenum, and distal gastric cancer. The GastroPanel test system is informative, low-informative, and acceptable for the stomach to be evaluated during population-based surveys. It enables gastroduodenal disease to be suspected at the preclinical stage. The GastroPanel test system opens up possibilities for investigating the chronic exposure of the stomach to poor environmental factors over time.

[Itch in systemic diseases]

The specific features of itch in various systemic diseases are presented. A great variety of its possible mechanisms are shown in some systemic diseases. The basic principles of determination of the causes of itch and its treatment are given.

[Taste affection and its causes]

Basic anatomophysiological evidence underlying sense of taste, main causes of taste disorders, guides for practitioners how to detect these disorders and differentiate them with physicians of allied specialities, make prognosis and design policy of the disease treatment are reviewed.

[Pancreatic hormone amylin and integrity of the gastric mucosa]

The paper presents experimental findings of some possible mechanisms of protective antiulcerous action of amyline. Amyline is the second beta-cell pancreatic hormone, which has been just recently discovered. The authors have studied the effects of amyline on gastric secretion, mast cell functions, mesenteric lymphatic microvascular contractility, i.e. on individual aggressive and protective factors of the gastric mucosa. Amyline has been found to inhibit basal acid gastric secretion and the secretion stimulated by vagal irritation. The peptide reduces the secretory activities of mast cells. Amyline given to animals increases the heparin saturation index of mast cells and decreases the degranulation index. Amyline-induced stabilization of mast cells appears to followed by the decreased release of histamine and other damaging substances. The stimulating effect of amyline on the contractile activity of mesenteric lymphatic vessels was recorded in rats. Amyline increases both the frequency and amplitude of their contractions. The increased lymph flow that is closely associated with microcirculation promotes the maintenance of tissue homeostasis. Therefore, the protective antiulcerous properties of amyline reduce the action of aggressive agents on the gastric mucosa and stimulate protective ones.

Effect of amylin on mast cell secretion as a possible mechanism increasing gastric mucosa resistance

Water-immersion restraint stress increased secretory activity of mast cells and led to the formation of erosive lesions in the gastric mucosa. Intraperitoneal administration of amylin in a dose of 0.5 microg/kg 1 h before stress suppressed degranulation of mast cells and decreased the severity of gastric mucosa damages. In in vitro experiments amylin abolished the activating effects of acetylcholine and bradykinin on mast cell degranulation. Amylin-induced stabilization of activated mast cells probably underlies its protective effects during ulceration.

Effect of amylin on the tone of rat aorta ring preparation

Amylin (10(-10)M) induced relaxation of norepinephrine-precontracted rat aortic rings by more than 50%. This effect was preserved after blockade of NO-synthase and even after denudation of the vessel. Thus amylin-induced vasodilation is an endothelium-independent process not mediated by NO.

[Effects of pancreatic polypeptide amylin on ulceration and acid gastric secretion]

The effects of the pancreatic polypeptide amyline on ulceration and acid gastric secretion were studied in rat experiments. Pyloric ligation was used as a model of ulceration. Amyline administration caused significantly less gastric mucosal damage in response to pyloric ligation. The severity of gastric mucosal damage averaged 47 +/- 13 mm2 in the control group and 25 +/- 11 mm2 (p < 0.005). The rate of acid gastric secretion in the animals whose pylorus had been ligated as judged by the pH of gastric content was significantly higher than that in the controls (2.87 +/- 0.22 and 2.34 +/- 0.17 (p = 0.05). It is concluded that amyline has a noticeable effect on the gastric mucosa. It is suggested that suppressed acid gastric secretion, i.e. reduced influence of aggressive agents on the gastric mucosa, is a mechanism of antiulcerative action of the peptide.

[Immunoreactive trypsin in the blood serum of patients with endogenous hypercorticism]

Radioimmunoassay (RIA) was used to measure the response of serum trypsin to intravenous secretin and pancreozymin in 16 subjects with adrenocortical hyperfunction (group I) versus 6 subjects with hypercorticism (group II). In group I the enzyme reaction to the peptides was active and long-term. A similar rise in trypsin level occurred equally in patients free of chronic pancreatitis often present in Itsenko++ -Cushing syndrome. In group II patients RIA trypsin values comply with normal levels. The data obtained suggest an affected pancreatic status in adrenal hyperfunction both in the presence and absence of chronic pancreatitis which minimizes the informative value of the test in identification of chronic pancreatitis in endogenic hypercorticism.

[Immunoreactive trypsin in the blood serum of patients with endogenous hypercorticism]

Basal immunoreactive serum trypsin (RIT) was determined in comparative study of 46 patients with adrenocortical hyperfunction and 24 patients with hypocorticism for specifying the potentialities of the diagnostic test. Excess of endogenous corticosteroids is accompanied by a marked increase in the RIT serum concentration, this increase is particularly pronounced in Itsenko-Cushing syndrome and in exacerbations of Itsenko-Cushing disease in comparison with its level in Itsenko-Cushing disease remission. The presence of steroid diabetes had no significant RIT changes in Itsenko-Cushing disease. Attendant chronic pancreatitis that developed in patients with adrenocortical hyperfunction had no influence on blood serum RIT content. In patients with adrenal steroid deficiency who did not take glucocorticoids the serum RIT concentration was lower than that in those who constantly used hormones. RIT is increased in cases of chronic pancreatitis combined with chronic adrenal insufficiency. Measurement of the basal serum RIT may contribute to the diagnosis of pancreatitis in patients with hypocorticism but provides no information on this pathology in patients with endogenous hypercorticism.

[Esophageal lesions in Cushing's syndrome and corticosteroma]

The state of the esophagus was studied in 60 patients with endogenous hypercorticism (2 with corticosteroma, 58 with Icenko-Cushing disease). The purpose was to reveal the nature and frequency of esophageal lesions and peculiarities of their clinical symptoms. X-ray and endoscopic methods were used. Functional and organic esophageal changes were shown to be rather common in patients with excess of body glucocorticoids: hypomotor dyskinesia was noted in 27% of the patients, cardial insufficiency in 13%, cardial hernia of the esophageal orifice of the diaphragm in 28%, reflux-esophagitis in 43%. Cardial hernia and esophagitis in such patients are often characterized by weak clinical symptoms masked by other signs of severe endocrine pathology. They can be also symptomless making their early diagnosis difficult. However these esophageal diseases are fraught with danger and life threatening complications: ulcerations, perforations, esophageal hemorrhages aggravating a course of the main disease. These patients need appropriate therapy to avoid complications.