Development of DNA Aptamers for Visualization of Glial Brain Tumors and Detection of Circulating Tumor Cells

Here, we present DNA aptamers capable of specific binding to glial tumor cells in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo for visualization diagnostics of central nervous system tumors. We selected the aptamers binding specifically to the postoperative human glial primary tumors and not to the healthy brain cells and meningioma, using a modified process of systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment to cells; sequenced and analyzed ssDNA pools using bioinformatic tools and identified the best aptamers by their binding abilities; determined three-dimensional structures of lead aptamers (Gli-55 and Gli-233) with small-angle X-ray scattering and molecular modeling; isolated and identified molecular target proteins of the aptamers by mass spectrometry; the potential binding sites of Gli-233 to the target protein and the role of post-translational modifications were verified by molecular dynamics simulations. The anti-glioma aptamers Gli-233 and Gli-55 were used to detect circulating tumor cells in liquid biopsies. These aptamers were used for in situ, ex vivo tissue staining, histopathological analyses, and fluorescence-guided tumor and PET/CT tumor visualization in mice with xenotransplanted human astrocytoma. The aptamers did not show in vivo toxicity in the preclinical animal study. This study demonstrates the potential applications of aptamers for precise diagnostics and fluorescence-guided surgery of brain tumors.

[DNA aptamers selection for breast cancer]

A method of selection of DNA aptamers to breast tumor tissue based on the use of postoperative material has been developed. Breast cancer tissues were used as the positive target; the negative targets included benign tumor tissue, adjacent healthy tissues, breast tissues from mastopathy patients, and also tissues of other types of malignant tumors. During selection a pool of DNA aptamers demonstrating selective binding to breast cancer cells and tissues and insignificant binding to breast benign tissues has been obtained. These DNA aptamers can be used for identification of protein markers, breast cancer diagnostics, and targeted delivery of anticancer drugs.

The antitumor effect of magnetic nanodisks and DNA aptamer conjugates

Here we describe a method of forming large arrays (up to 10(9) pieces) of free magnetic Ni-nanodisks 50 nm thick coated on both sides with layers of 5 nm thick Au. The antitumor effect of the magnetic nickel gold-coated nanodisks and DNA aptamer conjugates was evaluated in vivo and in vitro. Under the influence of rotating magnetic field, the studied nanodisks can cause the death of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells.

[Structured radiology reports]

The paper reviews the problem of using structured radiology reports. Their salient features are as follows: to work out a protocol in accordance with some pattern, to divide it into subheadings arranged consecutively and logically and broken down by main anatomical structures, types of disease, and study, and to use standardized terminology. The RSNA proposed RadLex system is the most known example of structured reports. The experience in using these protocols has shown that the latter may improve the clearness and informative value of roentgenologists' opinions and alleviate their understanding by physicians of other specialties. However, the systems of writing the structured radiology reports have a number of constraints for the time being, which interfere with their wide clinical introduction. Nonetheless, their use is substantially increasing in the years ahead.

[Comparison of low- and high-concentration (270 and 320 mg I/ml) iso-osmolar iodinated contrast media in coronary CT angiography: a randomized prospective single-center blinded study]

OBJECTIVE

To compare the image quality at coronary multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) using low-dose and low-iodine protocol study in comparison with the standard protocol.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In study included 60 patients undergoing coronary computed tomography angiography. All examinations were performed with 64-row MDCT using prospective ECG-gating and ASIR 40%. 30 patients were examined using a low-concentration (Iodixanol, 270 mg I/ml) iodinated contrast medium and low tube voltage (80 kV) (group 1), 30 patients--using of high-concentration (Iodixanol, 320 mg I/ml) iodinated contrast medium and standard tube voltage (120 kV) (group 2). Image quality of coronary arteries was evaluated using a four-point grading scale, images were randomised. Intra-arterial density was measured for the proximal and distal segments of left anterior descending artery (LAD) and right coronary artery (RCA).

RESULTS

Age, heart rate, BMI and scan parameters were not statistically different between the two groups. Analysis of coronaries visualization revealed the same image quality for group 1 and group 2 (image quality scores were 1.28 ± 0.28 vs. 1.34 ± 0.29, p = 0.4). There was no significant difference between mean enhancement values in the distal segments of RCA and LAD for the two groups. Intraarterial density for proximal LAD and proximal RCA for the nazpyara, umepamuenas group 2 were significantly lower (p < 0.05) than those values for the group 1. Conclusion. Theuse of low-dose and low-iodine protocol can be beneficial for patient safety and or image quality ithout loss of diag- stic information.

[Radiology report: past, present and future]

The analysis of literature data showed that the creation and implementation of a new form of radiology reports into clinical practice is an actual problem of modern medicine. Although imaging modalities have undergone dramatic evolution over the past century, radiology reporting has remained largely static, in both content and structure. In recent years the necessity to create a structured reporting is widely discussed in the literature. A universal format of radiology report hasn't been found yet. The standard of reporting system is absent, a wide variety of styles in radiology reporting currently exists. The challenging goal is improvement of existing protocols and creation of a new form of radiology reports--the protocols of the future.