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Biomedical subjects

T Vo-Dinh

Publications and source records attributed to T Vo-Dinh.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Endoscopic fluorescence detection of high-grade dysplasia in Barrett's esophagus.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Early detection and treatment of esophageal cancer in Barrett's esophagus may improve patient survival if dysplasia is effectively detected at endoscopy. Typically, four-quadrant pinch biopsy specimens are taken at 2-cm intervals. This study was conducted to determine whether laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy could be used to detect high-grade dysplasia in patients with Barrett's esophagus. METHODS: Four hundred ten-naonometer laser light was used to induce autofluorescence of Barrett's mucosa in 36 patients. The spectra were analyzed using the differential normalized fluorescence (DNF) index technique to differentiate high-grade dysplasia from either low-grade or nondysplastic mucosa. Each spectrum was classified as either premalignant or benign using two different DNF indices. RESULTS: Analysis of the fluorescence spectra from all patients collectively using the DNF intensity at 480 nm (DNF480) index showed that 96% of nondysplastic Barrett's esophagus samples were classified as benign, all low-grade dysplasia samples as benign, 90% of high-grade dysplasia samples as premalignant, and 28% of low-grade with focal high-grade dysplasia samples as premalignant. Using the two DNF indices concurrently, all patients with any high-grade dysplasia were classified correctly. CONCLUSIONS: Laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy has great potential to detect high-grade dysplasia in Barrett's esophagus when using the DNF technique.

Adult↗

In vivo cancer diagnosis of the esophagus using differential normalized fluorescence (DNF) indices.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: We report the use of new diagnostic parameters based on the differential normalized fluorescence (DNF) signals for malignant tumor diagnosis. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: Over 200 measurements of endogenous fluorescence from normal and malignant esophageal tissues were performed during routine endoscopy in 48 patients. A pulsed nitrogen-pumped dye laser was used to provide in situ excitation at 410 nm. Direct collection of the fluorescence signal emitted by the tissue was achieved using an intensified photodiode array detector equipped with a fiberoptic probe. RESULTS: The fluorescence signals were normalized with respect to the total fluorescence signal area. The cancer diagnosis indices were defined by the difference between the normalized fluorescence signal of a tumor and the mean value of a reference set of normal tissues. The results of the DNF approach were compared with endoscopic examinations and histopathology interpretations of the biopsy samples. Excellent correlation in the classification of normal and malignant tumors for the samples was found. CONCLUSION: The data indicated that the DNF approach has a significant potential to provide a direct, real-time, and in-situ technique for cancer diagnosis of the esophagus without requiring biopsy of the tumors and time-consuming histopathology tests.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Spectroscopic diagnosis of esophageal cancer: new classification model, improved measurement system.

Laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy was used to measure fluorescence emission of normal and malignant tissue during endoscopy in patients with esophageal cancer and volunteers with normal esophagus. The spectroscopy system consisted of a nitrogen-pumped dye-laser tuned at 410 nm for excitation source, an optical multichannel analyzer for spectrum analysis, and a fiberoptic probe designed for both the delivery of excitation light and the collection of fluorescence emission from tissue. The fluorescence lineshape of each spectrum was determined and sampled at 15-nm intervals from 430 to 716 nm. A calibration set of spectra from normal and malignant spectra was selected. Using stepwise discriminate analysis, significant wavelengths that separated normal from malignant spectra were selected. The intensities at these wavelengths were used to formulate a classification model using linear discriminate analysis. The model was then used to classify additional tissue spectra from 26 malignant and 108 normal sites into either normal or malignant spectra. A sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 98% were obtained.

Algorithms↗

Surface-enhanced Raman gene probes.

We report for the first time a new type of DNA gene probe based on surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) label detection. The surface-enhanced Raman gene (SERG) probes do not require the use of radioactive labels and have great potential to provide both sensitivity and selectivity. The SERG probe can be used to detect DNA biotargets (e.g., gene sequences, bacteria, viral DNA fragments) via hybridization to DNA sequences complementary to that probe. The analytical figures of merit and its applications in environmental and biomedical areas are discussed.

DNA Probes↗

Synchronous luminescence: a new detection technique for multiple fluorescent probes used for DNA sequencing.

A method fo nonradioactive DNA sequencing, which has been marketed commercially, uses four different fluorescent tags to label DNA fragments and fixed-wavelength excitation/fluorescence detection of the labels. This study presents an alternative method of detection based on synchronous luminescence (SL), in which both excitation and emission wavelengths are scanned simultaneously. This approach has proven in the past to have significant advantages over fixed-wavelength luminescence in the analysis and identification of fluorescent analytes. In this paper, the utility of synchronous excitation was investigated as a method for DNA sequencing with fluorescent tags. A laser-based SL instrument, recently developed in this laboratory, was used to resolve the spectra of a mixture of the dyes used in the fluorescence-based sequencing scheme. A preliminary limit of detection of 720 zeptomoles (10(-21) M) of fluorescein isothiocyanate dye in solution was achieved with this instrument. The results presented here suggest that the SL technique could result in an increase in sensitivity and a decrease in error rate of identification during DNA sequencing.

4-Chloro-7-nitrobenzofurazan↗

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the atmospheres of Titan and Jupiter.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are important components of the interstellar medium and carbonaceous chondrites, but have never been identified in the reducing atmospheres of the outer solar system. Incompletely characterized complex organic solids (tholins) produced by irradiating simulated Titan atmospheres reproduce well the observed UV/visible/IR optical constants of the Titan stratospheric haze. Titan tholin and a tholin generated in a crude simulation of the atmosphere of Jupiter are examined by two-step laser desorption/multiphoton ionization mass spectrometry. A range of two- to four-ring PAHs, some with one to four alkylation sites are identified, with net abundance approximately 10(-4) g g-1 (grams per gram) of tholins produced. Synchronous fluorescence techniques confirm this detection. Titan tholins have proportionately more one- and two-ring PAHs than do Jupiter tholins, which in turn have more four-ring and larger PAHs. The four-ringed PAH chrysene, prominent in some discussions of interstellar grains, is found in Jupiter tholins. Solid state 13C NMR spectroscopy suggests approximately equal to 25% of the total C in both tholins is tied up in aromatic and/or aliphatic alkenes. IR spectra indicate an upper limit in both tholins of approximately equal to 6% by mass in benzenes, heterocyclics, and PAHs with more than four rings. Condensed PAHs may contribute at most approximately 10% to the observed detached limb haze layers on Titan. As with interstellar PAHs, the synthesis route of planetary PAHs is likely to be via acetylene addition reactions.

Ammonia↗

Investigation of noncalcium interactions of fura-2 by classical and synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy.

Several authors have reported unexpected intracellular spectra of both indo-1 and fura-2. One of the major methodological problems in the evaluation of calcium concentration using fluorescent probes is that it is assumed that only two forms of the dyes are detectable within the cells. We show in this study of fura-2 properties that this calcium probe is pH-sensitive and able to bind to cellular proteins. The excitation spectra of protonated and protein-bound forms of fura-2 exhibit a maximum in the same region as that associated with the calcium-free form (i.e., near 365 nm). The very small shift in the excitation spectra upon proton or protein binding precludes the use of classical methods to determine the spectral composition of mixtures of several forms of fura-2. We therefore used the synchronous fluorescence technique to detect the protein-bound form of fura-2 selectively, in order to assess the pH dependence of the fura-2/protein interaction. The nonspecific binding of fura-2 to proteins is reinforced at acidic pH and inhibited by calcium. The fact that the same type of interaction was found between fura-2 and poly-L-lysine suggests that it could be mediated by basic amino acids. Because of the strong overlap of the excitation spectrum of the unprotonated free fura-2 with those associated with the protonated and protein-bound forms, a cytoplasmic acidification may lead to an artifactual measurement of low calcium levels.

Calcium↗

DNA adduct formation by 12 chemicals with populations potentially suitable for molecular epidemiological studies.

DNA adduct formation, route of absorption, metabolism and chemistry of 12 hazardous chemicals are reviewed. Methods for adduct detection are also reviewed and approaches to sensitivity and specificity are identified. The selection of these 12 chemicals from the Environmental Protection Agency list of genotoxic chemicals was based on the availability of information and on the availability of populations potentially suitable for molecular epidemiological study. The 12 chemicals include ethylene oxide, styrene, vinyl chloride, epichlorohydrin, propylene oxide, 4,4'-methylenebis-2-chloroaniline, benzidine, benzidine dyes (Direct Blue 6, Direct Black 38 and Direct Brown 95), acrylonitrile and benzyl chloride. While some of these chemicals (styrene and benzyl chloride, possibly Direct Blue 6) give rise to unique DNA adducts, others do not. Potentially confounding factors include mixed exposures in the work place, as well the formation of common DNA adducts. Additional research needs are identified.

Animals↗

Evaluation of the fiber-optic antibody-based fluoroimmunosensor for DNA adducts in human placenta samples.

This paper presents the application of a fiber-optic antibody-based fluoroimmunosensor (FIS) for measuring DNA adducts of benzo[alpha]pyrene in human placenta samples. The FIS combines the excellent specificity of the antigen-antibody reaction, the high sensitivity of laser excitation, and the versatility of fiber-optic technology. The FIS was used to detect benzo[alpha]pyrene tetrol (BPT) after release from DNA by mild acid hydrolysis. These placenta samples contained one molecule of adduct per 10(7) base pairs. The limit of detection of the FIS for BPT is about 14 amol (14 x 10(-18) mol).

Benzo(a)pyrene↗

Development of luminescence procedures to evaluate permeation of multi-ring polyaromatic compounds through protective materials.

This study describes two practical and simple luminescence techniques developed to evaluate the efficacy of protective clothing materials against permeation of multi-ring polyaromatic compounds contained in heavy oil and petroleum products. The procedures use a rapid and simple technique based on room temperature phosphorimetry and fluorescence detection in which a portable fiberoptics luminoscope was used.

Environmental Monitoring↗

Evaluation of an improved fiberoptics luminescence skin monitor with background correction.

In this work, an improved version of a fiberoptics luminescence monitor, the prototype luminoscope II, is evaluated for in situ quantitative measurements. The instrument was developed to detect traces of luminescing organic contaminants on skin. An electronic background-nulling system was designed and incorporated into the instrument to compensate for various skin background emissions. A dose-response curve for a coal liquid spotted on mouse skin was established. The results illustrated the usefulness of the instrument for in vivo detection of organic materials on laboratory mouse skin.

Animals↗

The lightpipe luminoscope for monitoring occupational skin contamination.

A portable luminescence detector has been constructed for monitoring occupational skin contamination. The instrument design is based upon a fiberoptics bifurcated lightguide which transmits the ultraviolet excitation light to the skin area being monitored and conducts the induced fluorescence to the photon-counting detector. The performance of the instrument has been evaluated in the laboratory and field-tested at a coal conversion facility. Preliminary results indicate that coal distillates and recycled solvents form liquefaction processes can be detected at a few muL/cm2 levels.

Animals↗