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CD18-dependent adherence reactions play an important role in the development of the no-reflow phenomenon.

The aim of this study was to determine whether immunoneutralization of the common beta-subunit of the neutrophil CD11/CD18 glycoprotein adherence complex with monoclonal antibody IB4 (mAb IB4) or neutrophil depletion with a specific canine polyclonal antineutrophil serum (ANS) would reduce the extent of no-reflow in postischemic skeletal muscle. Microvascular patency was assessed by infusion of india ink contrast media and quantified by counting ink-containing microvessels < 15 microns diameter in histological sections obtained from isolated canine gracilis muscles subjected to 4.5 h of continuous perfusion (nonischemic control), 4 h of ischemia and 30 min of reperfusion [ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)] alone, I/R plus ANS, and I/R plus mAb IB4. I/R was associated with a marked reduction in microvascular patency compared with nonischemic controls (0.9 +/- 0.1 vs. 2.3 +/- 0.1 ink-containing microvessels per muscle fiber, respectively). Neutrophil depletion or prevention of neutrophil adherence attenuated the I/R-induced reduction in the number of ink-containing capillaries (1.6 +/- 0.1 and 2.2 +/- 0.2 ink-containing microvessels per muscle fiber, respectively). These data indicate that neutrophils play an important role in the genesis of no-reflow in postischemic skeletal muscle by a mechanism that appears to involve CD18-dependent neutrophil adhesion to the endothelium.

Animals↗

Measurement of PO2 in liver using EPR oximetry.

With the use of India ink and lithium phthalocyanine (LiPc) as electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) oximetry probes, the PO2 of the liver was investigated in mice. Because India ink was taken up by the Kupffer cells of the liver, the EPR signal of the India ink reflected the average PO2 in phagocytic vesicles of these cells. The mean value of PO2 in the Kupffer cells measured by India ink was 15.3 +/- 4.4 Torr in unanesthetized animals. LiPc was administered as a macroscopic crystal and therefore reflected the PO2 of the overall liver. The PO2 measured by LiPc was 23.4 +/- 4.4 Torr, which is consistent with the median value of 23.5 Torr reported previously with the use of an oxygen electrode. Anesthesia (injection of 60 mg/kg ip pentobarbital sodium) decreased the average PO2 in both Kupffer cells and the overall liver. The effects of perturbing the blood flow were studied by reversible blockage of the portal vein and hepatic artery in anesthetized mice; the PO2 in both Kupffer cells (measured with India ink) and in overall liver (measured with LiPc) decreased with obstruction of the blood flow and returned toward normal with reperfusion. These results indicate that the PO2 in different locations in the liver can be significantly different under both normal conditions and after perturbation by either anesthesia or ischemia. These results also demonstrate that EPR oximetry can provide sensitive measurements of PO2 in the liver in vivo under various conditions.

Anesthesia↗

Studies on the promoting effect of lipid-surfactant mixed micelles (MM) on intestinal absorption of colloidal particles. Dependence on particle size and administration site.

The effect of oleic acid-HCO60 mixed micelles (MM) on the absorption of colloidal particles by the large intestine was investigated using the in situ closed loops of rats. Two species of colloidal particles with different sizes, colloidal inks (Platinum ink 2.4-10 nm, Rotring ink 100-800 nm) and colloidal gold particles (mean particle size 5, 20, 40 nm) were chosen. Macroscopic observation showed that in the case of Platinum ink the staining of the mucus of the whole large intestine was promoted by MM and the staining of the rectum remained even after removing the mucus layer. The regional lymph nodes and the thoracic lymph was also stained. On the other hand, in the case of Rotring ink, the stain in the large intestine after removing the mucus layer, in lymph nodes and in the thoracic duct lymph was not observed. The results of quantitative experiments using colloidal gold particles indicated: 1) the upper size limit of colloidal particles absorbed by the large intestine, under the influence of MM was approximately 40 nm, 2) colloidal gold particles were transported from the intestine selectively into the lymphatics and accumulated in the regional lymph nodes, 3) the absorption of colloidal gold particles was largely promoted by MM in the rectum area.

Animals↗

Morphological and functional characterization of large antral follicles in three breeds of sheep with different ovulation rates.

Morphological and functional features of large ovarian follicles from three breeds of sheep, with different ovulation rates (Finnish Landrace N = 12, Finnish Landrace X Scottish Blackface N = 16, Merino X Scottish Blackface N = 16) were compared by integrating three techniques; ink labelling, in-vitro oestradiol production and morphological classification. The follicles were removed at two stages of the follicular phase, 1 (PG + 1) or 2 (PG + 2) days after PGF-2 alpha treatment and compared after monitoring their rates of growth with the use of ink labelling. After ovariectomy all follicles greater than or equal to 1 mm in diameter were dissected, and the 8 largest were incubated individually for 2 h to assess their ability to secrete oestradiol and testosterone. After incubation the follicles were processed for histological examination and checked for atresia. An analysis of the follicle population was based on in-vitro oestradiol secretion rates in all three breeds; an oestrogen-active population producing 500-8100 pg oestradiol/ml/h and an oestrogen-inactive population producing 0-499 pg oestradiol/ml/h. A comparison of the 3 approaches demonstrated agreement on 94.3 +/- 1.2% of occasions. Ink-labelling demonstrated that all follicles identified as oestrogen-active were increasing in size. Within oestrogen-active follicles significant correlations were detected between oestradiol production and testosterone production (r = 0.42), oestradiol production and granulosa cell number (r = 0.45) and between oestradiol production and mitotic index (r = -0.38). A regression model fitting breed, stage of atresia, granulosa cell number, in-vitro testosterone production and mitotic index demonstrated that granulosa cell number is a characteristic which contributes significantly to the variation of in-vitro oestradiol production in oestrogen-active and oestrogen-inactive follicles. There was no significant difference between breeds in the mean number of ink-labelled follicles growing from Day PG - 1 to Day PG + 1. There was a significant difference between the breeds in the number of ink-labelled follicles growing between Days PG + 1 and PG + 2 (Days 1 and 2 of the follicular phase), the number being similar to the ovulation rate for the breed. The majority of the oestrogen-active follicles had been recruited by Day PG - 1, although in the Finnish Landrace genotypes more than 30% were recruited on or after Day PG + 1 compared to less than 10% in Merino x Scottish Blackface ewes.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Animals↗

Obliteration of the lymphatic trunks draining diaphragmatic lymph causes peritoneal fluid to enter the pleural cavity.

Pathways of peritoneal fluids to the pleural cavity in the rat were investigated by light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Intraperitoneally injected India ink was demonstrated to enter the subperitoneal lymphatics through lymphatic stomata, and to drain through the subpleural collecting lymphatics, into the parasternal, paravertebral and mediastinal lymphatic trunks as well as the thoracic duct. Five to 10 min after the intraperitoneal injection of India ink, the parasternal lymphatic trunk was ligated at the third intercostal space. Thirty minutes, 1 h, or 2 h after the ligation of either the right or the left trunk, India ink was macroscopically recognized only around the ligated trunk. When the right and left trunks were simultaneously ligated, India ink leaked around both trunks. Five hours after the ligation of both trunks, a massive amount of ink was located in the interstitium of the anterior thoracic wall. TEM revealed carbon particles passing through gaps of the lymphatic endothelial cells into the interstitial space, and partly reaching the mesothelial surface lining the anterior thoracic wall. Results show that obstruction or narrowing of the lymphatic trunks draining the diaphragmatic lymph causes a hydrothorax, indicating that this is at least one mechanism causing this during continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis and diseases with ascites.

Animals↗

Encapsulation of coagulase-negative staphylococci of bovine origin.

Capsule expression was assessed in six coagulase-negative staphylococcal strains in serum-soft agar and by india ink and electron microscopy. Classification of strains as encapsulated by serum-soft agar and india ink methods differed. Staphylococcus chromogenes, Staph. hyicus, and Staph. simulans grew as diffuse colonies in serum-soft agar and unstained halos were detected in india ink preparations. Staphylococcus hominis and Staph. simulans grew as diffuse colonies in serum-soft agar but no unstained halo was seen in india ink preparations. Staphylococcus hyicus was the only strain that gave negative results with serum-soft agar and india ink assays. Conventional electron microscopy revealed the presence of capsular polysaccharides on the cell surface of Staph. chromogenes, Staph. hominis and Staph. hyicus. Conventional electron microscopic technique used to examine the surface of cells was detrimental to capsule structure. During dehydration the capsule collapsed and appeared as electron dense aggregates at the surface of cells. To confirm results of conventional electron microscopy and to visualize clearly the cell surface, encapsulated Staph. hyicus and unencapsulated Staph. simulans were observed after freeze-fracture and etching by scanning electron microscopy. The fibrous nature of capsular polysaccharides surrounding cells of Staph. hyicus were distinct and confirmed observation by conventional electron microscopy. A rapid transmission electron microscopic technique is described also for observation of capsule. Results of the rapid TEM method agreed with conventional TEM and SEM. The finding that coagulase-negative staphylococci isolated from bovine milk are capable of capsule production may be important when investigating pathogenicity of these micro-organisms.

Animals↗

The Q-switched Nd:YAG laser effectively treats tattoos. A controlled, dose-response study.

BACKGROUND AND DESIGN: The Q-switched ruby laser was recently shown to remove tattoos without scarring. The Q-switched neodymium: yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser, which targets black ink with a longer wavelength that has less absorption by melanin, should effectively treat tattoos with fewer pigmentary alterations. A prospective, blinded, controlled study was conducted to assess the ability of the Q-switched Nd:YAG laser (1064 nm, 10 ns, 5 Hz) to remove tattoos. Twenty-five patients with 39 blue-black or multicolored tattoos (14 previously untreated, 25 Q-switched ruby laser-resistant) were exposed in randomly derived quadrants with 6, 8, 10, or 12 J/cm2 at 3 to 4 week intervals for a total of four treatment sessions. RESULTS: An excellent response (> 75% ink removal) was seen in 77% of the black tattoos and more than 95% of the black ink cleared in 11 (28%) of 39 tattoos at 10 to 12 J/cm2 after four treatment sessions. Colored inks were not as effectively removed. Response was related to fluence with greatest improvement noted in the quadrants treated with 10 and 12 J/cm2. No significant side effects, including pigmentary changes or scarring, were noted. Histopathologic examination demonstrated persistence of tattoo ink in clinically clear areas and confirmed the absence of fibrosis and granulomatous changes. CONCLUSION: The Q-switched Nd:YAG laser (1064 nm) effectively treats black tattoos with an excellent cosmetic outcome. Bright colors were minimally responsive to treatment. Higher doses were more effective and equally well tolerated.

Adult↗

"Dip-Pen" nanolithography on semiconductor surfaces.

Dip-Pen Nanolithography (DPN) uses an AFM tip to deposit organic molecules through a meniscus onto an underlying substrate under ambient conditions. Thus far, the methodology has been developed exclusively for gold using alkyl or aryl thiols as inks. This study describes the first application of DPN to write organic patterns with sub-100 nm dimensions directly onto two different semiconductor surfaces: silicon and gallium arsenide. Using hexamethyldisilazane (HMDS) as the ink in the DPN procedure, we were able to utilize lateral force microscopy (LFM) images to differentiate between oxidized semiconductor surfaces and patterned areas with deposited monolayers of HMDS. The choice of the silazane ink is a critical component of the process since adsorbates such as trichlorosilanes are incompatible with the water meniscus and polymerize during ink deposition. This work provides insight into additional factors, such as temperature and adsorbate reactivity, that control the rate of the DPN process and paves the way for researchers to interface organic and biological structures generated via DPN with electronically important semiconductor substrates.

Gold↗

Dewetting of conducting polymer inkjet droplets on patterned surfaces.

The manufacture of high-performance electronic devices with micrometre or even submicrometre dimensions by solution processing and direct printing, requires the ability to control accurately the flow and spread of functional liquid inks on surfaces. This can be achieved with the help of surface-energy patterns causing inks to be repelled and dewetted from pre-defined regions of the substrate. To exploit this principle for the fabrication of submicrometre device structures, a detailed understanding of the factors causing ink droplets to dewet on patterned surfaces is required. Here, we use hydrophobic surface-energy barriers of different geometries to study the influence of solution viscosity, ink volume, and contact angle on the process of dewetting of inkjet-printed droplets of a water-based conducting polymer. We demonstrate polymer field-effect transistor devices with channel length of 500 nm fabricated by surface-energy-assisted inkjet printing.

Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions↗

Structure and blood supply of intrinsic lymph nodes in the wall of the rabbit urinary bladder--studies with light microscopy, electron microscopy, and vascular corrosion casting.

The urinary bladder is especially subject to infection by virtue of its direct connection to the external urethral opening, and it is natural to anticipate the presence of a well-developed immunological mechanism to respond to this potential threat. The present study describes small, very highly vascular lymph nodes located in the wall of the rabbit bladder, which may be involved in a local response to foreign antigens. The vasculature and structure of these lymph nodes was described using a combination of vascular corrosion casting, ink injection, and light and electron microscopy. The distal abdominal aorta was cannulated, and after clearing the bladder vasculature with buffered saline, one of the following procedures was used: 1) the bladder was perfuse-fixed in preparation for light and electron microscopy; 2) the bladder vasculature was filled with India ink for vessel tracing; or 3) vascular corrosion casts of the vasculature were prepared by infusing resin comprised of a mixture of Mercox, methyl methacrylate monomer, and catalyst. The resulting casts were cleaned with KOH, formic acid, and water in preparation for scanning electron microscopy. Vascular casts and India ink injections revealed the presence of a number of isolated capillary tufts consisting of clusters of one to five "glomeruli," closely associated with the major vesicular vessels along the lateral walls of the bladder, and supplied by tertiary branches of these vessels. Light and electron microscopy showed that the capillary tufts represented the blood supply to small, ovoid lymph nodes located near the serosal surface of the bladder wall and usually restricted to the basal half of the bladder. These nodes were encapsulated and exhibited subcapsular sinuses, numerous small blood vessels, a limited number of high endothelial cells, and, occasionally, nerves and a follicular substructure. The nodes contained abundant lymphocytes, stellate stromal cells, macrophages, and eosinophils, but lacked the obvious cortical and medullary organization and germinal centers often seen in larger lymph nodes. Vascular corrosion casts, vascular ink injections, and microscopic examination confirmed the presence of small, highly vascular lymph nodes closely associated with the main vesicular vessels along the lateral walls of the rabbit bladder. A follicular substructure of the nodes appears to correspond with the "glomerular" capillary arrangement within the nodes as seen with corrosion casts. The rich blood supply may be indicative of the high metabolic demand of lymphatic tissue, and may be altered in response to the level of activity of the node. The close association between the lymphatic tissue and the rich blood supply to the nodes may allow a rapid mobilization of lymphocytes during a local immune response to foreign agents.

Animals↗

Successful myoblast transplantation in rat tongue reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Controversy exists regarding the success of myoblast transplantation. The purpose of this study was to determine the survival of transplanted myoblasts in a rat tongue reconstruction model by using fluorescently labeled myoblasts and surgical stains to mark the location of the pocket into which transplanted cells were delivered. We evaluated tongue histology after myoblast transplantation under the hypothesis that myoblast transplantation will promote muscle regeneration and result in minimal scar tissue formation. METHODS: Sterile solutions of 1:10 India ink, 1% methylene blue, and 1% crystal violet were applied to the inner lining of a left-sided mucosa-sparing hemiglossectomy pocket. After air-drying, the hemiglossectomy defect was filled with collagen gel and closed. The tongues were evaluated histologically at 6 weeks. Next, myoblasts were cultured and labeled with three commercially available fluorescent dyes, 5-chloromethyl-fluorescein diacetate (CMFDA), chloromethylbenzamido (CM-DiI), and fluorescently labeled microspheres (FLMs), to determine which would optimally label myoblasts in a tongue reconstruction model. Next, Lewis rats underwent left hemiglossectomy, and the created pockets were coated with 1:10 India ink. Control animals received collagen gel alone, whereas experimental animals received labeled myoblast/collagen constructs into the tongue defect. Tongues were harvested at intervals to determine the presence of labeled fluorescent cells, the relative numbers of viable myoblasts, and the degree of scarring. RESULTS: India ink coating of the hemiglossectomy pocket caused minimal inflammation and lasted longer than the other tested dyes. CMFDA and FLMs both successfully label myoblasts for transplantation. In vivo, donor cells were observed in all specimens at week 0 with increasing numbers of cells and muscle formation, determined by desmin immunofluorescence, after 6 weeks. There was less scar tissue contracture in the experimental group and a significant increase in the amount of desmin-stained muscle in the surgical defect. CONCLUSIONS: India ink is an appropriate vehicle for intra-operative marking of a hemiglossectomy cavity. The introduction of myoblast/collagen constructs into the rat hemiglossectomy defect increases the amount of regenerated muscle, results in less scar contracture, and may increase meaningful tongue function.

Animals↗

Epigenetic silencing of multiple genes in primary CNS lymphoma.

Epigenetic silencing of functionally important genes is important in the development of malignancies and is a source of potential markers for molecular detection. Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is an increasingly common tumor that has not been extensively examined for changes in promoter region methylation. We examined 14 tumor suppressor genes in 25 cases of PCNSL using methylation-specific PCR. Methylation was observed in DAPK (84%), TSP1 (68%), CRBP1 (67%), p16(INK) (4a) (64%), p14(ARF) (59%), MGMT (52%), RARbeta2 (50%), TIMP3 (44%), TIMP2 (42%), p15(INK) (4b) (40%), p73 (28%), hMLH1 (12%), RB1 (8%) and GSTP1 (8%). Promoter methylation of p14(ARF), p16(INK) (4a) and MGMT was correlated with loss of expression by immunohistochemical staining. The methylation of many of these genes in PCNSL is similar to that reported in other high-grade B-cell lymphomas. All 25 cases of PCNSL had methylation of at least 2 genes. Methylation of DAPK, p16(INK) (4a) or MGMT was found in 96% of the tumors, suggesting simple marker strategies to detect circulating methylated DNA in serum that might facilitate early tumor detection. Our study provides insight into the epigenetic alterations in PCNSL and provides potential biomarkers of disease.

Adult↗

Reduced susceptibility of magnocellular neuroendocrine nuclei of the rat hypothalamus to transient focal ischemia produced by middle cerebral artery occlusion.

Intraparenchymal injections of glutamate analogues into the diencephalon near the supraoptic (SON) and paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus selectively spare magnocellular neuroendocrine cells. In this study we investigated for the first time the susceptibility of this neuronal population to ischemia. Temporary focal ischemia was produced using a three-vessel occlusion method involving unilateral middle cerebral artery and bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (MCAO/CCAO). Most of the 3-h ischemic period was maintained without anesthesia and reversed by microclip removal of the contralateral common carotid artery occlusion. In one subset of rats transcardial perfusion with India ink was used to estimate the degree of ischemia produced during MCAO/CCAO in the SON, lateral magnocellular nucleus of the PVN (PVL), caudoputamen (CP), and frontoparietal cortex (COR). Computer-assisted densitometry measurements of ink density indicated significant reductions in ink penetration in the territory of the occluded MCA within the SON (46%), PVL (45%), CP (53%), and COR (76%). In contrast, neither sham-operated rats nor rats subjected to occlusion of the MCA alone showed differences in ink optical densities between the sides ipsilateral and contralateral to MCAO. The other subset of rats were perfused 48-72 h after recovery and brain sections were examined for neurodegenerative changes. While the incidences of cerebral and caudoputamen infarction after MCAO/CCAO were 98.4 and 52%, respectively, the histological features of the SON or PVL in ischemic rats were similar to those of control rats. Reduced susceptibility of magnocellular neuroendocrine cells to ischemia may be due to a number of mechanisms including neuronal resilience, neuroprotection by glia and vascular/perivascular cells, and access to perivascular cerebrospinal fluid.

Animals↗

A novel simple immunoassay for rapid detection of human IgG antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii.

The carbon immunoassay (CIA) is a direct serological test relying on a specific reaction between the carbon particles of India ink and rabbit immunoglobulin G. On addition of the India ink reagent, particulate antigens may be visualized in the light microscope after rabbit antibodies have reacted with them. Serum, India ink reagent and antigen may be mixed together in a single step and the result read within 5 min. The applicability of CIA can be expanded to include human sera by pretreatment of India ink with staphylococcal protein A. Sera from 50 suspected toxoplasmosis patients were examined by immunofluorescence (IF), the dye test of Sabin-Feldman (SF) and CIA. There was good correlation between results by the CIA and IF. Sera with low SF titres were usually negative by IF and negative or weakly positive by CIA. With sera positive by all 3 tests, CIA and IF gave similar titres, but SF titres were generally higher. CIA provides a simple inexpensive and rapid laboratory test for diagnosis of toxoplasmosis.

Animals↗

A comparison between the occluding effects of the Nd:YAG laser and the desensitising agent sensodyne on permeation through exposed dentinal tubules of endodontically treated teeth: an in vitro study.

OBJECTIVE: Dentine hypersensitivity may occur due to loss of covering enamel and/or loss of cementum after gingival recession, resulting in exposure of cervical dentine and patency of dentinal tubules. The effect of thermally cooled pulsed neodymium:yttrium-aluminium-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser on the permeability and structural appearance of the root canal wall was investigated in vitro. The aim of this study was to compare the occluding effect of Nd:YAG laser with that of sensodyne on exposed dentine. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty freshly extracted human maxillary anterior teeth were collected at random. Root canal obturations were performed using master apical file no. 60 k-type for obturated teeth. All teeth were stored in 100% humidity at 37 degrees C for 48h to allow time for the sealer to set. Dentine of 35 teeth was exposed by removing the cementum, and the remaining five teeth represented a negative control group. Specimens were examined using stereomicroscopy to show the surface topography of the dentine substrate before and after treatment with Nd:YAG laser or sensodyne. RESULTS: A double-blind technique was used when taking measurements of ink penetration (in mm) for each group. Teeth treated by Nd:YAG laser showed the least ink penetration, followed by teeth treated by sensodyne. The positive control group demonstrated complete ink penetration and the negative control group showed no ink penetration. Stereomicroscopic examination of specimens treated with Nd:YAG laser showed deposition on the dentinal surface, and specimens treated with sensodyne showed partial deposition. Untreated specimens were free of deposition and the tubules remained patent. CONCLUSION: There is no significant difference in the occluding effect of Nd:YAG laser and sensodyne toothpaste. Both treatments have a promising effect on the reduction of permeation through exposed dentinal tubules. However, the occluding effect of Nd:YAG laser occurs within seconds whereas that of sensodyne takes at least 3 weeks.

Analysis of Variance↗

Video analysis of standing--an alternative footprint analysis to assess functional loss following injury to the rat sciatic nerve.

The rat sciatic nerve is a well-established animal model for the study of recovery from peripheral nerve injuries. Footprint analysis is the most widely used non-invasive method of measuring functional recovery after injury in this model. We describe a new alternative video analysis of standing (or static footprint video analysis) to assess functional loss following injury to the rat sciatic nerve, during animal standing or periodic rest on a flat transparent surface. We found good correlation between video recording during standing and dynamic ink track footprint parameter measurements for both 1-5 and injured 2-4 toe spreads only. Reproducibility for these three parameters was also better using the video method. Uninjured 2-4 toe spread by video showed a poor correlation and similar reproducibility as compared with ink. However, both print length parameters measured by video had poorer correlation and greater variability, particularly the print length factor (PLF) was weakly correlated with that determined by ink. Contribution of the footprint factors on the estimated functional loss has also changed in conditions during standing. It was most prominent for the 1-5 toe spread factor (TSF), near marginal for the 2-4 or intermediary toe spread factor (ITF), and weak, statistically insignificant for the PLF. Thus, the introduction of a new functional loss index, or so-called static sciatic index (SSI), and its estimating formula was mandatory. Moreover, using a simple ratio of injured/uninjured 1-5 video toe spread as a substitute for the SSI, we could achieve considerable simplification of the method without any significant loss of accuracy. Our video analysis of standing is technically easier to perform than the corresponding footprint video analysis during walking, but still preserves all advantages of video versus conventional ink track method, i.e. there are few non-measurable footprints, better repeatability, high accuracy and more precise quantification of the degree of functional loss after sciatic nerve injury in the rat.

Animals↗

Study of microcontact printed patterns by chemical force microscopy.

Patterned self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on sputtered gold films prepared by microcontact printing (microCP) were studied by mapping adhesive forces with pulsed-force-mode atomic force microscopy. A stamp for microCP was fabricated by pouring polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) over a photolithographically prepared master. The patterned SAMs were prepared by two methods. One is called the wet-inking method, in which inking was done by placing a thiol ethanol solution for 30 s on the stamp and then removing the excess ink solution under a stream of nitrogen. The other is called the contact-inking method, in which a pad made of PDMS was dipped overnight in a thiol ethanol solution and then the stamp was placed on the inker pad impregnated with the thiol ethanol solution. The second step for pattern formation was the same for both of the two different microCP methods. Namely, the gold surfaces stamped with alkanethiols were further reacted with a thiol terminating in COOH in ethanol. The resulting patterns with CH3- and COOH-terminated regions were analyzed by imaging the adhesive forces with the chemically modified gold coated AFM tips with a SAM of CH3 or COOH terminal functional groups.

Journal Article↗

Failure of Ibuprofen to prevent progressive dermal ischemia after burning in guinea pigs.

OBJECTIVE: It is controversial whether the use of prostaglandin inhibitors could prevent progressive dermal ischemia in the postburn stasis zone. This study evaluated the effect of Ibuprofen on preventing postburn dermal ischemia using an animal model of India ink perfusion and skin transparent preparation techniques. METHODS: The closely clipped backs of the guinea pigs were bathed in 75 degrees C water for 10s. Ibuprofen-treated groups were fed intragastrically with Ibuprofen (12.5mg/kg) every 6h. All animals were perfused with 70% India ink via a cervical artery cannula at 16 kPa constant pressure at 0, 8, 16, 24h postburn. Skin transparent preparations were made, and 6-keto-PGF(1 alpha) and T x B(2) levels in skin tissue were assessed. RESULTS: India ink filling rates in skin capillary plexuses decreased gradually with postburn time elapsing (P<0.01). 6-keto-PGF(1 alpha) and T x B(2) levels in two groups increased. The increase of T x B(2) was dominant, which was related to postburn dermal ischemia (r=0.742, P<0.01). Though levels of 6-keto-PGF(1 alpha) and T x B(2) decreased in Ibuprofen-treated groups, India ink filling rates showed no significant difference between controls and experimental groups (P>0.05). The results were also confirmed by observation of skin transparent preparations. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that Ibuprofen has no preventive effect on progressive dermal ischemia after burning.

Animals↗