Liver surface is covered by a collagenous layer called the Glisson’s capsule. The structure of the Glisson’s capsule is barely seen in the biopsy samples for histology assessment, thus the changes of the collagen network from the Glisson’s capsule during the liver disease progression are not well studied. In this report, we investigated whether non-linear optical imaging of the Glisson’s capsule at liver surface would yield sufficient information to allow quantitative staging of liver fibrosis. In contrast to conventional tissue sections whereby tissues are cut perpendicular to the liver surface and interior information from the liver biopsy samples were used, we have established a capsule index based on significant parameters extracted from the second harmonic generation (SHG) microscopy images of capsule collagen from anterior surface of rat livers. Thioacetamide (TAA) induced liver fibrosis animal models was used in this study. The capsule index is capable of differentiating different fibrosis stages, with area under receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) up to 0.91, making it possible to quantitatively stage liver fibrosis via liver surface imaging potentially with endomicroscopy.
PURPOSE
To explore the effects of zoledronic acid on the healing process in osteoporotic patients following spinal fusion in a randomized, placebo controlled, and triple-blinded study.
METHODS
Seventy-nine osteoporotic patients with single-level degenerative spondylolisthesis were randomly assigned to receive either zoledronic acid infusion (zoledronic acid group) or saline infusion (controls) after spinal fusion. Functional radiography and CT scans were used to evaluate fusion status. Bone formation was graded into 3 categories: Grade A (bridging bone bonding with adjacent vertebral bodies), Grade B (bridging bone bonding with either superior or inferior vertebral body), or Grade C (incomplete bony bridging). A solid fusion was defined as less than 5 degree of angular motion with Grade A or B bone formation. Adjacent vertebral compression fractures (VCF) were assessed on MRI at 12 months after surgery. Serum level of carboxy terminal cross-linked telopeptide of type I collagen (β-CTX) and amino-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen (PINP) was measured. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured by DXA. Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) was used to assess the clinical outcomes.
RESULTS
Grade A or B bridging bone was more frequently observed in zoledronic acid group at 3, 6, and 9 months post-operation compared to the control group (p < 0.05). At 12-months postoperation, bridging bone and solid fusion were not significantly different between groups. No patients in zoledronic acid group showed aVCF, whereas 6 patients (17%) in the control group did (p < 0.05). Both β-CTX and PINP were suppressed in zoledronic acid group. BMD at femoral neck decreased rapidly and did not return to the preoperative level in the controls at 3 (−1.4%), 6 (−2.5%), and 12 (−0.8%) months after surgery. Zoledronic acid prevented this immobilization-induced bone loss and increased BMD. ODI showed the improved clinical outcomes compared with controls at 9 and 12 months post-surgery.
CONCLUSION
Treatment with zoledronic acid in osteoporotic patients with spinal fusion shortens the time to fusion, improves the fusion rate, prevents subsequent aVCFs, and improves clinical outcomes.
A bipyridine centered donor-acceptor-donor (D-p-A-p-D) type ratiometric fluorescent molecular probe exhibited an unprecedented enhancement in the two-photon absorption (2PA) cross section upon Zn 2+ binding. Moreover, owing to the excited state charge-transfer of the fluorophore p-backbone, a significant enhancement in the two-photon (2P) excited fluorescence intensity was observed upon Zn 2+ binding, resulting in a 13-fold enhancement in the 2PA cross section and a 9-fold enhancement in fluorescence brightness at 620 nm when compared to the cation-free fluorophore. The large 2PA cross section of 1433 GM and 2P action cross section (860 GM), with an excellent 2P excited fluorescence variation from 517 to 620 nm upon Zn 2+ binding, facilitated the ratiometric monitoring of free zinc ions in cells. The low cytotoxicity and good photostability of the fluorophore allowed two-photon Zn 2+ imaging of HeLa cells. In addition, in vivo two-photon imaging of Zn 2+ ions in hepatocytes of live rats illustrated the viability of the probe in tissue imaging and monitoring of free zinc ions in live cells.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.