Biologically derived epicardial patch induces macrophage mediated pathophysiologic repair in chronically infarcted swine hearts

There are nearly 65 million people with chronic heart failure (CHF) globally, with no treatment directed at the pathologic cause of the disease, the loss of functioning cardiomyocytes. We have an allogeneic cardiac patch comprised of cardiomyocytes and human fibroblasts on a bioresorbable matrix. This patch increases blood flow to the damaged heart and improves left ventricular (LV) function in an immune competent rat model of ischemic CHF. After 6 months of treatment in an immune competent Yucatan mini swine ischemic CHF model, this patch restores LV contractility without constrictive physiology, partially reversing maladaptive LV and right ventricular remodeling, increases exercise tolerance, without inducing any cardiac arrhythmias or a change in myocardial oxygen consumption. Digital spatial profiling in mice with patch placement 3 weeks after a myocardial infarction shows that the patch induces a CD45pos immune cell response that results in an infiltration of dendritic cells and macrophages with high expression of macrophages polarization to the anti-inflammatory reparative M2 phenotype. Leveraging the host native immune system allows for the potential use of immunomodulatory therapies for treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases not limited to ischemic CHF.

Dermal safety study with imidacloprid/moxidectin topical solution in the ivermectin-sensitive collie

A study was conducted to determine the safety of the dermal application of 10% imidacloprid/2.5% moxidectin topical solution in ivermectin-sensitive collies. Each milliliter of this solution contains 100mg of imidacloprid and 25mg of moxidectin. A total of 21 collies were prescreened for ivermectin-sensitivity and heartworm negative status prior to selection for the study. Animals were assigned based on the maximum ivermectin-sensitivity score demonstrated during the prestudy screening. Treatment groups included a 3x and 5x test article group, and a 3x and 5x mineral oil control group. The 3x and 5x doses were administered at three and five times, respectively, the 1x dose based on the animal's body weight. On day 0, 3 of the 21 dogs were treated with dermal applications of a preliminary dose of 3x test article to screen for unexpected signs of toxicity with the remaining 18 dogs being treated with 3x mineral oil to blind for the volume of liquid applied. After no signs of toxicity were observed, these same three dogs were treated with 3x of test article and 2x mineral oil on days 28 and 56. The remaining 18 animals were equally allocated to either a 5x test article group or a 5x control group and were each treated on days 28, 56, and 84. Personnel performing observations were blinded to treatment. Observations were made for clinical signs of ivermectin sensitivity twice daily during non-dosing days. On treatment days, dogs were observed hourly for the first 4h post-treatment and at 6, 8, 12, 18 and 24h. Signs of toxicosis were not observed in any of the dogs throughout the observation period. This study demonstrated the safety of imidacloprid/moxidectin, when administered to collies testing positive for ivermectin sensitivity at dosages up to five times the maximum recommended dose.

Total digital radiology department: spatial resolution requirements

The minimum spatial resolution required for a total digital radiology department has yet to be defined. A pilot study designed to provide this information was performed. Abnormal and normal radiographic images of children were digitized and redisplayed on film at spatial resolutions of 5.0, 2.5, 1.25, and 0.625 lp/mm. These resolutions are comparable to a digital display of a 14 X 14 in. chest image having pixel elements of 4096 X 4096, 2048 X 2048, 1024 X 1024, and 512 X 512, respectively. Contrast resolution was maintained at 12 bits or 4096 gray levels. The three phases of data acquisition were (1) the standard analysis of receiver operating characteristics, (2) a checklist evaluation of the "seeability" of important structures, and (3) a comparison of all resolutions and a discernment of usability. Fifteen radiologists participated in the study. On the basis of the pediatric cases used, the results showed that the needed spatial resolution for a total digital radiology department may be around 2.5 lp/mm (2048 X 2048). Checklist data on seeability of structures and comparisons of all resolutions give information on specific changes that are occurring as the resolution is decreased, and, when included with the receiver-operating-characteristic data, they become a major component in developing a resolution standard. The finding that 2.5 lp/mm is the required spatial resolution makes construction of a total digital radiology department possible with present state-of-the-art technology.

Radiologic total lung capacity measurement. Development and evaluation of a computer-based system

The development of a computer-based radiologic total lung capacity (TLC) measurement system designed to be used by non-physician personnel is detailed. Four operators tested the reliability and validity of the system by measuring inspiratory PA and lateral pediatric chest radiographs with a Graf spark pen interfaced to a DEC VAX 11/780 computer. First results suggest that the ultimate goal of developing an accurate and easy to use TLC measurement system for non-physician personnel is attainable.