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To investigate the usefulness of high-resolution 3 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the evaluation of traumatic and degenerative triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) abnormalities among three groups: patients presenting with wrist pain who were (a) younger than age 50 years or (b) age 50 or older (PT

We present a novel method for estimating the magnetic field that can generate the desired magnetic force to move magnetic nanoparticles in a region of interest. The magnetic field is expanded using vector spherical harmonics, and the optimal multipole moments are estimated. The multipole moments are included in quadratic form because the magnetic force is defined as the product of the magnetic field and its gradient. We transform the system of quadratic equations into a rank-one-matrix estimation problem to construct a convex numerical algorithm based on a well-established proximal operation. The proposed method was validated using numerical simulations and can be used to design magnetic force patterns that cannot be generated using a simple coil pair. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bicompartmental or unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (BKA, UKA) is currently advocated as an alternative solution to conventional total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in order to preserve bone stock and ligaments for limited osteoarthritis (OA) with intact anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments (ACL, PCL). However, the actual rate of UKA or BKA compared to TKA procedures in OA patients has not been reported. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed preoperative MRI of the knee in subjects who underwent knee arthroplasty and assessed the potential for UKA or BKA as an alternative treatment. Methods. Data were extracted from the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI) public use data set, which included 4,796 subjects, ages 45-79. 3.0 Tesla MRI scanners were dedicated to imaging the knees of OAI participants annually from February 2004 to March 2010. Extensive quantitative measurements of the knee MRI were performed on 87 patients who underwent knee arthroplasty during follow-up visits. We assessed the cartilage thickness and defect size in the medial femorotibial joint (FTJ), lateral FTJ, and patellofemoral joint (PFJ) as well as ligamentous injury, bone marrow edema, and subchondral cyst size from 2D coronal turbo spin echo (TSE), 2D sagittal TSE, 3D coronal T1-weighted water-excitation fast low angle shot (FLASH), and 3D sagittal water-excitation double echo steady-state (DESS) with axial and coronal reformat images. Results: Eighty-five subjects (97.7%) were subjected to TKA, while only 2 subjects (2.3%) received UKA from the OAI database. Based on the preoperative MRI findings criteria, 51 of 87 subjects (58.6%) met the indication for TKA including the 2 UKA subjects above. This rate was significantly lower (p

Pain at the ulnar aspect of the wrist is a diagnostic challenge for hand surgeons and radiologists due to the small and complex anatomical structures involved. In this article, imaging modalities including radiography, arthrography, ultrasound (US), computed tomography (CT), CT arthrography, magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, and MR arthrography are compared with regard to differential diagnosis. Clinical imaging findings are reviewed for a more comprehensive understanding of this disorder. Treatments for the common diseases that cause the ulnar-sided wrist pain including extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) tendonitis, flexor carpi ulnaris (FCU) tendonitis, pisotriquetral arthritis, triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) lesions, ulnar impaction, lunotriquetral (LT) instability, and distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability are reviewed. © The Author(s) 2009.

Ulnar-sided wrist pain is a common complaint, and it presents a diagnostic challenge for hand surgeons and radiologists. The complex anatomy of this region, combined with the small size of structures and subtle imaging findings, compound this problem. A thorough understanding of ulnar-sided wrist anatomy and a systematic clinical examination of this region are essential in arriving at an accurate diagnosis. In part I of this review, ulnar-sided wrist anatomy and clinical examination are discussed for a more comprehensive understanding of ulnar-sided wrist pain. © The Author(s) 2009.

Histiocytic sarcoma is a malignant proliferation of cells that exhibit morphological and immunophenotypic features of mature histiocytes. Owing to its rarity, its clinical features and standard treatment have not yet been established. This report describes a case of histiocytic sarcoma of the palate that developed in a 76-year-old man, the first report of an intraoral histiocytic sarcoma. An extended resection was performed; however, establishing the excision line was extremely difficult because assessing the tumour boundary on imaging was challenging and the tumour underwent dynamic gross morphological changes following biopsy. Complete resection is required to obtain a favourable prognosis for high-grade tumours with indistinct borders. In this case, an intraoperative rapid examination with frozen section analysis was performed along the planned excision line to completely resect the tumours exhibiting such behaviour. At 28 months postoperatively, the patient demonstrated no recurrence or metastasis; however, he is under careful monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Original inventions in developing countries, in terms of number of patents filed, granted and that are taken to useful applications as well as in terms of publications of high impact remain relatively lower [1,2] compared to that of developed nations. The reasons could be attributed to lack of importance given to basic research in funding, the number of institutes involved, limited technical support or expertise available etc [1]. Though such initiatives may take a long time to yield fruits, one of the parallel steps we considered worth was to take the original inventions from Japan, born out of basic research in one field, taken through an application-oriented inter disciplinary interactive research in healthcare, thereby paving way for novel solutions. Thus was conceived, the Inventions- Inter-Disciplinary Interactions and Solutions (IIDIAS), an academic session as a part of the one-day International stem cell meet organized every year in the month of October by Nichi-In Centre for Regenerative Medicine (NCRM), an academic Institute based in Chennai, India. In the IIDIAS session, based on original invention(s) presented as a prelude in brief, original interdisciplinary interactive research work based on the original invention by NCRM and/or its collaborators are presented by the faculty of the relevant institute. That will be followed by an interactive session in which the potential solutions based on the above accomplishments would be discussed. The IIDIAS session 2014 was based on the following two inventions: A bio-film-based biosimilar invented by an electro-physicist A unique polymer invented by a chemical engineer Inventions and Interdisciplinary Interactions: Invention –I: The bio-film-based biosimilar invented by an electro-physicist: An electro physicist with the Kyoto University, Japan, Dr Nobuyuki Yamaji observed during his experiments that plants and mammalian tissues secrete a layer of fluid after getting hit by lightning or electric current [3]. The significance of the secretion was unknown to him. Later when he met his friend, Dr. Sunao Kubota, who was a physician and professor of General Surgery in St. Marianna University, he shared his work and Dr. Kubota began analyzing the nature of the secretions. Dr. Kubota hypothesized that the secretion's role may be to provide a temporary barrier to the entry of pathogens through the area of skin dehiscence caused by the electrical damage, until healing process helps to cover the dehiscence. Then for the next decade Yamaji and Kubota worked to isolate the ingredients of the secretion and they together developed a citric acid-based biosimilar capable of killing a wide range of pathogens which are known to cause common as well as severe infections including nosocomial infections such as MRSA, VRE etc [4] without having to use alcohol-based disinfectants. This biosimilar named as Clinister, had the ability to kill even H5N1 influenza virus and is used in Japan as a spray disinfectant in public places [3]. Inter-Disciplinary-Interaction based on the Invention-I: Evaluation of citric acid-based granules in controlling Chickungunya Virus‏: Clinister has not only been proven as a disinfectant but is also a powerful anti-bacterial and anti-fungal agent that strongly restricts the recurrence of the microbes for a long term. In the present study, Clinister was evaluated for its virostatic efficacy against Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) in vitro for the first time. It showed expressive effect on virus grown in BHK cell cultures by inhibiting the development of virus induced cytopathic effect at an effective concentration of 1.5mg/ml in comparison to 70% ethanol, a common disinfectant. The effects on the virus were further checked by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) at different regular post infective intervals from 0 to 72 hrs. The observations suggested that, other than the anti-microbial activity, Clinister also have specific effect on viruses that may cater the need to prevent the spreading of contagious viruses during epidemics which may occur in the future. However it is essential to study the specific targets of Clinister in viruses at a molecular level, and the same is under progress. Invention – II : A unique polymer invented by a chemical engineer A chemical engineer Prof. Yuichi Mori jointly with polymer scientist Dr Hiroshi Yoshioka developed a thermoreversible polymer (TGP) hydrogel composed of thermoresponsive polymer block [poly (Nisopropylacrylamide- co-n-butyl methacrylate) (poly NIPAAm-co-BMA)] and the hydrophilic polymer block [polyethylene glycol (PEG)] (commercial name :Mebiol gel) [5]. This Mebiol gel provides a suitable in vitro environment enabling culture expansion of cells in the lab without the use of biological components such as amniotic membrane or feeder layers. TGP has been earlier employed for the three-dimensional culture of many cell types like corneal limbal stem cells [6], chondrocytes [7], embryonic stem cells [8], hepatocytes [9], induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells [8] and bone marrow mononuclear cells [10]. TGP has been used for transportation of corneal endothelial precursor cells over long distances without cool preservation [11], for micro-encapsulation of islet cells [12] and as a wound dressing [13]. TGP has been intralesionally applied along with stem cells in an animal model of spinal cord in injury [10]. TGP is a unique polymer capable of maintaining stem cells in an undifferentiated manner for a longer period of time [14]. It does not affect the gene expression profile [15] and the karyotype of the cells is maintained even after long term culture [16]. The safety and efficacy of TGP as a valuable scaffold material has been established in the various in vitro and translational studies [5]. Inter-Disciplinary-Interaction based on the Invention-II: Mebiol Gel as a 3D scaffold for hepatocytes and viral replication Mebiol Gel was used as a 3D scaffold for growing hepatocyte cell line. Mebiol Gel based hepatocytes had better differentiation and the cells were susceptible to hepatitis C virus replication. The Mebiol Gel based 3D culture system can be used as a better cell culture system for viral studies. Potential Solutions: The works presented in the IIDIAS session have portrayed that original invention in any field when subjected to multi-disciplinary interaction after carefully evaluating the potentials can lead to novel solutions. Though the experts in various disciplines in the reported work have got to interact by chance or due to geographical proximity to each other, when a networking platform to throw such ideas to a forum with mutually rewarding opportunities given for discussion and planning of interactive researches is made possible, novel solutions may not be impossible, if the target platform is well understood within the limitations of each stake holder. Creation of a niche or a suitable environment for such multi disciplinary interaction may prevail and work to its best in a physical state of interaction but advances in information technology has broken the need for such physical interaction among peers to bring out novel solutions. Interactions across specialties in the IIDIAS session help in identifying roles for the invention in other fields which may not be directly related to healthcare. The probable solutions and advantages by combining the electro-physical activity-derived biosimilar and the chemically synthesized polymer described in the study include: A novel platform for in vitro culture of HCV having been described, similar platforms for not so easily cultivable viruses can also be developed. The 3D viral culture technology can be exploited to study the replication process and other intricacies of the virus in in vitro culture. When in vitro expansion of viruses in an appropriate manner becomes feasible, anti-viral agents, either virostatic or virucidal, herbal or synthetic biosimilars can be analysed to come out with effective anti viral agents. A biosimilar-based compound having been proven against Chickungunya virus, the same could be tried against life threatening viruses in appropriate and safe environments. Clinister being a food additive-based material, is considered to be safe to human beings [4] and hence its inclusion as an additive to cell culture medium could be studied further in order to check whether the use of common antibiotics and anti-fungals which may be detrimental to cell growth can be avoided yielding safer anti-bacterial and anti-viral agents for cell culture. Conclusion: Multidisciplinary interaction within and across various domains of science has several potentials in bringing out novel solutions and this has been proven by this study of interaction among physicists, chemists and biologists. The authors recommend that establishment of barrier-free interaction platforms within and among institutes and various specialties at varied stages of research activities as portrayed here like the IIDIAS session to bring about novel solutions such as the ones described in this article. References Sumathipala A, Siribaddana S, Patel V. Under-representation of developing countries in the research literature: ethical issues arising from a survey of five leading medical journals. BMC Med Ethics. 2004;5: E5. The World Bank (2008). Global Economic Prospects 2008: Technology Diffusion in the Developing World. Washington, DC: The World Bank. Retrieved February 18, 2008 from http://siteresources.worldbank.org/INTGEP2008/Resources/complete-report.pdf Abraham S. The "Electric Biology" Duo. Trade Secrets- Nature Biotechnology Blog 2011. Full text can be accessed at http://blogs.nature.com/tradesecrets/2011/12/06/the-electric-biology-duo. Kubota S, Matsuzawa K, Wada M, Yamaji N. Bactericidal Effect of a Disinfectant (Bio Io Nurse) Prepared by Adding Citric Acid and Low Concentration Alcohol to Strongly Acidic Electrolyzed Water. New Food Industry 2008; 50:9. Dedeepiya VD, William JB, Parthiban JKBC, Yoshioka H, Mori Y, Kuroda S, Iwasaki M, Preethy S, Abraham SJK. 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Intraperitoneal Transplantation of Hepatocytes Embedded in Thermoreversible Gelation Polymer (Mebiol Gel) in Acute Liver Failure Rat Model. Hepatitis Monthly 2008; 8(4): 275-280. William BJ, Prabakaran R, Ayyappan S, Puskhinraj H, Rao D, Manjunath S, Thamaraikannan P, Dedeepiya VD, Kuroda S, Yoshioka H, Mori Y, Preethy, Abraham S. Functional Recovery of Spinal Cord Injury Following Application of Intralesional Bone Marrow Mononuclear Cells Embedded in Polymer Scaffold - Two Year Follow-up in a Canine. J Stem Cell Res Ther.2011; 1:110. Rao SK, Sudhakar J, Parikumar P, Natarajan S, Insaan A, Yoshioka H, Mori Y, Tsukahara S, Baskar S, Manjunath SR, Senthilkumar R, Thamaraikannan P, Srinivasan T, Preethy S, Abraham SJ. Successful transportation of human corneal endothelial tissues without cool preservation in varying Indian tropical climatic conditions and in vitro cell expansion using a novel polymer. Indian J Ophthalmol. 2014;62(2):130-5. Shimizu S, Yamazaki M, Kubota S, Ozasa T, Moriya H, Kobayashi K, Mikami M, Mori Y, Yamaguchi S. In vitro studies on a new method for islet microencapsulation using a thermoreversible gelation polymer, N-isopropylacrylamide-based copolymer. Artif Organs. 1996;20(11):1232-7. Yoshioka H, Mori Y, Kubota S. Wound dressing of newly developed thermogelling thermoreversible hydrogel. Jpn J Artif Organs. 1998; 27: 503-506. Arumugam S, Manjunath S , Senthilkumar R, Srinivasan V, Rajendiran S, Yoshioka H, Mori Y, Abraham S. In vitro expansion and characterization of human chondrocytes using a novel Thermoreversible Gelation Polymer (TGP). Journal of orthopaedics. 2011; 8(3); 1-10. Hishikawa K, Miura S, Marumo T, Yoshioka H, Mori Y, Takato T, Fujita T. Gene expression profile of human mesenchymal stem cells during osteogenesis in three-dimensional thermoreversible gelation polymer. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2004;317(4):1103-7. Lei Y, Schaffer DV. A fully defined and scalable 3D culture system for human pluripotent stem cell expansion and differentiation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2013;110(52):E5039-48.