Three-Dimensional Optical Mapping of Nanoparticle Distribution in Intact Tissues.

The role of tissue architecture in mediating nanoparticle transport, targeting, and biological effects is unknown due to the lack of tools for imaging nanomaterials in whole organs. Here, we developed a rapid optical mapping technique to image nanomaterials in intact organs ex vivo and in three-dimensions (3D). We engineered a high-throughput electrophoretic flow device to simultaneously transform up to 48 tissues into optically transparent structures, allowing subcellular imaging of nanomaterials more than 1 mm deep into tissues which is 25-fold greater than current techniques. A key finding is that nanomaterials can be retained in the processed tissue by chemical cross-linking of surface adsorbed serum proteins to the tissue matrix, which enables nanomaterials to be imaged with respect to cells, blood vessels, and other structures. We developed a computational algorithm to analyze and quantitatively map nanomaterial distribution. This method can be universally applied to visualize the distribution and interactions of materials in whole tissues and animals including such applications as the imaging of nanomaterials, tissue engineered constructs, and biosensors within their intact biological environment.

The case that has psychiatrists running scared: Ahmed v. Stefaniu.

In the three decades since the definitive decisions regarding duty to warn and protect, several cases have shaped psychiatric practice. In this article we present a tragic case that we postulate may have a significant effect on psychiatric practice in Canada. A psychiatric patient murdered a relative some 50 days after the patient left the hospital. On the day before his release, the patient's status was changed from involuntary to voluntary. We argue that this case may result in a reversal of current mental health and social policy, whereby psychiatrists will be less willing to release difficult and potentially dangerous patients. To provide context to the case, we review some concepts of the literature and recent legal cases pertaining to the release of such patients.