Laser microfabrication of hydroxyapatite-osteoblast-like cell composites.

We have developed a novel approach for layer-by-layer growth of tissue-engineered materials using a direct writing process known as matrix assisted pulsed laser evaporation direct write (MAPLE DW). Unlike conventional cell-seeding methods, this technique provides the possibility for cell-material integration prior to artificial tissue fabrication. This process also provides greater flexibility in selection and processing of scaffold materials. In addition, MAPLE DW offers rapid computer-controlled deposition of mesoscopic voxels at high spatial resolutions. We have examined MAPLE DW processing of zirconia and hydroxyapatite scaffold materials that can provide a medical device with nearly inert and bioactive implant-tissue interfaces, respectively. We have also demonstrated codeposition of hydroxyapatite, MG 63 osteoblast-like cells, and extracellular matrix using MAPLE DW. We have shown that osteoblast-like cells remain viable and retain the capacity for proliferation when codeposited with bioceramic scaffold materials. Our results on MG 63-hydroxyapatite composites can be extended to develop other integrated cell-scaffold structures for medical and dental applications.

Two photon induced polymerization of organic-inorganic hybrid biomaterials for microstructured medical devices.

Three-dimensional microstructured medical devices, including microneedles and tissue engineering scaffolds, were fabricated by two photon induced polymerization of Ormocer organic-inorganic hybrid materials. Femtosecond laser pulses from a titanium:sapphire laser were used to break chemical bonds on Irgacure 369 photoinitiator within a small focal volume. The radicalized starter molecules reacted with Ormocer US-S4 monomers to create radicalized polymolecules. The desired structures are fabricated by moving the laser focus in three dimensions using a galvano-scanner and a micropositioning system. Ormocer surfaces fabricated using two photon induced polymerization demonstrated acceptable cell viability and cell growth profiles against B35 neuroblast-like cells and HT1080 epithelial-like cells. Lego-like interlocking tissue engineering scaffolds and microneedle arrays with unique geometries were created using two photon induced polymerization. These results suggest that two photon induced polymerization is able to create medical microdevices with a larger range of sizes, shapes, and materials than chemical isotropic etching, injection molding, reactive ion etching, surface micromachining, bulk micromachining, polysilicon micromolding, lithography-electroforming-replication, or other conventional microfabrication techniques.

Three-dimensional direct writing of B35 neuronal cells.

We have demonstrated two-dimensional and three-dimensional transfer of B35 neuronal cells onto and within polymerized Matrigel substrates, using matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation-direct write (MDW). The B35 cells were transferred from a quartz ribbon to depths of up to 75 microm by systematically varying the fluence emitted from the ArF (lambda = 193 nm) laser source. MDW-transferred cells were examined using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase biotin-dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL), 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI), and alpha-tubulin staining. Confocal microscopy has shown that the transferred B35 cells extended their axons outward in three dimensions within the polymerized Matrigel substrate. The B35 cells made axonal connections and formed a three-dimensional neural network within 72 h after MDW transfer. In addition, TUNEL staining demonstrated that only 3% of the B35 cells underwent apoptosis after being transferred using the MDW process. MDW and other emergent direct write processes may provide unique approaches for creating layered, heterogeneous, three-dimensional cell-seeded scaffolds for use in peripheral nerve repair.

Scleredema adultorum.

Scleredema adultorum is a rare connective tissue disorder reported usually following streptococcal infection, influenza, measles, and mumps. It has been reported occasionally following trauma and tuberculous lymphadenitis. This is a report of scleredema adultorum developing after chicken pox in an eight-year-old male child. The diagnosis was established by characteristic picture on skin biopsy using special stain. The patient had a benign course and a spontaneous recovery in two weeks. The case has been reported as the first case of scleredema adultorum developing after chicken pox.

Supernumerary limbs: a case report of a rare congenital anomaly.

We report a case of an 18-month-old female who presented with three supernumerary upper limbs of varying lengths on the right side. Each limb had a proximal, middle, and distal segment, and an intercalated elbow and wrist joint. A single digit was present in the superior limb, three digits in the middle limb, and two digits in the caudal-most limb. Right plagiocephaly, congenital torticollis, scoliosis involving the upper and mid thoracic region, and a hypoplastic right pectoralis major were the other abnormal features noted. Radiography showed two scapulae, humerus, a single forearm bone in each limb, and rudimentary metacarpals and phalanges. Limb duplication may rarely be encountered in parasitic conjoined twins. The role of mutagens, drugs, cellular contributions, and morphogens in the growth and differentiation of limbs has been studied in animals. It is rather difficult to deduce the time of action of the factors responsible for such a malformation.

Massive haemoptysis controlled by bronchial artery embolisation: a case report.

Massive haemoptysis results in a high rate of mortality and morbidity. It is infrequently seen in children. Medical and surgical interventions are not very effective in controlling torrential bleeding. Therefore, newer modalities like bronchial artery embolisation are found to be promising in life threatening situations in both adults and children.