Preliminary evaluation of a nanotechnology-based approach for the more effective diagnosis of colon cancers.

AIM: The goal of this research was to develop and preliminarily test a novel technology and instrumentation that could help to significantly increase the diagnostic yield of current colon cancer screening procedures. This technology is based on a combined fluorescence-optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging, and topical delivery of a cancer-targeting agent. MATERIALS & METHODS: Gold colloid-adsorbed poly(ε-caprolactone) microparticles were labeled with a near-infrared dye, and functionalized with argentine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD peptide) to effectively target cancer tissue, and enhance fluorescence-imaging contrast. The RGD peptide recognizes the α(v)ß(3)-integrin receptor, which is overexpressed by epithelial cancer cells. OCT was used under fluorescence guidance to visualize tissue morphology and, thus, to serve as a confirmatory tool for cancer presence. RESULTS: A preliminary testing of this technology on human colon cancer cell lines, a mouse model of colon cancer, as well as human colon tissue specimens, was performed. Strong binding of microparticles to cancer cells and no binding to cells that do not significantly express integrins, such as mouse fibroblasts, was observed. Preferential binding to cancer tissue was also observed. Strong fluorescence signals were obtained from cancer tissue, owing to the efficient binding of the contrast agent. OCT imaging was capable of revealing clear differences between normal and cancer tissue. CONCLUSION: A dual-modality imaging approach combined with topical delivery of a cancer-targeting contrast agent has been preliminarily tested for colon cancer diagnosis. Preferential binding of the contrast agent to cancer tissue allowed the cancer-suspicious locations to be highlighted and, thus, guided OCT imaging to visualize tissue morphology and determine tissue type. If successful, this multimodal approach might help to increase the sensitivity and the specificity of current colon cancer-screening procedures in the future.

The Baycrest SARS experience: the human side.

Toronto, in the province of Ontario, Canada was one of the cities severely impacted by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). SARS required the health care system to respond quickly and efficiently. This paper describes the situation and response at a large public academic aged care centre.

Analysis of limb alignment in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis: a comparison of Saudi Arabian and Canadian cases.

A study was made of alignment abnormalities and bone deformities in Saudis with osteoarthritis (SOA). Data from standardized radiography of hips and knees were: hip-knee-ankle angle (HKA), condylar-hip angle (CH), tibial plateau-ankle angle (PA), and joint surface (condylar-plateau) angle (CP). Females dominated the <50 years SOA subgroup (1.8:1), having also early onset OA with severe bowlegged deformity (mean HKA -11 degrees) and major shifts in CH, PA, and CP relative to normal parameters. In the females, links were noted between severe disease and osteomalacia or osteoporosis, requiring prospective studies. An association between femoral deformity (CH) and OA, first reported in Canadians with OA (COA), was confirmed in SOA (especially in males of all ages). The condition implies heightened mechanical risk of onset or progression at medial joint surfaces. Further, it calls for the fresh appraisal of surgical options based on biomechanical analysis of each case, including femoral osteotomy where necessary.