This paper describes modifications to a hyperspectral imaging microscope that extend its capabilities into the near-infrared (950-1300 nm). The major changes include installing a grating, charge-coupled device camera, and lenses and filters appropriate for infrared wavelengths. Calibration of the system and validation with lead sulfide quantum dots of known emission wavelength is reported. Cells from the breast carcinoma cell line SkBr3 were scanned with lead sulfide quantum dots that emit at 1100 nm as the background and an image which contains the integrated spectral data is presented. We also demonstrate that this instrument is capable of detecting the photoluminescence spectra of single-walled carbon nanotubes dispersed in aqueous solution.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to identify change in the use of obstetric procedures since 1979 and possible correlation among episiotomy, instrumental vaginal delivery, and obstetric anal sphincter laceration in the state of Maryland. METHODS: Data was obtained from the State of Maryland database regarding all vaginal deliveries that occurred during 6 different time periods at 5-year intervals since 1979. Rate of anal sphincter laceration was calculated in women who had spontaneous vaginal delivery and compared with those who had an episiotomy and/or instrumentation during delivery. Logistic regression was used to adjust for confounders. RESULTS: There were a total of 22,267 (8%) anal sphincter lacerations during the years studied. The rate was highest when instrumental vaginal delivery was performed with episiotomy (21.57% or one in 5), and lowest when neither episiotomy nor instrumentation was used at delivery (3.92% or approximately one in 25). SIGNIFICANT TRENDS: The rate of anal sphincter lacerations was 8.55% in the year 1979 and then decreased gradually to 4.94% in 2003. There was a tremendous drop in the rate of forceps delivery from 31.71% in 1979 to 1.44% in 2003. Although almost all instrumental vaginal deliveries in the earlier years were performed with episiotomy, in 2003, in 46% cases, instrumentation was used without episiotomy. The rate of episiotomy overall also decreased from 73.67% to 23.94% from 1979 to 2003. CONCLUSION: There was a gradual decrease in the rate of third-and fourth-degree lacerations over the past 24 years. This corresponds to a decrease in the use of episiotomy, decreased rate of operative delivery, and decreased forceps use.