bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Triblock Copolymers Based on ε-Caprolactone and Trimethylene Carbonate for the 3D Printing of Tissue Engineering Scaffolds
Authors: Güney Aysun , Malda Jos , Dhert Wouter J.A. , Grijpma Dirk W. 
Published: February 2017

Background Biodegradable PCL- b-PTMC- b-PCL triblock copolymers based on trimethylene carbonate (TMC) and ε-caprolactone (CL) were prepared and used in the 3D printing of tissue engineering scaffolds. Triblock copolymers of various molecular weights containing equal amounts of TMC and CL were prepared. These block copolymers combine the low glass transition temperature of amorphous PTMC (approximately -20°C) and the semi-crystallinity of PCL (glass transition approximately -60°C and melting temperature approximately 60°C). Methods PCL- b-PTMC- b-PCL triblock copolymers were synthesized by sequential ring opening polymerization (ROP) of TMC and ε-CL. From these materials, films were prepared by solvent casting and porous structures were prepared by extrusion-based 3D printing. Results Films prepared from a polymer with a relatively high molecular weight of 62 kg/mol had a melting temperature of 58°C and showed tough and resilient behavior, with values of the elastic modulus, tensile strength and elongation at break of approximately 120 MPa, 16 MPa and 620%, respectively. Porous structures were prepared by 3D printing. Ethylene carbonate was used as a crystalizable and water-extractable solvent to prepare structures with microporous strands. Solutions, containing 25 wt% of the triblock copolymer, were extruded at 50°C then cooled at different temperatures. Slow cooling at room temperature resulted in pores with widths of 18 ± 6 μm and lengths of 221 ± 77 μm, rapid cooling with dry ice resulted in pores with widths of 13 ± 3 μm and lengths of 58 ± 12 μm. These PCL- b-PTMC- b-PCL triblock copolymers processed into porous structures at relatively low temperatures may find wide application as designed degradable tissue engineering scaffolds. Conclusions In this preliminary study we prepared biodegradable triblock copolymers based on 1,3-trimethylene carbonate and ε-caprolactone and assessed their physical characteristics. Furthermore, we evaluated their potential as melt-processable thermoplastic elastomeric biomaterials in 3D printing of tissue engineering scaffolds.
The Role of Ionized Calcium and Magnesium in Regional Citrate Anticoagulation and its Impact on Inflammatory Parameters
Authors: Strobl Karin , Harm Stephan , Weber Viktoria , Hartmann Jens 
Published: February 2017

Introduction Regional anticoagulation with citrate has been found to be superior to heparin in terms of biocompatibility, and numerous protocols for regional citrate anticoagulation have been published, while a consensus on the target concentration of ionized calcium (Ca2+) in the extracorporeal circuit has not been reached so far. Methods The aim of this in vitro study was to assess the impact of different citrate concentrations on coagulation as well as on complement activation and cytokine secretion and to investigate the impact of ionized magnesium (Mg2+) on these parameters. Results We found that citrate effectively reduced coagulation, complement activation, and cytokine secretion in a dose-dependent manner and that a target Ca2+ concentration of 0.2–0.25 mM was required for efficient anticoagulation. Mg2+ triggered complement activation as well as interleukin (IL)-1β secretion in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated whole blood in a dose-dependent manner and independently of Ca2+. Additionally, it was found to reduce activated clotting time (ACT) in samples with low Ca2+ levels, but not at physiological Ca2+. Conclusions Taken together, our data support the notion that regional citrate anticoagulation results in decreased release of inflammatory mediators in the extracorporeal circuit, requiring the depletion of both, Ca2+ and Mg2+.
Mechanisms of Endothelial Activation in Sepsis and Cell Culture Models to Study the Heterogeneous Host Response
Authors: Eichhorn Tanja , Fischer Michael B. , Weber Viktoria 
Published: February 2017

Sepsis is currently viewed as a fundamental disintegration of control functions from intracellular signalling to immunoregulatory and neuroendocrine mechanisms. The immediate threat in sepsis is invasive infection, and the need to activate immune defense mechanisms to clear the pathogen before irreparable damage occurs. In the process of pathogen elimination, however, the systemic host response to infection may cause collateral damage to the endothelium and may lead to the destruction of host tissues. A number of experimental models have been developed to monitor endothelial activation and to study endothelial dysfunction under septic conditions. Here, we review the application of these models to assess the highly variable host response in sepsis and to investigate the efficacy of adsorbent-based extracorporeal therapies. We also highlight the need for efficient diagnostic tools, which are indispensable to select patients who are likely to benefit from distinct adjunctive therapies.
Diagnostic Value of Smoothelin and Vimentin in Differentiating Muscularis Propria from Muscularis Mucosa of Bladder Carcinoma
Authors: Elkady Noha , Abdou Asmaa Gaber , Kandil Mona , Ghanem Noha 
Published: February 2017

Background Determination of the extent of involvement or pathological staging is one of the requirements for adequate evaluation of bladder cancer specimens. Therefore, the differentiation between MP and MM is essential for proper treatment and avoiding over or under staging. Aim The present study aimed at evaluation of diagnostic value of smoothelin and vimentin expression both singly and in combination for differentiation between MM and MP. Methods This study was carried out on 59 cystectomy specimens of primary bladder carcinoma and eleven cystoscopic biopsies for non-neoplastic bladder lesions (cystitis). Results Histologically, MM was identified clearly in 40 cases and MP was identified in all 70 examined cases. The cases were immunostained for smoothelin and vimentin. Intensity of smoothelin expression showed significant difference (P = 0.001) between MM and MP with 97.5% sensitivity and 95% specificity and the percentage of smoothelin expression was significantly higher in MP compared to MM (P = 0.001) with 95.7% sensitivity and 85% specificity (using 65% as cut-off point). Vimentin was negative in MP and showed positive expression in 32 cases (80%) of MM with a statistical significant difference (P = 0.001) providing 80% sensitivity and 100% specificity. Combined moderate to strong smoothelin and negative vimentin offered 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity towards the identification of MP. Conclusions Differentiation of MM from MP can be made based on histopathological criteria, which are unfortunately overlapping in many cases. Moderate to strong smoothelin expression with negative vimentin could be very helpful procedure in difficult and overlapping cases with a high diagnostic validity.
A Case Series of Intravenous Leiomyomatosis and Literature Review
Authors: Kong Karen K.Y. , Szabo Rebecca A. , Pyman Jan , Ang W. Catarina 
Published: February 2017

Intravenous leiomyomatosis (IVL) is an uncommon benign smooth-muscle tumour of the uterus which invades into uterine and systemic veins. Although benign, this tumour may grow in the absence of, or beyond the confines of a uterine leiomyoma or fibroid, and has the potential to behave aggressively via extension of growth in the venous vasculature, upwards into the inferior vena cava (IVC) and into the right cardiac chambers. This can lead to serious cardiac and pulmonary sequelae. Rarer neurological sequelae and fatal cases have also been reported. Unless there is obvious IVC or intracardiac spread on preoperative imaging, IVL poses a diagnostic challenge. IVL has been reported in the literature as a rare event and is postulated to be more common than previously reported. Potentially this change is related to increased histopathological diagnosis following hysterectomy or fibroid excision. The prognosis of the cases is unknown but requires follow up as recurrence is possible. This paper presents a case series of 12 patients who were diagnosed on post-operative histopathology with IVL in a 20-month period at The Royal Women's Hospital, Victoria, Australia and a literature review of the current management of this unusual disease.
Uterus Transplantation: Current State and Future Perspectives
Authors: Brännström Mats , Dahm-Kähler Pernilla 
Published: February 2017

Absolute uterine factor infertility (AUFI) has traditionally been regarded as untreatable. Gestational surrogacy (GS) is not permitted in most countries and societies in the world due to ethical, religious or legal reasons. The interest in uterus transplantation (UTx) as a treatment for AUFI started in the 1960s and, after some disappointing results, raised again in the new century, when our and other groups obtained live off-spring after UTx in the mouse, and here we review extensively the results of animal research. In September 2014, the first baby was born after human UTx and this proof-of-concept of UTx as an infertility treatment has been followed by several more births. All cases described in the literature are also reviewed. The overall evidence suggests that the clinical introduction of UTx as the first available treatment for AUFI has been successful. However, UTx will stay at experimental stage for several years whilst optimizing the procedure and ensuring its safety from a medical and psychological perspective.
Pros and Cons of Echocardiography in the Screening, Diagnosis and Follow-up of Patients with Systemic Sclerosis Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension – a Rheumatologist's Perspective
Authors: Baron Murray 
Published: February 2017

Purpose Our objective was to review the evidence regarding echocardiography in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and possible pulmonary hypertension (PH). Methods The literature was reviewed. In addition, a survey was conducted of 315 rheumatologists/internists with a self-declared interest in SSc, to determine their preferred use of echocardiograms. Results The most relevant literature findings come from two studies, the DETECT study and one from the Australian Scleroderma Interest Group. In both these studies, it appears that the use of non-echocardiographic variables such as pulmonary function tests (PFTs) and values of serum N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), are adequate on their own in suggesting which patients are at high risk of PH. Echocardiograms added very little information and in fact may confuse the picture by appearing to be normal when in fact underlying PH is present. With regard to the survey, 157 physicians (49.8%) responded. Of those, 67% felt that an echocardiogram should be ordered on every patient with SSc every year. Ninety-five percent (95%) said the reason was to screen for the development of significant PH, 65% said the reason was to screen for the development of significant intrinsic cardiac disease and 38% said that the reason was to adhere to accepted international recommendations. Conclusions Despite popular belief and current recommendations, in the opinion of the author, echocardiograms are not necessary in every SSc patient every year. Cheaper tests such as PFTs and NT-proBNP are adequate in most cases to suggest when a right heart catheterization should be performed.
Stenoses in the surgically manipulated segment have better angioplasty response compared to the surgically naive segment in fistulas
Authors: Cui Jie , Xu Dihua , Ma Jie , Liu Bingyan , Kawai Tatsuo , Yeh Heidi , Schainfeld Robert , Irani Zubin 
Published: February 2017

Purpose Balloon angioplasty is the standard treatment for dysfunctional hemodialysis fistulas, but angioplasty response of stenotic lesions located in different segments of the dialysis circuit has not been explicitly evaluated. The purpose of this study is to describe the distribution of stenotic lesions in the most common types of arteriovenous fistulas and to investigate the response to balloon angioplasty of stenotic lesions located in various segments of the fistula circuit. Materials and Methods This single-center, retrospective study was approved by the Institutional Review Board. A total of 263 fistulograms performed between January, 2014 and June, 2015 were reviewed. Stenotic lesion response to angioplasty was analyzed based on lesion location using a Kaplan-Meier analysis. Results Juxta-anastomotic stenoses (48%) were the most common lesions in radiocephalic fistulas, while the cephalic arch (30%) and venous outflow tract (24%) were the most common locations of stenotic lesions in brachiocephalic fistulas and basilic vein transposition fistulas, respectively. Primary patency after balloon angioplasty was significantly higher in lesions located in the venous segments manipulated during surgeries compared to the lesions located in the surgically naive zone (p = 0.001). The 6-month and 12-month primary patency of lesions post-angioplasty in the surgical zone were 76% and 71% compared to 58% and 43% in the surgically naive segments. Conclusions The distribution of stenotic lesions differs among each type of fistula. The primary patency of balloon angioplasty of stenotic lesions located in the surgically manipulated venous segment was significantly better than lesions located in the rest of the fistula circuit.
Peripherally inserted central catheter-related complications in cancer patients: a prospective study of over 50,000 catheter days
Authors: Kang Junren , Chen Wei , Sun Wenyan , Ge Ruibin , Li Hailong , Ma Enling , Su Qingxia , Cheng Fang , Hong Jinhua , Zhang Yuanjuan , Lei Cheng , Wang Xinchuan , Jin Aiyun , Liu Wanli 
Published: February 2017

Purpose To evaluate incidence and risk factors of peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC)-related complications in cancer patients. Methods A prospective, multicenter, cohort study of cancer patients with PICC insertion was performed from February 1, 2013 to April 24, 2014. All patients were monitored in clinic until PICCs were removed. The primary endpoint was PICC removal due to complications. Patient-, catheter- and insertion-related factors were analyzed in univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis to identify significant independent risk factors for PICC-related complications. Results There were 477 cancer patients included, for a total of 50,841 catheter-days. Eighty-one patients (17.0%) developed PICC-related complications, with an incidence of 1.59 per 1000 catheter days. Thirty-six (7.5%) PICCs were removed because of complications. The most common complications were skin allergy (4.6%), catheter occlusion (3.4%) and accidental withdrawal (2.3%). Nine (1.9%) patients developed symptomatic upper extremity deep venous thrombosis (UEDVT) and central line associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) was shown in six (1.3%) PICCs with an infection rate 0.12 per 1000 catheter days. In multivariable analysis, body mass index (BMI) >25 (odds ratio, 2.09; 95% confidence interval, 1.26-3.47, p = 0.004) was shown to be a significant risk factor for PICC complications. Conclusions Cancer patients with BMI greater than 25 were more likely to have PICC complications.
Primary cutaneous non-Hodgkin lymphoma: results of a retrospective analysis in the light of the recent ILROG guidelines
Authors: Pedretti Sara , Urpis Mauro , Leali Carla , Borghetti Paolo , Baushi Liliana , Sala Raffaella , Tucci Alessandra , Greco Diana , Pasinetti Nadia , Triggiani Luca , Rossi Giuseppe , Calzavara-Pinton Piergiacomo , Magrini Stefano Maria , Buglione Michela 
Published: February 2017

Purpose: To analyze clinical outcome, local response, survival and toxicity in patients with primary cutaneous lymphoma (PCL) treated with radiotherapy. Methods: From 1995 to 2014, 112 patients were treated. B-cell lymphomas (CBCLs; n = 86) and T-cell lymphomas (CTCLs; n = 23) were analyzed separately. Clinical and therapeutic characteristics (age, sex, histology, primary treatment and radiotherapy modality) were related to response to treatment, survival and toxicity. Results: CBCLs were divided into 4 subgroups: marginal-zone lymphoma (n = 20), follicle center lymphoma (n = 32), diffuse large-cell lymphoma (DLBCL; n = 22) and DLBCL-leg type (n = 12). No significant correlation was found between doses and systemic treatments, extent of biopsy and number of lesions. DLBCL-leg type patients were older (p = 0.05), had disseminated disease (p = 0.034), and more frequently had local (p = 0.01) or systemic recurrence (p = 0.05). CTCLs were divided into 4 subgroups: α/β CTCL (n = 3), nasal type CTCL (n = 0), γ/δ CTCL (n = 10) and mycosis fungoides (n = 10). Longer disease-free survival was observed in patients obtaining complete remission (p<0.001). Conclusions: Radiotherapy is feasible, safe and effective for localized PCLs. The choice of dose is related to histological subgroups and the related prognoses. Survival results are very good also in relapsing disease. In advanced cutaneous lymphoma radiotherapy alone has mainly a role in symptom palliation.
An Accurate Method to Quantify Breathing-induced Prostate Motion for Patients Implanted with Electromagnetic Transponders
Authors: Giandini Tommaso , Panaino Costanza M.V. , Avuzzi Barbara , Morlino Sara , Villa Sergio , Bedini Nice , Carabelli Gabriele , Frasca Sarah C. , Romanyukha Anna , Rosenfeld Anatoly , Pignoli Emanuele , Valdagni Riccardo , Carrara Mauro 
Published: February 2017

Purpose To validate and apply a method for the quantification of breathing-induced prostate motion (BIPM) for patients treated with radiotherapy and implanted with electromagnetic transponders for prostate localization and tracking. Methods For the analysis of electromagnetic transponder signal, dedicated software was developed and validated with a programmable breathing simulator phantom. The software was then applied to 1,132 radiotherapy fractions of 30 patients treated in supine position, and to a further 61 fractions of 2 patients treated in prone position. Results Application of the software in phantom demonstrated reliability of the developed method in determining simulated breathing frequencies and amplitudes. For supine patients, the in vivo analysis of BIPM resulted in median (maximum) amplitudes of 0.10 mm (0.35 mm), 0.24 mm (0.66 mm), and 0.17 mm (0.61 mm) in the left-right (LR), cranio-caudal (CC), and anterior-posterior (AP) directions, respectively. Breathing frequency ranged between 7.73 and 29.43 breaths per minute. For prone patients, the ranges of the BIPM amplitudes were 0.1-0.5 mm, 0.5-1.3 mm, and 0.7-1.7 mm in the LR, CC, and AP directions, respectively. Conclusions The developed method was able to detect the BIPM with sub-millimeter accuracy. While for patients treated in supine position the BIPM represents a reduced source of treatment uncertainty, for patients treated in prone position, it can be higher than 3 mm.
Abortion Once Again: a response to Feser, Goodwin, Mosquito, Sadowsky, Vance and Watkins
Authors: Block Walter 
Published: February 2017

Only a libertarian would think to base an analysis of the abortion controversy on private property rights. The present paper does just that. On that basis, it concludes that evictionism is the only policy compatible with libertarianism. This essay then uses this analysis to criticize the views on this subject of five scholars associated with this political philosophy: Feser, Goodwin, Mosquito, Sadowsky, Vance and Watkins.
À l’intersection entre mouvement et institution : enjeux, dynamiques et effets de l’institutionnalisation d’un espace régional de la cause des femmes
Authors: Guignard Lison 
Published: February 2017

C’est à partir d’une mobilisation en faveur du protocole de Maputo et dans un contexte d’ouverture institutionnelle qu’un plaidoyer s’est institutionnalisé auprès de l’Union africaine sous l’égide de la campagne Gender is on my agenda (GIMAC), une rencontre consultative sur le genre précédant chaque sommet des chefs d’État. À la lumière de la notion d’« espace [régional] de la cause des femmes », l’auteure expose la genèse de ce plaidoyer institutionnel et ses effets.
Inhalable Dry Powders for Lung mRNA Delivery
Authors: Gordon Akiva , Li Bowen , Witten Jacob , Nguyen Hong , Anderson Daniel G. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractDespite great promise, application of mRNA therapeutics in the lung has proven challenging. Many groups have reported success instilling liquid mRNA formulations in animal models, but direct intratracheal administration of large liquid quantities to the human lung presents significant safety and distribution concerns. To accomplish safe and effective mRNA delivery to the lung, formulations must be prepared for dosing via inhalation. An inhaled mRNA delivery system for the lung must be both robust enough to survive inhalation conditions and potent enough to deliver mRNA upon reaching the lung. In this work dry powder lipid nanoparticle formulations are developed, using spray‐freeze‐drying, to produce stable, biologically active, inhalable dry powders for mRNA delivery. The final powders have suitable aerosolization properties, with mean mass aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) of 3–4 microns, and fine particle fraction (FPF) ≈40%, allowing for efficient mRNA delivery to the deep lung following inhalation. Importantly, the formulations developed here are suitable for use with different ionizable lipids. Four different ionizable lipid‐based formulations are evaluated as powders, and all exhibit in vivo pulmonary mRNA delivery equal to that of instilled liquid formulations. These results lay promising groundwork for the eventual development of an inhalable mRNA dry powder therapeutic.
Simple‐Architectured Elastic Touch Sensor with High Spatiotemporal Resolution
Authors: Luo Junchen , Park Chaeyong , Park Yebin , Kim Jaehyun , Choi Seungmoon , Jeong Unyong 
Published: October 2024

AbstractDeformable touch sensors with a high spatiotemporal resolution have recently attracted significant attention as a promising option for electronic skin and human‐machine interfaces. However, the conventional electronic matrix arrays require a large number of addressing lines and suffer from response time delay. In this study, a novel mechanically robust elastic electronic touch sensor is reported featuring only a limited number (2 or 4) of signal terminals. The sensor has a simple structure comprising an elastic spacer and two substrates with a conductive electrode of uniform resistance along the entire length of the electrode. By decoding the temporal resistance profiles from the touch sensor by using a simple simulator, the sensor can provide precise touch information such as position, instant moving speed and direction, and the trajectories of the movements. The touch actions are displayed in real‐time, regardless of whether the sensor is deformed or not. It is expected that this study will present a new approach to simplify the architecture of human‐machine interfaces.