Origami-inspired thin-film shape memory alloy devices.

We describe the design and fabrication of miniaturized origami structures based on thin-film shape memory alloys. These devices are attractive for medical implants, as they overcome the opposing requirements of crimping the implant for insertion into an artery while keeping sensitive parts of the implant nearly stress-free. The designs are based on a group theory approach in which compatibility at a few creases implies the foldability of the whole structure.

Synthesis, biological evaluation and SAR of 3-benzoates of ingenol for treatment of actinic keratosis and non-melanoma skin cancer.

Ingenol 3-benzoates were investigated with respect to chemical stability, pro-inflammatory effects, cell death induction and PKCδ activation. A correlation between structure, chemical stability and biological activity was found and compared to ingenol mebutate (ingenol 3-angelate) used for field treatment of actinic keratosis. We also provided further support for involvement of PKCδ for induction of oxidative burst and cytokine release.

Syntheses, biological evaluation and SAR of ingenol mebutate analogues for treatment of actinic keratosis and non-melanoma skin cancer.

Ingenol mebutate is the active ingredient in Picato® a new drug for the treatment of actinic keratosis. A number of derivatives related to ingenol mebutate were prepared by chemical synthesis from ingenol with the purpose of investigating the SAR and potency in assays relating to pro-inflammatory effects (induction of PMN oxidative burst and keratinocyte cytokine release), the potential of cell death induction, as well as the chemical stability. By modifications of the ingenol scaffold several prerequisites for activity were identified.

The septal mucosa decongests with naphazoline: a study of mucosal dynamics with sonography.

A new method using B-mode and power-Doppler-mode (pD) sonography for the investigation of changes in nasal mucosa swelling and perfusion was developed. The effect of naphazoline (0.25 mg/mL) on the nasal mucosa was visualized and recorded in 1-minute intervals in 40 patients.

[Power Doppler and B-mode sonography of nasal mucosa].

Anatomy and perfusion of the nasal septum and inferior turbinate mucosa can be visualized with B-mode and power-Doppler ultrasound. The transducer is placed externally on the nasal ala parallel to the pyriform crest and directed towards the head of the inferior turbinate of the opposite side. An individually prepared dental splint keeps the transducer in position and allows assessment of dynamic changes in mucosal swelling and perfusion.