The analytical evaluation threshold for inorganic metal extractables and leachables analysis of medical devices.

Chemical characterization of medical devices uses the analytical evaluation threshold (AET) to determine reportable organic extractables, as these chemicals may be of toxicological concern and should be addressed via toxicological risk assessment. The AET is not applicable to metal extractables due to the exclusion of toxicity data on inorganics from the dataset used to derive dose-based threshold (DBT) values. This results in minimal guidance for reporting metal extractables.

Update on the structure and function of Candida albicans drug efflux protein, Cdr1.

Candida albicans is an important human pathogenic yeast, that can become resistant to commonly used antifungal agents, such as azoles. One mechanism of drug resistance is efflux via ATP binding cassette transporters, such as Cdr1. Several studies have investigated the structural organization, binding mechanisms, function and regulation of Cdr1.

High hydrostatic pressure treatment for advanced tissue grafts in reconstructive head and neck surgery.

The increasing importance of regenerative medicine has resulted in a growing need for advanced tissue replacement materials in head and neck surgery. Allo- and xenogenic graft processing is often time-consuming and can deteriorate the extracellular matrix (ECM). High hydrostatic pressure (HHP)-treatment could allow specific devitalization while retaining the essential properties of the ECM.

Comparative Analysis of Canonical Inflammasome Activation by Flow Cytometry, Imaging Flow Cytometry and High-Content Imaging.

Inflammasome activation occurs in various diseases, including rare diseases that require multicenter studies for investigation. Flow cytometric analysis of ASC speck cells in patient samples can be used to detect cell type-specific inflammasome activation. However, this requires standardized sample processing and the ability to compare data from different flow cytometers.