Functionalization of [2.2]Paracyclophanes via a Reductive Sulfanylation Reaction.

An expeditious route to planar chiral sulfur-based scaffolds has been achieved in two operational steps from cheap and commercial [2.2]paracyclophane hydrocarbon. The sulfur atom was introduced in a specific benzylic position of the [2.

Biomimetic six-axis robots replicate human cardiac papillary muscle motion: pioneering the next generation of biomechanical heart simulator technology.

Papillary muscles serve as attachment points for chordae tendineae which anchor and position mitral valve leaflets for proper coaptation. As the ventricle contracts, the papillary muscles translate and rotate, impacting chordae and leaflet kinematics; this motion can be significantly affected in a diseased heart. In heart simulation, an explanted valve is subjected to physiologic conditions and can be adapted to mimic a disease state, thus providing a valuable tool to quantitatively analyse biomechanics and optimize surgical valve repair.

Platelet Counts during Pregnancy.

Background: Platelet counts of less than 150,000 per cubic millimeter during uncomplicated pregnancies are described as gestational thrombocytopenia if no alternative cause is identified. Platelet counts may be even lower in women with pregnancy-related complications. However, the occurrence and severity of thrombocytopenia throughout pregnancy are not defined.

Interaction Between Progesterone and Interleukin-1β in Modulating Progesterone Receptor Expression and the Inflammatory Phenotype in Human Cervical Fibroblasts.

Progesterone helps maintain cervical structure during pregnancy via the progesterone receptor (PR). Two PR isoforms exist, PR-A and PR-B, which have overlapping as well as isoform-specific target genes. During late gestation, leukocytes infiltrate the cervical stroma accompanied by increased cervical cytokine levels, resembling an inflammatory process.