Direct suppression of human islet dedifferentiation, progenitor genes, but not epithelial to mesenchymal transition by liraglutide.

β-cell dedifferentiation has been accounted as one of the major mechanisms for β-cell failure; thus, is a cause to diabetes. We study direct impacts of liraglutide treatment on human dedifferentiated islets, and its effects on genes important in endocrine function, progenitor states, and epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT). Human islets from non-diabetic donors, were purified and incubated until day 1 and day 4, and were determined insulin contents, numbers of insulin (INS) and glucagon (GCG) cells.

A novel robotic monofilament test for diabetic neuropathy.

Objective: The use of the Semmes-Weinstein (SW) monofilament test is recommended as a screening method for diabetic neuropathy. It offers an important chance to prevent further complications of diabetic foot. We aimed to develop a prototype Robotic Monofilament Inspector that can be used as a standard machine for screening of diabetic neuropathy.

Three-dimensional aortic aneurysm model and endovascular repair: an educational tool for surgical trainees.

Objectives: Endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) is a current valid treatment option for patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). The success of EVAR depends on the selection of appropriate patients, which requires detailed knowledge of the patient's vascular anatomy and preoperative planning. Three-dimensional (3D) models of AAA using a rapid prototyping technique were developed to help surgical trainees learn how to plan for EVAR more effectively.

Comparison of risk-scoring systems in predicting hospital mortality after abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

Objective: To compare the Physiological and Operative Severity Score for the enUmeration of Mortality and Morbidity, Portsmouth adjustment (P-POSSUM), the Hardman index and the Glasgow aneurysm score (GAS) in the prediction of hospital mortality after abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair.

Methods: Medical charts of 146 AAA patients treated between January 1996 and January 2007 were reviewed. The P-POSSUM, Hardman index and GAS were calculated for each patient.