The burden of Chronic Pelvic Pain (CPP): Costs and quality of life of women and men with CPP treated in outpatient referral centers.

Introduction: Chronic Pelvic Pain (CPP) is a complex, multifaceted condition that affects both women and men. There is limited literature on the cost utilization the healthcare system and CPP patients incur. The purpose of this analysis is to characterize the overall healthcare utilization, cost burden, and quality-of-life restrictions experienced by CPP patients using data from an outpatient pelvic rehabilitation practice.

Multifunctional PEG Carrier by Chemoenzymatic Synthesis for Drug Delivery Systems: In Memory of Professor Andrzej Dworak.

This paper describes the synthesis and characterization of new bivalent folate-targeted PEGylated doxorubicin (FA-dPEG-DOX) made by modular chemo-enzymatic processes using lipase B (CALB) as a biocatalyst. Unique features are the use of monodisperse PEG (dPEG) and the synthesis of thiol-functionalized folic acid yielding exclusive γ-conjugation of folic acid (FA) to dPEG. The polymer-based drug conjugate is built up by a series of transesterification and Michael addition reactions all catalyzed be CALB.

Screening of Polymer-Based Drug Delivery Vehicles Targeting Folate Receptors in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer.

Purpose: To compare cellular uptake and cytotoxicity of fluorescein (FL)-labeled polyethylene glycols (PEGs) carrying 2 folate groups (targeted delivery vehicles [TDVs]) to non-PEGylated molecules with 1 or 2 folate groups.

Materials And Methods: Three PEGylated TDVs and 2 non-PEGylated folic acid (FA)-fluorescein (FL) conjugates (FA-FL and FA-FL-FA) were synthesized. Two triple-negative breast cancer cell lines (MDA-MB-231and MDA-MB-468) were cultured to 70% confluency and incubated for 2 h in a folate-depleted medium.

PEGylation of Fluorescein by Enzyme-Catalyzed "Click" Michael Addition.

This paper reports the first "Click" Michael addition catalyzed by Candida antarctica lipase B (CALB) between fluorescein o-acrylate and thiol-functionalized poly(ethylene glycol)s (HS-PEG-SH, M = 1200 g mol , Đ = 1.14, and M = 2200 g mol , Đ = 1.09).

A novel, nonopiod-based treatment approach to men with urologic chronic pelvic pain syndrome using ultrasound-guided nerve hydrodissection and pelvic floor musculature trigger point injections.

Introduction: Urological chronic pelvic pain syndrome (UCPPS) represents a group of pain symptoms relating to patients with pelvic pain for which treatment is largely unsatisfactory. The objective of this study is to analyze the effects of a novel treatment strategy in males suffering from UCPPS.

Methods: This retrospective, institutional review board-approved study analyzed eight male patients aged 24 to 61 with UCPPS.

Modeling of the hemodynamics in the feet of patients with peripheral artery disease.

To simulate the hemodynamic effects in the feet in response to a thigh cuff occlusion, we have developed a multi-compartmental model in which the circulatory system for the leg is represented by its electrical equivalents. Dynamic vascular optical tomographic imaging data previously obtained from 20 patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) and 20 healthy subjects is used to test the model. Analyzing the clinical data with the support of the model yields diagnostic specificity and sensitivity in the 90-95% range, significantly higher than previously reported.

Detection of Peripheral Arterial Disease Within the Foot Using Vascular Optical Tomographic Imaging: A Clinical Pilot Study.

Objective: Vascular optical tomographic imaging (VOTI) is a novel imaging modality that is capable of detecting hemoglobin concentrations in tissue. VOTI is non-invasive, non-ionizing and does not require contrast injection. This technology was applied to the diagnosis of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) within lower extremities of diabetic patients with calcified arteries.

Crossing chronic total occlusions with the Ocelot system: the initial European experience.

Aims: The aim of the study was to determine the safety, efficacy and feasibility of a new chronic total occlusion (CTO) device using optical coherence tomography (OCT) technology, the Ocelot catheter (Avinger, Inc., Redwood City, CA, USA), for crossing of SFA CTOs following guidewire failure.

Methods And Results: Prospective, multicentre, market preference testing.

Stent exteriorization facilitates surgical repair for large-bore sheath complications.

Endovascular therapy for peripheral vascular and valvular disease has rapidly expanded and yet also produced new challenges for vascular access and closure. Current generation thoracic endograft (TEVAR) outer diameter sheath sizes range from 18 to 25 French, and the options for vascular access closure include off-label use of a closure device versus surgical cutdown. We describe a patient with a complex, post-dissection, descending aortic aneurysm who required TEVAR and had a vascular access complication repaired with stent exteriorization with open repair.

Dynamic diffuse optical tomography imaging of peripheral arterial disease.

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is the narrowing of arteries due to plaque accumulation in the vascular walls. This leads to insufficient blood supply to the extremities and can ultimately cause cell death. Currently available methods are ineffective in diagnosing PAD in patients with calcified arteries, such as those with diabetes.

Clinical significance of the clopidogrel-proton pump inhibitor interaction after peripheral endovascular intervention for claudication.

Objective: Despite numerous studies in the cardiology literature, the clinical impact of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) administration on the antiplatelet effect of clopidogrel remains controversial. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of concurrent PPI and clopidogrel administration on outcomes after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting (PTA&S) of the superficial femoral artery (SFA) for claudication.

Methods: Retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database (2004-2010) identified patients undergoing PTA&S of the SFA for lifestyle-limiting claudication (Rutherford Class III).

Midterm outcomes after treatment of type II endoleaks associated with aneurysm sac expansion.

Purpose: To examine the outcomes following interventions for type II endoleaks in patients with aneurysm sac expansion after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR).

Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of all patients who underwent treatment for type II endoleak from July 2001 to September 2010 in a single center. In this time period, 29 (4.

Heart failure is associated with reduced patency after endovascular intervention for symptomatic peripheral arterial disease.

Objective: Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a highly prevalent comorbidity among patients with symptomatic peripheral arterial disease. The effect of CHF on the procedural success of endovascular treatment, however, remains unknown. Theoretically, poor inflow secondary to systolic dysfunction and peripheral vascular alterations may predispose endovascular interventions to failure.

Endovascular management as first therapy for chronic total occlusion of the lower extremity arteries: comparison of balloon angioplasty, stenting, and directional atherectomy.

Purpose: To evaluate the role of endovascular therapy in the management of infrainguinal arterial chronic total occlusions (CTOs).

Methods: Data on all patients with CTOs treated at a single center from 2004 to 2010 were extracted from a prospectively maintained database for retrospective analysis. Patient demographics, angiographic studies, noninvasive vascular test results, and clinical outcomes were evaluated.

Gender differences in outcomes of endovascular treatment of infrainguinal peripheral artery disease.

Objective: Our goal was to assess the outcomes of females compared to males treated with endovascular lower extremity interventions in order to determine optimal therapy based on gender.

Methods: We performed a retrospective review evaluating the outcomes of primary transluminal angioplasty (PTA) and PTA + stenting (PTA + S) for peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Patency rates and limb salvage were the primary end points.

Tsc1 mutant neural stem/progenitor cells exhibit migration deficits and give rise to subependymal lesions in the lateral ventricle.

Subependymal nodules (SENs) and subependymal giant cell astrocytomas (SEGAs) are common brain lesions found in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). These brain lesions present a mixed glioneuronal phenotype and have been hypothesized to originate from neural stem cells. However, this hypothesis has not been tested empirically.

Choosing the appropriate intervention for symptomatic and asymptomatic carotid disease in the era of multiple therapies: integration of risk profile and technical data.

With rapid evolution of endovascular techniques, carotid artery stenting has emerged as an alternative to carotid endarterectomy. Several investigations have been performed that examine the roles of carotid endarterectomy and carotid artery stenting and some trials have sought to compare the two treatment modalities. There have also been advances in the understanding of optimal medical management of carotid artery stenosis.

Endovascular management of type B aortic dissection after attempted central venous catheterization.

A 41-year-old woman, status postmastectomy for breast cancer had an attempted 8-F left subclavian vein chemotherapy port placed in her. She developed severe upper back pain radiating to the left shoulder. A computed tomographic scan and angiography revealed catheter placement in the left subclavian artery and a type B aortic dissection.

A20 modulates lipid metabolism and energy production to promote liver regeneration.

Background: Liver regeneration is clinically of major importance in the setting of liver injury, resection or transplantation. We have demonstrated that the NF-κB inhibitory protein A20 significantly improves recovery of liver function and mass following extended liver resection (LR) in mice. In this study, we explored the Systems Biology modulated by A20 following extended LR in mice.

O-glycosylation regulates ubiquitination and degradation of the anti-inflammatory protein A20 to accelerate atherosclerosis in diabetic ApoE-null mice.

Background: Accelerated atherosclerosis is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in diabetic patients. Hyperglycemia is a recognized independent risk factor for heightened atherogenesis in diabetes mellitus (DM). However, our understanding of the mechanisms underlying glucose damage to the vasculature remains incomplete.

Lesion types and device characteristics that predict distal embolization during percutaneous lower extremity interventions.

Objective: Distal embolization (DE) during percutaneous lower extremity revascularization (LER) may cause severe clinical sequelae. To better define DE, we investigated which lesion types and treatment modalities increase the risk for embolization.

Methods: A prospective registry of LER from 2004 to 2009 was reviewed.

Significance of initial aortic aneurysm pressure sensor readings varies with aortic endograft design.

Background: The differences in implantable pressure sensor aneurysm sac readings were compared following endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) among three different stent grafts.

Methods: From January 2006 to March 2009, 51 aortic stent grafts were implanted along with the Endosure sensor. Grafts used were Zenith, Talent, and Excluder.

Delayed permanent paraplegia after endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Spinal cord ischemia is a rare complication after abdominal aortic surgery and has been attributed to surgical devascularization of the spinal cord, atheroembolization of the cord circulation, or hypoperfusion of cord structures secondary to hypotension or cord edema. We present a diabetic, hypertensive 75-year-old male with endstage renal disease who presented with a 5.5 cm asymptomatic infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm, and concomitant 3.