Comparative analysis of cryopreserved adipose stem cells expanded in hollow fiber bioreactor versus conventional tissue culture flasks.

Cryopreservation enhances the availability of "off-the-shelf" cell therapies. However, the choice between tissue culture polystyrene (TCP) and hollow fiber system (HFB) system for adipose-derived stem cell (ASC) production remains a critical decision, with implications for scalability, reproducibility, and the clinical efficacy. Therefore, the characteristics of ASCs expanded in TCP and HFB and cryopreserved were compared.

Beyond autonomy: unpacking self-regulated and self-directed learning through the lens of learner agency- a scoping review.

Background: Learner agency involves students actively engaging in their learning process and shaping their educational experiences through autonomy, self-regulation, and decision-making. In professional education, particularly within health professions, learner agency is critical for fostering adaptability and lifelong learning. This scoping review explores how learner agency, alongside concepts such as self-regulated learning and self-directed learning, is addressed in undergraduate dental education, aiming to understand its implications and strategies for enhancing student agency in this context.

A new stepwise approach to minimize phrenic nerve injury during cryoballoon pulmonary vein isolation.

Background: A phrenic nerve injury (PNI) during cryoballoon (CB) pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) continues to represent a limitation of this technique. The objective of this study was to develop a novel technique with the aim of reducing the incidence of PNI.

Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of data from two hospitals in patients with symptomatic, drug-resistant atrial fibrillation (AF) over 7 years to evaluate the incidence and clinical characteristics of PNI during cryoballoon PVI.

Preventive catheter ablation for ventricular arrhythmias in patients with end-stage heart failure referred for heart transplantation evaluation: Rationale for and design of the CASTLE-VT trial.

Aims: Timely referrals for transplantation and left ventricular assist device (LVAD) play a key role in favourable outcomes in patients with advanced heart failure (HF). Cardiovascular mortality, driven by sudden cardiac death, is the main reason for dying while waiting for heart transplantation (HTx). The purpose of the Preventive Catheter Ablation for ventricular arrhythmiaS in patients with end-sTage heart faiLure rEferred for heart transplantation eValuaTion (CASTLE-VT) trial is to test the hypothesis that prophylactic catheter ablation of arrhythmogenic ventricular scar tissue will reduce mortality, need for LVAD implantation, and urgent HTx in patients with end-stage HF related to ischaemic cardiomyopathy (ICM).