Controlling Plasma-Functionalized Fillers for Enhanced Properties of PLA/ZnO Biocomposites: Effects of Excess l-Lactic Acid and Biomedical Implications.

Plasma surface treatment of ceramic particles has emerged as a promising approach for developing biocomposites intended for use in tissue engineering applications. Introducing functional groups on particle surfaces promotes changes in material surface properties, enhancing adhesion, biocompatibility, and reactivity. It can also mitigate degradation during the processing of polymer matrices in composite materials.

Perioperative blood transfusion does not impair survival after partial pancreaticoduodenectomy for periampullary cancer.

Background: The aim of this study was to analyze whether perioperative blood transfusions are an independent risk factor for a reduced survival in patients after partial pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) for periampullary malignancies.

Methods: This single-centre retrospective study analysed overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) after PD for periampullary malignancies. Patients receiving perioperative blood transfusion were compared to patients receiving no blood transfusion using univariable and multivariable Cox regression analysis and propensity score matched analysis.

Multicentre randomised controlled trial of a self-assembling haemostatic gel to prevent delayed bleeding following endoscopic mucosal resection (PURPLE Trial).

Background: Prophylactic application of a haemostatic gel to the resection field may be an easy way to prevent delayed bleeding, a frequent complication after endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR).

Objective: We aimed to evaluate if the prophylactic application of a haemostatic gel to the resection field directly after EMR can reduce the rate of clinically significant delayed bleeding events.

Design: We conducted a prospective randomised trial of patients undergoing hot-snare EMR of flat lesions in the duodenum (≥10 mm) and colorectum (≥20 mm) at 15 German centres.

A Fluorescent Probe Enables the Discovery of Improved Antagonists Targeting the Intracellular Allosteric Site of the Chemokine Receptor CCR7.

Intracellular ligands of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are gaining significant interest in drug discovery. Here, we report the development of the fluorescent ligand Mz437 () targeting the CC chemokine receptor CCR7 at an intracellular allosteric site. We demonstrate its experimental power by applying to identify two improved intracellular CCR7 antagonists, SLW131 () and SLW132 (), developed by converting two weakly active antagonists into single- or double-digit nanomolar ligands with minimal modifications.

Giant Duodenal Brunneroma: Report of a Rare Case and Review of the Literature.

BACKGROUND Brunneromas are among the rarest benign tumors of the upper gastrointestinal tract. They arise from the Brunner's glands and patients have a good prognosis if treated timely and radically. Because symptoms are rare, their diagnosis can be challenging, especially regarding the smaller ones.