S.T.I.C.K.: A Quality Improvement Pediatric IV Infiltration Prevention Bundle.

Peripheral intravenous (PIV) catheters are commonly used in pediatric medical-surgical orthopedic and neurology populations but are at risk of dislodgement with subsequent infiltration of fluids and/or medications. This quality improvement project sought to decrease the incidence of infiltration by creating an educational awareness program for both staff nurses and families using the S.T.

Probe-Dependent Negative Allosteric Modulators of the Long-Chain Free Fatty Acid Receptor FFA4.

High-affinity and selective antagonists that are able to block the actions of both endogenous and synthetic agonists of G protein-coupled receptors are integral to analysis of receptor function and to support suggestions of therapeutic potential. Although there is great interest in the potential of free fatty acid receptor 4 (FFA4) as a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of type II diabetes, the broad distribution pattern of this receptor suggests it may play a range of roles beyond glucose homeostasis in different cells and tissues. To date, a single molecule, 4-methyl--9-xanthen-9-yl-benzenesulfonamide (AH-7614), has been described as an FFA4 antagonist; however, its mechanism of antagonism remains unknown.

Multiple AMPK activators inhibit l-carnitine uptake in C2C12 skeletal muscle myotubes.

Mutations in the gene that encodes the principal l-carnitine transporter, OCTN2, can lead to a reduced intracellular l-carnitine pool and the disease Primary Carnitine Deficiency. l-Carnitine supplementation is used therapeutically to increase intracellular l-carnitine. As AMPK and insulin regulate fat metabolism and substrate uptake, we hypothesized that AMPK-activating compounds and insulin would increase l-carnitine uptake in C2C12 myotubes.

Non-Acidic Free Fatty Acid Receptor 4 Agonists with Antidiabetic Activity.

The free fatty acid receptor 4 (FFA4 or GPR120) has appeared as an interesting potential target for the treatment of metabolic disorders. At present, most FFA4 ligands are carboxylic acids that are assumed to mimic the endogenous long-chain fatty acid agonists. Here, we report preliminary structure-activity relationship studies of a previously disclosed nonacidic sulfonamide FFA4 agonist.

Activity of dietary fatty acids on FFA1 and FFA4 and characterisation of pinolenic acid as a dual FFA1/FFA4 agonist with potential effect against metabolic diseases.

Various foods are associated with effects against metabolic diseases such as insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes; however, their mechanisms of action are mostly unclear. Fatty acids may contribute by acting as precursors of signalling molecules or by direct activity on receptors. The medium- and long-chain NEFA receptor FFA1 (free fatty acid receptor 1, previously known as GPR40) has been linked to enhancement of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, whereas FFA4 (free fatty acid receptor 4, previously known as GPR120) has been associated with insulin-sensitising and anti-inflammatory effects, and both receptors are reported to protect pancreatic islets and promote secretion of appetite and glucose-regulating hormones.

Treatment of type 2 diabetes by free Fatty Acid receptor agonists.

Dietary free fatty acids (FFAs), such as ω-3 fatty acids, regulate metabolic and anti-inflammatory processes, with many of these effects attributed to FFAs interacting with a family of G protein-coupled receptors. Selective synthetic ligands for free fatty acid receptors (FFA1-4) have consequently been developed as potential treatments for type 2 diabetes (T2D). In particular, clinical studies show that Fasiglifam, an agonist of the long-chain FFA receptor, FFA1, improved glycemic control and reduced HbA1c levels in T2D patients, with a reduced risk of hypoglycemia.

Regenerative potential of low-concentration SDS-decellularized porcine aortic valved conduits in vivo.

The aims of this study were to determine the functional biocompatibility of low-concentration SDS-decellularized porcine aortic roots in vivo. A previously developed process was modified for 9- and 15-mm-diameter aortic roots to facilitate implantation into the porcine abdominal aorta (n=3) and juvenile sheep right ventricular outflow tract (n=7), respectively. Native allogeneic aortic roots were used as controls.

Characterizing pharmacological ligands to study the long-chain fatty acid receptors GPR40/FFA1 and GPR120/FFA4.

The free fatty acid receptors (FFA) 1 (previously designated GPR40) and FFA4 (previously GPR120) are two GPCRs activated by saturated and unsaturated longer-chain free fatty acids. With expression patterns and functions anticipated to directly or indirectly promote insulin secretion, provide homeostatic control of blood glucose and improve tissue insulin sensitivity, both receptors are being studied as potential therapeutic targets for the control of type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, genetic and systems biology studies in both humans and mouse models link FFA4 receptors to diabetes and obesity.

AMPK modulates glucose-sensing in insulin-secreting cells by altered phosphotransfer to KATP channels.

Glucose-sensing (GS) behaviour in pancreatic β-cells is dependent on ATP-sensitive K(+) channel (KATP) activity, which is controlled by the relative levels of the KATP ligands ATP and ADP, responsible for closing and opening KATP, respectively. However, the mechanism by which β-cells transfer energy status from mitochondria to KATP, and hence to altered electrical excitability and insulin secretion, is presently unclear. Recent work has demonstrated a critical role for AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in GS behaviour of cells.

Anorexigenic and orexigenic hormone modulation of mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 activity and the regulation of hypothalamic agouti-related protein mRNA expression.

Activation of mammalian target of rapamycin 1 (mTORC1) by nutrients, insulin and leptin leads to appetite suppression (anorexia). Contrastingly, increased AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activity by ghrelin promotes appetite (orexia). However, the interplay between these mechanisms remains poorly defined.

Leptin-dependent phosphorylation of PTEN mediates actin restructuring and activation of ATP-sensitive K+ channels.

Leptin activates multiple signaling pathways in cells, including the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase pathway, indicating a degree of cross-talk with insulin signaling. The exact mechanisms by which leptin alters this signaling pathway and how it relates to functional outputs are unclear at present. A previous study has established that leptin inhibits the activity of the phosphatase PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10), an important tumor suppressor and modifier of phosphoinositide signaling.

[Ross procedure versus mechanical aortic valve replacement in young adults].

Unlabelled: Clinical and echocardiographic data of young adults undergoing aortic valve replacement either by pulmonary autograft or mechanical prosthesis were analysed. Between 1995 and 2002 thirty-four consecutive patients (age 26.2 +/- 5.

The circumferential loading of a direct cardiac compression assist device.

Heart disease is the developed world's largest killer. Transplantation of the failing heart remains the most effective treatment currently employed, but demand far exceeds donor supply. In a bid to address this imbalance, the use of mechanical circulatory support has been explored since the mid-1960s.

Regulation of fibroblast functions by lysophospholipid mediators: potential roles in wound healing.

The bioactive lysophospholipids, primarily lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) and sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), are recent additions to the list of potent mediators of tissue repair and wound healing. In this review, we highlight the diverse actions of LPA and S1P on many types of cells involved in the wound healing process, with special emphasis on their regulation of fibroblasts. The effects of LPA and S1P are principally mediated via specific cell surface receptors.

Biocompatibility of acellular human pericardium.

Background: Previous studies have shown successful decellularization of human pericardium without affecting the major structural components and strength of the matrix. The aim of this study was to assess the biocompatibility and reseeding potential of the acellular human pericardial scaffold.

Materials And Methods: Pericardia were treated sequentially with hypotonic buffer, sodium dodecyl sulfate, and a nuclease solution.

Biomechanical characterization of decellularized and cross-linked bovine pericardium.

Background And Aim Of The Study: Although bovine pericardium has been used extensively in cardiothoracic surgery, its degeneration and calcification are important limiting factors in the continued use of this material. The study aims were to decellularize bovine pericardium and to compare the biomechanical properties of fresh and decellularized bovine pericardia to those treated with different concentrations of glutaraldehyde (GA).

Methods: An established protocol for decellularization using sodium dodecyl sulfate was used, and histological analysis performed to validate the adequacy of decellularization.

Sphingosine-1-phosphate and the immunosuppressant, FTY720-phosphate, regulate detrusor muscle tone.

Overactive bladder syndrome (OBS) results from disturbances of bladder function. Bladder smooth muscle (detrusor) exhibits spontaneous rhythmic activity (tone) independent of neurogenic control, which is enhanced in patients with OBS. We have now uncovered a prominent role for the bioactive sphingolipid metabolite, sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), in regulating rabbit detrusor smooth muscle tone and contraction.

Simulation of the human cardiovascular system for real-time physical interaction with an assist device.

In the development of left ventricular assist devices (LVADs), numerical simulations of the cardiovascular (CV) system have been widely used. Further, electro-hydraulic simulations have been developed to evaluate the performance of a physical LVAD prototype against a numerical model of the CV system. The effects of dynamic cardiac compression (DCC) have been less well modeled.

Amplitude modulation drive to rectangular-plate linear ultrasonic motors with vibrators dimensions 8 mm x 2.16 mm X 1 mm.

In this paper, to exploit the contribution from not only the stators but also from other parts of miniature ultrasonic motors, an amplitude modulation drive is proposed to drive a miniature linear ultrasonic motor consisting of two rectangular piezoelectric ceramic plates. Using finite-element software, the first longitudinal and second lateral-bending frequencies of the vibrator are shown to be very close when its dimensions are 8 mm x 2.16 mm x 1 mm.

Hardware-in-the-loop-simulation of the cardiovascular system, with assist device testing application.

This paper presents a technique for evaluating the performance of biomedical devices by combining physical (mechanical) testing with a numerical, computerised model of a biological system. This technique is developed for evaluation of a cardiac assist device prior to in vivo trials. This device will wrap around a failing heart and provide physical beating assistance (dynamic cardiac compression).

Development and characterization of an acellular human pericardial matrix for tissue engineering.

This study aimed to produce an acellular human tissue scaffold with a view to recellularization with autologous cells to produce a tissue-engineered pericardium that can be used as a patch for cardiovascular repair. Human pericardia from cadaveric donors were treated sequentially with hypotonic buffer, SDS in hypotonic buffer, and a nuclease solution. Histological analysis of decellularized matrices showed that the human pericardial tissue retained its histioarchitecture and major structural proteins.

Combined severe pectus excavatum correction and aortic root replacement in Marfan's syndrome.

A 23-year-old man with Marfan's syndrome was admitted for repair of annulo-aortic ectasia and severe pectus excavatum. A submammary skin incision approach followed by bilateral subperichondrial resection of abnormal costal cartilages was performed. The left intercostal muscles and perichondrial sheaths were divided 2 inches lateral to the sternum in a parasternal fashion to place the retractor.

In-vitro assessment of the functional performance of the decellularized intact porcine aortic root.

Background And Aims Of The Study: Tissue-engineered heart valves offer the potential to deliver a heart valve replacement that will develop with the young patient. The present authors' approach is to use decellularized aortic heart valves reseeded in vitro or in vivo with the patient's own cells. It has been reported that treatment of porcine aortic valve leaflets with 0.

The S1P2 receptor negatively regulates platelet-derived growth factor-induced motility and proliferation.

Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), a bioactive sphingolipid metabolite, is the ligand for five specific G protein-coupled receptors, named S1P(1) to S1P(5). In this study, we found that cross-communication between platelet-derived growth factor receptor and S1P(2) serves as a negative damper of PDGF functions. Deletion of the S1P(2) receptor dramatically increased migration of mouse embryonic fibroblasts toward S1P, serum, and PDGF but not fibronectin.