Using different geometries to modulate the cardiac fibroblast phenotype and the biomechanical properties of engineered connective tissues.

Tissue engineering with human cardiac fibroblasts (CF) allows identifying novel mechanisms and anti-fibrotic drugs in the context of cardiac fibrosis. However, substantial knowledge on the influences of the used materials and tissue geometries on tissue properties and cell phenotypes is necessary to be able to choose an appropriate model for a specific research question. As there is a clear lack of information on how CF react to the mold architecture in engineered connective tissues (ECT), we first compared the effect of two mold geometries and materials with different hardnesses on the biomechanical properties of ECT.

Prognostic factors in patients with clinical stage I nonseminoma-beyond lymphovascular invasion: a systematic review.

Objective: To systematically evaluate evidence on prognostic factors for tumor recurrence in clinical stage I nonseminoma patients other than lymphovascular invasion (LVI).

Methods: We performed a systematic literature search in the biomedical databases Medline (via Ovid) and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (search period January 2010 to February 2021) for full text publications in English and German language, reporting on retro- or prospectively assessed prognostic factors for tumor recurrence in patients with stage I nonseminomatous germ cell tumors.

Results: Our literature search yielded eleven studies reporting on 20 potential prognostic factors.

Controversial Role of the Immune Checkpoint OX40L Expression on Platelets in Breast Cancer Progression.

In conventional T cells, OX40 has been identified as a major costimulating receptor augmenting survival and clonal expansion of effector and memory T cell populations. In regulatory T cells, (Treg) OX40 signaling suppresses cellular activity and differentiation. However, clinical trials investigating OX40 agonists to enhance anti-tumor immunity, showed only limited success so far.

Aging Affects the Role of Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells in Alloimmunity.

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) are defined as a group of myeloid cells with potent immunoregulatory functions that have been shown to be involved in a variety of immune-related diseases including infections, autoimmune disorders, and cancer. In organ transplantation, MDSC promote tolerance by modifying adaptive immune responses. With aging, however, substantial changes occur that affect immune functions and impact alloimmunity.

The arch remodelling stent for DeBakey I acute aortic dissection: experience with 100 implantations.

Objectives: A novel hybrid non-covered stent was developed to treat malperfusion and prevent aneurysm formation following hemiarch procedure for DeBakey I acute aortic dissection (AAD). The present analysis investigates the performance of the device in 100 consecutive implantations.

Methods: Between 2018 and 2021, 100 patients underwent surgical repair of DeBakey I AAD with implantation of a non-covered stent in the arch and descending aorta.

Mental and physical health-related quality of life in patients with recurrent patellar dislocations-a generic and disease-specific quality of life questionnaire assessment.

Purpose: There is a paucity of quality of life (QoL) assessments in studies evaluating patients treated for recurrent lateral patellar dislocation (LPD). The primary aim of this study was to investigate whether mental well-being is impaired in patients with chronic (recurrent) LPD and, if so, to assess whether the mental health-related QoL dimension improves equivalently to the physical-related QoL dimension after successful surgical treatment.

Methods: Thirty-eight patients with recurrent LPD over a mean course of the disease of 4.

Genetic variants involved in the cGAS-STING pathway predict outcome in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer: Data from FIRE-3 and TRIBE trials.

Background: The activation of stimulator of interferon genes (STING) was reported to enhance cetuximab-mediated natural killer cell activation and dendritic cell maturation. Polymorphisms in genes in the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)-STING pathway may affect innate immune response. Therefore, we hypothesised that genetic variants in the cGAS-STING pathway may predict the efficacy of cetuximab-based treatment in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.

Female Patients with Pneumonia on Intensive Care Unit Are under Risk of Fatal Outcome.

The impact of sex on mortality in patients with pneumonia requiring intensive care unit (ICU) treatment is still a controversial discussion, with studies providing heterogeneous results. The reasons for sex differences are widespread, including hormonal, immunologic and therapeutic approaches. This study's aim was to evaluate sex-related differences in the mortality of ICU patients with pneumonia.

Evaluation of a Meropenem and Piperacillin Monitoring Program in Intensive Care Unit Patients Calls for the Regular Assessment of Empirical Targets and Easy-to-Use Dosing Decision Tools.

The drug concentrations targeted in meropenem and piperacillin/tazobactam therapy also depend on the susceptibility of the pathogen. Yet, the pathogen is often unknown, and antibiotic therapy is guided by empirical targets. To reliably achieve the targeted concentrations, dosing needs to be adjusted for renal function.

Pre-diagnostic C-reactive protein concentrations, CRP genetic variation and mortality among individuals with colorectal cancer in Western European populations.

Background: The role of elevated pre-diagnostic C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations on mortality in individuals with colorectal cancer (CRC) remains unclear.

Methods: We investigated the association between pre-diagnostic high-sensitivity CRP concentrations and CRP genetic variation associated with circulating CRP and CRC-specific and all-cause mortality based on data from 1,235 individuals with CRC within the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition cohort using multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression.

Results: During a median follow-up of 9.

Germline Polymorphisms in Genes Involved in the Antioxidant System Predict the Efficacy of Cetuximab in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Patients Enrolled in FIRE-3 Trial.

Background: Reactive oxygen species activate EGFR/RAS/MAPK signaling either through the inactivation of phosphatases or by direct oxidation of kinases. We hypothesized that functional single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in antioxidant genes link to the efficacy of cetuximab in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC).

Patients And Methods: We analyzed genomic and clinical data from FIRE-3, a phase III trial comparing cetuximab and bevacizumab along with FOLFIRI in untreated mCRC patients.

Aetiological research on the health of migrants living in Germany: a systematic literature review.

Background: Germany has become an important immigration country and health services need to adopt to meet the needs of an increasingly multicultural population. For public health planning, it is essential to understand the aetiology of health problems among migrant populations. The main objective was to systematically identify, evaluate and synthesise population-based studies that investigated exposure-outcome relationships among migrant groups in Germany.

Study Design: Human Leukocyte Antigen Class I Molecule A02-Chimeric Antigen Receptor Regulatory T Cells in Renal Transplantation.

Introduction: Cell therapy with regulatory T cells (Tregs) in solid organ transplantation is a promising approach for the prevention of graft rejection and induction of immunologic tolerance. Previous clinical studies have demonstrated the safety of Tregs in renal transplant recipients. Antigen-specific Tregs, such as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-Tregs, are expected to be more efficacious than polyclonal Tregs in homing to the target antigen.

Primary Graft Dysfunction: The Role of Aging in Lung Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury.

Transplant centers around the world have been using extended criteria donors to remedy the ongoing demand for lung transplantation. With a rapidly aging population, older donors are increasingly considered. Donor age, at the same time has been linked to higher rates of lung ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI).

Serum neurofilament light chain concentration predicts disease worsening in multiple sclerosis.

Background: Serum neurofilament light (sNfL) chain is a promising biomarker reflecting neuro-axonal injury in multiple sclerosis (MS). However, the ability of sNfL to predict outcomes in real-world MS cohorts requires further validation.

Objective: The aim of the study is to investigate the associations of sNfL concentration, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and retinal optical coherence tomography (OCT) markers with disease worsening in a longitudinal European multicentre MS cohort.

Encorafenib in Combination With Cetuximab After Systemic Therapy in Patients With BRAF Mutant Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: German Health Technology Assessment-Driven Analyses From the BEACON CRC Study.

Background: Purpose of this analysis was to report data of the BEACON CRC trial used in the German Health Technology Assessment (HTA) and previously unpublished data focusing on the dual blockade (encorafenib + cetuximab) and appropriate comparative therapy (ACT/control: cetuximab + irinotecan-based chemotherapy) of patients with BRAF-mutant mCRC.

Materials And Methods: Analyses included overall survival (OS) and time-to-event analyses of morbidity and safety.

Results: A total of 220 patients received encorafenib + cetuximab and 221 patients ACT/control.

How to classify, diagnose, treat and follow-up extragonadal germ cell tumors? A systematic review of available evidence.

Purpose: To present the current evidence and the development of studies in recent years on the management of extragonadal germ cell tumors (EGCT).

Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in Medline and the Cochrane Library. Studies within the search period (January 2010 to February 2021) that addressed the classification, diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, and follow-up of extragonadal tumors were included.

Surgical fixation techniques in four-corner fusion of the wrist: a systematic review of 1103 cases.

Background: Four-corner fusion (4CF) is a known treatment option for degenerative wrist conditions. Different techniques may be used and there is no general consensus on best implant. As such, it was the purpose of the current systematic review to compare fusion rates and outcomes depending on the fixation technique.