Process Control of Multistep Surface Functionalization on Hydroxyethyl Starch Nanocapsules Determines the Reproducibility of the Biological Efficacy.

Nanocarrier synthesis is highly process-dependent, leading to potential batch-to-batch variability if it is not controlled at each step. This variability affects the reproducibility of subsequent biomodification, resulting in unpredictable biological effects, particularly for bioactive molecules such as interleukin-2 (IL-2). Inconsistent conjugation can lead to variable treatment outcomes and severe side effects.

Distribution of Pupil Size and Associated Factors: Results from the Population-Based Gutenberg Health Study.

Results: 18,335 eyes of 9,559 participants aged 40 to 80 years were included in the analysis. Median pupil diameter was 4.19 mm in right eyes and 4.

Peptidomimetic inhibitors of TMPRSS2 block SARS-CoV-2 infection in cell culture.

The transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2) primes the SARS-CoV-2 Spike (S) protein for host cell entry and represents a promising target for COVID-19 therapy. Here we describe the in silico development and in vitro characterization of peptidomimetic TMPRSS2 inhibitors. Molecular docking studies identified peptidomimetic binders of the TMPRSS2 catalytic site, which were synthesized and coupled to an electrophilic serine trap.

Structure-Based Design of High-Affinity and Selective Peptidomimetic Hepsin Inhibitors.

In many solid tumors, increased upregulation of transmembrane serine proteases (TTSPs) leads to an overactivation of growth factors, which promotes tumor progression. Here, we have used a combinatorial methodology to develop high-affinity tetrapeptidic inhibitors. A previous virtual screening of 8000 peptide combinations against the crystal structure of the TTSP hepsin identified a series of recognition sequences, customized for the non-prime substrate binding (P) sites of this serine protease.

A comparison of input devices for precise interaction tasks in VR-based surgical planning and training.

To exploit the potential of virtual reality (VR) in medicine, the input devices must be selected carefully due to their different benefits. In this work, input devices for common interaction tasks in medical VR planning and training are compared. Depending on the specific purpose, different requirements exist.

Toward interprofessional team training for surgeons and anesthesiologists using virtual reality.

Purpose: In this work, a virtual environment for interprofessional team training in laparoscopic surgery is proposed. Our objective is to provide a tool to train and improve intraoperative communication between anesthesiologists and surgeons during laparoscopic procedures.

Methods: An anesthesia simulation software and laparoscopic simulation software are combined within a multi-user virtual reality (VR) environment.

Pediatric non-red cell blood product transfusion practices: what's the evidence to guide transfusion of the 'yellow' blood products?

Purpose Of Review: Research studies pertaining to the management of pediatric non-red cell blood product transfusion is limited. Clinical practices vary within disciplines and regions. Anesthesiologists need evidence-based guidelines to make appropriate and safe decisions regarding transfusion of the 'yellow' blood products for pediatric patients.

Fecal incontinence after total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer-impact of potential risk factors and pelvic intraoperative neuromonitoring.

Background: Fecal incontinence frequently occurs after total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer. This prospective study analyzed predictive factors and the impact of pelvic intraoperative neuromonitoring at different follow-up intervals.

Methods: Fifty-two patients were included undergoing total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer, and 29 under control of pelvic intraoperative neuromonitoring.

Accreditation of endocrine surgery units.

Background/purpose: A key measure to maintain and improve the quality of healthcare is the formal accreditation of provider units. The European Society of Endocrine Surgeons (ESES) therefore proposes a system of accreditation for endocrine surgical centers in Europe to supplement existing measures that promote high standards in the practice in endocrine surgery.

Methods: A working group analyzed the current healthcare situation in the field of endocrine surgery in Europe.

Five-fold Gastrointestinal Electrical Stimulation With Electromyography-based Activity Analysis: Towards Multilocular Theranostic Intestinal Implants.

Background/aims: Motility disorders are common and may affect the entire gastrointestinal (GI) tract but current treatment is limited. Multilocular sensing of GI electrical activity and variable electrical stimulation (ES) is a promising option. The aim of our study is to investigate the effects of adjustable ES on poststimulatory spike activities in 5 GI segments.

An experimental study on magnetic esophageal compression anastomosis in piglets.

Introduction: Fashioning a patent, watertight anastomosis in patients with esophageal atresia is a challenging task in pediatric surgery, particularly when performed under tension. A reproducible suture-less alternative would decrease operative time. We evaluated magnetic esophageal compression anastomoses in a novel bypass-loop swine model.

Expression and prognostic significance of insulin‑like growth factor-2 receptor in human hepatocellular carcinoma and the influence of transarterial chemoembolization.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common human malignancies, the incidence of which is growing worldwide. The prognosis of HCC is very poor and it is often accompanied by a high rate of recurrence. Conventional chemotherapeutic approaches are largely inefficient.

Head-Mounted Mixed-Reality Technology During Robotic-Assisted Transanal Total Mesorectal Excision.

Introduction: Head-mounted mixed-reality technologies may enable advanced intraoperative visualization during visceral surgery. In this technical note, we describe an innovative use of real-time mixed reality during robotic-assisted transanal total mesorectal excision.

Technique: Video signals from the robotic console and video endoscopic transanal approach were displayed on a virtual monitor using a head-up display.

Highly immersive virtual reality laparoscopy simulation: development and future aspects.

Purpose: Virtual reality (VR) applications with head-mounted displays (HMDs) have had an impact on information and multimedia technologies. The current work aimed to describe the process of developing a highly immersive VR simulation for laparoscopic surgery.

Methods: We combined a VR laparoscopy simulator (LapSim) and a VR-HMD to create a user-friendly VR simulation scenario.

Pediatric oncologic endosurgery.

Despite increasing popularity of minimal-invasive techniques in the pediatric population, their use in diagnosis and management of pediatric malignancy is still debated. Moreover, there is limited evidence to clarify this controversy due to low incidence of each individual type of pediatric tumor, huge diversity of the disease entity, heterogeneity of surgical technique, and lack of well-designed studies on pediatric oncologic minimal-invasive surgery. However, a rapid development of medical instruments and technologies accelerated the current trend toward less invasive surgery, including oncologic endosurgery.

European Thyroid Association Guidelines regarding Thyroid Nodule Molecular Fine-Needle Aspiration Cytology Diagnostics.

Molecular fine-needle aspiration (FNA) cytology diagnostics has the potential to address the inherent limitation of FNA cytology which is an indeterminate (atypia of undetermined significance/follicular lesion of undetermined significance follicular neoplasm) cytology. Because of the emerging role of molecular FNA cytology diagnostics, the European Thyroid Association convened a panel of international experts to review methodological aspects, indications, results, and limitations of molecular FNA cytology diagnostics. The panel reviewed the evidence for the diagnostic value of mutation panel assessment (including at least , , , , , ) of targeted next generation sequencing and of a microarray gene expression classifier (GEC) test in the diagnostic assessment of an indeterminate cytology thyroid nodule.

Transcutaneous sacral nerve stimulation for intraoperative verification of internal anal sphincter innervation.

Background: The current standard for pelvic intraoperative neuromonitoring (pIONM) is based on intermittent direct nerve stimulation. This study investigated the potential use of transcutaneous sacral nerve stimulation for non-invasive verification of pelvic autonomic nerves.

Methods: A consecutive series of six pigs underwent low anterior rectal resection.

Validation of weak biological effects by round robin experiments: cytotoxicity/biocompatibility of SiO and polymer nanoparticles in HepG2 cells.

All over the world, different types of nanomaterials with a diversified spectrum of applications are designed and developed, especially in the field of nanomedicine. The great variety of nanoparticles (NPs), in vitro test systems and cell lines led to a vast amount of publications with conflicting data. To identify the decisive principles of these variabilities, we conducted an intercomparison study of collaborating laboratories within the German DFG Priority Program SPP1313, using well-defined experimental parameters and well-characterized NPs.

Risk Factor Analysis for Newly Developed Urogenital Dysfunction after Total Mesorectal Excision and Impact of Pelvic Intraoperative Neuromonitoring-a Prospective 2-Year Follow-Up Study.

Aim: Urogenital dysfunction is a common sequela following total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer. This prospective study analyzed potential risk factors and investigated the impact of pelvic intraoperative neuromonitoring.

Method: Included were 85 patients undergoing total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer, 43 under the control of pelvic intraoperative neuromonitoring.