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We develop a computational algorithm based on a diffuse interface approach to study the design of bioartificial organ scaffold architectures. These scaffolds, composed of poroelastic hydrogels housing transplanted cells, are linked to the patient's blood circulation via an anastomosis graft. Before entering the scaffold, the blood flow passes through a filter, and the resulting filtered blood plasma transports oxygen and nutrients to sustain the viability of transplanted cells over the long term. A key issue in maintaining cell viability is the design of ultrafiltrate channels within the hydrogel scaffold to facilitate advection-enhanced oxygen supply ensuring oxygen levels remain above a critical threshold to prevent hypoxia. In this manuscript, we develop a computational algorithm to analyze the plasma flow and oxygen concentration within hydrogels featuring various channel geometries. Our objective is to identify the optimal hydrogel channel architecture that sustains oxygen concentration throughout the scaffold above the critical hypoxic threshold. The computational algorithm we introduce here employs a diffuse interface approach to solve a multi-physics problem. The corresponding model couples the time-dependent Stokes equations, governing blood plasma flow through the channel network, with the time-dependent Biot equations, characterizing Darcy velocity, pressure, and displacement within the poroelastic hydrogel containing the transplanted cells. Subsequently, the calculated plasma velocity is utilized to determine oxygen concentration within the scaffold using a diffuse interface advection-reaction-diffusion model. Our investigation yields a scaffold architecture featuring a hexagonal network geometry that meets the desired oxygen concentration criteria. Unlike classical sharp interface approaches, the diffuse interface approach we employ is particularly adept at addressing problems with intricate interface geometries, such as those encountered in bioartificial organ scaffold design. This study is significant because recent developments in hydrogel fabrication make it now possible to control hydrogel rheology and utilize computational results to generate optimized scaffold architectures. Author summary: Bioartificial organ is an engineered device made of living cells and a biocompatible scaffold that can be implanted or integrated into a human body to replace a natural organ, or to augment a specific organ function. The biocompatible scaffold serves as the structural foundation, embedding cells and growth factors to form substitute tissue. A key challenge in bioartificial organ design is ensuring the long-term survival of transplanted cells. Specifically, a critical challenge is creating a hydrogel architecture with ultrafiltrate channels that act as pathways to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the cells, supporting their sustained viability. In this work, we developed a mathematical and computational framework to investigate optimal hydrogel architecture and oxygen supply to transplanted cells. Our findings show that a hexagonal channel architecture significantly outperforms both the commonly used vertical channels and branching channel designs, providing a substantial increase in oxygen delivery to the cells. In the hexagonal architecture, oxygen concentration remains above the critical threshold for hypoxia throughout the scaffold, which is not achieved with other designs. This is particularly important given recent advances in hydrogel fabrication, allowing for precise control of hydrogel elasticity and rheology, making these results valuable for developing improved scaffold designs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bone pathologies are still among the most challenging issues for orthopedics. Over the past decade, different methods are developed for bone repair. In addition to advanced surgical and graft techniques, polymer‐based biomaterials, bioactive glass, chitosan, hydrogels, nanoparticles, and cell‐derived exosomes are used for bone healing strategies. Owing to their variation and promising advantages, most of these methods are not translated into clinical practice. Three dimensonal (3D) bioprinting is an additive manufacturing technique that has become a next‐generation biomaterial technique adapted for anatomic modeling, artificial tissue or organs, grafting, and bridging tissues. Polymer‐based biomaterials are mostly used for the controlled release of various drugs, therapeutic agents, mesenchymal stem cells, ions, and growth factors. Polymers are now among the most preferable materials for 3D bioprinting. Melatonin is a well‐known antioxidant with many osteoinductive properties and is one of the key hormones in the brain–bone axis. 3D bioprinted melatonin‐loaded polymers with unique lipophilic, anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, and osteoinductive properties for filling large bone gaps following fractures or congenital bone deformities may be developed in the future. This study summarized the benefits of 3D bioprinted and polymeric materials integrated with melatonin for sustained release in bone regeneration approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: Featured Application: The potential application of the work relates to novel digital twins of patients or their organs based on artificial intelligence. Digital society strategies in healthcare include the rapid development of digital twins (DTs) for patients and human organs in medical research and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in clinical practice to develop effective treatments in a cheaper, quicker, and more effective manner. This is facilitated by the availability of large historical datasets from previous clinical trials and other real-world data sources (e.g., patient biometrics collected from wearable devices). DTs can use AI models to create predictions of future health outcomes for an individual patient in the form of an AI-generated digital twin to support the rapid assessment of in silico intervention strategies. DTs are gaining the ability to update in real time in relation to their corresponding physical patients and connect to multiple diagnostic and therapeutic devices. Support for this form of personalized medicine is necessary due to the complex technological challenges, regulatory perspectives, and complex issues of security and trust in this approach. The challenge is also to combine different datasets and omics to quickly interpret large datasets in order to generate health and disease indicators and to improve sampling and longitudinal analysis. It is possible to improve patient care through various means (simulated clinical trials, disease prediction, the remote monitoring of apatient's condition, treatment progress, and adjustments to the treatment plan), especially in the environments of smart cities and smart territories and through the wider use of 6G, blockchain (and soon maybe quantum cryptography), and the Internet of Things (IoT), as well as through medical technologies, such as multiomics. From a practical point of view, this requires not only efficient validation but also seamless integration with the existing healthcare infrastructure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a chronic condition primarily managed with insulin replacement, leading to significant treatment costs. Complications include vasculopathy, cardiovascular diseases, nephropathy, neuropathy, and reticulopathy. Pancreatic islet transplantation is an option but its success does not depend solely on adequate vascularization. The main limitations to clinical islet transplantation are the scarcity of human pancreas, the need for immunosuppression, and the inadequacy of the islet isolation process. Despite extensive research, T1DM remains a major global health issue. In 2015, diabetes affected approximately 415 million people, with projected expenditures of USD 1.7 trillion by 2030. Pancreas transplantation faces challenges due to limited organ availability and complex vascularization. T1DM is caused by the autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing pancreatic cells. Advances in biomaterials, particularly the extracellular matrix (ECM), show promise in tissue reconstruction and transplantation, offering structural and regulatory functions critical for cell migration, differentiation, and adhesion. Tissue engineering aims to create bioartificial pancreases integrating insulin-producing cells and suitable frameworks. This involves decellularization and recellularization techniques to develop biological scaffolds. The challenges include replicating the pancreas's intricate architecture and maintaining cell viability and functionality. Emerging technologies, such as 3D printing and advanced biomaterials, have shown potential in constructing bioartificial organs. ECM components, including collagens and glycoproteins, play essential roles in cell adhesion, migration, and differentiation. Clinical applications focus on developing functional scaffolds for transplantation, with ongoing research addressing immunological responses and long-term efficacy. Pancreatic bioengineering represents a promising avenue for T1DM treatment, requiring further research to ensure successful implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This single‐center retrospective study investigated subclinical rejection prevalence and significance in simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplant (SPKT) recipients. We analyzed 352 SPKT recipients from July 2003 to April 2022. Our protocol included pancreas allograft surveillance biopsies at 1, 4, and 12months post‐transplant. After excluding 153 patients unable to undergo pancreas biopsy, our study cohort comprised 199 recipients. Among the 199 patients with protocol pancreas biopsies, 107 had multiple protocol pancreas biopsies in the first year, totaling 323. Subclinical rejection was identified in 132 episodes (41%). Of these, 72% were Grade 1, 20% were indeterminate, and 8% were Banff Grade 2 or higher. All episodes of subclinical rejection were treated. Rates of pancreas graft loss (10% vs. 7%) and clinical rejection (21% vs. 20%) at 3 years were similar between those with and without subclinical rejection. Subclinical rejection Banff Grade 2 or more was associated with poor pancreas graft survival HR of 5.5 (95% CI: 1.24–24.37, p = 0.025). Of 236 simultaneous protocol kidney and pancreas biopsies, 102 (43%) showed pancreas subclinical rejection, while only 17% had concurrent kidney subclinical rejection. Our findings suggest limited predictive value of pancreatic enzymes and euglycemia in detecting pancreas rejection. Furthermore, poor concordance existed between pancreas and kidney subclinical rejection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Biomedical engineering, especially tissue engineering, is trying to provide an alternative solution to generate functional organs/tissues for use in various applications. These include beyond the final goal of transplantation, disease modeling and drug discovery as well. The aim of this study is to comprehensively review the existing literature on hydrogel-based vascularized organ (i.e., liver, pancreas, kidneys, intestine, stomach and spleen) tissue engineering of the abdominal organs. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted on the Scopus database (latest search 1 September 2024). The research studies including hydrogel-based vascularized organ tissue engineering in the organs examined here were eligible for the review. Results: Herein, 18 studies were included. Specifically, 10 studies included the liver or hepatic tissue, 5 studies included the pancreas or pancreatic islet tissue, 3 studies included the kidney or renal tissue, 1 study included the intestine or intestinal or bowel tissue, 1 study included the stomach or gastric tissue, and 0 studies included spleen tissue. Conclusion: Hydrogels are biocompatible materials with ideal characteristics for use as scaffolds. Even though organ tissue engineering is a rapidly growing field, there are still many obstacles to overcome to create a fully functional and long-lasting organ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ectogenesis technology would make it possible to support the complete gestational development of a human being outside the female body. Proponents argue that this technology offers a welcome opportunity to expand reproductive options for those unable or unwilling to gestate. However, by completely bypassing pregnancy, the use of ectogenesis prevents the formation of gestational family ties. Consequently, it has faced criticism for perpetuating a patriarchal view of the family that undermines the moral significance of gestation. The concern is that the introduction of this technology might result in the loss of reproductive autonomy for those who desire to experience pregnancy, as they face pressures to opt for ectogenesis instead. Existing accounts of family values define parents' rights to rear a child, but they fail to establish a right to gestate that can protect an individual's interest in bearing a child. To provide a more comprehensive account of family values, I argue that pregnancy involves a unique quality of intimacy and can make distinct contributions to one's flourishing. Based on this premise, I defend a fundamental moral right to gestate that can help safeguard the option of pregnancy for those who desire it. In conclusion, I consider how a prospective gestator need not provide optimal conditions for fetal development in the way that ectogenesis promises in order for their choice of pregnancy to be justified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microfluidic devices with integrated membranes that enable control of mass transport in constrained environments have shown considerable growth over the last decade. Membranes are a key component in several industrial processes such as chemical, pharmaceutical, biotechnological, food, and metallurgy separation processes as well as waste management applications, allowing for modular and compact systems. Moreover, the miniaturization of a process through microfluidic devices leads to process intensification together with reagents, waste and cost reduction, and energy and space savings. The combination of membrane technology and microfluidic devices allows therefore magnification of their respective advantages, providing more valuable solutions not only for industrial processes but also for reproducing biological processes. This review focuses on membrane-based microfluidic devices for biomedical science with an emphasis on microfluidic artificial organs and organs-on-chip. We provide the basic concepts of membrane technology and the laws governing mass transport. The role of the membrane in biomedical microfluidic devices, along with the required properties, available materials, and current challenges are summarized. We believe that the present review may be a starting point and a resource for researchers who aim to replicate a biological phenomenon on-chip by applying membrane technology, for moving forward the biomedical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

3D bioprinting is a promising technique for creating artificial tissues and organs. One of the main challenges of bioprinting is cell damage, due to high pressures and tensions. During the biofabrication process, extrusion bioprinting usually results in low cell viability, typically ranging from 40% to 80%, although better printing performance with higher cell viability can be achieved by optimising the experimental design and operating conditions, with nozzle geometry being a key factor. This article presents a review of studies that have used computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to optimise nozzle geometry. They show that the optimal ranges for diameter and length are 0.2 mm to 1 mm and 8 mm to 10 mm, respectively. In addition, it is recommended that the nozzle should have an internal angle of 20 to 30 degrees, an internal coating of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), and a shear stress of less than 10 kPa. In addition, a design of experiments technique to obtain an optimal 3D bioprinting configuration for a bioink is also presented. This experimental design would identify bioprinting conditions that minimise cell damage and improve the viability of the printed cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodegradation of pollutants is one of the most economical methods for their removal and usually is accompanied by no production of toxic by‐products. In general, this approach is favored over others because it offers reduced expenses and the potential for complete mineralization. In order to enhance the viability and longevity of the bioremediation agents within polluted areas, it becomes necessary to immobilize the cells. Cell immobilization refers to the procedure of confining intact cells to specific areas within a device or material, without compromising their essential biological functions. A wide variety of carriers and approaches have been used for the restriction of various cells. Immobilization techniques, such as microencapsulation, have opened up new possibilities in biotechnology by facilitating the development of artificial organs, cell therapies and drug delivery systems. Researchers have found promising outcomes in various applications through the immobilization of microorganisms. This approach enhances stability, reusability and catalytic efficiency, making immobilization a valuable strategy for biocatalysis, bioremediation and other biotechnological processes. Notably, the use of immobilized microorganisms has led to significant improvements in the removal of pollutants, with some studies achieving 100% efficiency. When comparing the degradation of pollutants between free and immobilized microorganisms over the same time period, the results demonstrated that immobilized microorganisms achieved a removal efficiency >21% more than that of free microbial consortia. The primary objective of this review is to give an overview of the key scientific aspects related to bioremediation of various pollutants using immobilized cells, with a particular focus on the techniques used to entrap the cells. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogels made from conductive organic materials have gained significant interest in recent years due to their wide range of uses, such as electrical conductors, freezing resistors, biosensors, actuators, biomedical engineering materials, drug carrier, artificial organs, flexible electronics, battery solar cells, soft robotics, and self-healers. Nevertheless, the insufficient level of effectiveness in electroconductive hydrogels serves as a driving force for researchers to intensify their endeavors in this domain. This article provides a concise overview of the recent advancements in creating self-healing single- or multi-network (double or triple) conductive hydrogels (CHs) using a range of natural and synthetic polymers and monomers. We deliberated on the efficacy, benefits, and drawbacks of several conductive hydrogels. This paper emphasizes the use of natural polymers and innovative 3D printing CHs-based technology to create self-healing conductive gels for flexible electronics. In conclusion, advantages and disadvantages have been noted, and some potential opportunities for self-healing single- or multi-network hydrogels have been proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The anterior chamber of the eye (ACE) is distinct in its anatomy, optics, and immunology. This guarantees that the eye perceives visual information in the context of physiology even when encountering adverse incidents like inflammation. In addition, this endows the ACE with the special nursery bed iris enriched in vasculatures and nerves. The ACE constitutes a confined space enclosing an oxygen/nutrient-rich, immune-privileged, and less stressful milieu as well as an optically transparent medium. Therefore, aside from visual perception, the ACE unexpectedly serves as an excellent transplantation site for different body parts and a unique platform for noninvasive, longitudinal, and intravital microimaging of different grafts. On the basis of these merits, the ACE technology has evolved from the prototypical through the conventional to the advanced version. Studies using this technology as a versatile biomedical research platform have led to a diverse range of basic knowledge and in-depth understanding of a variety of cells, tissues, and organs as well as artificial biomaterials, pharmaceuticals, and abiotic substances. Remarkably, the technology turns in vivo dynamic imaging of the morphological characteristics, organotypic features, developmental fates, and specific functions of intracameral grafts into reality under physiological and pathological conditions. Here we review the anatomical, optical, and immunological bases as well as technical details of the ACE technology. Moreover, we discuss major achievements obtained and potential prospective avenues for this technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is known that examining turbulence effects on medical devices has an important effect in design and optimization of blood-contacting devices. CFD has been commonly used on prosthetic heart valves, stents, and Ventricular Assist Devices (VADs) in both the design process and also on hemodynamics of the flow characteristics. In this study, flows in the FDA nozzle were modeled to examine Reynolds stresses in the whole domain. The flow behavior was determined by applying the Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes model of turbulence (k-ω SST) to simulate five distinctive experimental cases in the nozzle taken from the literature. The Reynolds stress frequencies are determined for the five different experimental conditions. Results showed that the highest velocity case (corresponding throat Reynolds number of 6500) has much higher Reynolds stresses with a high number of frequencies. However, the lowest velocity case has very small Reynolds numbers in a very high frequency. When different parts of the nozzle were examined, the Reynolds stress values showed more fluctuations for the higher velocities and more regular profiles for the lower velocity cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) is one of the most widely used blood purification and organ support methods in the ICU. However, the development process, the current status, hotspots, and future trends of CRRT remain unclear. Method: The WoSCC database was used to analyze CRRT research evolution and theme trends. VOSviewer was used to construct coauthorship, co-occurrence, co-citation, and network visualizations. CiteSpace is used to detect bursts for co-occurrence items. Several important subtopics were reviewed and discussed in more detail. Results: Global publications increased from 56 in 2000 to 398 in 2023, a 710.71% increase. Blood Purification published the most manuscripts, followed by the International Journal of Artificial Organs. The USA, the San Bortolo Hospital, and Bellomo were the most productive and impactful institution, country, and author, respectively. Based on co-occurrence cluster analysis, five clusters emerged: (1) clinical applications and management of CRRT; (2) sepsis and CRRT; (3) CRRT anticoagulant management; (4) CRRT and antibiotic pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics; and (5) comparison of CRRT and intermittent hemodialysis. COVID-19, initiation, ECOMO, cefepime, guidelines, cardiogenic shock, biomarker, and outcome were the latest high-frequency keywords or strongest bursts, indicating the emerging frontiers of CRRT. Conclusions: There has been widespread publication and citation of CRRT research in the past 2 decades. We provide an overview of current trends, global collaboration patterns, basic knowledge, research hotspots, and emerging frontiers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the need for vascular networks to supply oxygen and nutrients while expelling metabolic waste, most cells can only survive within 200 µm of blood vessels; thus, the construction of well-developed blood vessel networks is essential for the manufacture of artificial tissues and organs. Three-dimensional (denoted as 3D) printing is a scalable, reproducible and high-precision manufacturing technology. In the past several years, there have been many breakthroughs in building various vascularized tissues, greatly promoting the development of biological tissue engineering. This paper highlights the latest progress of 3D printed vascularized tissues and organs, including the heart, liver, lung, kidney, and penis. We also discuss the application status and potential of the above printed tissues, and prospect the further requirement of 3D printing technology for manufacturing clinically useable vascularized tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evolution of 3D printing has ushered in accessibility and cost-effectiveness, spanning various industries including biomedical engineering, education, and microfluidics. In biomedical engineering, it encompasses bioprinting tissues, producing prosthetics, porous metal orthopedic implants, and facilitating educational models. Hybrid Additive Manufacturing approaches and, more specifically, the integration of Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) with bio-inkjet printing offers the advantages of improved accuracy, structural support, and controlled geometry, yet challenges persist in cell survival, interaction, and nutrient delivery within printed structures. The goal of this study was to develop and present a low-cost way to produce physical phantoms of human organs that could be used for research and training, bridging the gap between the use of highly detailed computational phantoms and real-life clinical applications. To this purpose, this study utilized anonymized clinical Computed Tomography (CT) data to create a liver physical model using the Creality Ender-3 printer. Polylactic Acid (PLA), Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA), and light-bodied silicone (Polysiloxane) materials were employed for printing the liver including its veins and arteries. In brief, PLA was used to create a mold of a liver to be filled with biocompatible light-bodied silicone. Molds of the veins and arteries were printed using PVA and then inserted in the liver model to create empty channel. In addition, the PVA was then washed out by the final product using warm water. Despite minor imperfections due to the printer's limitations, the final product imitates the computational model accurately enough. Precision adjustments in the design phase compensated for this variation. The proposed novel low-cost 3D printing methodology successfully produced an anatomically accurate liver physical model, presenting promising applications in medical education, research, and surgical planning. Notably, its implications extend to medical training, personalized medicine, and organ transplantation. The technology's potential includes injection training for medical professionals, personalized anthropomorphic phantoms for radiation therapy, and the future prospect of creating functional living organs for organ transplantation, albeit requiring significant interdisciplinary collaboration and financial investment. This technique, while showcasing immense potential in biomedical applications, requires further advancements and interdisciplinary cooperation for its optimal utilization in revolutionizing medical science and benefiting patient healthcare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fluid‐transportation functions based on the volume‐regulating behavior of the chamber‐like organs inspire the development of artificial organs. Due to the intrinsic compliance of soft robotics for biomimicking purposes and the volume‐regulation capability of the 3D origami patterns, the soft robots with origami patterns show promising potential in such research. However, the folding deformation of the origami facets cannot be straightforwardly implemented as the actuation or the body movement, and the predetermined movements of the pattern limit the appropriate functions for specific applications. In this work, an origami‐patterned rigidification (OPR) method is proposed for applying rigid origami mechanisms (herein, the cuboctahedron origami ball) to the chamber‐like structure of soft robots. The motion of the soft robot is programmed by purposefully rigidified the soft chamber following the pattern. The resultant OPR structures are granted with functions corresponding to the predetermined motion of the pattern, and the expanded movements through the bifurcation brought by the soft–rigid characteristics. The concept, design, and fabrication of the OPR robot are presented. By analyzing the deformation of the soft creases, the kinematic models of the predetermined and expanded degrees of freedom are presented and verified by experiments. The extended functions of two OPR robots are demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Technological advancements in the medical field are often slow and expensive, sometimes due to complexities associated with pre-clinical testing of medical devices and implants. There is therefore a growing need for new test beds that can mimic more closely the in vivo environment of physiological systems. In the present study, a novel bladder model was designed and fabricated with the aim of providing a pre-clinical testing platform for urological stents and catheters. The model is collapsible, has a Young's modulus that is comparable to a biological bladder, and can be actuated on-demand to enable voiding. Moreover, the developed fabrication technique provides versatility to adjust the model's shape, size, and thickness, through a rapid and relatively inexpensive process. When compared to a biological bladder, there is a significant difference in compliance; however, the model exhibits cystometry profiles during priming and voiding that are qualitatively comparable to a biological bladder. The developed bladder model has therefore potential for future usage in urological device testing; however, improvements are required to more closely replicate the architecture and relevant flow metrics of a physiological bladder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the performance of the iLet bionic pancreas (BP) in non-Hispanic White individuals (here referred to as Whites) and in Black, Hispanic, and other individuals (here collectively referred to as Minorities). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: A multicenter, randomized controlled trial evaluated glycemic management with the BP versus standard of care (SC) in 161 adult and 165 pediatric participants with type 1 diabetes over 13 weeks. RESULTS: In Whites (n = 240), the mean baseline-adjusted difference in 13-week HbA1c between the BP and SC groups was -0.45% (95% CI -0.61 to -0.29 [-4.9 mmol/mol; -6.6 to -3.1]; P < 0.001), while this difference among Minorities (n = 84) was -0.53% (-0.83 to -0.24 [-6.0 mmol/mol; -9.2 to -2.8]; P < 0.001). In Whites, the mean baseline-adjusted difference in time in range between the BP and SC groups was 10% (95% CI 7-12; P < 0.001) and in Minorities was 14% (10-18; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The BP improves glycemic control in both Whites and Minorities and offers promise in decreasing health care disparities.

Reliable models of renal failure in large animals are critical to the successful translation of the next generation of renal replacement therapies (RRT) into humans. While models exist for the induction of renal failure, none are optimized for the implantation of devices to the retroperitoneal vasculature. We successfully piloted an embolization-to-implantation protocol enabling the first implant of a silicon nanopore membrane hemodialyzer (SNMHD) in a swine renal failure model. Renal arterial embolization is a non-invasive approach to near-total nephrectomy that preserves retroperitoneal anatomy for device implants. Silicon nanopore membranes (SNM) are efficient blood-compatible membranes that enable novel approaches to RRT. Yucatan minipigs underwent staged bilateral renal arterial embolization to induce renal failure, managed by intermittent hemodialysis. A small-scale arteriovenous SNMHD prototype was implanted into the retroperitoneum. Dialysate catheters were tunneled externally for connection to a dialysate recirculation pump. SNMHD clearance was determined by intermittent sampling of recirculating dialysate. Creatinine and urea clearance through the SNMHD were 76-105 mL/min/m2 and 140-165 mL/min/m2, respectively, without albumin leakage. Normalized creatinine and urea clearance measured in the SNMHD may translate to a fully implantable clinical-scale device. This pilot study establishes a path toward therapeutic testing of the clinical-scale SNMHD and other implantable RRT devices.

We have been making 3D tissues consist of cells only, based on the corporate philosophy of "contributing to dramatic advances in medical care through the practical application of innovative 3D cell stacking technology." Currently, in the field of regenerative medicine, we are working toward obtaining approval from the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare and commercializing large artificial organs that are made from patients' own cells and have functions such as nerve regeneration, osteochondral regeneration, and blood vessels. On the other hand, this three-dimensional cell stacking technology can be extended to technology for culturing cells in an environment similar to the human body, and is expected to serve as a new methodology for evaluating the effects of new products in various fields on living organisms. Therefore, we are planning a business to provide developers of Pharmaceuticals, foods, cosmetics, etc. with a small device called "Functional Cell Device (FCD)" that reproduces some of the functions of human organs outside the body. As the first step, we have developed a three-dimensional liver construct (3D mini-liver). The in vitro human liver model has a wide range of usage, such as evaluation of hepatotoxicity of drugs, elucidation of drug metabolism mechanism, and model of liver disease. In this report, we will outline it together with actual examples in regenerative medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organ-on-a-chip (OOC) is an emerging technology that simulates an artificial organ within a microfluidic cell culture chip. Current cell biology research focuses on in vitro cell cultures due to various limitations of in vivo testing. Unfortunately, in-vitro cell culturing fails to provide an accurate microenvironment, and in vivo cell culturing is expensive and has historically been a source of ethical controversy. OOC aims to overcome these shortcomings and provide the best of both in vivo and in vitro cell culture research. The critical component of the OOC design is utilizing microfluidics to ensure a stable concentration gradient, dynamic mechanical stress modeling, and accurate reconstruction of a cellular microenvironment. OOC also has the advantage of complete observation and control of the system, which is impossible to recreate in in-vivo research. Multiple throughputs, channels, membranes, and chambers are constructed in a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) array to simulate various organs on a chip. Various experiments can be performed utilizing OOC technology, including drug delivery research and toxicology. Current technological expansions involve multiple organ microenvironments on a single chip, allowing for studying inter-tissue interactions. Other developments in the OOC technology include finding a more suitable material as a replacement for PDMS and minimizing artefactual error and non-translatable differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Silicon nanopore membrane‐based implantable bioartificial organs are dependent on arteriovenous implantation of a mechanically robust and biocompatible hemofilter. The hemofilter acts as a low‐resistance, high‐flow network, with blood flow physiology similar to arteriovenous shunts commonly created for hemodialysis access. A mock circulatory loop (MCL) that mimics shunt physiology is an essential tool for refinement and durability testing of arteriovenous implantable bioartificial organs and silicon blood‐interfacing membranes. We sought to develop a compact and cost‐effective MCL to replicate flow conditions through an arteriovenous shunt and used data from the MCL and swine to inform a bond graph mathematical model of the physical setup. Methods: Flow physiology through bioartificial organ prototypes was obtained in the MCL and during extracorporeal attachment to swine for biologic comparison. The MCL was tested for stability overtime by measuring pressurewave variability over a 48‐h period. Data obtained in vitro and extracorporeally informed creation of a bond graph model of the MCL. Results: The arteriovenous MCL was a cost‐effective, portable system that reproduced flow rates and pressures consistent with a pulsatile arteriovenous shunt as measured in swine. MCL performance was stable over prolonged use, providing a cost‐effective simulator for enhanced testing of peripherally implanted bioartificial organ prototypes. The corresponding bond graph model recapitulates MCL and animal physiology, offering a tool for further refinement of the MCL system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renal pathology is a relatively recent entry in nephrology. While diseases of the kidney are old, their study began in the 19th century with the report of Richard Bright of the lesions of end‐stage kidney disease. Its easy diagnosis from albuminuria soon elevated Bright's nephritis into a leading cause of death. The transformative events in the care of these cases were renal replacement therapy that converted a fatal into a chronic disease, and kidney biopsy that allowed study of the course and pathogenesis of kidney disease. Apart from its fundamental contributions to clinical nephrology, biopsy of renal allografts became an integral component of the evaluation and care of kidney transplant recipients. The Banff transplant pathology conferences launched in 1991 led to developing the classification of allograft pathology into an essential element in the evaluation, treatment, and care of allograft recipients with spirit of discovery. That success came at the cost of increasing complexity leading to the recent realization that it may need the refinement of its consensus‐based system into a more evidence‐based system with graded statements that are easily accessible to the other disciplines involved in the care of transplanted patients. Collaboration with other medical disciplines, allowing public comment on meeting reports, and incorporation of generative artificial intelligence (AI) are important elements of a successful future. The increased pace of innovation brought about by AI will likely allow us to solve the organ shortage soon and require new classifications for xenotransplantation pathology, tissue engineering pathology, and bioartificial organ pathology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Glycemic control is essential for improving the prognosis of cardiac surgery, although precise recommendations have not yet been established. Under a constant blood glucose level, the insulin infusion rate correlates with insulin resistance during glycemic control using an artificial pancreas (AP). We conducted this retrospective study to elucidate changes in intraoperative insulin sensitivity as a first step to creating glycemic control guidelines. Methods: Fifty-five cardiac surgery patients at our hospital who underwent intraoperative glycemic control using an AP were enrolled. Twenty-three patients undergoing surgical procedures requiring cardiac arrest under hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) with minimum rectal temperatures lower than 32°C, 13 patients undergoing surgical procedures requiring cardiac arrest under hypothermic CPB with minimum rectal temperatures of 32°C, eight patients undergoing on-pump beating coronary artery bypass grafting and 11 patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass were assigned to groups A, B, C and D, respectively. We analyzed the time course of changes in the data derived from glycemic control using the AP. Results: Significant time course changes were observed in groups A and B, but not in groups C and D. Insulin resistance was induced after the start of hypothermic CPB in groups A and B, and the induced change was not resolved by the rewarming procedure, remaining sustained until the end of surgery. Conclusions: Hypothermia is the predominant factor of the induced insulin resistance during cardiac surgery. Thus, careful glycemic management during hypothermic CPB is important. Prospective clinical studies are required to confirm the findings of this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Recent advances in the field of reproductive biology through tissue engineering have greatly contributed to infertility health care and treatment. Current studies on the bioengineering of female genital tissues has created new hopes for people suffering from congenital and acquired reproductive tract disorders and infertility. Objective This study aims to review the biological materials and strategies employed in the tissue engineering of female reproductive organs and tissues. Methods In this study, articles were searched using the keywords “infertility”, “tissue engineering”, “female reproductive organs”, “vagina”, “uterus”, “ovary” and “follicle” independently in Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect and Google scholar databases. Finally 82 articles were selected and reviewed. Results Tissue engineering using biological materials, stem cells, and molecular factors for the construction of artificial uterus, vaginal reconstruction, growth and maturation of ovarian follicles in laboratory conditions, in addition to providing a platform for basic science studies in this field, has provided practical and therapeutic solutions for the female reproductive system disorders and infertility. Conclusion The physiological function of female reproductive system can be affected by congenital and acquired disorders, resulting in infertility. Tissue engineering approaches, as functional therapeutic solutions, have greatly contributed to this field through the use of biological materials, cells and growth factors. Therefore, tissue engineering-based therapies can open a window of hope in women suffering from these disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The document is a contents list for the journal "Lab on a Chip," which focuses on devices and applications at the micro- and nanoscale. It includes articles on various topics such as cancer metastasis, organotypic culture, magnetic artificial cilia, bioartificial organ function, and more. The journal aims to provide a platform for research and advancements in the field of micro- and nanoscale technology. [Extracted from the article]

The rapid advancement in the fabrication and culture of in vitro organs has marked a new era in biomedical research. While strides have been made in creating structurally diverse bioartificial organs, such as the liver, which serves as the focal organ in our study, the field lacks a uniform approach for the predictive assessment of liver function. Our research bridges this gap with the introduction of a novel, machine-learning-based "3P model" framework. This model draws on a decade of experimental data across diverse culture platform studies, aiming to identify critical fabrication parameters affecting liver function, particularly in terms of albumin and urea secretion. Through meticulous statistical analysis, we evaluated the functional sustainability of the in vitro liver models. Despite the diversity of research methodologies and the consequent scarcity of standardized data, our regression model effectively captures the patterns observed in experimental findings. The insights gleaned from our study shed light on optimizing culture conditions and advance the evaluation of the functional maintenance capacity of bioartificial livers. This sets a precedent for future functional evaluations of bioartificial organs using machine learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review will present the latest research related to the production and application of spider silk and silk-based materials in reconstructive and regenerative medicine and tissue engineering, with a focus on musculoskeletal tissues, and including skin regeneration and tissue repair of bone and cartilage, ligaments, muscle tissue, peripheral nerves, and artificial blood vessels. Natural spider silk synthesis is reviewed, and the further recombinant production of spider silk proteins. Research insights into possible spider silk structures, like fibers (1D), coatings (2D), and 3D constructs, including porous structures, hydrogels, and organ-on-chip designs, have been reviewed considering a design of bioactive materials for smart medical implants and drug delivery systems. Silk is one of the toughest natural materials, with high strain at failure and mechanical strength. Novel biomaterials with silk fibroin can mimic the tissue structure and promote regeneration and new tissue growth. Silk proteins are important in designing tissue-on-chip or organ-on-chip technologies and micro devices for the precise engineering of artificial tissues and organs, disease modeling, and the further selection of adequate medical treatments. Recent research indicates that silk (films, hydrogels, capsules, or liposomes coated with silk proteins) has the potential to provide controlled drug release at the target destination. However, even with clear advantages, there are still challenges that need further research, including clinical trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Particle assembly is a promising technique to create functional materials and devices from nanoscale building blocks. However, the control of particle arrangement and orientation is challenging and requires careful design of the assembly methods and conditions. In this study, the static and dynamic methods of particle assembly are reviewed, focusing on their applications in biomaterial sciences. Static methods rely on the equilibrium interactions between particles and substrates, such as electrostatic, magnetic, or capillary forces. Dynamic methods can be associated with the application of external stimuli, such as electric fields, magnetic fields, light, or sound, to manipulate the particles in a non-equilibrium state. This study discusses the advantages and limitations of such methods as well as nanoarchitectonic principles that guide the formation of desired structures and functions. It also highlights some examples of biomaterials and devices that have been fabricated by particle assembly, such as biosensors, drug delivery systems, tissue engineering scaffolds, and artificial organs. It concludes by outlining the future challenges and opportunities of particle assembly for biomaterial sciences. This review stands as a crucial guide for scholars and professionals in the field, fostering further investigation and innovation. It also highlights the necessity for continuous research to refine these methodologies and devise more efficient techniques for nanomaterial synthesis. The potential ramifications on healthcare and technology are substantial, with implications for drug delivery systems, diagnostic tools, disease treatments, energy storage, environmental science, and electronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term functional and MRI results of 35 patients who underwent bicruciate ligament reconstruction combining an ACL autograft using the gracilis and semitendinosus tendons and double-bundle PCL reconstruction using the LARS artificial ligament. Methods: The outcomes were measured using the Lysholm score, the Tegner activity level scale and the International Knee Documentation Committee form (IKDC 2000). KT-1000 was used to assess the clinical anterior knee laxity. Radiographs and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) was used to evaluate osteoarthritis, the continuity and integrity of ACL autograft and LARS. Results: This retrospective study examined 35 patients who underwent single-stage bicruciate ligament reconstruction between May 2005 and January 2017 with a follow-up period ranging from 3 to 15 years (a mean of 7.5 years). The mean Lysholm score was 74, mean IKDC 2000 was 71. There was a statistically significant difference with a higher Lysholm score (78.9) in early versus delayed surgical intervention (p = 0.023). Using the Kellgren Lawrence osteoarthritis classification system, radiographic findings showed stage II or III in 83% of the sample population. The MRI results revealed a rupture rate of 22% of the anterior autografted ligament and 28% of the posterior LARS artificial ligament. However, there were no long-term artificial ligament-induced complications. There was no correlation between artificial ligament rupture and poor functional results (Lysholm < 65). Conclusion: The results of this study with a mean follow-up of 7.5 years show satisfactory functional scores considering the initial trauma. It seems reasonable to propose early surgical treatment with double reconstruction of the cruciate ligaments within the first 21 days of the trauma. Post-traumatic osteoarthritis is inevitable in multi-ligament knee injuries despite anatomical reconstruction. The use of a LARS artificial ligament appears to be a valid alternative for PCL reconstruction in the context of multi-ligament injury and in the absence of sufficient autologous transplants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Until now, significant healthcare challenges and growing urgent clinical requirements remain incompletely addressed by presently available biomedical materials. This is due to their inadequate mechanical compatibility, suboptimal physical and chemical properties, susceptibility to immune rejection, and concerns about long-term biological safety. As an alternative, liquid metal (LM) opens up a promising class of biomaterials with unique advantages like biocompatibility, flexibility, excellent electrical conductivity, and ease of functionalization. However, despite the unique advantages and successful explorations of LM in biomedical fields, widespread clinical translations and applications of LM-based medical products remain limited. This article summarizes the current status and future prospects of LM biomaterials, interprets their applications in healthcare, medical imaging, bone repair, nerve interface, and tumor therapy, etc. Opportunities to translate LM materials into medicine and obstacles encountered in practices are discussed. Following that, we outline a blueprint for LM clinics, emphasizing their potential in making new-generation artificial organs. Last, the core challenges of LM biomaterials in clinical translation, including bio-safety, material stability, and ethical concerns are also discussed. Overall, the current progress, translational medicine bottlenecks, and perspectives of LM biomaterials signify their immense potential to drive future medical breakthroughs and thus open up novel avenues for upcoming clinical practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The socket of a transtibial prosthesis is a structural part customized to a patient's amputated residual lower limb. The free-form geometry of the socket can be suitable for additive manufacturing (AM) to save time and cost. However, the mechanical fracture of additively manufactured lower limb prostheses is not yet fully understood. A novel experimental method and numerical approach by finite element method (FEM) to test the strength and fracture behavior of a lower limb prosthetic socket of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), reverse-engineered using computer-aided design (CAD) from the actual amputee's residual limb and manufactured using fused filament fabrication (FFF) are proposed in the present work. The mechanical behavior, von Mises stress distribution, and the damage status of layered AM sockets of different thicknesses were simulated by FEM using Hashin's transversely isotropic mechanical damage model, initially developed for composite materials. The experimental work showed that the fracture failure initiated at the corner of the lobe in the 4 mm thickness socket at a failure load of 918.5 N. The FEM results predicted this failure load to be 896.6 N, with only a 2.45% error as compared to the experiment. The failure loads predicted by FEM in the sockets with thicknesses of 3, 5, and 6 mm were 618.1, 1008.6, and 1105.2 N, respectively. The present work provides a dependable method for testing a below-knee prosthetic socket against static failure and arriving at a factor-of-safety (FoS) based socket thickness selection for any amputee. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite limited organ availability and post-transplant complications, kidney transplantation remains the optimal treatment for End-Stage Kidney Disease (ESKD). However, innovative dialysis technologies such as portable, wearable, and implantable bioartificial kidney systems are being developed with the aim of addressing these issues and improving patient care. An ideal implantable device could combine bioreactors and blood ultrafiltration to replicate key native cell functions for solute reabsorption, secretion, and endocrinologic activities. Today, the feasibility of an implantable bioreactor for renal cell therapy opens the challenge of developing a fully implantable bioartificial kidney based on silicon nanopore membranes to ensure immunological isolation, cell viability, and the possibility of maintaining a blood substrate for metabolic activities. Current technology is not sufficient to obtain an efficient artificial bioreactor to reach physiological blood purification, which requires a more complex system to produce an ultrafiltrate from the blood that can be processed by cells and eliminated as urine. The number of cells in the bioreactor, endocrine activity, immunological cell isolation, solute and fluid secretion/reabsorption, cell viability, blood and ultrafiltration flow control, and thrombogenicity are fundamental issues that require a new technology that today appears to be a challenge for the design of an implantable artificial kidney. This review aims to analyze the state of the art in this particular field of kidney replacement therapy to highlight the current limitations and possible future technology developments to create implanted and wearable organs capable of treating ESKD with artificial organs that can replicate all native kidneys functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the demand for power systems, including portable ones, is growing at an ever‐faster pace, many studies are approaching to discover innovative materials for current battery technology or replace the existing ones with new systems through mimicking living things or nature. Here, a soft, solid‐state power storage system featuring electric eel‐inspired artificial electric organs capable of converting the chemical potential of an ionic gradient into electricity is introduced. These organs are constructed through the assembly of low and high ion‐concentrated zwitterionic gel films with cation‐ and anion‐selective intermembranes, which generate a rechargeable open‐circuit voltage of ≈135 mV. Combined use of a chemically synthesized room‐temperature ionic liquid and a high‐boiling point organic solvent as ion‐conducting electrolyte allows electric organs to withstand extreme temperatures ranging from −20 and 100 °C, while the thin and stretchable constituent layers facilitate mechanical flexibility without compromising electrical performance. Scalable integration of electric organs in series and parallel configurations achieves high levels of voltage and current outputs, and employment of origami folding geometry enables on‐demand discharge upon self‐registered folding, paving the way for portable, high‐voltage energy sources in the fields of wearable electronics and soft robotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ectopic variceal bleeding is a potentially under recognized source of gastrointestinal (GI) hemorrhage. While vascular complications following pancreatic transplant are relatively common, the development of symptomatic ectopic venous varices has rarely been reported. We report two patients with a remote history of simultaneous kidney pancreas transplant (SPK) presenting two decades after transplant with an occult GI bleed. In both cases, a lengthy diagnostic course was required. The varices were treated with coil embolization via transhepatic approach. Our findings add to the limited literature on this topic and aid in the recognition, diagnosis, and management of this unusual presentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cell migration plays an important role in the development and maintenance of multicellular organisms. Factors that induce cell migration and mechanisms controlling their expression are important for determining the mechanisms of factor-induced cell migration. Despite progress in the study of factor-induced cytotaxis, including chemotaxis and haptotaxis, precise control of the direction of cell migration over a wide area has not yet been achieved. Success in this area would update the cell migration assays, superior cell separation technologies, and artificial organs with high biocompatibility. The present study therefore sought to control the direction of cell migration over a wide area by adjusting the three-dimensional shape of the cell scaffold. The direction of cell migration was influenced by the shape of the cell scaffold, thereby optimizing cell adhesion and protrusion. Anisotropic arrangement of these three-dimensional shapes into a periodic structure induced unidirectional cell migration. Three factors were required for unidirectional cell migration: 1) the sizes of the anisotropic periodic structures had to be equal to or lower than the size of the spreading cells, 2) cell migration was restricted to a runway approximately the width of the cell, and 3) cells had to be prone to extension of long protrusions in one direction. Because the first two factors had been identified previously in studies of cell migration in one direction using two-dimensional shaped patterns, these three factors are likely important for the mechanism by which cell scaffold shapes regulate cell migration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A prosthetic nose is an option where the patient can gain an artificial organ for aesthetics. Thus, this study includes the 3D scan and reconstruction of the 3D model of an artificial nose and analyzes different material properties, which are thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), and nylon 6 (PA). This research aims to fabricate an artificial nose model using 3D printing technology. A 3D scanner can scan the human head before reconstructing the nose. The analysis of different materials on the artificial nose model is to determine the appropriate material for the artificial nose to fit perfectly into the patient's face. The artificial nose will use TPU material with a deformation value of 0.00413mm and a maximum stress value of 0.4930 MPa. This prosthesis nose enables people to interact in their social and family lives, making them happier and more comfortable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Pensamiento, Palabra y Obra is the property of Universidad Pedaggica Nacional and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Clinical Nursing in Practice is the property of Journal of Clinical Nursing in Practice (Editorial Board, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Press) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Endoscopy training models (ETM) using artificial organs are practical, hygienic and comfortable for trainees. However, few models exist for training endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in patients with surgically altered anatomy. This training is necessary as the number of bariatric surgeries performed worldwide increases. ETM with human-like anatomy were developed to represent the postoperative anatomy after Billroth II (BII) reconstruction for a standard duodenoscope and the situs of a long-limbed Roux-en-Y (RY) for device-assisted enteroscopy (DAE). In three independent workshops, the models were evaluated by international ERCP experts. In RY model, a simulation for small bowel behavior in endoscopy was created. Thirty-three experts rated the ETM in ERCP expert courses. The BII model was evaluated as suitable for training (school grades 1.36), with a haptic and visual impression rating of 1.73. The RY model was rated 1.50 for training suitability and 2.06 for overall impression. Animal tissue-free ETMs for ERCP in surgically altered anatomy were successfully created. Evaluation by experienced endoscopists indicated that the models are suitable for hands-on ERCP training, including device-assisted endoscopy. It is expected that patient care will improve with appropriate training in advanced procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PurposeTo assess safety and efficacy outcomes of sutured custom silicone artificial iris and intraocular lens implantation combined with penetrating keratoplasty (triple procedure).MethodsProspective consecutive surgical case series of patients who underwent the triple procedure between 2010 and 2019 at Stein Eye Institute, UCLA, followed up for 1 year minimum. Safety outcomes were changes from preoperative to last follow-up in corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), endothelial cell count, intraocular pressure (IOP), and postoperative complications. Efficacy outcomes included changes in subjective glare (none to severe), cosmetic appearance (worse to very much improved), and visual function as assessed by the Visual Function Questionnaire-25 at 1-year follow-up.ResultsAmong 82 eyes implanted with an artificial iris, 14 eyes (17.1%) underwent the triple procedure. The median follow-up was 18.1 months (range 12.0-54.9 months). The median CDVA improved from 2.0 log of minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) (range 0.9-2.3 logMAR) to 0.7 logMAR (range 0.2-2.6 logMAR) (P = 0.02). Average endothelial cell count decreased 57.6% (P < 0.01). Six eyes (42.9%) experienced IOP elevations, 13 eyes (92.3%) developed iritis, and 11 eyes (78.6%) underwent secondary surgery. Graft rejection or secondary graft failure occurred in 7 eyes each (50.0%). Cosmesis improved in 12 eyes (85.7%; P < 0.01). The Visual Function Questionnaire-25 score improved from 72 to 77 (P < 0.01). Glare symptoms did not change significantly.ConclusionsThe triple procedure was effective at improving CDVA, cosmesis, and quality of life; however, it was associated with frequent postoperative complications, of which iritis, IOP elevation, and secondary graft failure were the most common.

Although regenerative medicine necessitates advanced three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds for organ and tissue applications, creating intricate structures across scales, from nano- to meso-like biological tissues, remains a challenge. Electrospinning of nanofibers offers promise due to its capacity to craft not only the dimensions and surfaces of individual fibers but also intricate attributes, such as anisotropy and porosity, across various materials. In this study, we used a 3D printer to design a mold with polylactic acid for gel modeling. This gel template, which was mounted on a metal wire, facilitated microfiber electrospinning. After spinning, these structures were treated with EDTA to remove the template and were then cleansed and dried, resulting in 3D microfibrous (3DMF) structures, with average fiber diameters of approximately 1 µm on the outer and inner surfaces. Notably, these structures matched their intended design dimensions without distortion or shrinkage, demonstrating the adaptability of this method for various template sizes. The cylindrical structures showed high elasticity and stretchability with an elastic modulus of 6.23 MPa. Furthermore, our method successfully mimicked complex biological tissue structures, such as the inner architecture of the voice box and the hollow partitioned structure of the heart's tricuspid valve. Achieving specific intricate shapes required multiple spinning sessions and subsequent assemblies. In essence, our approach holds potential for crafting artificial organs and forming the foundational materials for cell culture scaffolds, addressing the challenges of crafting intricate multiscale structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on research in expert elicitation as a part of the early stage health technology assessment (eHTA). The current state of affairs is analysed and two elicitation approaches are compared—the four fixed intervals method and the histogram method—as applied to an example of early assessment of clinical effectiveness of artificial thymus for patients with DiGeorge syndrome. A survey was carried out consisting of four questions concerning the topic, with the aim to apply the elicitation methods. Eight experts answered the questions using both elicitation methods. Based on their answers, the methods were compared visually and by means of statistical tests. In order to compare the perception of the two elicitation methods, the survey also included questions regarding the experts' subjective preferences. The results of the comparison of the two elicitation approaches did not clearly confirm which method was more beneficial and better; however, it was possible to indicate which of the two methods is better suited for different types of experts. Before selecting an elicitation method as a part of eHTA, it is advisable to effectively consider the technology to be assessed and the type of experts to be invited to share their opinion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]