Manufacture of a cell-free amnion matrix scaffold that supports amnion cell outgrowth in vitro

We manufactured a cell-free extracellular matrix scaffolds in order to obtain a support material for amnion cell outgrowth, eventually being used for repair of prematurely ruptured fetal membrane. Human preterm or term amnion tissue was separated into its collagenous extracellular matrix and cell components. The acellular scaffold was explored for its capacity to support regrowth of isolated human amnion epithelial or mesenchymal cells in vitro. The outgrowth of amnion cells on and in the scaffold was investigated by scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and confocal laser scanning microscopy. Cell-free amnion matrix scaffolds demonstrated a porous collagen fiber network similar as in native amnion. Inoculation of acellular amnion scaffolds with human amnion cells revealed that its property to support amnion cell outgrowth was retained. Amnion epithelial and mesenchymal cells were found to grow into dense layers on the surface of the scaffold within 3-4 days and 7-8 days, respectively, and to some extent, invaded the scaffold during the culture period. Manufactured acellular amnion matrix retains structural and functional properties required for cell outgrowth in vitro. It may become useful to repair prematurely ruptured fetal membranes.     

Designing a research infrastructure on dietary intake and its determinants

Research on dietary intake and its determinants is crucial for an adequate response to the current epidemic of diet‐related non‐communicable chronic diseases. In order to respond to this challenge, the RICHFIELDS project was tasked with designing a research infrastructure (RI) that connects data on dietary intake of consumers in Europe, and its determinants, collected using apps and wearable sensors, from behavioural laboratories and experimental facilities and from other RIs. The main output of the project, an RI design, describes interfaces (portals) to collect data, a meta‐database and a data‐model to enable data linkage and sharing. The RICHFIELDS project comprises three phases, each consisting of three work packages, and an overarching methodological support work package. Phase 1 focused on data generated by consumers (e.g. collected by apps and sensors) relating to the purchase, preparation and consumption of food. Phase 2 focused on data generated by organisations such as businesses (e.g. retail data), government (e.g. procurement data) and experimental research facilities (e.g. virtual supermarkets). Phases 1 and 2 provided Phase 3 with insights on data types and design requirements, including the business models, data integration and management systems and governance and ethics. The final design will be used in the coming years to build an RI for the scientific research community, policy makers and businesses in Europe. The RI will boost interdisciplinary multi‐stakeholder research through harmonisation and integration of data on food behaviour.     

Potenziell inadäquate Medikamente bei älteren hausärztlich versorgten Patientinnen und Patienten

Background

Elderly people are often burdened by several diseases. This accounts for a higher medication intake and increases the risk of adverse drug events. To minimize this risk, several lists (Beers, PRISCUS) have been published of drugs that elderly patients should not take. We present a longitudinal analysis of the use of potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) over a period 4.5 years in a cohort of patients aged 75 years or more.

Methods

Data were collected from the prospective, multicenter, observational study “German Study on Ageing, Cognition and Dementia in Primary Care Patients (AgeCoDe),” initially enrolling 3,327 patients. We investigated the prevalence of PIM by checking medications during visits to patients’ homes. Furthermore, we analyzed the use of individual PIM agents over time.

Results

At baseline, we found a PIM prevalence of 29?% according to the PRISCUS list, which decreased to 25.0?% 4.5 years later (χ²: 7.87, p?=?0.004). The Beers list yielded a prevalence of 21?% at baseline, decreasing after 4.5 years to 17.1?% (χ²: 10.77, p?=?0.000). A time-dependent multilevel model confirmed these results. Older age, depression, and the use of numerous prescribed agents are independent risk factors for using a PRISCUS-PIM.

Conclusion

Our results seem to support a trend toward a more rational drug therapy because fewer patients were prescribed PIM. Thus, for the individual patient, the risk of adverse effects and side effects is reduced as are the costs of these effects.     

Can trained volunteers provide psychosocial support to patients undergoing radiotherapy? The perspective of patients and volunteers

PurposeClinic-based psychosocial interventions, including volunteer-based ones, may be a cost-efficient and acceptable means of integrating psychosocial support into cancer care during radiotherapy. The present study evaluated a new psychosocial volunteer support program in a large radiotherapy clinic.Methods and MaterialsPatients were asked to complete a demographic and satisfaction with care questionnaire. Clinic volunteers were asked to report their interactions with patients on shift logs.ResultsOf the 182 participating patients, 93 (51%) recalled meeting a volunteer in the clinic, with the 2 most common support types provided being the following: “listening and caring,” and “information on services.” Analysis of 224 volunteers' shift logs indicated that almost all interactions (94%) were initiated by the volunteers, and almost half (47%) involved the patients' companions in the clinic. The most common support type documented was “information and navigation” (71%), followed by “emotional” (47%), “diversional” (21%), and “physical/practical” (17%) support.ConclusionsTrained volunteers can effectively provide clinic-based psychosocial support and information to a high proportion of radiotherapy patients. These findings demonstrate that volunteer support is a feasible means of meeting the psychosocial needs of patients with cancer attending outpatient radiotherapy clinics, who may not require or want professional psychosocial support.     

A 5‐year follow up of patients discharged with non‐specific abdominal pain: out of sight,out of mind?

Background/Aim: Acute non‐specific abdominal pain (NSAP) is prevalent in 6–25% of the general population and is a common cause of admission to the emergency department (ED). Despite involvement of substantial financial and human resources, there are few data on long‐term outcome after initial diagnosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate long‐term outcome of patients initially admitted with NSAP to an ED. Methods: The study involves a 5‐year follow‐up analysis of prospectively collected data on 104 patients admitted to our ED in 2003 with NSAP. Primary end‐point was clinical outcome 5 years after initial ED admission. Predictive risk factors were assessed using a multivariate regression model. Results: 29 patients (28%) had recurring NSAP 5 years after initial ED admission, 76% of these patients received (multiple) diagnostic examinations and 13% eventually required diagnostic (or therapeutic) surgery. Although approximately half of patients with recurring NSAP eventually received a definite diagnosis, 30% still suffered from recurrent abdominal pain. Using regression analysis, no single factor in our dataset could be identified as a predictor for NSAP persistence. Conclusion: The long‐term impact for patients initially admitted to our ED with acute NSAP is significant – 28% of patients continue to suffer from recurring NSAP after 5 years. NSAP therefore remains, despite more advanced diagnostic tools, a true and, as yet, unsolved problem.     

γ-去氢骆驼蓬碱等咔啉类生物碱的辐射防护作用

γ- Harmine(Ⅰ),’harmine(Ⅱ )and harmaline(Ⅲ )were isolated from PeganumHarmala L.( Zygophylaceae).Tests were conducted with mice to detect whether γ- harmine( a newcompound), harmine,harmof(Ⅳ)and harmalol(Ⅴ) are effective radioprotective compounds againstγ-ray irradiation, Intraperitoneal injection of the hydrochlorides of the four alkaloids 50～80mg·kg^-1×1 in NIH male mice 30～45 minutes before 8.6～9. 7 Gy whole body ⁶⁰Co irradiationsignificantly increased the survival effects(1. 33～2. 61)and 30-day survivai rate in comparison withcontrol mice.The results indicatethat γ- harmine exhibited relatively good radioprotective effect.γ-harmine is the first alkaloid isolated from a plant having ptotective effects against whole-body lethal irradiation in mice.