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Laryngoscope Investigative... Jun 2024To establish audiological and other outcomes following cochlear implantation in humans and animals with eluting electrodes. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
To establish audiological and other outcomes following cochlear implantation in humans and animals with eluting electrodes.
METHODS
Systematic review and narrative synthesis. Databases searched (April 2023): MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Web of Science. Studies reporting outcomes in either humans or animals following cochlear implantation with a drug-eluting electrode were included. No limits were placed on language or year of publication. Risk of bias assessment was performed on all included studies using either the Brazzelli or Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory animal Experimentation (SYRCLE) assessment tools. The review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 statement.
RESULTS
Searches identified 146 abstracts and 108 full texts. Of these, 18 studies met the inclusion criteria, reporting outcomes in 523 animals (17 studies) and 24 humans (1 study). Eluting electrodes included dexamethasone (16 studies), aracytine (1 study), nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (1 study), the growth factors insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) (1 study), and neurotrophin-3 (1 study). All included studies compare outcomes following implantation with an eluting electrode with a control non-eluting electrode. In the majority of studies, audiological outcomes (e.g., auditory brainstem response threshold) were superior following implantation with an eluting electrode compared with a standard electrode. Most studies which investigated post-implantation impedance reported lower impedance following implantation with an eluting electrode. The influence of eluting electrodes on other reported outcomes (including post-implantation cochlear fibrosis and the survival of hair cells and spiral ganglion neurons) was more varied across the included studies.
CONCLUSIONS
Eluting electrodes have shown promise in animal studies in preserving residual hearing following cochlear implantation and in reducing impedance, though data from human studies remain lacking. Further in-human studies will be required to determine the clinical usefulness of drug-eluting cochlear implants as a future treatment for sensorineural hearing loss.
PubMed: 38855776
DOI: 10.1002/lio2.1263 -
International Journal of Nanomedicine 2024Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) stents have broad application prospects in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases due to their excellent mechanical properties and...
BACKGROUND
Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) stents have broad application prospects in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases due to their excellent mechanical properties and biodegradability. However, foreign body reactions caused by stent implantation remain a bottleneck that limits the clinical application of PLLA stents. To solve this problem, the biocompatibility of PLLA stents must be urgently improved. Albumin, the most abundant inert protein in the blood, possesses the ability to modify the surface of biomaterials, mitigating foreign body reactions-a phenomenon described as the "stealth effect". In recent years, a strategy based on albumin camouflage has become a focal point in nanomedicine delivery and tissue engineering research. Therefore, albumin surface modification is anticipated to enhance the surface biological characteristics required for vascular stents. However, the therapeutic applicability of this modification has not been fully explored.
METHODS
Herein, a bionic albumin (PDA-BSA) coating was constructed on the surface of PLLA by a mussel-inspired surface modification technique using polydopamine (PDA) to enhance the immobilization of bovine serum albumin (BSA).
RESULTS
Surface characterization revealed that the PDA-BSA coating was successfully constructed on the surface of PLLA materials, significantly improving their hydrophilicity. Furthermore, in vivo and in vitro studies demonstrated that this PDA-BSA coating enhanced the anticoagulant properties and pro-endothelialization effects of the PLLA material surface while inhibiting the inflammatory response and neointimal hyperplasia at the implantation site.
CONCLUSION
These findings suggest that the PDA-BSA coating provides a multifunctional biointerface for PLLA stent materials, markedly improving their biocompatibility. Further research into the diverse applications of this coating in vascular implants is warranted.
Topics: Polyesters; Animals; Serum Albumin, Bovine; Coated Materials, Biocompatible; Stents; Polymers; Biomimetic Materials; Indoles; Surface Properties; Humans; Materials Testing; Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells
PubMed: 38855731
DOI: 10.2147/IJN.S462691 -
Journal of the Endocrine Society May 2024Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)-secreting tumors (VIPomas) are digestive neuroendocrine tumors in which the hormonal secretion is life-threatening. Biological...
BACKGROUND
Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)-secreting tumors (VIPomas) are digestive neuroendocrine tumors in which the hormonal secretion is life-threatening. Biological confirmation is obtained by demonstrating an elevation in plasma VIP, usually using radioimmunoassay (RIA). In some cases, analytical interference is suspected. We developed 3 different techniques to detect interference in VIP RIA.
METHODS
Three techniques were used: RIA after Sephadex column chromatography separation, RIA after polyethylene glycol precipitation, and I-labeled VIP binding test. We included patients with suspicion of false positive VIP (FPV) elevation. We then compared results with those of a group of "real," proven VIPoma (RV).
RESULTS
A total of 15 patients with FPV elevation and 9 RV patients were included. Interference was detected in all FPV patients vs none in RV. Clinical and biochemical parameters did not differ between FPV and RV patients, but VIP concentration in RIA was significantly higher in FPV patients than in RV patients (228 pmol/L vs 66 pmol/L, = .038). Using a I-labeled VIP binding test, median proportion of radioactivity in the pellet was significantly higher in FPV than in RV patients (53% vs 13%, < .0001). A 20.5% threshold presented excellent performances (sensitivity 100% [79.6-100], specificity 100% [70.1-100]).
CONCLUSION
We developed 3 different laboratory techniques to reveal interference in RIA VIP assays. The diagnostic performance of all 3 was excellent. These techniques must be employed in cases of discordance between VIP elevation and clinical presentation.
PubMed: 38854908
DOI: 10.1210/jendso/bvae102 -
Turkish Journal of Obstetrics and... Jun 2024Endometriosis is a prevalent condition in women that causes pelvic pain and fertility issues due to the growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus during menstrual...
Endometriosis is a prevalent condition in women that causes pelvic pain and fertility issues due to the growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus during menstrual cycles. Steroid hormones play a crucial role in the development and growth of endometriosis lesions; therefore, researchers have investigated several effective drugs that target hormones for treating this disease. One such drug is bazedoxifene, but despite several animal studies, there has yet to be a comprehensive evaluation of their combined results. A systematic search was conducted across several databases (Embase, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Sciences) to identify studies investigating the effectiveness of bazedoxifene in animal models of endometriosis. Meta-analysis was performed using the size of endometriosis implants before and after drug administration in the case and control groups, along with the p-value of the associations. Begg's and Egger's tests were used to assess publication bias. This study included four eligible studies consisting of 45 endometrial animal models and 35 control subjects. The meta-analysis showed that bazedoxifene significantly reduced the size of endometriosis implants in animal models compared with the control group (odds ratio: 0.122, 95% confidence interval: 0.050-0.298, p<0.001). Detailed investigation determined that there was no significant heterogeneity between the studies (I2=38.81, and p-value of the Q test=0.179). However, according to Egger's test, the study showed publication bias (p=0.035). This study found that bazedoxifene is a promising treatment option for endometriosis in animal models. However, more research on animals and humans is required to confirm these results.
PubMed: 38853494
DOI: 10.4274/tjod.galenos.2024.82610 -
European Journal of Medical Research Jun 2024Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a diverse disease with a complex pathophysiology. The presence of extracellular β-amyloid deposition as neuritic plaques and intracellular... (Review)
Review
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a diverse disease with a complex pathophysiology. The presence of extracellular β-amyloid deposition as neuritic plaques and intracellular accumulation of hyper-phosphorylated tau as neurofibrillary tangles remain the core neuropathologic criteria for diagnosing Alzheimer's disease. Nonetheless, several recent basic discoveries have revealed significant pathogenic roles for other essential cellular and molecular processes. Previously, there were not so many disease-modifying medications (DMT) available as drug distribution through the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is difficult due to its nature, especially drugs of polypeptides nature and proteins. Recently FDA has approved lecanemab as DMT for its proven efficacy. It is also complicated to deliver drugs for diseases like epilepsy or any brain tumor due to the limitations of the BBB. After the advancements in the drug delivery system, different techniques are used to transport the medication across the BBB. Other methods are used, like enhancement of brain blood vessel fluidity by liposomes, infusion of hyperosmotic solutions, and local intracerebral implants, but these are invasive approaches. Non-invasive approaches include the formulation of nanoparticles and their coating with polymers. This review article emphasizes all the above-mentioned techniques, procedures, and challenges to transporting medicines across the BBB. It summarizes the most recent literature dealing with drug delivery across the BBB.
Topics: Humans; Blood-Brain Barrier; Alzheimer Disease; Drug Delivery Systems; Animals; Biological Transport
PubMed: 38849950
DOI: 10.1186/s40001-024-01915-3 -
Environmental Geochemistry and Health Jun 2024The aim of the study was to determine the content and leachability of Sr in ashes obtained through combusting municipal waste in household furnaces. The waste had been...
The aim of the study was to determine the content and leachability of Sr in ashes obtained through combusting municipal waste in household furnaces. The waste had been collected as a mixed stream and as separate fractions (i.e. furniture, sponges, waste paper, PCV packaging, plastic-coated paper cartons, imitation leather, rubber, textiles and polystyrene). Using single-step chemical extractions, (HCl + HNO, HO, 0.01 M CaCl, 0.1 M CHCOOH), we determined the total content of Sr (TC) and proportions of the following fractions: water-leachable, phytoavailable and easily soluble and bound to carbonates. We also analyzed the effect of reducing pH in the extraction solutions on St leachability from the study material. The study showed that Sr concentration in ash generated from the combustion of conventional fuels, alternative fuels and municipal waste ranged from 114 to 1006 mg/kg. The largest amounts of Sr were found in ash generated from the combustion of alternative fuels (coal pellets 488-1006 mg/kg), conventional fuels (hard coal 430-670 mg/kg) and mixed waste (237-825 mg/kg). The most mobile fraction of Sr (water-leachable) comprised from 1.3% to nearly 91% TC; the phytoavailable fraction and the ion-exchange and carbonate-bound fraction comprised 3-92% TC and 9-72% TC, respectively. We also found that the greatest pH reductions do not always entail the greatest amounts of extracted Sr. A much more significant factor in this respect is the mineral and chemical composition of primary materials, which can buffer changes in pH. The Risk Assessment Code (RAC) values pointed to a varied environmental risk and the highest RAC values (> 70) were found for coal pellets, wood pellets, straw, rubber and plastic containers for mixed oils.
Topics: Incineration; Strontium; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Solid Waste; Water Pollutants, Chemical
PubMed: 38849607
DOI: 10.1007/s10653-024-01998-1 -
Cureus May 2024Gliadel wafer implants (Eisai Inc., Woodcliff Lake, NJ, USA) have shown their efficacy in prolonging survival in patients with malignant gliomas. The safety of Gliadel...
Gliadel wafer implants (Eisai Inc., Woodcliff Lake, NJ, USA) have shown their efficacy in prolonging survival in patients with malignant gliomas. The safety of Gliadel wafers has also been reported; however, there is a certain risk of adverse events. We present a rare case of refractory cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage with eosinophilic meningitis in a patient with glioblastoma who underwent tumor resection with Gliadel wafer implants. A 60-year-old man presented with a glioblastoma in the right temporal lobe. The patient underwent tumor resection with Gliadel wafer implants. During the postoperative course, the patient presented with intractable CSF leakage and the development of a pseudomeningocele. A delayed rise in blood and CSF eosinophil count (a few weeks after the primary operation) and positive drug-induced lymphocyte stimulation test (DLST) results against the Gliadel wafer led to the diagnosis of an allergic reaction to these implants. Removal of the Gliadel wafers resolved the eosinophilic reaction; however, the patient subsequently required a shunt procedure for persistent hydrocephalus. This case highlights the importance of investigating rare causes of refractory CSF leakage and hydrocephalus due to allergic reactions to Gliadel wafers. Delayed elevations of eosinophils in blood and CSF tests may lead to a diagnosis of eosinophilic meningitis. DLST against Gliadel wafers is also useful for diagnosis when it is available. To control the hydrocephalus, not only the shunt procedure but also wafer removal must be considered; however, patients with limited life expectancy are generally hesitant to undergo such additional procedures.
PubMed: 38841004
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.59718 -
Frontiers in Bioengineering and... 2024Various implant surface treatment methods have been developed to achieve good osseointegration in implant treatment. However, some cases remain impossible to treat with...
Various implant surface treatment methods have been developed to achieve good osseointegration in implant treatment. However, some cases remain impossible to treat with implants because osseointegration is not obtained after implantation, and the implants fail. Thus, this study focused on phosphorylated pullulan because of its adhesiveness to titanium (Ti) and bone, high biocompatibility, and early replacement with bone. In this study, the response of bone-related cells to phosphorylated pullulan was evaluated to develop a new surface treatment method. Saos-2 (human osteosarcoma-derived osteoblast-like cells), MC3T3-E1 (mouse calvaria-derived osteoblast-like cells), and RAW264.7 (mouse macrophage-like cells) were used. In evaluating cellular responses, phosphorylated pullulan was added to the culture medium, and cell proliferation and calcification induction tests were performed. The proliferation and calcification of cells on the surface of Ti disks coated with phosphorylated pullulan were also evaluated. In addition, bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2), an osteogenic factor, was used to evaluate the role of phosphorylated pullulan as a drug carrier in inducing calcification on Ti disks. Phosphorylated pullulan tended to promote the proliferation of osteoblast-like cells and the formation of calcification on Ti disks coated with phosphorylated pullulan. Ti disks coated with phosphorylated pullulan loaded with BMP-2 enhanced calcification. Phosphorylated pullulan inhibited osteoclast-like cell formation. These results are due to the properties of phosphorylated pullulan, such as adhesiveness to titanium and drug-loading function. Therefore, phosphorylated pullulan effectively promotes bone regeneration when coated on titanium implants and is useful for developing a new surface treatment method.
PubMed: 38840668
DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2024.1378039 -
Nature Communications Jun 2024Drawing inspiration from cohesive integration of skeletal muscles and sensory skins in vertebrate animals, we present a design strategy of soft robots, primarily...
Drawing inspiration from cohesive integration of skeletal muscles and sensory skins in vertebrate animals, we present a design strategy of soft robots, primarily consisting of an electronic skin (e-skin) and an artificial muscle. These robots integrate multifunctional sensing and on-demand actuation into a biocompatible platform using an in-situ solution-based method. They feature biomimetic designs that enable adaptive motions and stress-free contact with tissues, supported by a battery-free wireless module for untethered operation. Demonstrations range from a robotic cuff for detecting blood pressure, to a robotic gripper for tracking bladder volume, an ingestible robot for pH sensing and on-site drug delivery, and a robotic patch for quantifying cardiac function and delivering electrotherapy, highlighting the application versatilities and potentials of the bio-inspired soft robots. Our designs establish a universal strategy with a broad range of sensing and responsive materials, to form integrated soft robots for medical technology and beyond.
Topics: Robotics; Animals; Biomimetics; Humans; Prostheses and Implants; Skin; Equipment Design; Muscle, Skeletal; Wearable Electronic Devices
PubMed: 38839748
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48903-z -
Poultry Science May 2024A 28-d experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of feed-conditioning temperature on the pellet quality, growth performance, intestinal development, and blood...
A 28-d experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of feed-conditioning temperature on the pellet quality, growth performance, intestinal development, and blood parameters of geese. A total of 180 one-day-old White Yuzhou goslings were randomly allotted to 5 treatment groups, with 6 replicates containing 6 birds each. Five diets were conditioned at 65, 70, 75, 80, and 85°C. Body weight and feed intake per pen basis were recorded from the arrival to the end of the trial. Blood and small intestine samples were collected on d 28 for analysis. The results showed that the pellet durability index (PDI), pellet hardness, and gelatinisation degree of starch (GDS) increased with increasing conditioning temperature (P < 0.05). The final body weight (FBW), average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) of goslings significantly increased when conditioning temperature increased from 65 or 70°C to 80 or 85°C (P < 0.05), accompanied by unaffected feed conversion ratio (FCR) (P > 0.05). The villus height to crypt depth ratio (VH/CD) in the duodenum and ileum improved with increasing conditioning temperature (P < 0.05). Additionally, trypsin and amylase activity were enhanced when the conditioning temperature increased from 65 to 85°C (P < 0.05). No significant differences in the carcass traits and blood parameters of goslings were observed among the groups (P > 0.05). Overall, under the present experimental conditions, increasing the steam-conditioning temperature of pelleted feed improved pellet quality, growth performance, intestinal morphology, and digestive enzyme activity in goslings. Based on broken-line regression analysis, the lower critical conditioning temperature for ADG in geese from 1 to 28 d of age was 80.95°C.
PubMed: 38838588
DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2024.103849