Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) are biopolyesters reported to provide favorable microenvironments for cell culture and possess potential for tissue engineering applications. Both biopolymers have been investigated for applications in a variety of medical scenarios, including nerve and bone repair. This study investigated the influence these biomaterials exerted on cell cycle progression of olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) commonly used in the engineering of nerve and bone tissues. Cell cycle regulation is important for cell survival; analysis revealed that the biomaterials induced significant cell cycle progression in both MSCs and OECs. Significantly higher percentages of cells were cycled at synthesis (S) phase of the cycle on PHBV films compared to PHB, with MSCs more susceptible than OECs. Furthermore, detection of early stages of apoptotic activation showed significant differences in the two cell populations exhibiting necrosis and apoptosis when cultivated on the biomaterials. OECs compromised on PHB (5.6%) and PHBV (2.5%) compared to MSCs with 12.6% on PHB and 17% on PHBV. Significant differences in crystallinity and surface rugosity were determined between films of the two biomaterials, 88% and 1.12 μm for PHB and 76% and 0.72 μm for PHBV. While changes in surface properties may have influenced cell adhesion, the work presented here suggests that application of these biomaterials in tissue engineering are specific to cell type and requires a detailed investigation at the cell-material interface.

No abstract

Objective Although antiretroviral treatment (ART) has reduced the incidence of HIV-related opportunistic infections among children living with HIV, access to ART remains limited for children, especially in resource-limited settings. This paper reviews current knowledge on the contribution of opportunistic infections and common childhood illnesses to morbidity and mortality in children living with HIV, highlights interventions known to improve the health of children, and identifies research gaps for further exploration. Design and Methods Literature review of peer-reviewed articles and abstracts combined with expert opinion and operational experience. Results Morbidity and mortality due to opportunistic infections has decreased in both developed and resource-limited countries. However, the burden of HIV-related infections remains high, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, where the majority of HIV-infected children live. Limitations in diagnostic capacity in resource-limited settings have resulted in a relative paucity of data on opportunistic infections in children. Additionally, the reliance on clinical diagnosis means that opportunistic infections are often confused with common childhood illnesses which also contribute to excess morbidity and mortality in these children. Although several preventive interventions have been shown to decrease opportunistic infection-related mortality, implementation of many of these interventions remains inconsistent. Conclusions In order to reduce opportunistic infection-related mortality, early ART must be expanded, training for front-line clinicians must be improved, and additional research is needed to improve screening and diagnostic algorithms.

Angiopeptin has been shown to reduce in-stent restenosis in various animal models. Meanwhile, BiodivYsio DD phosphorylcholine (PC)-coated stent provides a platform for local delivery of antiproliferative agents to the coronary artery. We studied the feasibility, safety, and impact on tissue growth of angiopeptin-eluting BiodivYsio DD PC-coated stents in human native de novo coronary lesions. We enrolled 14 patients (16 lesions) who underwent intravascular ultrasound (IVUS)-guided angiopeptin-eluting stent implantation in native coronary arteries between 3.0 and 4.0 mm in diameter with lesion length

Purpose: Adequate, robust vascular responses to passive and active movement represent two distinct components linked to normal, healthy cardiovascular function. Currently, limited research exists determining if these vascular responses are altered in premenopausal females (PMF) when compared across sex or menstrual cycle phase. Methods: Vascular responses to passive leg movement (PLM) and handgrip (HG) exercise were assessed in PMF (n = 21) and age-matched men (n = 21). A subset of PMF subjects (n = 11) completed both assessments during the early and late follicular phase of their menstrual cycle. Microvascular function was assessed during PLM via changes in leg blood flow, and during HG exercise, via steady-state arm vascular conductance. Macrovascular (brachial artery [BA]) function was assessed during HG exercise via BA dilation responses as well as BA shear rate-dilation slopes. Results: Leg microvascular function, determined by PLM, was not different between sexes or across menstrual cycle phase. However, arm microvascular function, demonstrated by arm vascular conductance, was lower in PMF compared with men at rest and during HG exercise. Macrovascular function was not different between sexes or across menstrual cycle phase. Conclusions: This study identified similar vascular function across sex and menstrual cycle phase seen in microvasculature of the leg and macrovascular (BA) of the arm. Although arm microvascular function was unaltered by menstrual cycle phase in PMF, it was revealed to be significantly lower when compared with age-matched men highlighting a sex difference in vascular/blood flow regulation during small muscle mass exercise.