Cu-bearing steel reduce inflammation after stent implantation

Copper (Cu)-bearing stainless steel with release of Cu(2+) ions is a novel material for coronary stents that could reduce the in-stent restenosis after the stent implantation. The inflammation has been recently recognized as an important factor to smooth muscle cells proliferation, thrombosis, and hence the restenosis post-angioplasty. The objective of this study is to further investigate the effect and relevant mechanism of Cu-bearing stainless steel (316L-Cu SS) on the inflammation reaction after stent implantation. The results demonstrated that, compared with commercial coronary stent material (316L SS), 316L-Cu SS could inhibit the inflammation caused by endothelial dysfunction through blockading the inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-1β, 6, 8), which would then reduce the recruitment and infiltration of leukocytes, rather than have direct effect on leukocytes. This finding further explained the reduction effect of 316L-Cu SS on in-stent restenosis from a novel view.Peer reviewe

The complex spectrum of forensic issues arising from obesity

The increasing numbers of obese and morbidly obese individuals in the community are having a direct effect on forensic facilities. In addition to having to install more robust equipment for handling large bodies, the quality of autopsy examinations may be reduced by the physical difficulties that arise in trying to position bodies correctly so that normal examinations can proceed. Accelerated putrefaction is often an added complication. Metabolic disturbances resulting from obesity increase susceptibility to a range of conditions that are associated with sudden and unexpected death, and surgery may have increased complications. The rates of a number of different malignancies, including lymphoma, leukemia, melanoma and multiple myeloma, and carcinomas of the esophagus, stomach, colon, gallbladder, thyroid, prostate, breast and endometrium, are increased. In addition, obese individuals have higher rates of diabetes mellitus, and sepsis. The unexpected collapse of an obese individual should raise the possibility of a wide range of conditions, many of which may be more difficult to demonstrate at autopsy than in an individual with a normal body mass index. Although sudden cardiac death due to cardiomegaly, pulmonary thromboembolism, or ischemic heart disease may be the most probable diagnosis in an unexpected collapse, the range of possible underlying conditions is extensive and often only determinable after full postmortem examination.Roger W. Byar