Polyurethane Nanocomposites

This review describes the present state of science and technology of photopolymerizable (UV-curable) polyurethane (PU) nanocomposites which include nanosilica and organically-modified clay (organoclay). A number of documented improvements of properties of PU nanocomposites compared to the pristine PU are presented. Many data on the structure and properties of PU nanocomposites were obtained not only for UV-cured urethane acrylate oligomers, but also for nanocomposites produced in the dark reactions. These data are critically reviewed. There is an expectation in the field of dramatic improvement of properties of PU nanocomposites under low loading (1-5 wt%) of organoclay

Patient-reported outcomes of parenteral somatostatin analogue injections in 195 patients with acromegaly.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported LicenseBACKGROUND: Long-acting somatostatin analogues delivered parenterally are the most widely used medical treatment in acromegaly. This patient-reported outcomes survey was designed to assess the impact of chronic injections on subjects with acromegaly. METHODS: The survey was conducted in nine pituitary centres in Germany, UK and The Netherlands. The questionnaire was developed by endocrinologists and covered aspects of acromegaly symptoms, injection-related manifestations, emotional and daily life impact, treatment satisfaction and unmet medical needs. RESULTS: In total, 195 patients participated, of which 112 (57%) were on octreotide (Sandostatin LAR) and 83 (43%) on lanreotide (Somatuline Depot). The majority (>70%) of patients reported acromegaly symptoms despite treatment. A total of 52% of patients reported that their symptoms worsen towards the end of the dosing interval. Administration site pain lasting up to a week following injection was the most frequently reported injection-related symptom (70% of patients). Other injection site reactions included nodules (38%), swelling (28%), bruising (16%), scar tissue (8%) and inflammation (7%). Injection burden was similar between octreotide and lanreotide. Only a minority of patients received injections at home (17%) and 5% were self-injecting. Over a third of patients indicated a feeling of loss of independence due to the injections, and 16% reported repeated work loss days. Despite the physical, emotional and daily life impact of injections, patients were satisfied with their treatment, yet reported that modifications that would offer major improvement over current care would be 'avoiding injections' and 'better symptom control'. CONCLUSION: Lifelong injections of long-acting somatostatin analogues have significant burden on the functioning, well-being and daily lives of patients with acromegaly.Chiasma, Inc. 60 Welles Ave, Newton, MA 02 459, USA

Physical activity levels in men with bone metastatic prostate cancer and associations with physical and mental health outcomes

Abstract of a presentation at the 2nd Prostate Cancer World Congress (PCWC), Cairns, Australia, 17-21 August 2015

Addressing the Pandemic Training Deficiency: Filling the Void with Simulation in Facial Reconstruction

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/168521/1/lary29490_am.pdfhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/168521/2/lary29490.pdfhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/168521/3/lary29490-sup-0001-SupinfoS1.pdfhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/168521/4/lary29490-sup-0002-SupinfoS2.pd

Preclinical assessment of clinically streamlined, 3D‐printed, biocompatible single‐ and two‐stage tissue scaffolds for ear reconstruction

Auricular reconstruction is a technically demanding procedure requiring significant surgical expertise, as the current gold standard involves hand carving of the costal cartilage into an auricular framework and re‐implantation of the tissue. 3D‐printing presents a powerful tool that can reduce technical demands associated with the procedure. Our group compared clinical, radiological, histological, and biomechanical outcomes in single‐ and two‐stage 3D‐printed auricular tissue scaffolds in an athymic rodent model. Briefly, an external anatomic envelope of a human auricle was created using DICOM computed tomography (CT) images and modified in design to create a two‐stage, lock‐in‐key base and elevating platform. Single‐ and two‐stage scaffolds were 3D‐printed by laser sintering poly‐L‐caprolactone (PCL) then implanted subcutaneously in five athymic rats each. Rats were monitored for ulcer formation, site infection, and scaffold distortion weekly, and scaffolds were explanted at 8 weeks with analysis using microCT and histologic staining. Nonlinear finite element analysis was performed to determine areas of high strain in relation to ulcer formation. Scaffolds demonstrated precise anatomic appearance and maintenance of integrity of both anterior and posterior auricular surfaces and scaffold projection, with no statistically significant differences in complications noted between the single‐ and two‐staged implantation. While minor superficial ulcers occurred most commonly at the lateral and superior helix coincident with finite element predictions of high skin strains, evidence of robust tissue ingrowth and angiogenesis was visible grossly and histologically. This promising preclinical small animal model supports future initiatives for making clinically viable options for an ear tissue scaffold.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/166223/1/jbmb34707_am.pdfhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/166223/2/jbmb34707.pd

3D printing in surgical simulation: emphasized importance in the COVID-19 pandemic era

Historically, surgical training was an apprenticeship model of see one, do one, teach one. However, a proficiency-based training approach has become increasingly implemented for assessing surgical skills with performance scores used as benchmarks to track trainee proficiency [1]. Surgical simulators are starting to be utilized more to assess proficiency in trainees on certain procedures with many residency programs having simulation as a piece of their training curriculum. Today, simulation in surgical training takes many forms. Live animals and cadavers are often implemented since these simulators can simulate operating on realistic tissue and on human anatomy respectively. There are also basic simulators that are models that simulate a component of an operation such as suturing or knot-tying. These help trainees practice certain surgical skills necessary for completing a procedure. Some of these simulators have become more complex and simulate several steps or even an entire procedure such as joint replacements and fixating fractures [1]. With the increased availability in 3D printing technology and a push toward personalized medicine, 3D printing research has exponentially increased in recent years and has been an area of investigation for the development of surgical simulators [2]. Using a 3D printer to construct models for simulation leads to vast opportunity to customize the simulator while significantly reducing cost. Prior to the advent of 3D printing and additive manufacturing, computed tomography (CT) data were used to construct anatomic models using subtractive manufacturing with the first model made in 1979 [3]. Commercial 3D printers became available in the 1980s and were introduced into the medical field in 1994 [4]. Currently, 3D printing has several surgical applications including anatomic models for surgical planning, simulation and education; implants and prostheses; and surgical guides [3]

Preclinical assessment of clinically streamlined, 3D‐printed

Auricular reconstruction is a technically demanding procedure requiring significant surgical expertise, as the current gold standard involves hand carving of the costal cartilage into an auricular framework and re‐implantation of the tissue. 3D‐printing presents a powerful tool that can reduce technical demands associated with the procedure. Our group compared clinical, radiological, histological, and biomechanical outcomes in single‐ and two‐stage 3D‐printed auricular tissue scaffolds in an athymic rodent model. Briefly, an external anatomic envelope of a human auricle was created using DICOM computed tomography (CT) images and modified in design to create a two‐stage, lock‐in‐key base and elevating platform. Single‐ and two‐stage scaffolds were 3D‐printed by laser sintering poly‐L‐caprolactone (PCL) then implanted subcutaneously in five athymic rats each. Rats were monitored for ulcer formation, site infection, and scaffold distortion weekly, and scaffolds were explanted at 8 weeks with analysis using microCT and histologic staining. Nonlinear finite element analysis was performed to determine areas of high strain in relation to ulcer formation. Scaffolds demonstrated precise anatomic appearance and maintenance of integrity of both anterior and posterior auricular surfaces and scaffold projection, with no statistically significant differences in complications noted between the single‐ and two‐staged implantation. While minor superficial ulcers occurred most commonly at the lateral and superior helix coincident with finite element predictions of high skin strains, evidence of robust tissue ingrowth and angiogenesis was visible grossly and histologically. This promising preclinical small animal model supports future initiatives for making clinically viable options for an ear tissue scaffold.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/166223/1/jbmb34707_am.pdfhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/166223/2/jbmb34707.pd

Associations between aerobic exercise levels and physical and mental health outcomes in men with bone metastatic prostate cancer: a cross-sectional investigation

Cancer patients with bone metastases have previously been excluded from participation in physical activity programmes due to concerns of skeletal fractures. Our aim was to provide initial information on the association between physical activity levels and physical and mental health outcomes in prostate cancer patients with bone metastases. Between 2012 and 2015, 55 prostate cancer patients (mean age 69.7 ± 8.3; BMI 28.6 ± 4.0) with bone metastases (58.2% \u3e2 regions affected) undertook assessments for self-reported physical activity, physical and mental health outcomes (SF-36), objective physical performance measures and body composition by DXA. Sixteen men (29%) met the current aerobic exercise guidelines for cancer survivors, while 39 (71%) reported lower aerobic exercise levels. Men not meeting aerobic exercise guidelines had lower physical functioning (p = .004), role functioning (physical and emotional) (p \u3c .05), general health scores (p = .014) as well all lower measures of physical performance (p \u3c .05). Lower levels of aerobic exercise are associated with reduced physical and mental health outcomes in prostate cancer patients with bone metastases. While previous research has focused primarily in those with non-metastatic disease, our initial results suggest that higher levels of aerobic exercise may preserve physical and mental health outcomes in prostate cancer patients with bone metastases