@article{AlbannaKotliarLuekeetal.2018, author = {Albanna, Walid and Kotliar, Konstantin and L{\"u}ke, Jan Niklas and Alpdogan, Serdar and Conzen, Catharina and Lindauer, Ute and Clusmann, Hans and Hescheler, J{\"u}rgen and Vilser, Walthard and Schneider, Toni and Schubert, Gerrit Alexander}, title = {Non-invasive evaluation of neurovascular coupling in the murine retina by dynamic retinal vessel analysis}, series = {Plos one}, volume = {13}, journal = {Plos one}, number = {10}, publisher = {PLOS}, address = {San Francisco}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0204689}, pages = {e0204689}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Background Impairment of neurovascular coupling (NVC) was recently reported in the context of subarachnoid hemorrhage and may correlate with disease severity and outcome. However, previous techniques to evaluate NVC required invasive procedures. Retinal vessels may represent an alternative option for non-invasive assessment of NVC. Methods A prototype of an adapted retinal vessel analyzer was used to assess retinal vessel diameter in mice. Dynamic vessel analysis (DVA) included an application of monochromatic flicker light impulses in predefined frequencies for evaluating NVC. All retinae were harvested after DVA and electroretinograms were performed. Results A total of 104 retinal scans were conducted in 21 male mice (90 scans). Quantitative arterial recordings were feasible only in a minority of animals, showing an emphasized reaction to flicker light impulses (8 mice; 14 scans). A characteristic venous response to flicker light, however, could observed in the majority of animals. Repeated measurements resulted in a significant decrease of baseline venous diameter (7 mice; 7 scans, p < 0.05). Ex-vivo electroretinograms, performed after in-vivo DVA, demonstrated a significant reduction of transretinal signaling in animals with repeated DVA (n = 6, p < 0.001). Conclusions To the best of our knowledge, this is the first non-invasive study assessing murine retinal vessel response to flicker light with characteristic changes in NVC. The imaging system can be used for basic research and enables the investigation of retinal vessel dimension and function in control mice and genetically modified animals.}, language = {en} } @incollection{ArtmannMeruvuKizildagetal.2018, author = {Artmann, Gerhard and Meruvu, Haritha and Kizildag, Sefa and Temiz Artmann, Ayseg{\"u}l}, title = {Functional Toxicology and Pharmacology Test of Cell Induced Mechanical Tensile Stress in 2D and 3D Tissue Cultures}, series = {Biological, Physical and Technical Basics of Cell Engineering}, booktitle = {Biological, Physical and Technical Basics of Cell Engineering}, editor = {Artmann, Gerhard and Temiz Artmann, Ayseg{\"u}l and Zhubanova, Azhar A. and Digel, Ilya}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Singapore}, isbn = {978-981-10-7904-7}, doi = {10.1007/978-981-10-7904-7_7}, pages = {157 -- 192}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Mechanical forces/tensile stresses are critical determinants of cellular growth, differentiation and migration patterns in health and disease. The innovative "CellDrum technology" was designed for measuring mechanical tensile stress of cultured cell monolayers/thin tissue constructs routinely. These are cultivated on very thin silicone membranes in the so-called CellDrum. The cell layers adhere firmly to the membrane and thus transmit the cell forces generated. A CellDrum consists of a cylinder which is sealed from below with a 4 μm thick, biocompatible, functionalized silicone membrane. The weight of cell culture medium bulbs the membrane out downwards. Membrane indentation is measured. When cells contract due to drug action, membrane, cells and medium are lifted upwards. The induced indentation changes allow for lateral drug induced mechanical tension quantification of the micro-tissues. With hiPS-induced (human) Cardiomyocytes (CM) the CellDrum opens new perspectives of individualized cardiac drug testing. Here, monolayers of self-beating hiPS-CMs were grown in CellDrums. Rhythmic contractions of the hiPS-cells induce membrane up-and-down deflections. The recorded cycles allow for single beat amplitude, single beat duration, integration of the single beat amplitude over the beat time and frequency analysis. Dose effects of agonists and antagonists acting on Ca2+ channels were sensitively and highly reproducibly observed. Data were consistent with published reference data as far as they were available. The combination of the CellDrum technology with hiPS-Cardiomyocytes offers a fast, facile and precise system for pharmacological and toxicological studies. It allows new preclinical basic as well as applied research in pharmacolgy and toxicology.}, language = {en} } @book{ArtmannTemizArtmannZhubanovaetal.2018, author = {Artmann, Gerhard and Temiz Artmann, Ayseg{\"u}l and Zhubanova, Azhar A. and Digel, Ilya}, title = {Biological, physical and technical basics of cell engineering}, editor = {Artmann, Gerhard and Temiz Artmann, Ayseg{\"u}l and Zhubanova, Azhar A. and Digel, Ilya}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Singapore}, isbn = {978-981-10-7903-0}, pages = {xxiv, 481 Seiten ; Illustrationen, Diagramme}, year = {2018}, language = {en} } @article{BalakirskiKotliarPaulyetal.2018, author = {Balakirski, Galina and Kotliar, Konstantin and Pauly, Karolin J. and Krings, Laura K. and R{\"u}bben, Albert and Baron, Jens M. and Schmitt, Laurenz}, title = {Surgical Site Infections After Dermatologic Surgery in Immunocompromised Patients: A Single-Center Experience}, series = {Dermatologic Surgery}, journal = {Dermatologic Surgery}, number = {44 (12)}, publisher = {Wolters Kluwer}, doi = {10.1097/DSS.0000000000001615}, pages = {1525 -- 1536}, year = {2018}, abstract = {BACKGROUND Immunosuppression is often considered as an indication for antibiotic prophylaxis to prevent surgical site infections (SSI) while performing skin surgery. However, the data on the risk of developing SSI after dermatologic surgery in immunosuppressed patients are limited. PATIENTS AND METHODS All patients of the Department of Dermatology and Allergology at the University Hospital of RWTH Aachen in Aachen, Germany, who underwent hospitalization for a dermatologic surgery between June 2016 and January 2017 (6 months), were followed up after surgery until completion of the wound healing process. The follow-up addressed the occurrence of SSI and the need for systemic antibiotics after the operative procedure. Immunocompromised patients were compared with immunocompetent patients. The investigation was conducted as a retrospective analysis of patient records. RESULTS The authors performed 284 dermatologic surgeries in 177 patients. Nineteen percent (54/284) of the skin surgery was performed on immunocompromised patients. The most common indications for surgical treatment were nonmelanoma skin cancer and malignant melanomas. Surgical site infections occurred in 6.7\% (19/284) of the cases. In 95\% (18/19), systemic antibiotic treatment was needed. Twenty-one percent of all SSI (4/19) were seen in immunosuppressed patients. CONCLUSION According to the authors' data, immunosuppression does not represent a significant risk factor for SSI after dermatologic surgery. However, larger prospective studies are needed to make specific recommendations on the use of antibiotic prophylaxis while performing skin surgery in these patients. The available data on complications after dermatologic surgery have improved over the past years. Particularly, additional risk factors have been identified for surgical site infections (SSI). Purulent surgical sites, older age, involvement of head, neck, and acral regions, and also the involvement of less experienced surgeons have been reported to increase the risk of the SSI after dermatologic surgeries.1 In general, the incidence of SSI after skin surgery is considered to be low.1,2 However, antibiotics in dermatologic surgeries, especially in the perioperative setting, seem to be overused,3,4 particularly regarding developing antibiotic resistances and side effects. Immunosuppression has been recommended to be taken into consideration as an additional indication for antibiotic prophylaxis to prevent SSI after skin surgery in special cases.5,6 However, these recommendations do not specify the exact dermatologic surgeries, and were not specifically developed for dermatologic surgery patients and treatments, but adopted from other surgical fields.6 According to the survey conducted on American College of Mohs Surgery members in 2012, 13\% to 29\% of the surgeons administered antibiotic prophylaxis to immunocompromised patients to prevent SSI while performing dermatologic surgery on noninfected skin,3 although this was not recommended by Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology Advisory Statement. Indeed, the data on the risk of developing SSI after dermatologic surgery in immunosuppressed patients are limited. However, it is possible that due to the insufficient evidence on the risk of SSI occurrence in this patient group, dermatologic surgeons tend to overuse perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis. To make specific recommendations on the use of antibiotic prophylaxis in immunosuppressed patients in the field of skin surgery, more information about the incidence of SSI after dermatologic surgery in these patients is needed. The aim of this study was to fill this data gap by investigating whether there is an increased risk of SSI after skin surgery in immunocompromised patients compared with immunocompetent patients.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Bhattarai2018, author = {Bhattarai, Aroj}, title = {Constitutive modeling of female pelvic floor dysfunctions and reconstructive surgeries using prosthetic mesh implants}, isbn = {978-3-9818074-8-6}, doi = {10.17185/duepublico/70340}, pages = {192 S.}, year = {2018}, language = {en} } @incollection{BhattaraiFrotscherStaat2018, author = {Bhattarai, Aroj and Frotscher, Ralf and Staat, Manfred}, title = {Computational Analysis of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction}, series = {Women's Health and Biomechanics}, booktitle = {Women's Health and Biomechanics}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Cham}, isbn = {978-3-319-71574-2}, doi = {10.1007/978-3-319-71574-2_17}, pages = {217 -- 230}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) is characterized by the failure of the levator ani (LA) muscle to maintain the pelvic hiatus, resulting in the descent of the pelvic organs below the pubococcygeal line. This chapter adopts the modified Humphrey material model to consider the effect of the muscle fiber on passive stretching of the LA muscle. The deformation of the LA muscle subjected to intra-abdominal pressure during Valsalva maneuver is compared with the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination of a nulliparous female. Numerical result shows that the fiber-based Humphrey model simulates the muscle behavior better than isotropic constitutive models. Greater posterior movement of the LA muscle widens the levator hiatus due to lack of support from the anococcygeal ligament and the perineal structure as a consequence of birth-related injury and aging. Old and multiparous females with uncontrolled urogenital and rectal hiatus tend to develop PFDs such as prolapse and incontinence.}, language = {en} } @article{BhattaraiJabbariAndingetal.2018, author = {Bhattarai, Aroj and Jabbari, Medisa and Anding, Ralf and Staat, Manfred}, title = {Surgical treatment of vaginal vault prolapse using different prosthetic mesh implants: a finite element analysis}, series = {tm - Technisches Messen}, volume = {85}, journal = {tm - Technisches Messen}, number = {5}, publisher = {De Gruyter}, address = {Berlin}, issn = {2196-7113}, doi = {10.1515/teme-2017-0115}, pages = {331 -- 342}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Particularly multiparous elderly women may suffer from vaginal vault prolapse after hysterectomy due to weak support from lax apical ligaments. A decreased amount of estrogen and progesterone in older age is assumed to remodel the collagen thereby reducing tissue stiffness. Sacrocolpopexy is either performed as open or laparoscopic surgery using prosthetic mesh implants to substitute lax ligaments. Y-shaped mesh models (DynaMesh, Gynemesh, and Ultrapro) are implanted in a 3D female pelvic floor finite element model in the extraperitoneal space from the vaginal cuff to the first sacral (S1) bone below promontory. Numerical simulations are conducted during Valsalva maneuver with weakened tissues modeled by reduced tissue stiffness. Tissues are modeled as incompressible, isotropic hyperelastic materials whereas the meshes are modeled either as orthotropic linear elastic or as isotropic hyperlastic materials. The positions of the vaginal cuff and the bladder base are calculated from the pubococcygeal line for female pelvic floor at rest, for prolapse and after repair using the three meshes. Due to mesh mechanics and mesh pore deformation along the loaded direction, the DynaMesh with regular rectangular mesh pores is found to provide better mechanical support to the organs than the Gynemesh and the Ultrapro with irregular hexagonal mesh pores. Insbesondere {\"a}ltere, mehrgeb{\"a}hrende Frauen leiden h{\"a}ufiger an einem Scheidenvorfall nach einer Hysterektomie aufgrund der schwachen Unterst{\"u}tzung durch laxe apikale B{\"a}nder. Es wird angenommen, dass eine verringerte Menge an {\"O}strogen und Progesteron im h{\"o}heren Alter das Kollagen umformt, wodurch die Gewebesteifigkeit reduziert wird. Die Sakrokolpopexie ist eine offene oder laparoskopische Operation, die mit prothetischen Netzimplantaten durchgef{\"u}hrt wird, um laxe B{\"a}nder zu ersetzen. Y-f{\"o}rmige Netzmodelle (DynaMesh, Gynemesh und Ultrapro) werden in einem 3D-Modell des weiblichen Beckenbodens im extraperitonealen Raum vom Vaginalstumpf bis zum Promontorium implantiert. Numerische Simulationen werden w{\"a}hrend des Valsalva-Man{\"o}vers mit geschw{\"a}chtem Gewebe durchgef{\"u}hrt, das durch eine reduzierte Gewebesteifigkeit modelliert wird. Die Gewebe werden als inkompressible, isotrop hyperelastische Materialien modelliert, w{\"a}hrend die Netze entweder als orthotrope linear elastische oder als isotrope hyperlastische Materialien modelliert werden. Die Positionen des Vaginalstumpfs, der Blase und der Harnr{\"o}hrenachse werden anhand der Pubococcygeallinie aus der Ruhelage, f{\"u}r den Prolaps und nach der Reparatur unter Verwendung der drei Netze berechnet. Aufgrund der Netzmechanik und der Netzporenverformung bietet das DynaMesh mit regelm{\"a}ßigen rechteckigen Netzporen eine bessere mechanische Unterst{\"u}tzung und eine Neupositionierung des Scheidengew{\"o}lbes, der Blase und der Urethraachse als Gynemesh und Ultrapro mit unregelm{\"a}ßigen hexagonalen Netzporen.}, language = {en} } @article{BhattaraiStaat2018, author = {Bhattarai, Aroj and Staat, Manfred}, title = {Modelling of Soft Connective Tissues to Investigate Female Pelvic Floor Dysfunctions}, series = {Computational and Mathematical Methods in Medicine}, volume = {2018}, journal = {Computational and Mathematical Methods in Medicine}, number = {Article ID 9518076}, publisher = {Hindawi}, address = {New York, NY}, issn = {1748-6718}, doi = {10.1155/2018/9518076}, pages = {1 -- 16}, year = {2018}, abstract = {After menopause, decreased levels of estrogen and progesterone remodel the collagen of the soft tissues thereby reducing their stiffness. Stress urinary incontinence is associated with involuntary urine leakage due to pathological movement of the pelvic organs resulting from lax suspension system, fasciae, and ligaments. This study compares the changes in the orientation and position of the female pelvic organs due to weakened fasciae, ligaments, and their combined laxity. A mixture theory weighted by respective volume fraction of elastin-collagen fibre compound (5\%), adipose tissue (85\%), and smooth muscle (5\%) is adopted to characterize the mechanical behaviour of the fascia. The load carrying response (other than the functional response to the pelvic organs) of each fascia component, pelvic organs, muscles, and ligaments are assumed to be isotropic, hyperelastic, and incompressible. Finite element simulations are conducted during Valsalva manoeuvre with weakened tissues modelled by reduced tissue stiffness. A significant dislocation of the urethrovesical junction is observed due to weakness of the fascia (13.89 mm) compared to the ligaments (5.47 mm). The dynamics of the pelvic floor observed in this study during Valsalva manoeuvre is associated with urethral-bladder hypermobility, greater levator plate angulation, and positive Q-tip test which are observed in incontinent females.}, language = {en} } @incollection{BhattaraiStaat2018, author = {Bhattarai, Aroj and Staat, Manfred}, title = {Mechanics of soft tissue reactions to textile mesh implants}, series = {Biological, Physical and Technical Basics of Cell Engineering}, booktitle = {Biological, Physical and Technical Basics of Cell Engineering}, editor = {Artmann, Gerhard and Temiz Artmann, Ayseg{\"u}l and Zhubanova, Azhar A. and Digel, Ilya}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Singapore}, isbn = {978-981-10-7904-7}, doi = {10.1007/978-981-10-7904-7_11}, pages = {251 -- 275}, year = {2018}, abstract = {For pelvic floor disorders that cannot be treated with non-surgical procedures, minimally invasive surgery has become a more frequent and safer repair procedure. More than 20 million prosthetic meshes are implanted each year worldwide. The simple selection of a single synthetic mesh construction for any level and type of pelvic floor dysfunctions without adopting the design to specific requirements increase the risks for mesh related complications. Adverse events are closely related to chronic foreign body reaction, with enhanced formation of scar tissue around the surgical meshes, manifested as pain, mesh erosion in adjacent structures (with organ tissue cut), mesh shrinkage, mesh rejection and eventually recurrence. Such events, especially scar formation depend on effective porosity of the mesh, which decreases discontinuously at a critical stretch when pore areas decrease making the surgical reconstruction ineffective that further augments the re-operation costs. The extent of fibrotic reaction is increased with higher amount of foreign body material, larger surface, small pore size or with inadequate textile elasticity. Standardized studies of different meshes are essential to evaluate influencing factors for the failure and success of the reconstruction. Measurements of elasticity and tensile strength have to consider the mesh anisotropy as result of the textile structure. An appropriate mesh then should show some integration with limited scar reaction and preserved pores that are filled with local fat tissue. This chapter reviews various tissue reactions to different monofilament mesh implants that are used for incontinence and hernia repairs and study their mechanical behavior. This helps to predict the functional and biological outcomes after tissue reinforcement with meshes and permits further optimization of the meshes for the specific indications to improve the success of the surgical treatment.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{BhattaraiStaat2018, author = {Bhattarai, Aroj and Staat, Manfred}, title = {Pectopexy to repair vaginal vault prolapse: a finite element approach}, series = {Proceedings CMBBE 2018}, booktitle = {Proceedings CMBBE 2018}, editor = {Fernandes, P.R. and Tavares, J. M.}, year = {2018}, abstract = {The vaginal prolapse after hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) is often associated with the prolapse of the vaginal vault, rectum, bladder, urethra or small bowel. Minimally invasive surgery such as laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy and pectopexy are widely performed for the treatment of the vaginal prolapse with weakly supported vaginal vault after hysterectomy using prosthetic mesh implants to support (or strengthen) lax apical ligaments. Implants of different shape, size and polymers are selected depending on the patient's anatomy and the surgeon's preference. In this computational study on pectopexy, DynaMesh®-PRP soft, GYNECARE GYNEMESH® PS Nonabsorbable PROLENE® soft and Ultrapro® are tested in a 3D finite element model of the female pelvic floor. The mesh model is implanted into the extraperitoneal space and sutured to the vaginal stump with a bilateral fixation to the iliopectineal ligament at both sides. Numerical simulations are conducted at rest, after surgery and during Valsalva maneuver with weakened tissues modeled by reduced tissue stiffness. Tissues and prosthetic meshes are modeled as incompressible, isotropic hyperelastic materials. The positions of the organs are calculated with respect to the pubococcygeal line (PCL) for female pelvic floor at rest, after repair and during Valsalva maneuver using the three meshes.}, language = {en} } @article{BhattaraiStaat2018, author = {Bhattarai, Aroj and Staat, Manfred}, title = {Computational comparison of different textile implants to correct apical prolapse in females}, series = {Current Directions in Biomedical Engineering}, volume = {4}, journal = {Current Directions in Biomedical Engineering}, number = {1}, publisher = {De Gruyter}, address = {Berlin}, doi = {10.1515/cdbme-2018-0159}, pages = {661 -- 664}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Prosthetic textile implants of different shapes, sizes and polymers are used to correct the apical prolapse after hysterectomy (removal of the uterus). The selection of the implant before or during minimally invasive surgery depends on the patient's anatomical defect, intended function after reconstruction and most importantly the surgeon's preference. Weakness or damage of the supporting tissues during childbirth, menopause or previous pelvic surgeries may put females in higher risk of prolapse. Numerical simulations of reconstructed pelvic floor with weakened tissues and organ supported by textile product models: DynaMesh®-PRS soft, DynaMesh®-PRP soft and DynaMesh®-CESA from FEG Textiletechnik mbH, Germany are compared.}, language = {en} } @article{BirgelLeschingerWegmannetal.2018, author = {Birgel, Stefan and Leschinger, Tim and Wegmann, Kilian and Staat, Manfred}, title = {Calculation of muscle forces and joint reaction loads in the shoulder area via an OpenSim based computer model}, series = {tm - Technisches Messen}, volume = {85}, journal = {tm - Technisches Messen}, number = {5}, publisher = {De Gruyter}, address = {Berlin}, issn = {2196-7113}, doi = {10.1515/teme-2017-0114}, pages = {321 -- 330}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Using the OpenSim software and verified anatomical data, a computer model for the calculation of biomechanical parameters is developed and used to determine the effect of a reattachment of the Supraspinatus muscle with a medial displacement of the muscle attachment point, which may be necessary for a rupture of the supraspinatus tendon. The results include the influence of the operation on basic biomechanical parameters such as the lever arm, as well as the calculated the muscle activations for the supraspinatus and deltoid. In addition, the influence on joint stability is examined by an analysis of the joint reaction force. The study provides a detailed description of the used model, as well as medical findings to a reattachment of the supraspinatus. Mit der Software OpenSim und {\"u}berpr{\"u}ften anatomischen Daten wird ein Computermodell zur Berechnung von biomechanischen Parametern entwickelt und genutzt, um den Effekt einer Refixierung des Supraspinatusmuskels mit einer medialen Verschiebung des Muskelansatzpunktes zu ermitteln, wie sie unter anderem nach einem Riss der Supraspinatussehne notwendig sein kann. Die Ergebnisse umfassen hierbei den Einfluss der Operation auf grundlegende biomechanische Parameter wie den Hebelarm sowie die berechneten Muskelaktivierungen f{\"u}r den Supraspinatus und Deltoideus. Zus{\"a}tzlich wird der Einfluss auf die Gelenkstabilit{\"a}t betrachtet und durch eine Analyse der Gelenkreaktionskraft untersucht. Die Studie bietet eine detaillierte Beschreibung des genutzten Modells, sowie medizinische Erkenntnisse zu einer Refixierung des Supraspinatus.}, language = {en} } @article{CiritsisHorbachStaatetal.2018, author = {Ciritsis, Alexander and Horbach, Andreas and Staat, Manfred and Kuhl, Christiane K. and Kraemer, Nils Andreas}, title = {Porosity and tissue integration of elastic mesh implants evaluated in vitro and in vivo}, series = {Journal of Biomedical Materials Research: Part B: Applied Biomaterials}, volume = {106}, journal = {Journal of Biomedical Materials Research: Part B: Applied Biomaterials}, number = {2}, publisher = {Wiley}, address = {New York, NY}, issn = {1552-4981}, doi = {10.1002/jbm.b.33877}, pages = {827 -- 833}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Purpose In vivo, a loss of mesh porosity triggers scar tissue formation and restricts functionality. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the properties and configuration changes as mesh deformation and mesh shrinkage of a soft mesh implant compared with a conventional stiff mesh implant in vitro and in a porcine model. Material and Methods Tensile tests and digital image correlation were used to determine the textile porosity for both mesh types in vitro. A group of three pigs each were treated with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) visible conventional stiff polyvinylidene fluoride meshes (PVDF) or with soft thermoplastic polyurethane meshes (TPU) (FEG Textiltechnik mbH, Aachen, Germany), respectively. MRI was performed with a pneumoperitoneum at a pressure of 0 and 15 mmHg, which resulted in bulging of the abdomen. The mesh-induced signal voids were semiautomatically segmented and the mesh areas were determined. With the deformations assessed in both mesh types at both pressure conditions, the porosity change of the meshes after 8 weeks of ingrowth was calculated as an indicator of preserved elastic properties. The explanted specimens were examined histologically for the maturity of the scar (collagen I/III ratio). Results In TPU, the in vitro porosity increased constantly, in PVDF, a loss of porosity was observed under mild stresses. In vivo, the mean mesh areas of TPU were 206.8 cm2 (± 5.7 cm2) at 0 mmHg pneumoperitoneum and 274.6 cm2 (± 5.2 cm2) at 15 mmHg; for PVDF the mean areas were 205.5 cm2 (± 8.8 cm2) and 221.5 cm2 (± 11.8 cm2), respectively. The pneumoperitoneum-induced pressure increase resulted in a calculated porosity increase of 8.4\% for TPU and of 1.2\% for PVDF. The mean collagen I/III ratio was 8.7 (± 0.5) for TPU and 4.7 (± 0.7) for PVDF. Conclusion The elastic properties of TPU mesh implants result in improved tissue integration compared to conventional PVDF meshes, and they adapt more efficiently to the abdominal wall. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 827-833, 2018.}, language = {en} } @article{ConzenAlbannaWeissetal.2018, author = {Conzen, Catharina and Albanna, Walid and Weiss, Miriam and K{\"u}rten, David and Vilser, Walthard and Kotliar, Konstantin and Z{\"a}ske, Charlotte and Clusmann, Hans and Schubert, Gerrit Alexander}, title = {Vasoconstriction and Impairment of Neurovascular Coupling after Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: a Descriptive Analysis of Retinal Changes}, series = {Translational Stroke Research}, journal = {Translational Stroke Research}, number = {9}, publisher = {Springer Nature}, address = {Cham}, issn = {1868-601X}, doi = {10.1007/s12975-017-0585-8}, pages = {284 -- 293}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Impaired cerebral autoregulation and neurovascular coupling (NVC) contribute to delayed cerebral ischemia after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Retinal vessel analysis (RVA) allows non-invasive assessment of vessel dimension and NVC hereby demonstrating a predictive value in the context of various neurovascular diseases. Using RVA as a translational approach, we aimed to assess the retinal vessels in patients with SAH. RVA was performed prospectively in 24 patients with acute SAH (group A: day 5-14), in 11 patients 3 months after ictus (group B: day 90 ± 35), and in 35 age-matched healthy controls (group C). Data was acquired using a Retinal Vessel Analyzer (Imedos Systems UG, Jena) for examination of retinal vessel dimension and NVC using flicker-light excitation. Diameter of retinal vessels—central retinal arteriolar and venular equivalent—was significantly reduced in the acute phase (p < 0.001) with gradual improvement in group B (p < 0.05). Arterial NVC of group A was significantly impaired with diminished dilatation (p < 0.001) and reduced area under the curve (p < 0.01) when compared to group C. Group B showed persistent prolonged latency of arterial dilation (p < 0.05). Venous NVC was significantly delayed after SAH compared to group C (A p < 0.001; B p < 0.05). To our knowledge, this is the first clinical study to document retinal vasoconstriction and impairment of NVC in patients with SAH. Using non-invasive RVA as a translational approach, characteristic patterns of compromise were detected for the arterial and venous compartment of the neurovascular unit in a time-dependent fashion. Recruitment will continue to facilitate a correlation analysis with clinical course and outcome.}, language = {en} } @incollection{DigelAkimbekovKistaubayevaetal.2018, author = {Digel, Ilya and Akimbekov, Nuraly Sh. and Kistaubayeva, Aida and Zhubanova, Azhar A.}, title = {Microbial Sampling from Dry Surfaces: Current Challenges and Solutions}, series = {Biological, Physical and Technical Basics of Cell Engineering}, booktitle = {Biological, Physical and Technical Basics of Cell Engineering}, editor = {Artmann, Gerhard and Temiz Artmann, Ayseg{\"u}l and Zhubanova, Azhar A. and Digel, Ilya}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Singapore}, isbn = {978-981-10-7904-7}, doi = {10.1007/978-981-10-7904-7_19}, pages = {421 -- 456}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Sampling of dry surfaces for microorganisms is a main component of microbiological safety and is of critical importance in many fields including epidemiology, astrobiology as well as numerous branches of medical and food manufacturing. Aspects of biofilm formation, analysis and removal in aqueous solutions have been thoroughly discussed in literature. In contrast, microbial communities on air-exposed (dry) surfaces have received significantly less attention. Diverse surface sampling methods have been developed in order to address various surfaces and microbial groups, but they notoriously show poor repeatability, low recovery rates and suffer from lack of mutual consistency. Quantitative sampling for viable microorganisms represents a particular challenge, especially on porous and irregular surfaces. Therefore, it is essential to examine in depth the factors involved in microorganisms' recovery efficiency and accuracy depending on the sampling technique used. Microbial colonization, retention and community composition on different dry surfaces are very complex and rely on numerous physicochemical and biological factors. This study is devoted to analyze and review the (a) physical phenomena and intermolecular forces relevant for microbiological surface sampling; (b) challenges and problems faced by existing sampling methods for viable microorganisms and (c) current directions of engineering and research aimed at improvement of quality and efficiency of microbiological surface sampling.}, language = {en} } @article{DigelWehlitzKayseretal.2018, author = {Digel, Ilya and Wehlitz, V. and Kayser, Peter and Figiel-Lange, A. and Bassam, R. and Rundstedt, F. von}, title = {Suspension depletion approach for exemption of infected Solanum jasminoides cells from pospiviroids}, series = {Plant Pathology}, volume = {67}, journal = {Plant Pathology}, number = {2}, publisher = {Wiley}, address = {Oxford}, issn = {1365-3059}, doi = {10.1111/ppa.12750}, pages = {358 -- 365}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Despite numerous studies, viroid elimination from infected plants remains a very challenging task. This study introduces for the first time a novel 'suspension depletion' approach for exemption of Solanum jasminoides plants from viroids. The proposed method implies initial establishment of suspension cultures of the infected plant cells. The suspended cells were then physically treated (mild thermotherapy, 33 °C), which presumably delayed the replication of the viroid. The viroid concentration in the treated biomass was monitored weekly using pospiviroid-specific PCR. After 10-12 weeks of continuous treatment, a sufficient decrease in viroid concentration was observed such that the infection became undetectable by PCR. The treated single cells then gave rise to microcolonies on a solid culture medium and the obtained viroid-negative clones were further promoted to regenerate into viroid-free plants. Three years of accumulated experimental data suggests feasibility, broad applicability, and good efficacy of the proposed approach.}, language = {en} } @incollection{DuongSeifarthTemizArtmannetal.2018, author = {Duong, Minh Tuan and Seifarth, Volker and Temiz Artmann, Ayseg{\"u}l and Artmann, Gerhard and Staat, Manfred}, title = {Growth Modelling Promoting Mechanical Stimulation of Smooth Muscle Cells of Porcine Tubular Organs in a Fibrin-PVDF Scaffold}, series = {Biological, Physical and Technical Basics of Cell Engineering}, booktitle = {Biological, Physical and Technical Basics of Cell Engineering}, editor = {Artmann, Gerhard and Temiz Artmann, Ayseg{\"u}l and Zhubanova, Azhar A. and Digel, Ilya}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Singapore}, isbn = {978-981-10-7904-7}, doi = {10.1007/978-981-10-7904-7_9}, pages = {209 -- 232}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Reconstructive surgery and tissue replacements like ureters or bladders reconstruction have been recently studied, taking into account growth and remodelling of cells since living cells are capable of growing, adapting, remodelling or degrading and restoring in order to deform and respond to stimuli. Hence, shapes of ureters or bladders and their microstructure change during growth and these changes strongly depend on external stimuli such as training. We present the mechanical stimulation of smooth muscle cells in a tubular fibrin-PVDFA scaffold and the modelling of the growth of tissue by stimuli. To this end, mechanotransduction was performed with a kyphoplasty balloon catheter that was guided through the lumen of the tubular structure. The bursting pressure was examined to compare the stability of the incubated tissue constructs. The results showed the significant changes on tissues with training by increasing the burst pressure as a characteristic mechanical property and the smooth muscle cells were more oriented with uniformly higher density. Besides, the computational growth models also exhibited the accurate tendencies of growth of the cells under different external stimuli. Such models may lead to design standards for the better layered tissue structure in reconstructing of tubular organs characterized as composite materials such as intestines, ureters and arteries.}, language = {en} } @article{ErmolaevNivokovMelnikovaetal.2018, author = {Ermolaev, A.P. and Nivokov, I.A. and Melnikova, L.I. and Kotliar, Konstantin}, title = {Сравнительная характеристика химического состава витреального содержимого кадаверных глаз и глаз с рефрактерной терминальной глаукомой}, series = {Vestnik oftalmologii}, volume = {5}, journal = {Vestnik oftalmologii}, number = {2}, publisher = {Media Sfera}, address = {Moskau}, doi = {10.17116/oftalma2018134051195}, pages = {195 -- 201}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Purpose — to compare the chemical elemental composition of vitreous cavity content taken from cadaveric eyes compared to samples taken from the eyes with terminal stage refractory glaucoma with decompensated intraocular pressure (IOP). Material and methods. The vitreous contents of the eyes from 2 groups were studied. The 1st group included 15 cadaveric eyes; the 2nd group included 15 eyes with refractory glaucoma in the terminal stage of the disease with decompensated IOP in patients with hypertension pain. The vitreal content samples were taken in the course of antiglaucoma surgery aimed at preserving the eye as an organ and involving employment of drainage in the vitreous cavity. The study of virtual contents was carried out on energy dispersive spectrometer Oxford X-Max 50 integrated into scanning electron microscope Zeiss EVO LS10. Results. Increased concentrations of Kalium and Phosphorus were detected in the vitreous content of cadaveric eyes compared with the vitreal content from the eyes with terminal glaucoma with decompensated IOP taken in vivo (K — 0.172/0.093; P — 0.045/0.025 mmol/L). In the vitreous cavity in the eyes with end-stage glaucoma with decompensated IOP, the concentration of Nitrogen was higher in comparison with human cadaver eyes (2.030/1.424 mmol/L). Conclusion. The increased concentrations of Kalium and Phosphorus in the vitreous content of cadaveric eyes is associated with postmortem autolytic processes and with the release of intracellular content in the destruction of cell membranes. The increased Nitrogen concentration in the vitreal contents of the eyes with terminal stage glaucoma with decompensated IOP may be associated with the presence of osmotically active nitrogen-containing compounds in the eyes with increased IOP.}, language = {ru} } @incollection{FrotscherStaat2018, author = {Frotscher, Ralf and Staat, Manfred}, title = {Towards Patient-Specific Computational Modeling of hiPS-Derived Cardiomyocyte Function and Drug Action}, series = {Biological, Physical and Technical Basics of Cell Engineering}, booktitle = {Biological, Physical and Technical Basics of Cell Engineering}, editor = {Artmann, Gerhard and Temiz Artmann, Ayseg{\"u}l and Zhubanova, Azhar A. and Digel, Ilya}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Singapore}, isbn = {978-981-10-7904-7}, doi = {10.1007/978-981-10-7904-7_10}, pages = {233 -- 250}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPS-CM) today are widely used for the investigation of normal electromechanical cardiac function, of cardiac medication and of mutations. Computational models are thus established that simulate the behavior of this kind of cells. This section first motivates the modeling of hiPS-CM and then presents and discusses several modeling approaches of microscopic and macroscopic constituents of human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived and mature human cardiac tissue. The focus is led on the mapping of the computational results one can achieve with these models onto mature human cardiomyocyte models, the latter being the real matter of interest. Model adaptivity is the key feature that is discussed because it opens the way for modeling various biological effects like biological variability, medication, mutation and phenotypical expression. We compare the computational with experimental results with respect to normal cardiac function and with respect to inotropic and chronotropic drug effects. The section closes with a discussion on the status quo of the specificity of computational models and on what challenges have to be solved to reach patient-specificity.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{GrundmannBauerBieleetal.2018, author = {Grundmann, Jan Thimo and Bauer, Waldemar and Biele, Jens and Boden, Ralf and Ceriotti, Matteo and Cordero, Federico and Dachwald, Bernd and Dumont, Etienne and Grimm, Christian D. and Herč{\´i}k, David and Ho, Tra-Mi and Jahnke, Rico and Koch, Aaron D and Koncz, Alexander and Krause, Christian and Lange, Caroline and Lichtenheldt, Roy and Maiwald, Volker and Mikschl, Tobias and Mikulz, Eugen and Montenegro, Sergio and Pelivan, Ivanka and Peloni, Alessandro and Quantius, Dominik and Reershemius, Siebo and Renger, Thomas and Riemann, Johannes and Ruffer, Michael and Sasaki, Kaname and Schmitz, Nicole and Seboldt, Wolfgang and Seefeldt, Patric and Spietz, Peter and Spr{\"o}witz, Tom and Sznajder, Maciej and Tardivel, Simon and T{\´o}th, Norbert and Wejmo, Elisabet and Wolff, Friederike and Ziach, Christian}, title = {Small spacecraft based multiple near-earth asteroid rendezvous and landing with near-term solar sails and 'Now-Term 'technologies}, series = {69 th International Astronautical Congress (IAC)}, booktitle = {69 th International Astronautical Congress (IAC)}, pages = {1 -- 18}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Physical interaction with small solar system bodies (SSSB) is the next step in planetary science, planetary in-situ resource utilization (ISRU), and planetary defense (PD). It requires a broader understanding of the surface properties of the target objects, with particular interest focused on those near Earth. Knowledge of composition, multi-scale surface structure, thermal response, and interior structure is required to design, validate and operate missions addressing these three fields. The current level of understanding is occasionally simplified into the phrase, "If you've seen one asteroid, you've seen one asteroid", meaning that the in-situ characterization of SSSBs has yet to cross the threshold towards a robust and stable scheme of classification. This would enable generic features in spacecraft design, particularly for ISRU and science missions. Currently, it is necessary to characterize any potential target object sufficiently by a dedicated pre-cursor mission to design the mission which then interacts with the object in a complex fashion. To open up strategic approaches, much broader in-depth characterization of potential target objects would be highly desirable. In SSSB science missions, MASCOT-like nano-landers and instrument carriers which integrate at the instrument level to their mothership have met interest. By its size, MASCOT is compatible with small interplanetary missions. The DLR-ESTEC Gossamer Roadmap Science Working Groups' studies identified Multiple Near-Earth asteroid (NEA) Rendezvous (MNR) as one of the space science missions only feasible with solar sail propulsion. The Solar Polar Orbiter (SPO) study showed the ability to access any inclination, theDisplaced-L1 (DL1) mission operates close to Earth, where objects of interest to PD and for ISRU reside. Other studies outline the unique capability of solar sails to provide access to all SSSB, at least within the orbit of Jupiter, and significant progress has been made to explore the performance envelope of near-term solar sails for MNR. However, it is difficult for sailcraft to interact physically with a SSSB. We expand and extend the philosophy of the recently qualified DLR Gossamer solar sail deployment technology using efficient multiple sub-spacecraft integration to also include landers for one-way in-situ investigations and sample-return missions by synergetic integration and operation of sail and lander. The MASCOT design concept and its characteristic features have created an ideal counterpart for thisand has already been adapted to the needs of the AIM spacecraft, former part of the NASA-ESA AIDA missionDesigning the 69th International Astronautical Congress (IAC), Bremen, Germany, 1-5 October 2018. IAC-18-F1.2.3 Page 2 of 17 combined spacecraft for piggy-back launch accommodation enables low-cost massively parallel access to the NEA population.}, language = {en} }