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- Alshaikh, Ahmed Baker, et al.
(author)
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Decellularization and recellularization of the ovary for bioengineering applications; studies in the mouse.
- 2020
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In: Reproductive biology and endocrinology : RB&E. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1477-7827. ; 18:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Fertility preservation is particularly challenging in young women diagnosed with hematopoietic cancers, as transplantation of cryopreserved ovarian cortex in these women carries the risk for re-introducing cancer cells. Therefore, the construction of a bioengineered ovary that can accommodate isolated small follicles was proposed as an alternative to minimize the risk of malignancy transmission. Various options for viable bioengineered scaffolds have been reported in the literature. Previously, we reported three protocols for producing mouse ovarian scaffolds with the decellularization technique. The present study examined these scaffolds further, specifically with regards to their extracellular composition, biocompatibility and ability to support recellularization with mesenchymal stem cells.Three decellularization protocols based on 0.5% sodium dodecyl sulfate (Protocol 1; P1), or 2% sodium deoxycholate (P2), or a combination of the two detergents (P3) were applied to produce three types of scaffolds. The levels of collagen, elastin and sulfated glycosaminoglycans (sGAGs) were quantified in the remaining extracellular matrix. Detailed immunofluorescence and scanning electron microscopy imaging were conducted to assess the morphology and recellularization efficiency of the constructs after 14days in vitro utilizing red fluorescent protein-labelled mesenchymal stem cells.All protocols efficiently removed the DNA while the elastin content was not significantly reduced during the procedures. The SDS-protocol (P1) reduced the sGAG and the collagen content more than the SDC-protocol (P2). All scaffolds were biocompatible and recellularization was successful, particularly in several P2-derived scaffolds. The cells were extensively distributed throughout the constructs, with a denser distribution observed towards the ovarian cortex. The cell density was not significantly different (400 to 550 cells/mm2) between scaffold types. However, there was a tendency towards a higher cell density in the SDC-derived constructs. Scanning electron microscope images showed fibrous scaffolds with a dense repopulated surface structure.While there were differences in the key structural macromolecules between protocols, all scaffolds were biocompatible and showed effective recellularization. The results indicate that our SDC-protocol might be better than our SDS-protocol. However, additional studies are necessary to determine their suitability for attachment of small follicles and folliculogenesis.
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- Alshaikh, Ahmed Baker, et al.
(author)
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Decellularization of the mouse ovary: comparison of different scaffold generation protocols for future ovarian bioengineering.
- 2019
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In: Journal of ovarian research. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1757-2215. ; 12:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In order to preserve fertility in young women with disseminated cancer, e.g. leukemia, an approach that has been suggested is to retransplant isolated small follicles within an ovarian matrix free from malignant cells and with no risk for contamination. The present study evaluates the first step to create a bioengineered ovarian construct that can act as growth-supporting tissue for isolated small follicles that are dependent on a stroma for normal follicular maturation. The present study used the intact mouse ovary to develop a mouse ovarian scaffold through various protocols of decellularization.Potential Immunogenic DNA and intracellular components were removed from whole mouse ovaries by agitation in a 0.5% sodium dodecyl sulfate solution (Protocol 1; P1), or in a 2% sodium deoxycholate solution (P2) or by a combination of the two (P3). The remaining decelluralized ovarian extracellular matrix structure was then assessed based on the DNA- and protein content, and was further evaluated histologically by haematoxylin and eosin-, Verhoeff's van gieson- (for elastin), Masson's trichrome- (for collagens) and Alcian blue (for glycosaminoglycans) staining. We also evaluated the decellularization efficiency using the mild detergent Triton-X100 (1%).Sodium dodecyl sulfate efficiently removed DNA and intracellular components from the ovarian tissue but also significantly reduced the integrity of the remaining ovarian extracellular matrix. Sodium deoxycholate, a considerably milder detergent compared to sodium dodecyl sulfate, preserved the ovarian extracellular matrix better, evident by a more distinct staining for glycosaminoglycan, collagen and elastic fibres. Triton-X100 was found ineffective as a decellularization reagent for mouse ovaries in our settings.The sodium dodecyl sulfate generated ovarian scaffolds contained minute amounts of DNA that may be an advantage to evade a detrimental immune response following engraftment. The sodium deoxycholate generated ovarian scaffolds had higher donor DNA content, yet, retained the extracellular composition better and may therefore have improved recellularization and other downstream bioengineering applications. These two novel types of mouse ovarian scaffolds serve as promising scaffold-candidates for future ovarian bioengineering experiments.
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- Andersson, Mats, 1954, et al.
(author)
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MRI combined with MR cholangiopancreatography versus helical CT in the evaluation of patients with suspected periampullary tumors: a prospective comparative study
- 2005
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In: Acta Radiol. - : SAGE Publications. - 0284-1851. ; 46:1, s. 16-27
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- PURPOSE: To establish the diagnostic accuracy of MRI including MR cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) compared with helical CT in the differentiation of malignant and benign lesions in the periampullary region. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty-one patients (27 M, 24 F, mean age 66 years, range 39-86 years) with obstructive jaundice and sonographic evidence of intra- and extrahepatic bile duct dilatation (n=31) or suspicion of periampullary tumor, based on previously performed ultrasound and/or CT examination (n=20), were studied. MRI with MRCP and helical CT were reviewed blindly under standardized conditions. Lesion status (differentiation of malignant versus benign) was rated on a 5-point diagnostic confidence scale. Reference standards for comparison were findings at surgery or laparoscopy and/ or the clinical outcome. The predictive value of imaging findings was determined with multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve were 0.96 for MRI with MRCP and 0.81 for CT (P <0.05). Multivariate analysis of eight imaging variables at MRI indicated that a stricture with malignant characteristics at MRCP was the best predictor of malignancy. CONCLUSION: MRI with MRCP was significantly more accurate than CT in differentiating between malignant and benign lesions in patients with suspected periampullary tumors, mainly due to the information obtained on the MRCP images of the biliary and pancreatic duct anatomy.
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- Austeng, Dordi, et al.
(author)
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Incidence of and risk factors for neonatal morbidity after active perinatal care : extremely preterm infants study in Sweden (EXPRESS)
- 2010
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In: Acta Paediatrica. - : Wiley. - 0803-5253 .- 1651-2227. ; 99:7, s. 978-992
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Aims: The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of neonatal morbidity in extremely preterm infants and to identify associated risk factors. Methods: Population based study of infants born before 27 gestational weeks and admitted for neonatal intensive care in Sweden during 2004-2007. Results: Of 638 admitted infants, 141 died. Among these, life support was withdrawn in 55 infants because of anticipation of poor long-term outcome. Of 497 surviving infants, 10% developed severe intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH), 5.7% cystic periventricular leucomalacia (cPVL), 41% septicaemia and 5.8% necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC); 61% had patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) and 34% developed retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) stage >= 3. Eighty-five per cent needed mechanical ventilation and 25% developed severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Forty-seven per cent survived to one year of age without any severe IVH, cPVL, severe ROP, severe BPD or NEC. Tocolysis increased and prolonged mechanical ventilation decreased the chances of survival without these morbidities. Maternal smoking and higher gestational duration were associated with lower risk of severe ROP, whereas PDA and poor growth increased this risk. Conclusion: Half of the infants surviving extremely preterm birth suffered from severe neonatal morbidities. Studies on how to reduce these morbidities and on the long-term health of survivors are warranted.
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- Engstrand, Per, 1955-, et al.
(author)
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Improved refining energy efficiency in thermo-mechanical pulping by means of collimated wood chipping – from solid mechanics to full scale evaluation
- 2016
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In: PaperWeek Canada 2016 Conference <em>February 1 to 5, 2016, Montreal</em>.
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The wood chipping process was never optimized with regard to high yield pulping processes as thermomechanical pulping (TMP) and chemithermomechanical pulping (CTMP). It is generally believed that wood chips for pulping should be produced in such a way that the degree of damage is minimized and that the chip dimensional distribution should be as narrow as possible. Since the TMP and CTMP processes were developed in the 60-ies and 70-ies, compression screw as well as roll nip equipment have been developed to pretreat wood chips as a way to reduce refining energy consumption to given fiber and pulp properties and also in order to improve impregnation. The general conclusions are that a combination of shear and compression in the tangential or radial direction of the wood initiates cracks that later in the refiner will enhance and optimize fiber separation and also fiber property development. The idea with the collimated chipping technology is to utilize the wood chipper as a tool, combining cutting of wood logs to wood chips with a pretreatment of the chips by creating cracks that would enhance fiber separation, fiber surface development as well as chip-impregnation. In this case the compression is performed in the wood fiber direction, in which direction wood actually is weakest when it comes to compression induced cracking. The maximization of the amount of cracks in wood-chips is performed by optimizing the knife angle (or spout angle) in the chipper, to what we call collimated chipping (according to a patent owned by CCT AB). This presentation describes a theoretical background and two demonstration scale studies performed by SCA Forest Products at their Ortviken mill. One conclusion drawn, based on two-month test period with three weeks of collimated chipping, was that specific refining energy reduction was around 100 kWh/adt of the 1400 kWh/adt used in primary stage double disc refining. Most probably the potential is higher if the whole system is optimized. Tests were performed at constant production rate and energy was reduced by reducing power to constant freeness, leading to similar tensile and light scattering levels. The deliberately increased forces created in the wood chipper by means of an optimized (increased) edge angle caused more problems with knife holder equipment than normally, as well as increased vibrations. These problems will have to be solved for future long-term implementation of the technique.
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- Frances-Herrero, E., et al.
(author)
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Bioengineering trends in female reproduction: a systematic review
- 2022
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In: Human Reproduction Update. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1355-4786 .- 1460-2369. ; 28:6, s. 798-837
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND To provide the optimal milieu for implantation and fetal development, the female reproductive system must orchestrate uterine dynamics with the appropriate hormones produced by the ovaries. Mature oocytes may be fertilized in the fallopian tubes, and the resulting zygote is transported toward the uterus, where it can implant and continue developing. The cervix acts as a physical barrier to protect the fetus throughout pregnancy, and the vagina acts as a birth canal (involving uterine and cervix mechanisms) and facilitates copulation. Fertility can be compromised by pathologies that affect any of these organs or processes, and therefore, being able to accurately model them or restore their function is of paramount importance in applied and translational research. However, innate differences in human and animal model reproductive tracts, and the static nature of 2D cell/tissue culture techniques, necessitate continued research and development of dynamic and more complex in vitro platforms, ex vivo approaches and in vivo therapies to study and support reproductive biology. To meet this need, bioengineering is propelling the research on female reproduction into a new dimension through a wide range of potential applications and preclinical models, and the burgeoning number and variety of studies makes for a rapidly changing state of the field. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This review aims to summarize the mounting evidence on bioengineering strategies, platforms and therapies currently available and under development in the context of female reproductive medicine, in order to further understand female reproductive biology and provide new options for fertility restoration. Specifically, techniques used in, or for, the uterus (endometrium and myometrium), ovary, fallopian tubes, cervix and vagina will be discussed. SEARCH METHODS A systematic search of full-text articles available in PubMed and Embase databases was conducted to identify relevant studies published between January 2000 and September 2021. The search terms included: bioengineering, reproduction, artificial, biomaterial, microfluidic, bioprinting, organoid, hydrogel, scaffold, uterus, endometrium, ovary, fallopian tubes, oviduct, cervix, vagina, endometriosis, adenomyosis, uterine fibroids, chlamydia, Asherman's syndrome, intrauterine adhesions, uterine polyps, polycystic ovary syndrome and primary ovarian insufficiency. Additional studies were identified by manually searching the references of the selected articles and of complementary reviews. Eligibility criteria included original, rigorous and accessible peer-reviewed work, published in English, on female reproductive bioengineering techniques in preclinical (in vitro/in vivo/ex vivo) and/or clinical testing phases. OUTCOMES Out of the 10 390 records identified, 312 studies were included for systematic review. Owing to inconsistencies in the study measurements and designs, the findings were assessed qualitatively rather than by meta-analysis. Hydrogels and scaffolds were commonly applied in various bioengineering-related studies of the female reproductive tract. Emerging technologies, such as organoids and bioprinting, offered personalized diagnoses and alternative treatment options, respectively. Promising microfluidic systems combining various bioengineering approaches have also shown translational value. WIDER IMPLICATIONS The complexity of the molecular, endocrine and tissue-level interactions regulating female reproduction present challenges for bioengineering approaches to replace female reproductive organs. However, interdisciplinary work is providing valuable insight into the physicochemical properties necessary for reproductive biological processes to occur. Defining the landscape of reproductive bioengineering technologies currently available and under development for women can provide alternative models for toxicology/drug testing, ex vivo fertility options, clinical therapies and a basis for future organ regeneration studies.
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- Hellström, Ann, 1959, et al.
(author)
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Effect of Enteral Lipid Supplement on Severe Retinopathy of Prematurity A Randomized Clinical Trial
- 2021
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In: JAMA Pediatrics. - : American Medical Association (AMA). - 2168-6203 .- 2168-6211. ; 175:4, s. 359-367
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- IMPORTANCE Lack of arachidonic acid (AA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) after extremely preterm birth may contribute to preterm morbidity, including retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). OBJECTIVE To determine whether enteral supplementation with fatty acids from birth to 40 weeks' postmenstrual age reduces ROP in extremely preterm infants. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS The Mega Donna Mega trial, a randomized clinical trial, was a multicenter study performed at 3 university hospitals in Sweden from December 15, 2016, to December 15, 2019. The screening pediatric ophthalmologists were masked to patient groupings. A total of 209 infants born at less than 27 weeks' gestation were tested for eligibility, and 206 infants were included. Efficacy analyses were performed on as-randomized groups on the intention-to-treat population and on the per-protocol population using as-treated groups. Statistical analyses were performed from February to April 2020. INTERVENTIONS Infants received either supplementation with an enteral oil providing AA (100mg/kg/d) and DHA (50mg/kg/d) (AA:DHA group) or no supplementation within 3 days after birth until 40 weeks' postmenstrual age. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The primary outcomewas severe ROP (stage 3 and/or type 1). The secondary outcomes were AA and DHA serum levels and rates of other complications of preterm birth. RESULTS A total of 101 infants (58 boys [57.4%]; mean [SD] gestational age, 25.5 [1.5] weeks) were included in the AA:DHA group, and 105 infants (59 boys [56.2%]; mean [SD] gestational age, 25.5 [1.4] weeks) were included in the control group. Treatment with AA and DHA reduced severe ROP compared with the standard of care (16 of 101 [15.8%] in the AA:DHA group vs 35 of 105 [33.3%] in the control group; adjusted relative risk, 0.50 [95% CI, 0.28-0.91]; P =.02). The AA:DHA group had significantly higher fractions of AA and DHA in serum phospholipids compared with controls (overall mean difference in AA:DHA group, 0.82 mol% [95% CI, 0.46-1.18 mol%]; P <.001; overall mean difference in control group, 0.13 mol% [95% CI, 0.01-0.24 mol%]; P =.03). There were no significant differences between the AA:DHA group and the control group in the rates of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (48 of 101 [47.5%] vs 48 of 105 [45.7%]) and of any grade of intraventricular hemorrhage (43 of 101 [42.6%] vs 42 of 105 [40.0%]). In the AA:DHA group and control group, respectively, sepsis occurred in 42 of 101 infants (41.6%) and 53 of 105 infants (50.5%), serious adverse events occurred in 26 of 101 infants (25.7%) and 26 of 105 infants (24.8%), and 16 of 101 infants (15.8%) and 13 of 106 infants (12.3%) died. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE This study found that, compared with standard of care, enteral AA:DHA supplementation lowered the risk of severe ROP by 50% and showed overall higher serum levels of both AA and DHA. Enteral lipid supplementation with AA:DHA is a novel preventive strategy to decrease severe ROP in extremely preterm infants.
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