Triple-shape effect in polymer-based composites by cleverly matching geometry of active component with heating method

A triple-shape effect is created for a segmented device consisting of an active component encapsulated in a highly flexible polymer network. Segments with the same composition but different interface areas can be recovered independently either at specific field strengths (Hsw ) during inductive heating, at a specific time during environmentally heating, or at different airflow during inductive heating at constant H. Herein the type of heating method regulates the sequence order.

Upscaling the synthesis of biodegradable multiblock copolymers capable of a shape-memory effect

Thermoplastic, phase-segregated multiblock copolymers (MBC) with shape-memory capability consisting of poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) switching segments and poly(p-dioxanone) (PDO) or poly(ω-pentadecalactone) (PPD) hard segments were prepared on a scale of several kilograms following a newly developed upscaling procedure. Dihydroxytelechelic poly(ether)esters were coupled by an aliphatic diisocyanate gaining products of sufficiently high molecular weights. The obtained biodegradable MBC exhibited good elastic properties and a shape-memory effect (SME) with a switching temperature (T (sw)) around body temperature. The yield of the synthesis could be improved and reaction time reduced, while mechanical and shape-memory properties were not affected. These multifunctional materials, which are now available in a larger scale have a high application potential as smart implant materials especially for minimally invasive surgery.

Common genetic variants in the interleukin-6 and chitotriosidase genes are associated with the risk for serious infection in children undergoing therapy for acute myeloid leukemia

Infectious complications represent a substantial cause of morbidity and mortality in children undergoing therapy for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Since it has been shown that alterations in innate immune pathways contribute to the risk for serious infections, we analyzed well-characterized variants in innate immune genes (TNF, IL6, IL8, MPO, CHIT, FCGR2A, TLR2, and TLR4) to determine their possible contribution to infectious complications during therapy for pediatric AML. The study population consisted of 168 North European Caucasian children enrolled on the clinical trial AML-BFM 93. We found an association between Gram-negative bacterial infection and common, functional variants in two genes, IL6 and CHIT. The risk for infection was significantly higher in children with the G allele in the IL6 promoter at -174 bp (P=0.026) and in patients with the H allele of CHIT (P=0.033). The promoter variant in IL6 has been shown to increase expression while the H allele disrupts both function and circulating levels. Our data suggest that variant alleles of both IL6 and CHIT could influence susceptibility to infection with Gram-negative bacteria in children undergoing therapy for AML. Follow-up studies, namely replication association studies and in vitro investigation of these common polymorphisms, are warranted to confirm these observations.

Investigations on the development and regression of corticosteroid-induced thinning of the skin in various parts of the human body during and after topical application of amcinonide

In 15 subjects 6 different parts of the body were treated with the potent topical corticosteroid (CS) amcinonide once a day for 21 days. The skin thickness of the treated areas was measured sonographically at intervals of 2 days. After completion of the CS application the regression of the CS-induced reduction in skin thickness was measured for a further 14 days. A clear thinning of the skin could be measured after only 4 days and continued up to the 21st day of treatment. This thinning regressed completely in all areas after 10-12 days. The thinning and regression curves were very similar for all body areas. Differences in intensity of thinning were evident. No tachyphylaxis was detected.