A biomimetic collagen-bone granule-heparan sulfate combination scaffold for BMP2 delivery.

Bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2)-induced bone regeneration is most efficacious when a carrier can deliver the growth factor into the defect site while minimizing off-target effects. The control of BMP2 release by such carriers is proving one of the most critical aspects of BMP2 therapy. Thus, increasing numbers of biomaterials are being developed to satisfy the simultaneous need for sustained release, reduced rates of degradation and enhanced activity of the growth factor. Here we report on a biomimetic scaffold consisting of bovine collagen type I, bone granules (Intergraft™), and heparan sulfate with increased affinity for BMP2 (HS3). The HS3 and collagen were complexed and then crosslinked via a simple dehydrothermal method. When loaded with a clinically relevant amount of BMP2 (1.25 mg/cc), the HS3-functionalised scaffolds were able to retain up to 58% of the initial amount of BMP2 over 27 days, approximately 3-fold higher than scaffolds without HS3. The bioactivity of the retained BMP2 was confirmed by gene expression in myoblast cells (C2C12) cultured on the scaffolds under osteogenic stimulation. Together these data demonstrate the efficacy of HS3 as a material to improve the performance collagen/bone granule-based scaffolds.

Multiple-order diffractive engineered surface lenses.

A multiple-order diffractive engineered surface (MODE) lens is introduced, in which focal position change with wavelength exhibits both refractive and diffractive characteristics. Engineering calculations are provided that indicate Strehl ratio and encircled energy performance over a large range of focal length and aperture diameter design space. A prototype lens is designed and constructed for the astronomical R-band (589 nm to 727 nm) wavelength range. Test results show that measured full-width-at-half-maximum focal spot diameter is 2.1 times larger than the ideal Airy spot diameter, and focal position versus wavelength is nearly identical to the design. The 48 mm aperture diameter, f/3.12 prototype telescope exhibits angularly resolved features in natural scenes at 0.006°, with subtense of the Airy spot diameter at 0.002°. Applications include eventual use in large aperture, ultralightweight space telescopes.

The Educational and Supportive Mobile Application for Caregivers of Dementia People.

This paper presents a healthcare mobile app for caregivers of dementia patients. The app had been implemented to run on wearable and mobile devices, and it helps caregivers to take dementia test, review dementia test history, and search location of public health centers in the vicinity. The collective purpose of these features is to provide meaningful healthcare services to elderly at risk of dementia. The app uses the time and change (T&C) test for screening for dementia. The app was tried for its validity and usability for the intended purpose, and participating users were surveyed to evaluate its usefulness.

Proteomic analysis of pulmonary sclerosing hemangioma.

Sclerosing hemangioma (SH) is a rare benign pulmonary tumor derived from the primitive respiratory epithelium. However, the pathogenesis of SH has not yet been clear. Surfactant protein, thyroid transcription factor-1, epithelial membrane antigen, cytokeratin, and vimentin have been identified in SH by immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy. To identify proteins specifically regulated in SH, 2-D PAGE was performed using SH and paired normal tissues. Ten selected differentially expressed protein spots were identified by PMF, MALDI-TOF-MS, and database searching. Apolipoprotein A-1, antizyme inhibitor, heat shock 27-kDa protein 1, and antioxidant proteins, such as peroxiredoxin II (Prx II) and GST, were identified among the down-regulated proteins in SH. Western blot and immunohistochemistry confirmed reduced expressions of Prx II and GST in SH versus normal lung tissue. This study is the first report on the reduced expressions of Prx II and GST in SH.