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“A blood pump specifically designed to augment flow from the great veins through the lungs would ameliorate the poor physiology of the failing univentricular circulation

and result in a paradigm shift in the treatment strategy for Fontan patients. This study is the first to examine mechanical cavopulmonary assistance with a blood pump in the inferior vena cava (IVC) and hepatic blood flow. C188-9 Five numerical models of mechanical cavopulmonary assistance were investigated using a three-dimensional, reconstructed, patient-specific Fontan circulation from magnetic resonance imaging data. Pressure flow characteristics of the axial blood pump, energy augmentation calculations for the cavopulmonary circulation with and without pump support, and hemolysis estimations were determined. In all of the pump-supported scenarios, a pressure increase of 7-9.5 mm Hg was achieved. The fluid power of the cavopulmonary circulation was also positive over the range

of flow rates. No retrograde flow from the IVC into the hepatic circulation was evident during support cases. Vessel suction risk, however, was found for greater operating rotational speeds. Fluid shear stresses and hemolysis predictions remained at acceptable levels with normalized index of hemolysis estimations at 0.0001 g/100L. The findings of this study support the continued design and development of this blood pump technology for Fontan patients with progressive cardiovascular insufficiency. Validation of these flow and performance predictions Selleckchem PXD101 will be completed in the next round of experimental testing with blood bag evaluation.”
“Background: The introduction

of immunosuppressants and biologic agents has led to active debate and research about optimal therapeutic strategies considering risk factors and predictors of clinical outcome in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Data about gender-specific treatment differences and risk factors is lacking for IBD.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate gender-related differences Autophagy Compound Library in the treatment of a distinct IBD patient population treated in the Rhein-Main region, Germany.

Methods: Data about past medical history, disease status and medical treatment of 986 outpatients treated in ten gastroenterological practices and three hospitals were collected from November 1st 2005 July 31st 2007 and analyzed with regard to gender-related differences in therapy and disease management.

Results: With the exception of an extended disease duration in women, no significant gender-related differences in demographic and clinical characteristics were observed. Men showed a significantly higher remission rate than women (p = 0.025), while women received significantly less immunosuppressive medication compared to men (p = 0.011). In addition, treatment with immunosuppressants was not different in women with child-bearing potential compared to menopausal women.