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The article discusses a study which examined whether the megakaryocyte cell line MEG-01 that have taken up recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) will produce platelets containing functionally active rFVIIa. Topics discussed include the role of functionally active rFVIIa in haemostasis, the influence of glycoprotein Ibα, negatively charged phospholipids and endolthelial protein receptor C on rFVIIa uptake, and the treatment of inhibitor-complicated hemophilia using rFVIIa.

The use of language-based tools is not popular and not common in spatial design processes. But the literature shows the potential of such approaches in different steps of the design process. Thus enhancing the skills of language-based design tools of urban planners and architects can positively influence a design process. The perception and use of such tools was examined in a survey along a standardized questionnaire with 59 urban planning and 42 architecture students at four German universities. Two student groups in urban planning and architecture were asked additionally to apply two specific language-based tools in a design task. The survey results show that students initially evaluated the potential of language as quite low. Introducing students to language-based tools upgraded their assessment. Interestingly, some language-based tools were ranked higher by architecture students than by their urban planning colleagues. Considering that a design process especially in more complex projects asks for different abilities and tools, it seems meaningful to expand the toolbox of professionals also towards language-based approaches. Students also benefit from this because this expansion creates more options for the different ‘design personalities’. Further studies are needed for assessing which language-based tools are specifically qualified to enhance a design. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background and Aim: The progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) likely involves a ‘multiple hit’ mechanism. We hypothesized that partial hepatectomy, a procedure performed frequently in patients with NAFLD, would accelerate the progression of disease. Methods: C57BL/6JolaHsd mice were fed a choline-deficient L-amino acid-defined diet (CD-AA) or a choline-sufficient L-amino acid-defined control diet (CS-AA). Part of the mice in the CD-AA group received a diet enriched in vitamin E (~20 mg /day). Two weeks after the start of the diet, mice underwent a partial hepatectomy or a sham operation. Results: In the CD-AA group, NAFLD activity scores were significantly higher at 7 days after partial hepatectomy compared to the sham operated mice (3.7 ± 1.3 vs. 1.8 ± 0.7; P<0.05). In addition, TBARS, a measure for oxidative stress, in liver tissue of the CD-AA group were significantly higher at day 1, 3 and 7 after partial hepatectomy compared to the sham operated mice (P<0.05). Vitamin E therapy significantly reduced TBARS level at day 7 after partial hepatectomy compared to the CD-AA diet group (P< 0.05). Vitamin E suppletion reduced NAFLD activity score at day 7 after partial hepatectomy compared to the CD-AA group (2.3 ± 0.8 vs. 3.8 ± 1.0; P<0.05). Conclusion: Partial hepatectomy accelerates the progression of NAFLD. Disease progression induced by partial hepatectomy is substantially attenuated by vitamin E. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Blood platelets have been shown to stimulate liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy in animal models and humans, but the molecular mechanisms involved are unclear. It has been proposed that growth factors and angiogenic molecules stored within platelets drive platelet-mediated liver regeneration, but little direct evidence in support of this mechanism is available. Methods: We assessed levels of relevant platelet-derived proteins (vascular endothelial growth factor, hepatocyte growth factor, fibroblast growth factor, platelet-derived growth factor, thrombospondin, and endostatin) in platelet-rich and platelet-poor plasma taken at various perioperative time points from patients undergoing a (extended) right partial hepatectomy ( n = 17) or a pylorus-preserving pancreatico-duodenectomy ( n = 10). In addition, we collected intraoperative samples from the efferent and afferent liver veins prior to and after completion of liver resection. Twenty-four healthy controls were included to establish reference ranges for the various tests. Results and Conclusions: Although we demonstrate perioperative changes in platelet and plasma levels of the proteins assessed, the changes observed in patients undergoing partial hepatectomy largely mirror the changes observed in patients undergoing a pylorus-preserving pancreatico-duodenectomy. In addition, no change in the growth factor levels in platelet-rich plasma between afferent and efferent liver veins was observed. Thus, the absence of an intra- or postoperative consumption of platelet-derived proteins in patients undergoing partial hepatectomy argues against a role of release of these molecules in stimulation of liver regeneration. Relevance for patients: In depth knowledge of the mechanism underlying platelet-mediated liver regeneration may facilitate development of targeted therapeutic interventions for patients with failing liver regeneration, which for example may occur following a partial hepatectomy. Although the prevailing dogma is that platelet stimulate liver regeneration by release of growth factors stored within platelets, data in this manuscript argue against this mechanism and suggest other pathways to be responsible., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.