German Red Cross

About: German Red Cross is a healthcare organization based out in Berlin, Germany. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Transplantation & Mesenchymal stem cell. The organization has 653 authors who have published 1146 publications receiving 40111 citations. The organization is also known as: Deutsches Rotes Kreuz & DRK.

A Microcavity Array-Based 3D Model System of the Hematopoietic Stem Cell Niche.

Abstract: Despite huge advances in recent years, the interaction between hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) and their niches in the bone marrow is still far from being fully understood. One reason is that hematopoiesis is a multi-step maturation process leading to HSPC heterogeneity. Subpopulations of HSPCs can be identified by clonogenic assays or in serial transplantation experiments in mice following sublethal irradiation, but it is very complex to reproduce or even maintain stem cell plasticity in vitro. Advanced model systems have been developed that allow to precisely control and analyze key components of the physiologic microenvironment for not only fundamental research purposes but, as a long-term goal, also for clinical applications. In this chapter, we describe our approach of building an artificial hematopoietic stem cell niche in the form of polymer film-based microcavities with a diameter of 300 μm and a depth of up to 300 μm and arranged in a 634-cavity array. The polymer films are provided with 3 μm pores and thus allow perfusion of the culture medium. The microcavity arrays can be inserted into a microbioreactor where a closed circulation loop can be tightly controlled with regard to medium flow and gas supply. The microcavity arrays were used for a three-dimensional (3D) co-culture of MSCs and HSPCs in a defined ratio over a time period of up to 21 days. With this setup, it could be demonstrated that the HSPCs maintained their stem cell characteristics more efficiently as compared to conventional monolayer co-culture controls.

Feasibility and early results of interstitial intensity-modulated HDR/PDR brachytherapy (IMBT) with/without complementary external-beam radiotherapy and extended surgery in recurrent pelvic colorectal cancer.

Abstract: A new multimodality treatment concept consisting of extended resection and postoperative fractionated intensity-modulated interstitial brachytherapy (IMBT) was introduced for pelvic recurrence of colorectal carcinoma. 46 patients received extended resection and single plastic tubes were sutured directly onto the tumor bed. IMBT was started within 2 weeks postoperatively with a median dose of 24.5 Gy (5–35 Gy). Patients were treated either with high-dose-rate brachytherapy (HDR; n = 23) or with pulsed-dose-rate brachytherapy (PDR; n = 23). 25 patients received complementary 45-Gy external-beam irradiation (EBRT) to the pelvic region after explanting the plastic tubes. Median follow-up was 20.6 months (7–107 months) and mean patient survival 25.7 ± 25.8 months (median 17, range 1–107 months). After 5 years overall survival, disease-free survival and local control rate were 23%, 20% and 33%, significantly influenced by the resectional state. There was a trend in favor of PDR compared to HDR, which reached statistical significance in patients who had not received additional EBRT. The combination of extended surgery and postoperative interstitial IMBT is feasible and offers effective interdisciplinary treatment of recurrent colorectal cancer. In this small and inhomogeneous cohort of patients PDR seems to be more effective than HDR, particularly when application of complementary EBRT is not possible. None of the patients who required resection of distant metastasis survived > 2 years in this study.

The use of depleted uranium ammunition under contemporary international law: is there a need for a treaty-based ban on DU weapons?

Abstract: This article examines whether the use of Depleted Uranium (DU) munitions can be considered illegal under current public international law. The analysis covers the law of arms control and focuses in particular on international humanitarian law. The article argues that DU ammunition cannot be addressed adequately under existing treaty based weapon bans, such as the Chemical Weapons Convention, due to the fact that DU does not meet the criteria required to trigger the applicability of those treaties. Furthermore, it is argued that continuing uncertainties regarding the effects of DU munitions impedes a reliable review of the legality of their use under various principles of international law, including the prohibition on employing indiscriminate weapons; the prohibition on weapons that are intended, or may be expected, to cause widespread, long-term and severe damage to the natural environment; and the prohibition on causing unnecessary suffering or superfluous injury. All of these principles require complete knowledge of the effects of the weapon in question. Nevertheless, the author argues that the same uncertainty places restrictions on the use of DU under the precautionary principle. The paper concludes with an examination of whether or not there is a need for--and if so whether there is a possibility of achieving--a Convention that comprehensively outlaws the use, transfer and stockpiling of DU weapons, as proposed by some non-governmental organisations (NGOs).