Ecoflex is a commercial designation for elastomers developed based on the principles of environmental sustainability and flexibility. Various manufacturers offer different types of Ecoflex products with distinct compositions and functions. Among these, the platinum-catalyzed silicone rubber Ecoflex series has demonstrated considerable applicability in various fields of oral medicine due to its excellent flexibility, biocompatibility, stability across a wide temperature range, and tunable mechanical properties. In tissue engineering, it can simulate the mechanical behavior of oral mucosa, and is used in cleft lip surgical training models and preoperative evaluation for temporal bone defect reconstruction. In the field of wearable devices, leveraging its encapsulation protection and flexible characteristics, highly sensitive sensors constructed from Ecoflex can monitor signals such as oral bite force and masticatory muscle activity, thereby aiding in the diagnosis of temporomandibular joint disorders and postoperative evaluation of cleft lip and palate. Moreover, when combined with bio-waste materials, it promotes the functionalization and sustainability of oral wearable devices.In drug delivery systems, its conformability and controlled-release capability address challenges in localized oral drug administration. Designs such as flexible microneedles and temperature-responsive composite systems provide precise solutions for treating periodontitis and oral ulcers. In minimally invasive surgical instruments, its softness enables the development of soft robots and magnetically controlled microfluidic valves, enhancing surgical safety and precision. In the field of oral rehabilitation, Ecoflex soft liner materials, inspired by the suction cup structure of octopus tentacles, improve denture retention. Their low modulus reduces mucosal irritation, ensuring both comfort and durability. Although Ecoflex shows great potential in biomedical applications, it still faces certain challenges, particularly regarding long-term stability after implantation, mechanical fatigue resistance, and microbial colonization, which require further investigation. In the future, with advancements in 3D printing technology, Ecoflex is expected to achieve more precise clinical translation across multiple fields and drive innovation in intelligent biomaterials.

Objective:To evaluate the clinical value of three-dimensional(3D) printing-assisted fenestrated/branched endovascular aortic repair (F/B-TEVAR) for the treatment of endoleak after open surgery for type A aortic dissection.Methods:A multi-center retrospective case series analysis was conducted on 16 patients with anastomotic leakage following Stanford type A aortic dissection open repair, admitted to 12 medical centers between January 2019 and December 2023. All surgeries were led by the vascular surgery team from Department of Vascular Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital. The study included 12 males and 4 females, with an age of (58.1±8.2) years (range: 42 to 75 years). Preoperative patient-specific 3D-printed models or 3D parametric surface topological guides were created based on aortic CT angiography data. These models assisted intraoperative external positioning of fenestration sites, combined with stent diameter selection and inner branch techniques to complete endovascular repair. Surgical procedures, complications, and clinical outcomes were evaluated, with follow-up CT imaging to assess efficacy.Results:All patients successfully underwent surgery without conversion to open repair. One patient had distal stent migration from a prior open repair, requiring intraoperative coverage of the main stent window and conversion to an in situ fenestration procedure. The mean operative time was (332.6±111.2)minutes (range: 80 to 460 minutes). No renal failure, paraplegia, or branch artery loss occurred. Postoperative follow-up ( M(IQR)) was 18(18) months(range: 6 to 36 months), with follow-up rates of 16/16 at 6 months, 10/16 at 12 months, 8/16 at 24 months, and 2/16 at 36 months. During follow-up, endoleak occurred in 3 patients, cerebral infarction in 1 patient, and death in 1 patient. The remaining patients demonstrated stable stent positioning, patent branches, and no endoleak. Conclusion:3D technology-guided F/B-TEVAR shows favorable mid-to short-term outcomes in treating anastomotic leakage after open repair of type A aortic dissection.

Objective:To evaluate the clinical value of three-dimensional(3D) printing-assisted fenestrated/branched endovascular aortic repair (F/B-TEVAR) for the treatment of endoleak after open surgery for type A aortic dissection.Methods:A multi-center retrospective case series analysis was conducted on 16 patients with anastomotic leakage following Stanford type A aortic dissection open repair, admitted to 12 medical centers between January 2019 and December 2023. All surgeries were led by the vascular surgery team from Department of Vascular Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital. The study included 12 males and 4 females, with an age of (58.1±8.2) years (range: 42 to 75 years). Preoperative patient-specific 3D-printed models or 3D parametric surface topological guides were created based on aortic CT angiography data. These models assisted intraoperative external positioning of fenestration sites, combined with stent diameter selection and inner branch techniques to complete endovascular repair. Surgical procedures, complications, and clinical outcomes were evaluated, with follow-up CT imaging to assess efficacy.Results:All patients successfully underwent surgery without conversion to open repair. One patient had distal stent migration from a prior open repair, requiring intraoperative coverage of the main stent window and conversion to an in situ fenestration procedure. The mean operative time was (332.6±111.2)minutes (range: 80 to 460 minutes). No renal failure, paraplegia, or branch artery loss occurred. Postoperative follow-up ( M(IQR)) was 18(18) months(range: 6 to 36 months), with follow-up rates of 16/16 at 6 months, 10/16 at 12 months, 8/16 at 24 months, and 2/16 at 36 months. During follow-up, endoleak occurred in 3 patients, cerebral infarction in 1 patient, and death in 1 patient. The remaining patients demonstrated stable stent positioning, patent branches, and no endoleak. Conclusion:3D technology-guided F/B-TEVAR shows favorable mid-to short-term outcomes in treating anastomotic leakage after open repair of type A aortic dissection.

Objective:To study the application of 3D printing technology in multi-center fenestrated/branched endovascular repair (F/B-EVAR) for endovascular repair of abdominal aortic diseases.Methods:From Feb 2018 to Mar 2023, The clinical and followup data of 316 cases of abdominal aortic lesions undergoing repair with F/B-EVAR at 69 medical centers nationwide using 3D printing technology to guide physician-modified stent graft were retrospectively analyzed.Results:The mean follow-up time of the patients was 23 months (2-60 months), and 24 cases were lost to follow up, the follow-up rate was 92.4% (292/316), the mean postoperative hospitalization time was (8.2±4.9) days. A total of 944 main abdominal branch arteries were reconstructed. Intraoperative reconstruction of 11 branches failed, with a success rate of 98.8% (933/944). Within 30 days after surgery, 8 patients died (2.5%), and 6 patients died during follow-up, a total of 14 patients died (4.4%). There were 11 cases (3.5%) of spinal cord ischemia and no patient suffered from permanent paraplegia. There were 19 patients (6.0%) with postoperative renal function injury. Internal leakage was found in 26 patients, and the rate of internal leakage was 8.2%.Conclusion:3D printing technology can accurately locate the location of branch arteries, simplifing the surgical process, shortening the learning curve , and improving clinical efficacy.

Objective:To review the risk factors for early and medium-term complications of fenestration-branch endovascular thoracic aortic repair (F/B-TEVAR) in patients with complex aortic arch disease.Methods:The clinical and follow-up data of 202 patients undergoing F/B-TEVAR treatment from Feb 2019 to Sep 2023 in these centers were retrospectively analyzed .Results:There were 46 cases suffering from postoperative complications (22.8%). The risk factors with statistical significance included aortic atherosclerotic plaque [ OR=2.843; 95% CI (1.4-5.6); P<0.01], aortic intramural thrombosis [ OR=2.358; 95% CI (1.2-4.6), P=0.011], the aortic dilatation [ OR=4.219; 95% CI (1.6-11.3), P<0.01], the history of stroke [ OR=2.088; 95% CI (1.1-4.1), P=0.032], smoking history [ OR=2.680; 95% CI: (1.3-5.5); P<0.01], duration of surgery [ OR=1.9; 95% CI: (1.2-2.9); P=0.042].While the application of 3D printing assistive technology [ OR=0.392; 95% CI: (0.2-0.9); P=0.048] was in a negative correlation with postoperative complication. Conclusions:The independent risk factors for complications after F/B-TVAR included aortic atherosclerotic plaque, aortic intramural thrombosis, the aortic dilatation, the history of stroke, smoking history,duration of surgery.The application of 3D printing technology can effectively reduce the complication rate.

Objective To compare the safety and efficacy of flexible terminal suction ureteral access sheath(FTS-UAS)and negative pressure ureteral access sheath(NPUAS)in flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy with holmium laser in treatment of renal calculi less than 2 cm in diameter.Methods A total of 68 patients(largest diameter of stone＜2 cm)with renal calculi treated in Yangjiang Hospital Affiliated to Guangdong Medical University during Nov.2022 and Aug.2023 were divided into FTS-UAS group(n=34)and NPUAS group(n=34)according to different surgical methods.The perioperative parameters and stone-free rate(SFR)were compared between the two groups.Results The average SFR on the first day after operation was significantly higher in the FTS-UAS group than in the NPUAS group[85.3％(29/34)vs.61.8％(21/34),P=0.028].The operation time was significantly lower in the FTS-UAS group than in the NPUAS group[(65.85±13.16)min vs.(75.59±20.21)min,P=0.022].For lower calyceal renal calculi,the SFR was significantly higher in the FTS-UAS group than in the NPUAS group[82.4％(14/17)vs.43.8％(7/16),P=0.032].One month after operation,the SFR was higher in the FTS-UAS group than in the NPUAS group[94.1％(32/34)vs.85.3％(29/34),P=0.452].There were no significant differences in hemoglobin reduction,serum creatinine level,postoperative complications,hospital stay and hospitalization costs between the two groups(P＞0.05).Conclusion FTS-UAS in flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy can shorten the operation time and improve stone-clearance rate,which is safe,effective,and worthy of clinical promotion.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the outcomes, survival status, and the prognostic factors of Epstein-Barr virus-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (EBV-HLH) patients.

METHODSA retrospective study was carried out to analyze the clinical data of 61 EBV-HLH cases, from January 2008 to July 2014. Prognostic factors were analyzed through COX model (single factor and multiple factors).

RESULTSA total of 246 patients with HLH were diagnosed, among which 102 cases were with EBV infection (including 61 EBV-HLH, 36 lymphoma associated HLH, 5 primary HLH. Among the 61 cases, 40 were male and 21 were female, with a ration of 1.9:1. The median age was 28 years (range, 12-78). 1, 3, 6 and 12-month overall survival rates of 61 EBV-HLH were 65.6%, 47.5%, 32.4%, and 25.0%, respectively. The median follow-up time was 3 (0.5-28) months. 12 patients didn't use etoposide within 4 weeks after diagnosis, while HLH-94 protocol was used in 33 patients and HLH-2004 protocol was used in 16 patients. Response rates of theses three groups were 33.3%, 51.5%, and 43.8%, respectively (P=0.401). There was statistically difference between the group without etoposide and the HLH-94/ HLH-2004 group in the overall survival rate (P=0.033). Serum albumin level (P=0.033) and whether EBV could became negative (P=0.010) were independent predictors for EBV-HLH.

CONCLUSIONEBV-HLH patients have severe clinical feature and poor prognosis. Early application of immune chemotherapy based on etoposide can improve survival. Serum albumin level and whether EBV can become negative are independent prognostic factors for survival.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Child ; Epstein-Barr Virus Infections ; Etoposide ; Female ; Herpesvirus 4, Human ; Humans ; Lymphohistiocytosis, Hemophagocytic ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prognosis ; Retrospective Studies ; Survival Rate ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo analyze the clinical manifestations, laboratory data, therapy, and prognosis in patients with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH).

METHODSA retrospective study was carried out in 192 adult patients with HLH between 2003 and 2013.

RESULTSOf the 192 cases, 70 cases were secondary to cancer and 64 cases secondary to infection. According to HLH-2004 criteria, the coincidence rate of indices were: fever (98.96%), high level of serum ferritin (94.27%), increased level of soluble interleukin- 2 receptor(sCD25) (94.79%), decreased or absent activity of NK cells (94.27%), cytopenias (80.73%), splenomegaly (80.21%), emophagocytosis in bone marrow, spleen or lymph nodes (74.48%), hypofibrinogenemia (50.52%), hypertriglyceridemia (37.50%). In addition, 94.27% of patients were presented with liver dysfunction, 96.35% with infections, and 75.52% with coagulopathy. Incidences of central nervous system symptoms and rash were 19.27% and 20.31%, respectively. Among cancer, infection and rheumatic group, there were statistically differences on white blood cells (WBC), platelet (PLT), sCD25, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, total bilirubin and globulin(GLO) (P<0.05). The differences of WBC, PLT, albumin (ALB), GLO, brain natriuretic peptide, creatinine, urea nitrogen between survival group and death group had statistical significance.

CONCLUSIONThe secondary HLH occurs from various underlined diseases. Cancer, especially T- cell lymphoma, is the main cause, Secondly, it is EB virus infection. The diagnostic sensitive indicators are Persistent fever, higher level of serum ferritin, low or absent NK-cell activity, and increased sCD25 were the most valuable parameters for diagnosis. Cytopenias were not common in early phase of HLH secondary to rheumatic diseases. WBC, PLT, ALB, GLO could be used as the preliminary parameters for diagnosis. Cardiac insufficiency, renal insufficiency and coagulation dysfunction play important roles in prognosis.

Adult ; Bone Marrow ; Fever ; Humans ; Killer Cells, Natural ; Lymphohistiocytosis, Hemophagocytic ; Prognosis ; Retrospective Studies

Objective To investigate the efficacy and safety of photodynamic therapy (PDT) in the treatment of different types of rosacea,and to evaluate its benefit by comparing its efficacy with 10％ sodium sulfacetamide and 5％ sulfur emollient foam.Methods Forty-three subjects with rosacea were enrolled in this study.They were randomized to be treated with PDT (twenty-three subjects) or 10％ sodium sulfacetamide and 5％ sulfur emollient foam (twenty subjects).PDT group subjects received PDT once every seven to ten days for three times while the 10％ sodium sulfacetamide or 5％sulfur emollient foam was applied 2 times per day for thirty days in the other group.Digital photographs were taken before and after one month of treatment in both groups.Blinded independent physicians graded improvement based on these photographs utilizing a percentile evaluation scale.A more than sixty percent remission proved the treatment to be effective.All the complications occurred during the therapy were taken notes and their severity was classified by the subjects.Two dermatology life quality index forms were completed before and after treatment by the subjects to evaluate the change in terms of their quality of life.Results After one month of treatment,PDT proved to be effective on sixty-five percent of subjects (seventy-one percent on papulopustular rosacea and fifty percent on erythematotelangiectatic rosacea).The emollient foam proved to be effective on thirty-five percent of subjects.Statistically significant difference was observed between the overall effective rate of PDT and emollient foam (P＜0.05).In addition,a greater improvement in terms of the quality of life was experienced by the PDT group subjects.No irreversible adverse event was observed in both groups during the study.Conclusions PDT proves to be an effective and safe treatment for rosacea with satisfactory efficacy,significant improvement in patients' quality of life and few irreversible side effects.

Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy of factional multiplex laser (AffirmTM) with combined apex pulse (CAP) technology in treating depressive acne scars,post inflammatory erythema and enlarged pores and other lesions.By following up,the correlative factors were analyzed to guide the further use of the factional laser (AffirmTM) with CAP technology.Methods Patients who received the AffirmTM laser therapy from Sept.2007 to July 2008 were enrolled in this retrospective follow-up study.Pictures were taken before and after each treatment during the therapy.Then the pictures were evaluated by dermatologists to attain object variables.Other subject variables from patients were recorded during survey.The relation between the efficacy and age,sex and treatment frequencies were analyzed statistically.Results The effective rate was 25.34 ％ for post-acne scars,36.84 ％ for post-acne erythema.28.57 ％ for enlarged pores,and 14.29 ％ for rythids.Nonparametric test showed no statistical difference with gender or age.There was correlation between efficacy and treatment frequencies.No severe adverse effect was observed.Conclusions AffirmTM laser with CAP technology has a good effect on treating post-acne depressed scars and erythema,enlarged pores and fine rythids.