Chronic bladder dysfunction due to bladder disease or trauma is detrimental to affected patients as it can lead to increased risk of upper urinary tract dysfunction. Current treatment options include surgical interven...Chronic bladder dysfunction due to bladder disease or trauma is detrimental to affected patients as it can lead to increased risk of upper urinary tract dysfunction. Current treatment options include surgical interventions that enlarge the bladder with autologous bowel tissue to alleviate pressure on the upper urinary tract. This highly invasive procedure, termed bladder augmentation enterocystoplasty (BAE), significantly increases the risk of patient morbidity and mortality due to the incompatibility between bowel and bladder tissue. Therefore, patients would significantly benefit from an alternative treatment strategy that can regenerate healthy tissue and restore overall bladder function. Previous research has demonstrated the potential of citrate-based scaffolds co-seeded with bone marrow-derived stem/progenitor cells as an alternative graft for bladder augmentation. Recognizing that contact guidance can potentially influence tissue regeneration, we hypothesized that microtopographically patterned scaffolds would modulate cell responses and improve overall quality of the regenerated bladder tissue. We fabricated microgrooved (MG) scaffolds using the citrate-based biomaterial poly (1,8-octamethylene-citrate-co-octanol) (POCO) and co-seeded them with human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) and CD34+ hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs). MG POCO scaffolds supported MSC and HSPC attachment, and MSC alignment within the microgrooves. All scaffolds were characterized and assessed for bladder tissue regeneration in an established nude rat bladder augmentation model. In all cases, normal physiological function was maintained post-augmentation, even without the presence of stem/progenitor cells. Urodynamic testing at 4-weeks post-augmentation for all experimental groups demonstrated that bladder capacity increased and bladder compliance was normal. Histological evaluation of the regenerated tissue revealed that cell-seeded scaffolds restored normal bladder smooth muscle content and resulted in increased revascularization and peripheral nerve regeneration. The presence of microgrooves on the cell-seeded scaffolds increased microvasculature formation by 20 % and urothelial layer thickness by 25 % in the regenerating tissue. Thus, this work demonstrates that microtopography engineering can influence bladder tissue regeneration to improve overall anatomical structure and re-establish bladder physiology.展开更多
Not to understate the situation, but it isn＇t easy running a business in today＇s economic environment. However, as a company owner myself, I have to say that there is one noticeable upside to this global recession：...Not to understate the situation, but it isn＇t easy running a business in today＇s economic environment. However, as a company owner myself, I have to say that there is one noticeable upside to this global recession： it is a great time, as an employer, to be picking up and bringing on board top talent, and to do so at a reasonable cost. It＇s like discount shopping for branded goods.展开更多
Recently, I was part of a panel event attended by a roomful of Chinese mainland ,returnees with MBAs from top US business school programs, Pursuing opportunities with Chinese companies was the main discussion topic. W...Recently, I was part of a panel event attended by a roomful of Chinese mainland ,returnees with MBAs from top US business school programs, Pursuing opportunities with Chinese companies was the main discussion topic. While many multinationals are undergoing a corporate-wide headcount and hiring freeze, many Chinese companies are actively hiring. Most local companies have a domestic market focus that has been relatively little impacted by the global recession and do not carry the same highly leveraged debt as global corporations. This makes them a serious employment option for many foreigners and Chinese professionals with overseasexperience.展开更多
Recently, a Chinese employee was giving me an analysis of his company＇s chances for making it through the global financial crisis. Actually, what he was trying to do was determine whether it is worth putting so much ...Recently, a Chinese employee was giving me an analysis of his company＇s chances for making it through the global financial crisis. Actually, what he was trying to do was determine whether it is worth putting so much effort into his company in the current situation, or if it would end up being a waste of time. From my perspective, he was putting too much time and energy into this assessment as it had no bearing on his ability to pursue career success during this tough economic period.展开更多
In the ten years that I＇ve been in China, it has always been the case that mainland ,Chinese would do everything they could to gain some overseas work experience. The reason was simple. Overseas experience provided h...In the ten years that I＇ve been in China, it has always been the case that mainland ,Chinese would do everything they could to gain some overseas work experience. The reason was simple. Overseas experience provided huge benefits to their career development. Markets like the US and Europe offered a more mature professional environment than what was available in China, where the chance to receive international-caliber training and exposure could not be attained to the same degree.展开更多
Last month, I wrote about the decline of expat packages in China in the face of the current global recession. But that＇s not to suggest that there is no longer a need for foreign talent in this market.
Although the global financial crisis is slowing career development and advancement opportunities for most, there is one benefit that it is bringing to Chinese mainland professionals. The tougher times are forcing many...Although the global financial crisis is slowing career development and advancement opportunities for most, there is one benefit that it is bringing to Chinese mainland professionals. The tougher times are forcing many to look more deeply at how they are assessing their employment choices and decisions. The main result is a maturing, longer-term approach to career development and success. Whether they realize it now or not, this approach will serve them well over the course of their career.展开更多
Iam bothered whenever I meet professionals in this market who feel frustrated in their career ambitions, mainly because for a long time, China has offered a greater number （and more interesting） career opportunities...Iam bothered whenever I meet professionals in this market who feel frustrated in their career ambitions, mainly because for a long time, China has offered a greater number （and more interesting） career opportunities than any other place in the world. That＇s why whenever I＇m advising Chinese mainland professionals I often discuss the idea of career sense with them.展开更多
In my job-market presentations to candidates pursuing or interested in pursuing jobs on the Chinese mainland,I always try to present a balanced view of China＇s evolving opportunities and employment market realities. ...In my job-market presentations to candidates pursuing or interested in pursuing jobs on the Chinese mainland,I always try to present a balanced view of China＇s evolving opportunities and employment market realities. And when assessing the career prospects for Chinese mainland professionals, there are two dramatically differing scenarios.展开更多
＂Their confidence is toned down and more in line with their capabilities. A good ass kicking, like that which the global financial crisis gave many of us, will do that to you.＂
In China＇s fast-maturing and increasingly competitive business environment, employment situations can change quickly and dramatically. I often meet Chinese mainland professionals who are constantly searching for a mo...In China＇s fast-maturing and increasingly competitive business environment, employment situations can change quickly and dramatically. I often meet Chinese mainland professionals who are constantly searching for a more ideal job situation. I find that many of them spend a great deal of time and energy contemplating a career move whenever their company starts going through a tough time, or if their company can no longer offer them what they feel they need to be successful.展开更多
Recently, I＇ve experienced a situation that other companies in China are also start- ring to encounter - we are unintentionally giving mixed messages to our high potential employees. On the one hand, we are pushing t...Recently, I＇ve experienced a situation that other companies in China are also start- ring to encounter - we are unintentionally giving mixed messages to our high potential employees. On the one hand, we are pushing them to take greater initiative, demonstrate more leadership, and get involved in areas of the company beyond their individual job function, in order to accelerate their development and ability, and to fill urgent needs at management levels in the organization.展开更多
Iadmit upfront that I am from the ＂old school＂ when it comes to how I pursue my career - that is, I believe in taking a persistent, patient, long-term approach to my career goals and objectives.
The slowest, most difficult economic times can present you with the greatest opportunities. Although this may sound counter-intuitive, countless employees have, by understanding and acting on this concept, seen their ...The slowest, most difficult economic times can present you with the greatest opportunities. Although this may sound counter-intuitive, countless employees have, by understanding and acting on this concept, seen their careers benefit greatly.展开更多
Like many who head up a team, department or company, among my biggest concerns lover the past year or so has been the ability to retain our top talent. This is particularly important here in China, where companies are...Like many who head up a team, department or company, among my biggest concerns lover the past year or so has been the ability to retain our top talent. This is particularly important here in China, where companies are constantly addressing talent shortages and staffing challenges. Fortunately, we were able to come through the market downturn with our best people intact.展开更多
Ireally enjoy coaching and mentoring young Chinese mainland professionals. One of the first things I try to instill in them is the concept of excellence and the importance of delivering it in everything you do. I want...Ireally enjoy coaching and mentoring young Chinese mainland professionals. One of the first things I try to instill in them is the concept of excellence and the importance of delivering it in everything you do. I want them to be aware that everything counts, especially when your work reaches top executives who may be able to offer you opportunities or determine your career advancement.展开更多
基金Center for Advanced Regenerative Engineering and the Department of Urology at the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University,the Division of Urology at Lurie Children's Hospital of ChicagoNIH grant R01EB026575 to A.K.S.and G.A.A,NIH grant R01DK109539 to A.K.S.,and T32 grant(EB031527)to G.A.A.
文摘Chronic bladder dysfunction due to bladder disease or trauma is detrimental to affected patients as it can lead to increased risk of upper urinary tract dysfunction. Current treatment options include surgical interventions that enlarge the bladder with autologous bowel tissue to alleviate pressure on the upper urinary tract. This highly invasive procedure, termed bladder augmentation enterocystoplasty (BAE), significantly increases the risk of patient morbidity and mortality due to the incompatibility between bowel and bladder tissue. Therefore, patients would significantly benefit from an alternative treatment strategy that can regenerate healthy tissue and restore overall bladder function. Previous research has demonstrated the potential of citrate-based scaffolds co-seeded with bone marrow-derived stem/progenitor cells as an alternative graft for bladder augmentation. Recognizing that contact guidance can potentially influence tissue regeneration, we hypothesized that microtopographically patterned scaffolds would modulate cell responses and improve overall quality of the regenerated bladder tissue. We fabricated microgrooved (MG) scaffolds using the citrate-based biomaterial poly (1,8-octamethylene-citrate-co-octanol) (POCO) and co-seeded them with human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) and CD34+ hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs). MG POCO scaffolds supported MSC and HSPC attachment, and MSC alignment within the microgrooves. All scaffolds were characterized and assessed for bladder tissue regeneration in an established nude rat bladder augmentation model. In all cases, normal physiological function was maintained post-augmentation, even without the presence of stem/progenitor cells. Urodynamic testing at 4-weeks post-augmentation for all experimental groups demonstrated that bladder capacity increased and bladder compliance was normal. Histological evaluation of the regenerated tissue revealed that cell-seeded scaffolds restored normal bladder smooth muscle content and resulted in increased revascularization and peripheral nerve regeneration. The presence of microgrooves on the cell-seeded scaffolds increased microvasculature formation by 20 % and urothelial layer thickness by 25 % in the regenerating tissue. Thus, this work demonstrates that microtopography engineering can influence bladder tissue regeneration to improve overall anatomical structure and re-establish bladder physiology.
文摘Not to understate the situation, but it isn＇t easy running a business in today＇s economic environment. However, as a company owner myself, I have to say that there is one noticeable upside to this global recession： it is a great time, as an employer, to be picking up and bringing on board top talent, and to do so at a reasonable cost. It＇s like discount shopping for branded goods.
文摘Recently, I was part of a panel event attended by a roomful of Chinese mainland ,returnees with MBAs from top US business school programs, Pursuing opportunities with Chinese companies was the main discussion topic. While many multinationals are undergoing a corporate-wide headcount and hiring freeze, many Chinese companies are actively hiring. Most local companies have a domestic market focus that has been relatively little impacted by the global recession and do not carry the same highly leveraged debt as global corporations. This makes them a serious employment option for many foreigners and Chinese professionals with overseasexperience.
文摘Recently, a Chinese employee was giving me an analysis of his company＇s chances for making it through the global financial crisis. Actually, what he was trying to do was determine whether it is worth putting so much effort into his company in the current situation, or if it would end up being a waste of time. From my perspective, he was putting too much time and energy into this assessment as it had no bearing on his ability to pursue career success during this tough economic period.
文摘In the ten years that I＇ve been in China, it has always been the case that mainland ,Chinese would do everything they could to gain some overseas work experience. The reason was simple. Overseas experience provided huge benefits to their career development. Markets like the US and Europe offered a more mature professional environment than what was available in China, where the chance to receive international-caliber training and exposure could not be attained to the same degree.
文摘Last month, I wrote about the decline of expat packages in China in the face of the current global recession. But that＇s not to suggest that there is no longer a need for foreign talent in this market.
文摘Although the global financial crisis is slowing career development and advancement opportunities for most, there is one benefit that it is bringing to Chinese mainland professionals. The tougher times are forcing many to look more deeply at how they are assessing their employment choices and decisions. The main result is a maturing, longer-term approach to career development and success. Whether they realize it now or not, this approach will serve them well over the course of their career.
文摘Iam bothered whenever I meet professionals in this market who feel frustrated in their career ambitions, mainly because for a long time, China has offered a greater number （and more interesting） career opportunities than any other place in the world. That＇s why whenever I＇m advising Chinese mainland professionals I often discuss the idea of career sense with them.
文摘In my job-market presentations to candidates pursuing or interested in pursuing jobs on the Chinese mainland,I always try to present a balanced view of China＇s evolving opportunities and employment market realities. And when assessing the career prospects for Chinese mainland professionals, there are two dramatically differing scenarios.
文摘＂Their confidence is toned down and more in line with their capabilities. A good ass kicking, like that which the global financial crisis gave many of us, will do that to you.＂
文摘In China＇s fast-maturing and increasingly competitive business environment, employment situations can change quickly and dramatically. I often meet Chinese mainland professionals who are constantly searching for a more ideal job situation. I find that many of them spend a great deal of time and energy contemplating a career move whenever their company starts going through a tough time, or if their company can no longer offer them what they feel they need to be successful.
文摘Recently, I＇ve experienced a situation that other companies in China are also start- ring to encounter - we are unintentionally giving mixed messages to our high potential employees. On the one hand, we are pushing them to take greater initiative, demonstrate more leadership, and get involved in areas of the company beyond their individual job function, in order to accelerate their development and ability, and to fill urgent needs at management levels in the organization.
文摘Iadmit upfront that I am from the ＂old school＂ when it comes to how I pursue my career - that is, I believe in taking a persistent, patient, long-term approach to my career goals and objectives.
文摘The slowest, most difficult economic times can present you with the greatest opportunities. Although this may sound counter-intuitive, countless employees have, by understanding and acting on this concept, seen their careers benefit greatly.
文摘Like many who head up a team, department or company, among my biggest concerns lover the past year or so has been the ability to retain our top talent. This is particularly important here in China, where companies are constantly addressing talent shortages and staffing challenges. Fortunately, we were able to come through the market downturn with our best people intact.
文摘Ireally enjoy coaching and mentoring young Chinese mainland professionals. One of the first things I try to instill in them is the concept of excellence and the importance of delivering it in everything you do. I want them to be aware that everything counts, especially when your work reaches top executives who may be able to offer you opportunities or determine your career advancement.
