Spatiotemporal microRNA profile in peripheral nerve regeneration: miR-138 targets vimentin and inhibits Schwann cell migration and proliferation.

While the peripheral nervous system has regenerative ability, restoration of sufficient function remains a challenge. Vimentin has been shown to be localized in axonal growth fronts and associated with nerve regeneration, including myelination, neuroplasticity, kinase signaling in nerve axoplasm, and cell migration; however, the mechanisms regulating its expression within Schwann cell (SC) remain unexplored. The aim of this study was to profile the spatial and temporal expression profile of microRNA (miRNA) in a regenerating rat sciatic nerve after transection, and explore the potential role of miR-138-5p targeting vimentin in SC proliferation and migration.

Spatiotemporal expression profiling of proteins in rat sciatic nerve regeneration using reverse phase protein arrays.

Background: Protein expression profiles throughout 28 days of peripheral nerve regeneration were characterized using an established rat sciatic nerve transection injury model. Reverse phase protein microarrays were used to identify the spatial and temporal expression profile of multiple proteins implicated in peripheral nerve regeneration including growth factors, extracellular matrix proteins, and proteins involved in adhesion and migration. This high-throughput approach enabled the simultaneous analysis of 3,360 samples on a nitrocellulose-coated slide.

Role of sagittal reformatted computed tomographic images in the evaluation of orbital floor fractures.

Background: The sagittal plane computed tomographic (CT) scan has been proposed as the most important radiologic view in the diagnosis of orbital floor fractures. Before the advent of high-resolution CT, several articles were published in the radiology literature debating the need for direct sagittal views, which required cumbersome patient positioning. Today, the ability to easily create high-quality sagittal reformations requires reassessment of the importance of this view in the evaluation of orbital floor fractures.

Duration of smoking cessation and its impact on skin flap survival.

Background: Empirical and experimental evidence abounds as to the negative effects of smoking on skin flaps. The ideal duration of preoperative smoking cessation is unclear. The present study evaluates the effect of various durations of smoking cessation on skin flap survival in a rat model.

Evaluation of a novel reverse thermosensitive polymer for use in microvascular surgery.

Microvascular clamps have several potential shortcomings, including the risk of vessel injury. LeGoo, a novel reverse thermosensitive polymer (Pluromed Inc., Woburn, MA), is investigated as a substitute to vascular clamping in a microsurgical model and the technical details are described.

Enhanced peripheral nerve regeneration through a poled bioresorbable poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) guidance channel.

In this study we investigated the effects of materials prepared with electrical poling on neurite outgrowth in vitro and nerve regeneration in vivo. Neuro-2a cells were seeded on poled and unpoled poly(lactic-co-glycolic) (PLGA) films and observed at time periods 24, 48 and 72 h post-seeding. The percentage of cells with neurites and the neurites per cell were quantified using light microscopy.

Enhanced peripheral nerve regeneration elicited by cell-mediated events delivered via a bioresorbable PLGA guide.

Using an established rat peripheral-nerve regeneration model, the authors have demonstrated enhancement of regeneration following subcutaneous priming of bioresorbable poly(lactic-co-glycolic)acid (PLGA) guides in vivo. Four weeks after nerve reconstruction, regeneration of the peripheral nerve through the cell-infiltrated guides displayed a significant increase in the total axon number and myelination status recorded in primed over unprimed guides, demonstrating the importance of cell-mediated events in the regeneration process. To define the different components enhancing nerve regeneration in this model, they have focused on identifying factors capable of eliciting Schwann-cell migration, since this has been identified as an early and necessary event in nerve regeneration.