Improving duplex ultrasound methods for diagnosing functional popliteal artery entrapment syndrome.

Objectives: Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome (PAES) is a rare condition where musculoskeletal structures compress the popliteal artery (POPA) leading to vascular compromise. This study investigates the effect of dynamic plantar- and dorsi-flexion loading on POPA hemodynamic parameters to develop a robust diagnostic ultrasound-based protocol for diagnosing functional PAES.

Methods: Healthy individuals (n = 20), recreational athletes (n = 20), and symptomatic (n = 20) PAES patients were consented.

Potential sealing and repair of human FM defects after trauma with peptide amphiphiles and Cx43 antisense.

Objective: We examined whether peptide amphiphiles functionalised with adhesive, migratory or regenerative sequences could be combined with amniotic fluid (AF) to form plugs that repair fetal membrane (FM) defects after trauma and co-culture with connexin 43 (Cx43) antisense.

Methods: We assessed interactions between peptide amphiphiles and AF and examined the plugs in FM defects after trauma and co-culture with the Cx43antisense.

Results: Confocal microscopy confirmed directed self-assembly of peptide amphiphiles with AF to form a plug within minutes, with good mechanical properties.

Multicomponent hydrogels for the formation of vascularized bone-like constructs in vitro.

The native extracellular matrix (ECM) is a complex gel-like system with a broad range of structural features and biomolecular signals. Hydrogel platforms that can recapitulate the complexity and signaling properties of this ECM would have enormous impact in fields ranging from tissue engineering to drug discovery. Here, we report on the design, synthesis, and proof-of-concept validation of a microporous and nanofibrous hydrogel exhibiting multiple bioactive epitopes designed to recreate key features of the bone ECM.

Targeting mechanotransduction mechanisms and tissue weakening signals in the human amniotic membrane.

Mechanical and inflammatory signals in the fetal membrane play an important role in extracellular matrix (ECM) remodelling in order to dictate the timing of birth. We developed a mechanical model that mimics repetitive stretching of the amniotic membrane (AM) isolated from regions over the placenta (PAM) or cervix (CAM) and examined the effect of cyclic tensile strain (CTS) on mediators involved in mechanotransduction (Cx43, AKT), tissue remodelling (GAGs, elastin, collagen) and inflammation (PGE, MMPs). In CAM and PAM specimens, the application of CTS increased GAG synthesis, PGE release and MMP activity, with concomitant reduction in collagen and elastin content.

Tissuepatch is biocompatible and seals iatrogenic membrane defects in a rabbit model.

Objective: To evaluate novel sealing techniques for their biocompatibility and sealing capacity of iatrogenic fetal membrane defects in a pregnant rabbit model.

Method: At day 23 of gestation (term = d31), a standardized fetoscopy was performed through a 14G cannula. The resulting fetal membrane defect was closed with condensed collagen, collagen with fibrinogen, Tissuepatch, Duraseal, or a conventional collagen plug (Lyostypt) as reference.

Trauma induces overexpression of Cx43 in human fetal membrane defects.

Objective: We developed an in vitro model to examine whether trauma induces connexin 43 (Cx43) expression and collagen organisation in the amniotic membrane (AM) of fetal membrane (FM) defects.

Method: Term human FM was traumatised in vitro. Cell morphology and Cx43 were examined in the wound edge AM by immunofluorescence (IMF) confocal microscopy and compared to control AM.

Connexin 43 is overexpressed in human fetal membrane defects after fetoscopic surgery.

Objective: We examined whether surgically induced membrane defects elevate connexin 43 (Cx43) expression in the wound edge of the amniotic membrane (AM) and drives structural changes in collagen that affects healing after fetoscopic surgery.

Method: Cell morphology and collagen microstructure was investigated by scanning electron microscopy and second harmonic generation in fetal membranes taken from women who underwent fetal surgery. Immunofluoresence and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to examine Cx43 expression in control and wound edge AM.