Analysis of the protective effect of hydrogen sulfide over time in ischemic rat skin flaps.

Background: Hydrogen sulfide (HS) is a widely studied gasotransmitter, and its protective effect against ischemia-reperfusion damage has been explored in several studies. Therefore, a requirement exists for a comprehensive study about HS effects on ischemia-reperfusion damage in flap surgery. The aim of this study is to examine the effect of hydrogen sulfide by creating ischemia-reperfusion injury in the vascular-stemmed island flap prepared from the rat groin area.

Biocomposite Macrospheres Based on Strontium-Bioactive Glass for Application as Bone Fillers.

Traditional bioactive glass powders are typically composed of irregular particles that can be packed into dense configurations presenting low interconnectivity, which can limit bone ingrowth. The use of novel biocomposite sphere formulations comprising bioactive factors as bone fillers are most advantageous, as it simultaneously allows for packing the particles in a 3-dimensional manner to achieve an adequate interconnected porosity, enhanced biological performance, and ultimately a superior new bone formation. In this work, we develop and characterize novel biocomposite macrospheres of Sr-bioactive glass using sodium alginate, polylactic acid (PLA), and chitosan (CH) as encapsulating materials for finding applications as bone fillers.

Integration of polyurethane meniscus scaffold during ACL revision is not reliable at 5 years despite favourable clinical outcome.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcome at 5-year follow-up of a one-step procedure combining anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction and partial meniscus replacement using a polyurethane scaffold for the treatment of symptomatic patients with previously failed ACL reconstruction and partial medial meniscectomy. Moreover, the implanted scaffolds have been evaluated by MRI protocol in terms of morphology, volume, and signal intensity.

Methods: Twenty patients with symptomatic knee laxity after failed ACL reconstruction and partial medial meniscectomy underwent ACL revision combined with polyurethane-based meniscal scaffold implant.

Towards the Development of a Female Animal Model of T1DM Using Hyaluronic Acid Nanocoated Cell Transplantation: Refinements and Considerations for Future Protocols.

Female mice (Black 6 strain) (C57BL/6) aged 6 weeks were subject to low dose streptozotocin (STZ) treatment for five consecutive days to mimic type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) with insulitis. At two weeks after STZ injections, evaluation of the elevated glucose levels was used to confirm diabetes. The diabetic mice were then subject to the transplantation of pancreatic β-cells (MIN-6 line).

Hydrogels in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis: drug delivery systems and artificial matrices for dynamic in vitro models.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune and chronic inflammatory disorder that mostly affects the synovial joints and can promote both cartilage and bone tissue destruction. Several conservative treatments are available to relieve pain and control the inflammation; however, traditional drugs administration are not fully effective and present severe undesired side effects. Hydrogels are a very attractive platform as a drug delivery system to guarantee these handicaps are reduced, and the therapeutic effect from the drugs is maximized.