Effects of Release of TSG-6 from Heparin Hydrogels on Supraspinatus Muscle Regeneration.

Muscle degeneration after rotator cuff tendon tear is a significant clinical problem. In these experiments, we developed a poly(ethylene glycol)-based injectable granular hydrogel containing two heparin derivatives (fully sulfated [Hep] and fully desulfated [Hep-]) as well as a matrix metalloproteinase-sensitive peptide to promote sustained release of tumor necrosis factor-stimulated gene 6 (TSG-6) over 14+ days in a rat model of rotator cuff muscle injury. The hydrogel formulations demonstrated similar release profiles , thus facilitating comparisons between delivery from heparin derivatives on the level of tissue repair in two different areas of muscle (near the myotendious junction [MTJ] and in the muscle belly [MB]) that have been shown previously to have differing responses to rotator cuff tendon injury.

Effects of Release of TSG-6 from Heparin Hydrogels on Supraspinatus Muscle Regeneration.

Unlabelled: Muscle degeneration after rotator cuff tendon tear is a significant clinical problem. In these experiments, we developed a poly(ethylene glycol)-based injectable granular hydrogel containing two heparin derivatives (fully sulfated (Hep) and fully desulfated (Hep-)) as well as a matrix metalloproteinase-sensitive peptide to promote sustained release of Tumor Necrosis Factor Stimulated Gene 6 (TSG-6) over 14+ days in a rat model of rotator cuff muscle injury. The hydrogel formulations demonstrated similar release profiles , thus facilitating comparisons between delivery from heparin derivatives on level of tissue repair in two different areas of muscle (near the myotendious junction (MTJ) and in the muscle belly (MB)) that have been shown previously to have differing responses to rotator cuff tendon injury.

Management of intramuscular melanoma metastases to the psoas.

We detail a case of a woman in her 40s with isolated melanoma skeletal muscle metastasis (MSMM) to the right psoas muscle. This patient underwent R0 surgical resection through a novel pelvic approach. She received subsequent adjuvant immunotherapy with Braftovi/Mektov along with adjuvant radiation.

Bone Marrow Mobilization and Local Stromal Cell-Derived Factor-1α Delivery Enhances Nascent Supraspinatus Muscle Fiber Growth.

Rotator cuff tear is a significant problem that leads to poor clinical outcomes due to muscle degeneration after injury. The objective of this study was to synergistically increase the number of proregenerative cells recruited to injure rotator cuff muscle through a novel dual treatment system, consisting of a bone marrow mobilizing agent (VPC01091), hypothesized to "push" prohealing cells into the blood, and localized delivery of stromal cell-derived factor-1α (SDF-1α), to "pull" the cells to the injury site. Immediately after rotator cuff tendon injury in rat, the mobilizing agent was delivered systemically, and SDF-1α-loaded heparin-based microparticles were injected into the supraspinatus muscle.

Microfluidic Platform for Microparticle Fabrication and Release of a Cathepsin Inhibitor.

Cathepsins are a family of cysteine proteases responsible for a variety of homeostatic functions throughout the body, including extracellular matrix remodeling, and have been implicated in a variety of degenerative diseases. However, clinical trials using systemic administration of cathepsin inhibitors have been abandoned due to side effects, so local delivery of cathepsin inhibitors may be advantageous. In these experiments, a novel microfluidic device platform was developed that can synthesize uniform, hydrolytically degradable microparticles from a combination of poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) and dithiothreitol (DTT).

Development and characterization of Factor Xa-responsive materials for applications in cell culture and biologics delivery.

Stimuli-responsive biomaterials may be used to better control the release of bioactive molecules or cells for applications involving drug delivery and controlled cell release. In this study, we developed a Factor Xa (FXa)-responsive biomaterial capable of controlled release of pharmaceutical agents and cells from in vitro culture. FXa-cleavable substrates were formed as hydrogels that degraded in response to FXa enzyme over several hours.

Palliative Medicine Referral and End-of-Life Interventions Among Racial and Ethnic Minority Patients With Advanced or Recurrent Gynecologic Cancer.

Background: Referral to palliative medicine (PM) has been shown to improve quality of life, reduce hospitalizations, and improve survival. Limited data exist about PM utilization among racial minorities with gynecologic malignancies. Our objective was to assess differences in palliative medicine referrals and end of life interventions (within the last 30 days of life) by race and ethnicity in a diverse population of gynecologic oncology patients.

Spatial Recombinant Human Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 Delivery from Hydroxyapatite Scaffolds Sustains Bone Regeneration in Rabbit Radius.

Regenerating large bone defects requires a multifaceted approach combining optimal scaffold designs with appropriate growth factor delivery. Supraphysiological doses of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2 (rhBMP2), typically used for the regeneration of large bone defects clinically in conjunction with an acellular collagen sponge (ACS), have resulted in many complications. In this study, we develop a hydroxyapatite/collagen I (HA/Col) scaffold to improve the mechanical properties of the HA scaffolds, while maintaining open connected porosity.

Retreatment of chemotherapy-resistant metastatic choriocarcinoma with immunotherapy.

Introduction: Recurrent metastatic choriocarcinoma is a rare disease with historically limited guidance in the literature regarding standardized treatment protocols. In this case report, we review the course of a patient with recurrent metastatic choriocarcinoma re-treated with single agent pembrolizumab.Our patient was initially diagnosed with metastatic choriocarcinoma (FIGO Stage IV, WHO Score 13) after presenting for evaluation of amenorrhea.

Growth Factor Immobilization Strategies for Musculoskeletal Disorders.

Purpose Of Review: Tissue regenerative solutions for musculoskeletal disorders have become increasingly important with a growing aged population. Current growth factor treatments often require high dosages with the potential for off-target effects. Growth factor immobilization strategies offer approaches towards alleviating these concerns.

Injection of Micronized Human Amnion/Chorion Membrane Results in Increased Early Supraspinatus Muscle Regeneration in a Chronic Model of Rotator Cuff Tear.

Surgical repair of severe rotator cuff tear often results in retear due to unaddressed muscle degeneration. The objective of this study was to test the regenerative potential of micronized dehydrated Human Amnion/Chorion Membrane (dHACM), in a clinically relevant delayed reattachment model of rotator cuff repair. Micronized dHACM was injected into rat supraspinatus muscle during tendon re-attachment surgery, three weeks after original tendon injury.

Progranulin signaling in sepsis, community-acquired bacterial pneumonia and COVID-19: a comparative, observational study.

Background: Progranulin is a widely expressed pleiotropic growth factor with a central regulatory effect during the early immune response in sepsis. Progranulin signaling has not been systematically studied and compared between sepsis, community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), COVID-19 pneumonia and a sterile systemic inflammatory response (SIRS). We delineated molecular networks of progranulin signaling by next-generation sequencing (NGS), determined progranulin plasma concentrations and quantified the diagnostic performance of progranulin to differentiate between the above-mentioned disorders using the established biomarkers procalcitonin (PCT), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP) for comparison.

Feasibility of integrating survivors of stroke into cardiac rehabilitation: A mixed methods pilot study.

Background: Survivors of stroke are often deconditioned and have limited opportunities for exercise post-rehabilitation. Cardiac Rehabilitation (CR), a structured exercise program offered post-cardiac event in the United States (U.S.

A 20-year latency between hysterectomy for endometrial adenocarcinoma and solitary pulmonary metastasis: a case report.

We present a rare case pulmonary metastasis of an early stage endometrial cancer nearly 20 years after curative surgical resection. Our patient had a remote history of hysterectomy for endometrial cancer in 1998 and later had Stage 1B right upper lobe lung cancer treated with lobectomy and adjuvant chemotherapy in 2014. She was found to have an enlarging nodule in the left upper lobe in 2018, which was thought to be another primary lung cancer.

Integrating Survivors of Stroke Into Exercise-Based Cardiac Rehabilitation Improves Endurance and Functional Strength.

Background Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a structured exercise program prevalent in the United States for people with cardiovascular disease that has been shown to increase cardiovascular endurance and improve quality of life. Despite similar cardiovascular risk factors, stroke is not among the covered diagnoses for CR. The purpose of this study was to examine the participant impact of integrating survivors of stroke into the exercise portion of an existing hospital-based CR program through measures of physical function and other health impacts and through qualitative evaluation of participant perception.

Regeneration enhanced in critical-sized bone defects using bone-specific extracellular matrix protein.

Extracellular matrix (ECM) products have the potential to improve cellular attachment and promote tissue-specific development by mimicking the native cellular niche. In this study, the therapeutic efficacy of an ECM substratum produced by bone marrow stem cells (BM-MSCs) to promote bone regeneration in vitro and in vivo were evaluated. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis and phenotypic expression were employed to characterize the in vitro BM-MSC response to bone marrow specific ECM (BM-ECM).

Knowledge evaluation instruments for dementia caregiver education programs: A scoping review.

With the increase in our older adult population, there is a need for dementia training for informal and formal dementia caregivers. The objective of this scoping study is to assess dementia knowledge instruments utilized in educational programs and interventions intended for formal and informal dementia caregivers. Scoping review methodology was used to search PubMed, PsycInfo, CINAHL and Web of Science with tailored database search terms.

The six-minute walk test as a fall risk screening tool in community programs for persons with stroke: a cross-sectional analysis.

: Persons with stroke have increased risk for recurrent stroke. Group exercise programs like cardiac rehabilitation might reduce this risk. These programs commonly use the six-minute walk test to measure aerobic capacity.

In vivo hydroxyapatite scaffold performance in infected bone defects.

Critically sized bone defects are often compounded by infectious complications. The standard of care consists of bone autografts with systemic antibiotics. These injuries and treatments lead to donor site morbidity, antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria, and often end stage amputation.

Connexin 43 hemichannels protect bone loss during estrogen deficiency.

Estrogen deficiency in postmenopausal women is a major cause of bone loss, resulting in osteopenia, osteoporosis, and a high risk for bone fracture. Connexin 43 (Cx43) hemichannels (HCs) in osteocytes play an important role in osteocyte viability, bone formation, and remodeling. We showed here that estrogen deficiency reduced Cx43 expression and HC function.

ICCD camera technology with constant illumination source and possibilities for application in multiwavelength analytical ultracentrifugation.

A new concept for multiwavelength detection in analytical ultracentrifugation is demonstrated, based on the technology of an Andor iStar intensified CCD camera and constant illumination source. The camera is coupled to an Andor Shamrock spectrograph providing a spectrometer system capable of UV/vis acquisitions with wavelengths from 190 to 790 nm. The details of the camera functions are described, and the essential operational modes demonstrated with proof of principle measurements.

Quantification of injection force mechanics during injection laryngoplasty.

Objectives: In-office or operative injection laryngoplasty requires needle stability for accurate material placement. To date, no reports compare injection forces based on needle gauge, bends, length, or material type or temperature. We hypothesize these factors alter injection forces and could impact clinical use.

LED based near infrared spectral acquisition for multiwavelength analytical ultracentrifugation: A case study with gold nanoparticles.

A pulsed light emitting diode, coupled with a properly configured spectrometer is implemented in open source analytical ultracentrifugation detection hardware, allowing for spectral acquisition spanning the visible to near infrared. Details of the challenges arising with the new hardware are described, along with the necessary solutions to overcome them. The system is successfully tested with polystyrene and gold nanoparticles, demonstrating effectiveness for different material and particle geometries.

Sedimentation of C and C: Testing the Limits of Stokes' Law.

Virtually all dynamic methods for determining particle size on the nanoscale use the Stokes-Einstein-Sutherland (SES) equation to convert the diffusion coefficient into a hydrodynamic radius. The validity of this equation on the nanoscale has not been rigorously validated by experiment. Here we measure the sedimentation rates and diffusion coefficients of C and C in toluene using analytical ultracentrifugation and compare the results to the SES equation.