Enriched Environment Contributes to the Recovery from Neurotoxin-Induced Parkinson's Disease Pathology.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurological disorder that affects dopaminergic neurons. The lack of understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms of PD pathology makes treating it a challenge. Several pieces of evidence support the protective role of enriched environment (EE) and exercise on dopaminergic neurons.

Long-term safety and durability of novel intra-aortic percutaneous mechanical circulatory support device.

An unmet need exists for minimally invasive percutaneous mechanical circulatory support (pMCS) devices to provide partial support and promote cardiac rest and recovery in non-end-stage heart failure patients. This indication requires safe, long-term, ambulatory use with standard anticoagulation. The Aortix pump (Procyrion, Houston, Texas, USA) is a percutaneously deployed intra-aortic pump currently being clinically evaluated for subacute use and has the potential to provide extended therapy for non-end-stage heart failure patients.

3D modeling of human cancer: A PEG-fibrin hydrogel system to study the role of tumor microenvironment and recapitulate the in vivo effect of oncolytic adenovirus.

Interactions between malignant and stromal cells and the 3D spatial architecture of the tumor both substantially modify tumor behavior, including the responses to small molecule drugs and biological therapies. Conventional 2D culture systems cannot replicate this complexity. To overcome these limitations and more accurately model solid tumors, we developed a highly versatile 3D PEG-fibrin hydrogel model of human lung adenocarcinoma.

In situ vascularization of injectable fibrin/poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogels by human amniotic fluid-derived stem cells.

One of the greatest challenges in regenerative medicine is generating clinically relevant engineered tissues with functional blood vessels. Vascularization is a key hurdle faced in designing tissue constructs larger than the in vivo limit of oxygen diffusion. In this study, we utilized fibrin-based hydrogels to serve as a foundation for vascular formation, poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) to modify fibrinogen and increase scaffold longevity, and human amniotic fluid-derived stem cells (AFSC) as a source of vascular cell types (AFSC-EC).

Capillary-like network formation by human amniotic fluid-derived stem cells within fibrin/poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogels.

A major limitation in tissue engineering strategies for congenital birth defects is the inability to provide a significant source of oxygen, nutrient, and waste transport in an avascular scaffold. Successful vascularization requires a reliable method to generate vascular cells and a scaffold capable of supporting vessel formation. The broad potential for differentiation, high proliferation rates, and autologous availability for neonatal surgeries make amniotic fluid-derived stem cells (AFSC) well suited for regenerative medicine strategies.

Biocompatible carbon nanotube-chitosan scaffold matching the electrical conductivity of the heart.

The major limitation of current engineered myocardial patches for the repair of heart defects is that insulating polymeric scaffold walls hinder the transfer of electrical signals between cardiomyocytes. This loss in signal transduction results in arrhythmias when the scaffolds are implanted. We report that small, subtoxic concentrations of single-walled carbon nanotubes, on the order of tens of parts per million, incorporated in a gelatin-chitosan hydrogel act as electrical nanobridges between cardiomyocytes, resulting in enhanced electrical coupling, synchronous beating, and cardiomyocyte function.

Use of myocardial matrix in a chitosan-based full-thickness heart patch.

A novel cardiac scaffold comprised of decellularized porcine heart matrix was investigated for use as a biodegradable patch with a potential for surgical reconstruction of the right ventricular outflow tract. Powdered heart matrix solution was blended with chitosan and lyophilized to form three-dimensional scaffolds. For this investigation, we examined the influence of different blending ratios of heart matrix to chitosan on porosity and mechanical properties, then gene expression and electrophysiological function of invading neonatal rat ventricular myocytes (NRVM) compared to type-A gelatin/chitosan composite scaffolds.

Evaluation of endothelial cells differentiated from amniotic fluid-derived stem cells.

Amniotic fluid holds great promise as a stem cell source, especially in neonatal applications where autologous cells can be isolated and used. This study examined chemical-mediated differentiation of amniotic fluid-derived stem cells (AFSC) into endothelial cells and verified the function of AFSC-derived endothelial cells (AFSC-EC). AFSC were isolated from amniotic fluid obtained from second trimester amnioreduction as part of therapeutic intervention from pregnancies affected with twin-twin transfusion syndrome.

[Prevalence of periampullary diverticular, its association with choledocolithiasis and technical sucess with ERCP].

Background: Periampullary diverticula (DP) are thought to be associated with bile duct stones; they may influence the index of success or failure at endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (CPE) and may increase the risk of its complications.

Aim: Assess the association between DP with bile duct stones and its contribution with the technical success at CPE.

Methods: Two hundred and forty five consecutive patients who were undergoing CPE between April 1st and September 23th were prospectively entered into a database.