Modeling Physiological Flow in Fontan Models With Four-Dimensional Flow Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Particle Image Velocimetry, and Arterial Spin Labeling.

The Fontan procedure is a successful palliation for single ventricle defect. Yet, a number of complications still occur in Fontan patients due to abnormal blood flow dynamics, necessitating improved flow analysis and treatment methods. Phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has emerged as a suitable method for such flow analysis.

In Vitro Validation of 4D Flow MRI for Local Pulse Wave Velocity Estimation.

Purpose: Arterial stiffness has predictive value for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Local artery stiffness can provide insight on CVD pathology and may be useful for diagnosis and prognosis. However, current methods are invasive, require real-time expertise for measurement, or are limited by arterial region.

The effects of fixed electrical charge on chondrocyte behavior.

In this study we have compared the effects of negative and positive fixed charges on chondrocyte behavior in vitro. Electrical charges have been incorporated into oligo(poly(ethylene glycol) fumarate) (OPF) using small charged monomers such as sodium methacrylate (SMA) and (2-(methacryloyloxy) ethyl)-trimethyl ammonium chloride (MAETAC) to produce negatively and positively charged hydrogels, respectively. The physical and electrical properties of the hydrogels were characterized by measuring and calculating the swelling ratio and zeta potential, respectively.

Material properties and electrical stimulation regimens of polycaprolactone fumarate-polypyrrole scaffolds as potential conductive nerve conduits.

The mechanical and electrical properties of polycaprolactone fumarate-polypyrrole (PCLF-PPy) scaffolds were studied under physiological conditions to evaluate their ability to maintain the material properties necessary for application as conductive nerve conduits. PC12 cells cultured on PCLF-PPy scaffolds were stimulated with regimens of 10 μA of either a constant or a 20 Hz frequency current passed through the scaffolds for 1h per day. PC12 cellular morphologies were analyzed by fluorescence microscopy after 48 h.

Development of electrically conductive oligo(polyethylene glycol) fumarate-polypyrrole hydrogels for nerve regeneration.

Electrically conductive hydrogel composites consisting of oligo(polyethylene glycol) fumarate (OPF) and polypyrrole (PPy) were developed for applications in nerve regeneration. OPF-PPy scaffolds were synthesized using three different anions: naphthalene-2-sulfonic acid sodium salt (NSA), dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid sodium salt (DBSA), and dioctyl sulfosuccinate sodium salt (DOSS). Scaffolds were characterized by ATR-FTIR, XPS, AFM, dynamic mechanical analysis, electrical resistivity measurements, and swelling experiments.