scholarly journals In vitro characterisation of low-cost synthetic meshes intended for hernia repair in the UK

Hernia ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Grillo ◽  
Z. Hyder ◽  
V. Mudera ◽  
A. Kureshi

Abstract Purpose Low-cost meshes (LCM) were repurposed for the repair of hernias in the developing world. In vivo studies have shown LCM to have comparable results to commercial meshes (CM) at a fraction of the cost. However, little has been done to characterise the mechanical and biocompatible properties of LCM, preventing its clinical use in the UK. The objectives of the research are to assess mechanical and ultrastructural properties of two UK-sourced low-cost meshes (LCM) and the characterisation of the LCMs in vitro biocompatibility. Methods Mechanical properties of the two LCM were measured through uniaxial tensile test and ultrastructure was evaluated with Scanning Electron Microscopy. LIVE/DEAD® Viability/Cytotoxicity Assay kit and alamarBlue were used to assess cellular viability and proliferation, respectively. Images were acquired with a fluorescence microscope and analysed using ImageJ (NIH, USA). Results LCM1 and LCM2 were both multifilament meshes, with the first having smaller pores than the latter. LCM1 exhibited significantly higher tensile strength (p < 0.05) than LCM2 but significantly lower extensibility (p < 0.0001), while Young’s Modulus of the two samples was not significantly different. No significant difference was found in the cellular viability and morphology cultured in LCM1 and LCM2 conditioned media. Metabolic assay and fluorescence imaging showed cellular attachment and proliferation on both LCMs over 14 days. Conclusion The characterisation of the two UK-sourced LCMs showed in vitro biocompatibility and mechanical and ultrastructural properties comparable to the equivalent CM. This in vitro data represents a step forward for the feasibility of adopting LCM for surgical repair of hernias in the UK.

Blood ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 136 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 45-45
Author(s):  
Sushanth Gouni ◽  
Paolo Strati ◽  
Jason Westin ◽  
Loretta J. Nastoupil ◽  
Raphael E Steiner ◽  
...  

Background: Pre-clinical studies show that statins may improve the efficacy of chemoimmunotherapy in patients with DLBCL, through interference with cell membrane-initiated signaling pathways. Clinical retrospective studies, however, yield conflicting data, due to heterogeneous properties of statins, including potency and hydrophilicity. Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of patients with previously untreated, advanced stage DLBCL, non-double hit, treated with frontline R-CHOP between 01/01/2000 and 09/01/2019 (data cut-off 04/15/2020) at MD Anderson Cancer Center, and for whom data regarding statin use at time of initiation of treatment were available. Lugano 2014 response criteria were applied retrospectively for response assessment. Cellular cholesterol levels were analyzed in 6 DLBCL cell lines using an Amplex red fluorometric assay. A doxorubicin (DXR)-resistant cell line was generated exposing SUDHL4 cells to escalating doses of DXR; a DXR-resistant DLBCL patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model was established through serial transplantation and exposure to DXR. Results: 271 patients were included in the analysis, 182 (67%) were older than 60 years, 134 (49%) were male, 212 (72%) had stage IV disease, and 217 (80%) had an IPI score &gt; 3; upon pathological review, 38 (36%) cases were non-GCB type, and 18 (28%) were double-expressors; 214 (79%) were able to complete all planned 6 cycles of RCHOP. Seventy-nine (29%) patients received statins at time of initiation of chemoimmunotherapy: 15 patients received low potency statin, 51 medium and 13 high; 18 patients received hydrophilic statins and 61 lipophilic. Patients receiving statins were significantly older as compared to patients who did not (p&lt;0.001); no other significant difference in baseline characteristics was observed when comparing the 2 groups. Overall, 265 out of 271 patients were evaluable for response, as 6 stopped treatment because of toxicity before first response assessment. Among these, ORR was 95% (252/265) and CR rate was 62% (165/265). ORR rate was identical in patients who were treated with statin and those who did not (95% both, p=1). After a median follow-up of 77 months (95% CI, 70-84 months), 119 patients progressed/died, median PFS was not reached and 6-year PFS was 57%. 6-year PFS rate according to statin intensity was: 48% (low), 72% (medium), 57% (high). PFS. 6-year PFS rate was 64% for hydrophilic and 72% for lipophilic statins. Patients treated with statins had a trend for longer PFS (p=0.06), significantly longer for patients receiving medium potency statins (p=0.04). No significant difference in PFS was observed when comparing patients treated with lipophilic statins to all others (not reached vs 84 months, p=0.22). To confirm these clinical data, in-vitro and in-vivo studies were performed. Six cell lines were tested: 4 with high cholesterol content (SUDHL4, HBL1, HT, and U2932; 5.0-8.0 µg/mg protein), and 2 with low cholesterol content (DOHH2 and OCI-LY19; 1.5-2.0 µg/mg protein); the latter showed the highest sensitivity to DXR-mediated killing. The combination of lovastatin and DXR (10nM) was tested in all 4 cell lines with high cholesterol content, resulting in more cell death than either treatment alone. Lovastatin (at the nanomolar range) resensitized DXR-resistant SUDHL4 cells to DXR. Finally, in a DXR-resistant PDX model, the combination of lovastatin and DXR resulted in delayed tumor growth as compared to chemotherapy alone. Conclusions: Use of medium potency statins is associated with improved outcomes after frontline RCHOP in patients with DLBCL. This was further confirmed in functional in-vitro and in-vivo studies. Future interventional studies, aimed at improving outcomes in these patients using this novel combination, are warranted. Disclosures Westin: Amgen: Consultancy; 47: Research Funding; Kite: Consultancy, Research Funding; BMS: Consultancy, Research Funding; Morphosys: Consultancy, Research Funding; Janssen: Consultancy, Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy, Research Funding; Genentech: Consultancy, Research Funding; Curis: Consultancy, Research Funding; Astra Zeneca: Consultancy, Research Funding. Nastoupil:Gamida Cell: Honoraria; Merck: Research Funding; TG Therapeutics: Honoraria, Research Funding; Karus Therapeutics: Research Funding; Janssen: Honoraria, Research Funding; LAM Therapeutics: Research Funding; Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding; Bayer: Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding; Genentech, Inc.: Honoraria, Research Funding; Pfizer: Honoraria, Research Funding; Gilead/KITE: Honoraria. Neelapu:Bristol-Myers Squibb: Other: personal fees, Research Funding; Merck: Other: personal fees, Research Funding; Kite, a Gilead Company: Other: personal fees, Research Funding; Pfizer: Other: personal fees; Celgene: Other: personal fees, Research Funding; Novartis: Other: personal fees; Karus Therapeutics: Research Funding; N/A: Other; Takeda Pharmaceuticals: Patents & Royalties; Acerta: Research Funding; Cellectis: Research Funding; Poseida: Research Funding; Precision Biosciences: Other: personal fees, Research Funding; Legend Biotech: Other; Adicet Bio: Other; Allogene Therapeutics: Other: personal fees, Research Funding; Cell Medica/Kuur: Other: personal fees; Calibr: Other; Incyte: Other: personal fees; Unum Therapeutics: Other, Research Funding. Landgraf:NCI/NIH: Research Funding. Vega:NCI: Research Funding.


2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (6) ◽  
pp. 453-463
Author(s):  
Kai Liang ◽  
Yajing Zhou ◽  
Yali Ji

Chitin nanocrystal is a biocompatible and biodegradable nanofiller, with great potential in enhancing the mechanical and biological properties of polymers. Poly(caprolactone-diol citrate) is a kind of citrate-based biodegradable elastomer prepared by an additive-free melt polycondensation of polycaprolactone-diol and citric acid coupled with subsequent thermocuring. Here, a facile casting/evaporation method was utilized to prepare full biodegradable poly(caprolactone-diol citrate)/chitin nanocrystal nanocomposites, and their structure and properties were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, uniaxial tensile test, dynamic mechanical analysis, surface wettability and swelling analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, in vitro degradation, and cytocompatibility test. The results showed the chitin nanocrystals were uniformly distributed in the poly(caprolactone-diol citrate) matrix; with increasing chitin nanocrystal loading, the tensile modulus and strength significantly increased; furthermore, the incorporation of chitin nanocrystals endowed the poly(caprolactone-diol citrate) with more hydrophilicity, lower swelling in phosphate buffered saline solution, slow degradation rate, and greatly improved cytocompatibility. Thus, the chitin nanocrystal was a good bio-based nanofiller that could be used to tune the properties of poly(caprolactone-diol citrate) degradable bioelastomer.


2012 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Santanu Chakraborty ◽  
Priyanka Nayak ◽  
Bala Murali Krishna ◽  
Madhusmruti Khandai ◽  
Ashoke Kumar Ghosh

The aim of the present research work was to fabricate aceclofenac loaded pectinate microspheres by ionic gelation method and evaluate the effect of different cross-linking agents and polymer concentration on particle size, encapsulation efficacy and drug release behavior. It was also investigated that whether this pectinate dosage form was able to target the drug release in intestinal region and prevent the different side effect associated with the drug in stomach or not. It was observed that particle size, encapsulation efficacy and in vitro drug release were largely depended on polymer concentration and cross-linking agents. It was also observed that pectinate microspheres showed excellent pH depended mucoadhesive properties and they were able to restrict the drug release in stomach. <em>In vitro</em> drug release study showed that alminium-pectinate microspheres have more sustaining property as compared to barium-pectinate microspheres. Holm-Sidak multiple comparison analysis suggested a significant difference in measured t<sub>50%</sub> values among all the formulations with same cross-linking agent. In vivo studies revealed that the anti inflammatory and analgesic effects induced by pectinate microspheres were significantly high and prolonged as compared to pure drug. So, pectinate microspheres can be an excellent carrier for targeting the delivery of aceclofenac as well as help in improving the patient compliance by prolonging the systemic absorption.


Author(s):  
DENI RAHMAT ◽  
LILIEK NURHIDAYATI ◽  
MARCELLA MARCELLA ◽  
ROS SUMARNY ◽  
DIAN RATIH LAKSMITAWATI

Objective: The aim of the present study was to formulate bromelain into nanoparticles in order to improve its stability and activity. Methods: Crude bromelain was prepared by protein precipitation from the pineapple stem juice using ammonium sulphate at the concentration of 60% (w/v). Nanoparticles containing crude bromelain were generated using the ionic gelation method with hydroxypropyl cellulose–cysteamine (HPC-cysteamine) conjugate as a matrix. Crude bromelain was then added to the HPC-cysteamine solution for ionic interaction to construct the nanoparticles, which were then analyzed for their particle size and zeta potential. The resulting nanoparticles were mixed with adenosine diphosphate (ADP) to perform anti-platelet aggregation. Results: The nanoparticle had 928.3 nm in particle size and-7.25 mV in zeta potential. Anti-platelet activity of crude bromelain and the nanoparticles were determined with modification of light transmission aggregometry (LTA), in which ADP was used to induce an aggregation while a spectrophotometer UV-Vis was used to measure the absorbance at the wavelength of 600 nm. The result showed that crude bromelain and the nanoparticles rendered percentage inhibition of 8.00±1.17% and 48.56±11.19%, respectively. Conclusion: Based on the result of a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), it was concluded that there was a significant difference in percentage inhibition between the two samples. The nanoparticles demonstrated a better anti-platelet aggregation activity compared to crude bromelain.


2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (06) ◽  
pp. 1850035
Author(s):  
Ibrahim Akkaya ◽  
Erman Selim ◽  
Mert Altintas ◽  
Mehmet Engin

Diabetes is a widespread and serious disease and noninvasive measurement has been in high demand. To address this problem, a power spectral density-based method was offered for determining glucose sensitive sub-bands in the nearinfrared (NIR) spectrum. The experiments were conducted using phantoms of different optical properties in-vitro conditions. The optical bands 1200–1300[Formula: see text]nm and 2100–2200[Formula: see text]nm were found feasible for measuring blood glucose. After that, a photoplethysmography (PPG)-based low cost and portable optical system was designed. It has six different NIR wavelength LEDs for illumination and an InGaAs photodiode for detection. Optical density values were calculated through the system and used as independent variables for multiple linear regression analysis. The results of blood glucose levels for 24 known healthy subjects showed that the optical system prediction was nearly 80% in the A zone and 20% in the B zone according to the Clarke Error Grid analysis. It was shown that a promising easy-use, continuous, and compact optical system had been designed.


2008 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 155892500800300 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael J. McClure ◽  
Scott A. Sell ◽  
Catherine P. Barnes ◽  
Whitney C. Bowen ◽  
Gary L. Bowlin

The purpose of this study was to establish whether material properties of elastin co-electrospun with polydioxanone (PDO) would change over time in both the uncross-linked state and the cross-linked state. First, uncross-linked scaffolds were placed in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) for three separate time periods: 15 minutes, 1 hour, and 24 hours, and subsequently tested using uniaxial materials testing. Several cross-linking reagents were then investigated to verify their ability to crosslink elastin: 1–ethyl-3–(dimethylaminopropyl)-carbodiimide (EDC), ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (EGDE), and genipin. Uniaxial tensile testing was performed on scaffolds cross-linked with EDC and genipin, yielding results that warranted further investigation for PDO-elastin blends. Material properties of the cross-linked scaffolds were then found within range of both pig femoral artery and human femoral artery. These results demonstrate PDO-elastin blends could potentially be favorable as vascular grafts, thus warranting future in vitro and in vivo studies.


Blood ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 108 (11) ◽  
pp. 1234-1234 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura M. De Castro ◽  
Jude C. Jonassaint ◽  
Jennifer G. Johnson ◽  
Milena Batchvarova ◽  
Marilyn J. Telen

Abstract Sickle red blood cells (SS RBC) are abnormally adhesive to both endothelial cells (ECs) and components of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Epinephrine (epi) has been shown to elevate cAMP in SS RBC and increase adhesion of SS RBC to ECs in a protein kinase A-dependent manner. In vitro and in vivo studies performed in our lab have led to the hypothesis that adrenergic stimuli such as epi may initiate or exacerbate vaso-occlusion and thus contribute to the association of vaso-occlusive events with physiologic stress. We are conducting a prospective, dose-escalation pilot clinical study to investigate whether in vivo administration of one dose of propranolol either down-regulates baseline SS RBC adhesion in vitro or prevents its upregulation by epi. In addition, this study will provide additional safety data regarding the use of propranolol in normotensive patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). Figure Figure To date, we have completed the first two dose cohorts. 11 subjects (9 SS and 1 Sβ° thalassemia; 7 females, 3 males) have participated. No severe adverse events were noted. Cohorts 1 and 2 had mean pre-propranolol blood pressure (BP) of 116 (5.9 SD)/ 60.4 (3.98 SD) and 106.8 (4.68 SD)/ 58 (3.9 SD), respectively; this difference was not statistically significant. Minimal and asymptomatic changes in BP were noted in both cohorts after drug administration, with biphasic systolic and diastolic BP nadirs at 45 and 240 minutes. No clinically significant changes in heart rate were observed. Adhesion studies were performed using a graduated height flow chamber on the day of RBC collection. RBC adhesion to ECs was studied before and after epi stimulation and was measured at sheer stresses ranging from 1 to 3 dyne/cm2. Baseline adhesion measurements were validated by comparing percent (%) adhesion assayed at 2 different times within 7 days—at screening and before propranolol dose on the study drug day. We observed no significant difference in adhesion at the 2 different time points without propranolol. Comparison of % adhesion of epi-stimulated RBC to ECs before and 1 hour after propranolol showed that propranolol given in vivo significantly inhibited both non-stimulated and epi-stimulated SS RBC adhesion (p=0.04 and p=0.001, respectively). Lastly, comparison of SS RBC adhesion at both drug doses confirmed the drug-related inhibition of adhesion (p&lt;0.004). We conclude that propranolol administered in vivo decreases SS RBC baseline adhesion to ECs and substantially abrogates epi-stimulated adhesion to ECs, as measured in vitro. Although we have thus far studied only a small number of patients and low propranolol doses, we expect to confirm these results with the 3rd cohort, in which a higher dose of propranolol will be used. If our findings continue to show that propranolol can decrease both SS RBC baseline and epi-stimulated adhesion to ECs, study of propranolol on a larger scale would be warranted in order to ascertain its safety and efficacy as an anti-adhesive therapy in SCD.


2017 ◽  
Vol 18 (6) ◽  
pp. 452-457
Author(s):  
Houssam Jassar ◽  
Hassan El Husseini

ABSTRACT Aims and objectives The fiber post type used in restoring endodontically treated teeth may affect the dental expert decision in the case of dental malpractice. The aim of this study was to evaluate the low-cost commercial fiber post in comparison with a higher cost or well-known documented fiber post system. Materials and methods A total of 20 premolars were selected for the study; following endodontic treatment, specimens were randomly divided into two groups of 10 specimens each according to the type of fiber post used: (1) Low-cost commercial fiber post (OYAPost, Taper Lucent, OYARICOM) and (2) higher cost well-known fiber post (Rely X Fiber post, 3M ESPE). Both fiber posts were cemented using self-adhesive cement (Rely X Unicem). Samples were subjected to push-out bond strength and to failure analysis. One-way analysis of variance was used (p < 0.005). Results There was no significant difference between the bond strength of the two tested groups (p > 0.05), while statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) was noted between the different post space regions (cervical, middle, and apical). Conclusion Based on the evidence from the study, it can be concluded that the type of fiber post should not affect the dental expert decision in the case of dental malpractice/lawsuit. Clinical significance All types of low-cost fiber posts may behave similarly to other higher cost or well-documented fiber posts. How to cite this article Ayoub F, Jassar H, El Husseini H, Salameh Z. Choice of Endodontic Fiber Posts and its Influence on Dental Malpractice: An in vitro Evaluation. J Contemp Dent Pract 2017;18(6):452-457.


Author(s):  
Bhageerathy A ◽  
Sandhya Murali ◽  
eny Sara Thomas ◽  
Sigi Vasanthkumar ◽  
Prasanth V V

A total of nine formulations of fast dissolving films of Losartan Potassium were developed by solvent casting method using film forming polymers such as HPMC E5, E15 and E50 and other film modifiers. The appearances of films were transparent, thin, flexible, elastic, smooth and transparent. The weight variation ranged between 16.14 ± 0.192 and 17.31 ± 0.313 and showed that there was no significant difference in the weight of individual formulations. All the formulations showed more than 150 of folding endurance. The drug content was found to be in an acceptable range for all the formulations which indicated uniform distribution of drug. A rapid dissolution of all the film was observed by the dissolution test, in which above 90% of Losartan Potassium was released within 5 min. The formulation F1 showed maximum drug release (98.73) within 5 minutes. Based on the in vitro drug release, drug content and in vitro disintegration time it is found that F1 was selected as the best formulation. The formulations showed satisfactory physical stability at 40°C at 75 % RH. Losartan Potassium (LOSAR-25) is shown in Figure 4. From the results of comparative studies of marketed product and it found that F1 showed 98.73% release within 5 min and LOSAR 25 showed 90.76% release in 30 min. In vitro studies indicate that this potential drug delivery system has considerably good stability and release profile. Nevertheless, further in vivo studies are warranted to confirm these results.


1963 ◽  
Vol 205 (3) ◽  
pp. 446-452 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melvin Blecher

In vitro studies of the flux of α-aminoisobutyrate-1-C14 (AIB) between rat thymic lymphocytes and extracellular fluid have revealed that: a) the amino acid enters cells but is not further metabolized; b) at low concentrations, similar to those of amino acids in plasma, the net influx and efflux of AIB exhibit properties of an active process; and c) influx of AIB is inhibited, and efflux stimulated, by deoxycorticosterone (DOC), by metabolic inhibitors, and by other specific steroids. In vivo studies of the distribution of AIB between serum and tissue demonstrated that administration of DOC to adrenalectomized rats inhibited concentration of AIB by thymus, diaphragm, and skeletal muscle, augmented uptake by liver, and increased the serum level of AIB. Prior adrenalectomy of donor rats resulted in no change from normal in the in vitro capacity of thymic lymphocytes to take up AIB. There was no significant difference from normal in the in vivo concentration of AIB by thymus, liver, and skeletal muscle of adrenalectomized rats, although uptake by diaphragm was decreased compared to normal control animals.


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