Modulation of Gluteus Medius Strength by Yang Qiao Mai Stimulation: A Multiple Case Report

Yang Qiao Mai, one of the eight channels known as extraordinary meridians, is used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to relieve tension in the lateral muscles of the legs. According to TCM, each extraordinary vessel has main points, coalescent points, and one single master point (BL62 Shenmai for Yang Qiao Mai), which can influence the entire path of the meridian. We performed a test which involved measuring the changes in abduction strength of the gluteus medius following stimulation with a new type of photobiomodulation device, which delivers a very low level of modulated light on the BL62 Shenmai acupuncture point. Twenty-two healthy volunteers were measured, stimulated, and the measurement repeated 30 minutes after the first measurement. In addition to showing a regulatory effect of the stimulation, the test confirmed that a modulated red-light emission with a stimulus duration of 20 s for a total delivered energy of 0.35 mJ can induce an acupuncture-like response, even in the short term. The difference between the two body sides generally results as being around 6 Kg: this figure appears to be a physiological limit, probably due to an anatomical compensation of the body asymmetries. These results offer a new insight into the interpretation of the signaling process along the meridians, and appears to involve the return to homeostasis of the extracellular soft tissue matrix promoted by the photon flow.

Applying Different Chemical Methods to Develop an Efficient Acellular Rat Uterine Tissue Matrix

The full text of this preprint has been withdrawn by the authors due to author disagreement with the posting of the preprint. Therefore, the authors do not wish this work to be cited as a reference. Questions should be directed to the corresponding author.

Applications and Biological Functions of Exosomes: A Comprehensive Review

Exosomes are also known as extracellular vesicles (EVs) which is bounded by a membrane mostly seen in eukaryotic cells secreted within the endosomal compartment along with some of the selected composition of RNA, proteins, lipids and DNA. They are capable of transferring signals among cells therefore it is used as a mediator for cell-to-cell communication. Exosomes helps in the excretion of cellular waste from the body. Exosomes possess various widespread activity in many of the biological functions such as transferring the biomolecules like enzymes, proteins, ribonucleic acid, lipids and also in the regulation of various pathological and physiological process in various diseases. Exosomes are released in to the in vitro growth medium with the help of cultured cells. They are said to be identified in coined matrix and tissue matrix. They are also identified in some of the biological fluids such as cerebrospinal fluid, urine, blood. Exosomes are considered as promising biomarkers in identification and treatment of many diseases as they contribute a lot in the diagnosis of various therapies. The efficacy and stability of imaging probes and therapeutics are enhanced by its biocompatible nature. Exosomes play a major role because of their use in the field of clinical application. It is important to understand the molecular mechanism behind their function and transport in order to explore more about exosomes. Here we discuss about the review and advancement done in the field of exosomes along with their biomedical applications, isolation techniques and biological functions.

Applying Different Chemical Methods to Develop an Efficient Acellular Rat Uterine Tissue Matrix

Purpose: Decellularized uterine scaffold, as a new achievement in tissue engineering, permits recellularization and regeneration of uterine tissues and supports pregnancy in a fashion comparable to the intact uterus. The main purpose of this study was using of different chemical methods to introduce an optimized protocol for decellularization of rat uterus.Method: We decellularized rat uteruses by four different protocols using sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and triton-X100 with different doses and time incubations.We characterized the scaffolds through histopathological staining, DNA quantification, MTT assay, Blood compatibility assay, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), and biomechanical studies.Results: Histology assessment showed that only in protocol 4, cell residues were completely removed. Masson’s trichrome staining demonstrates that in protocol P3 collagen bundles were decreased; however, no damage in the collagen bundles was observed by other protocols. Cell viabilities indirect MTT assays of all protocols were significantly higher than the native samples. The RBC hemolysis percent in the presence of prepared scaffolds from all 4 protocols was less than 2%. The mechanical properties of none of the protocols were significantly different from the native sample. Conclusion: Protocol 4 which used freeze-thawing before using detergent, was introduced as the optimized protocol due to complete removal of cell residue, preservation of the three-dimensional structure, complete removal of detergents, and preservation of the mechanical property of the scaffolds.

Case Report: Emphysematous Pyelonephritis With a Congenital Giant Ureterocele

A 14-year-old girl noticed malodorous urine and experienced left flank pain. The patient was presented to our hospital with gradually increasing pain. She had no underlying disease but had a history of pain on micturition for several days. Hematologic examination indicated low white blood cell and platelet counts and a high serum lactate level. Computed tomography showed that a part of the parenchyma of the left kidney had poor contrast and was deteriorated, with fluid and gas retention from the perirenal region to the retroperitoneal cavity. A left hydroureter and large ureterocele were observed in the bladder. She was diagnosed with emphysematous pyelonephritis (EPN) with a giant congenital ureterocele. Vasopressors and blood transfusion failed to maintain normal circulatory dynamics, and an open left nephrectomy and transurethral ureterocele fenestration were performed. The excised outer portion of the left kidney was dissolved by the infection and replaced with blood clots and necrotic tissue. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry identified the inflammatory, gas-producing bacteria Actinotignum schaalii, Peptoniphilus asaccharolyticus, and Actinomyces odontolyticus. Meropenem was administered for 4 days postoperatively and then de-escalated to sulbactam/ampicillin for another 10 days. The patient was discharged on day 17 of hospitalization, and the postoperative course remained favorable. EPN is extremely rare in pediatric patients, and it is believed that nephrectomy is sometimes necessary if the patient does not have normal circulatory dynamics despite the use of catecholamines.

First person – Bram van Steen and Lanette Kempers

ABSTRACT First Person is a series of interviews with the first authors of a selection of papers published in Journal of Cell Science, helping early-career researchers promote themselves alongside their papers. Bram van Steen and Lanette Kempers are co-first authors on ‘ Transendothelial migration induces differential migration dynamics of leukocytes in tissue matrix’, published in JCS. Bram is a PhD student in the laboratory of Jaap van Buul at Sanquin Research, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, investigating the secrets of cell behavior and migration using advanced models and microscopy. Lanette is a PhD student in the same lab studying the process of sprouting and angiogenesis using various microscopy approaches.

P150 UTILISATION OF OVINE REINFORCED TISSUE MATRIX IN PAEDIATRIC RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY

Aim Abdominal and thoracic reconstructive surgery has always been an aspect of surgical care in children for conditions such as congenital abdominal wall defects, large hiatus herniae, incisional herniae and chest wall defects following tumour surgery. Biosynthetic matrices are ideal for reconstructive surgery in the paediatric population as consideration needs to be given to future growth and potential need for reoperation. Moreover, the use of synthetic materials in this setting is known to be associated with long term issues. We present the results of our experience with ovine reinforced tissue matrix1 in paediatric reconstructive surgery. Material and Methods All patients who underwent an operation at our institution using the biosynthetic matrix from March 2019 to April 2021 were identified retrospectively by searching theatre databases. Patient demographics, diagnoses and case notes were reviewed. Results The biosynthetic matrix was used in 26 children, (15 male and 11 female). Median age at insertion was 5.1 years (2.1 – 7.1 years). Median weight at insertion was 14.0kg (11.3 – 28.1kg). Patients had a history of hiatus hernia (n = 10), exomphalos (n = 6), emergency laparotomy (n = 3), congenital diaphragmatic hernia (n = 2) sternal sarcoma (n = 1), rib sarcoma (n = 1), gastroschisis (n = 1), recurrent umbilical hernia (n = 1) and direct inguinal hernia (n = 1). There were no hernial recurrences. There was a surgical site occurrence (SSO) in 12% - skin dehiscence (n = 2) and wound infection (n = 1). Median length of follow up was 7.9 months (4.5-9.0 months). Conclusions Our series demonstrates that ovine biosynthetic matrices can be used safely in paediatric reconstructive surgery with excellent outcomes and a very low rate of SSO. 1. OviTex®-TELA Bio

A Prospective, Single Arm, Multi-Center Study Evaluating the Clinical Outcomes of Ventral Hernias Treated with OviTex® 1S Permanent Reinforced Tissue Matrix: The BRAVO Study 12-Month Analysis

Background: Conflicting results from previous studies have led to dissent over whether surgical mesh is safe and effective in ventral hernia repair. A newer class of mesh known as a reinforced tissue matrix, combining a biologic scaffold and minimal polymer reinforcement, offers promise in reducing inflammatory response and increasing abdominal wall support. This study sought to assess the clinical utility of a reinforced tissue matrix (OviTex) in ventral hernia repair 12 months after implantation. Methods: This is a prospective, single-arm, multi-center study to evaluate the clinical performance of OviTex® 1S Permanent (OviTex) in the repair of primary or recurrent ventral hernias (VH) in consecutive patients (ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT03074474). The rate of surgical site occurrences (SSOs) was evaluated 90 days post-surgery as the primary endpoint. Hernia recurrence and the incidence of postoperative events were evaluated between three and 12 months as secondary endpoints. The incidence of other complications and patient-reported outcomes were also recorded. Results: Ninety-two (92) patients were enrolled in the study, of whom seventy-six (76) reached the 12-month follow-up. All patients were at least 18 years of age with a BMI of <40 kg/m2. Hernia defects were <20 × 20 cm, classified as class I–III according to the CDC wound classification system. Of the 76 patients who reached 12-month follow-up, twenty-six (34%) had previous VH repairs and thirteen (17%) had previous surgical infection. Sixty (79%) had factors known to increase the risk of recurrence. Twenty patients (26%) experienced SSOs, with ten (13%) requiring procedural intervention. Two of the 75 patients (2.7%) experienced a recurrence. Conclusions: The low rate of hernia recurrence and SSOs requiring intervention illustrates the potential that reinforced tissue matrices, and OviTex 1S, in particular, have to improve outcomes in VH repairs. Follow-up to 24 months is ongoing.

Hyaluronic Acid Hydrogel Particles Obtained Using Liposomes as Templates

Hydrogels (HG) are 3D networks of hydrophilic macromolecules linked by different “cross-linking points”, which have as a main advantage their capacity for the adsorption of large amounts of water without any apparent dissolution. This allows hydrogels to undergo reversible swelling–shrinking processes upon the modification of the environmental conditions (pH, ionic strength or temperature). This stimuli-responsiveness and their ability for entrapping in their interior different types of molecules makes hydrogels suitable platforms for drug delivery applications. Furthermore, HGs exhibit certain similarities to the extracellular tissue matrix and can be used as a support for cell proliferation and migration.

Transendothelial migration induces differential migration dynamics of leukocytes in tissue matrix

Leukocyte extravasation into inflamed tissue is a complex process that is difficult to capture as a whole in vitro. We employed a blood-vessel-on-a-chip model in which endothelial cells were cultured in a tube-like lumen in a collagen-1 matrix. The vessels are leak-tight, creating a barrier for molecules and leukocytes. Addition of inflammatory cytokine TNF-α caused vasoconstriction, actin remodelling and upregulation of ICAM-1. Introducing leukocytes into the vessels allowed real-time visualisation of all different steps of the leukocyte transmigration cascade including migration into the extracellular matrix. Individual cell tracking over time distinguished striking differences in migratory behaviour between T-cells and neutrophils. Neutrophils cross the endothelial layer more efficiently than T-cells, but upon entering the matrix, neutrophils display high speed but low persistence, whereas T-cells migrate with low speed and rather linear migration. In conclusion, 3D imaging in real-time of leukocyte extravasation in a vessel-on-a-chip enables detailed qualitative and quantitative analysis of different stages of the full leukocyte extravasation process in a single assay.