Proteins tend to lose their biological activity due to their fragile structural conformation during formulation, storage and delivery. Thus, the inability to stabilize proteins in controlled-release systems represents a major obstacle in drug delivery. Here we present a bone mineral inspired protein stabilization strategy, which uses nanostructured mineral coatings on medical devices. Proteins bound within the nanostructured coatings demonstrated enhanced stability against extreme external stressors, including organic solvents, proteases, and ethylene oxide gas sterilization. The protein stabilization effect was attributed to the maintenance of protein conformational structure, which was closely related to the nanoscale feature sizes of the mineral coatings. Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) released from a nanostructured mineral coating maintained its biological activity for weeks during release, while it maintained activity for less than seven days during release from commonly used polymeric microspheres. Delivery of the growth factors bFGF and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) using a mineral coated surgical suture significantly improved functional Achilles tendon healing in a rabbit model, resulting in increased vascularization, more mature collagen fiber organization, and a 2-fold improvement in mechanical properties. Our findings demonstrate that biomimetic interactions between proteins and nanostructured minerals provide a new, broadly applicable mechanism to stabilize proteins in the context of drug delivery and regenerative medicine.
The purpose of this study was to assess the potential for ultrasound shear wave elastography (SWE) to assess tissue elasticity and ultimate stress in both intact and healing tendons. The lateral gastrocnemius (Achilles) tendons of 41 New Zealand white rabbits were surgically severed and repaired with growth factor coated sutures. SWE imaging was used to measure shear wave speed (SWS) in both the medial and lateral tendons pre-surgery, and at 2 and 4 weeks post-surgery. Rabbits were euthanized at 4 weeks, and both medial and lateral tendons underwent mechanical testing to failure. SWS significantly (p<0.001) decreased an average of 17% between the intact and post-surgical state across all tendons. SWS was significantly (p<0.001) correlated with both the tendon elastic modulus (r = 0.52) and ultimate stress (r = 0.58). Thus, ultrasound SWE is a potentially promising noninvasive technology for quantitatively assessing the mechanical integrity of pre-operative and post-operative tendons.
Large animal (non-rodent mammal) models are commonly used in ACL research, but no species is currently considered the gold standard. Important considerations when selecting a large animal model include anatomical differences, the natural course of ACL pathology in that species, and biomechanical differences between humans and the chosen model. This article summarizes recent reports related to anatomy, pathology, and biomechanics of the ACL for large animal species (dog, goat, sheep, pig, and rabbit) commonly used in ACL research. Each species has unique features and benefits as well as potential drawbacks, which are highlighted in this review. This information may be useful in the selection process when designing future studies.
OBJECTIVE To report clinical experience using virtual surgical planning (VSP) and surgical application of 3D printed custom surgical guides to facilitate uni- and biapical correction of antebrachial deformities in dogs. ANIMALS 11 dogs (13 antebrachial deformity corrections). PROCEDURES Using CT-based bone models, VSP was performed, and surgical guides were designed and 3D printed. The guides were used to execute osteotomies and align bone segments. Postoperative CTs were obtained to compare limb alignment with the VSP. Long-term assessment of lameness and cosmesis were compared with preoperative status. RESULTS Guides were successfully utilized and postoperative analysis was available for 10 of 13 deformities. Guides were abandoned in 2 deformities due to soft tissue tension. Evaluation of postoperative frontal, sagittal, axial, and translational limb alignment revealed that over 90% of parameters were within the acceptable range of ≤ 5° angulation and rotation or ≤ 5 mm of translation from the VSP. Lameness scores were improved in 7/8 deformities with associated preoperative lameness, and posture was improved in 10/10 deformities in which guides were deployed. Complications included reduced range of carpal motion (n = 2), implant sensitivity (n = 2), fracture (n = 1), and tendon laceration (n = 1). CLINICAL RELEVANCE VSP and customized surgical guide application facilitated accurate antebrachial limb deformity correction in the majority of deformities in this case series. The use of VSP and 3D printed guides would appear to be a viable and accurate approach for correction of both uni- and biapical antebrachial deformities in dogs.
OVE using EBVS is a faster surgical technique with less perioperative complications when compared to OVH with ligatures. OVE can potentially replace OVH as a spaying method in pigs.
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