This study evaluated cryopreserved homografts (Group 1) and porcine heterografts decellularized with deoxicholic acid (Group 2), implanted in the right ventricular outflow tract of juvenile sheep. Two groups with four animals in each were used and all animals survived with good outcome. Animals were sacrificed 90 or more days after surgery (90-150 days). On the third and fifth postoperative months they were submitted to echocardiographic examination with normal function and appearance observed for both groups. Explants were evaluated through histological analysis, atomic spectrophotometry and radiological examination. Calcium content was higher in the cusps of cryopreserved homografts, despite an otherwise similar macroscopic appearance between grafts of both groups. Decellularized heterografts were progressively repopulated by autologous cells suggesting some regenerative ability and longer durability than conventional homografts.

Rapid-closure DC without watertight duraplasty is a safe procedure. It is not associated with a higher incidence of surgical complications (CSF leak, wound infection, brain abscess, or subgaleal fluid collections), and it decreased surgical time by 31 minutes on average. There was also a hospital cost reduction of $420.00 USD (23.4% reduction) per procedure. Clinical trial registration no.: NCT02594137 (clinicaltrials.gov).

The use of decellularized allografts was safe and with good medium-term results up to 4 years. There was a tendency to lower late gradients in the SDS decellularized allografts after 12 months.

Análise do comportamento biológico de heteroenxertos descelularizados e homoenxertos criopreservados: estudo em ovinosDecellularized heterografts versus cryopreserved homografts: experimental study in sheep model Abstract Objectives: The aim of this study is to assess the biological behaviour of porcine decellularized heterografts (Desc group) compared with cryopreserved homografts (Crio group) implanted in juvenile sheep.Methods: Decellularized porcine pulmonary heterografts were implanted in five animals and cryopreserved pulmonary homografts in another five. The animals were followed-up for a mean of 280 ± 14 days. The valve diameter was measured by echocardiography, which was performed at the 30th postoperative day, and before the explantation. The valves were also assessed macroscopically. Histological evaluation was performed using H.E., Gomori and Weigert staining. Immunohistochemistry specified different cell types (Factor VIII, CD3, Vimentin and CD68). Calcium quantity was analyzed using atomic absortion spectometry.Results: There was one death in the Desc group due to endocarditis. The valves of Crio group showed decrease in the cellularity whereas the valves of Desc group showed matrix repopulation with endothelial and interstitial cells. Loss of collagen density and disarrangement of the normal fiber architecture was observed in Crio group. Calcium content demonstrated higher levels on the cusps and conduits in Crio group comparatively with Desc group. (P=0.016). The mean valvular diameter at the explantation was significantly increased (P=0.025) in the Desc group. Rev Bras Cir Cardiovasc 2009; 24(1): 15-22 Conclusions: Decellularized heterografts had a different biological behaviour when compared to cryopreserved homografts and become repopulated by cells with fibroblasts and endothelial cells characteristics. The matrix was preserved and some regenerative potential was present

Infectious intracranial aneurysms (IIAs) represent 2%–6% of all intracranial aneurysms and, classically, have been associated with bacterial or fungal agents. The authors report the case of a 42-year-old woman who presented with a typical history of subarachnoid hemorrhage. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) showed an aneurysmal dilatation on the frontal M2 segment of the left middle cerebral artery (MCA). The patient was treated surgically, and multiple cysts were found in the left carotid and sylvian cisterns, associated with a dense inflammatory exudate that involved the MCA. The cysts were removed, and a fusiform aneurysmal dilatation was identified. The lesion was not amenable to direct clipping, so the authors wrapped it. Histopathological analysis of the removed cysts revealed the typical pattern of subarachnoid neurocysticercosis. The patient received cysticidal therapy with albendazole and corticosteroids, and she recovered uneventfully. Follow-up DSA performed 6 months after surgery showed complete resolution of the aneurysm. The authors performed a review of the literature and believe that there is sufficient evidence to affirm that the subarachnoid form of neurocysticercosis may lead to the development of an IIA and that Taenia solium should be listed among the possible etiological agents of IIAs, along with bacterial and fungal agents.

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Aim: In vitro evaluation of the influence of bovine xenogenic biomaterials on stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHEDs). The study was divided into three groups: 1) group C (control), containing only MSCs; 2) group BP, containing MSCs and Bonefill Porous®; 3) group BO, containing MSCs and Bio-Oss®. MSCs were derived from a deciduous tooth from a 7-year-old male donor. An aliquot of cells was subjected to immunophenotyping by flow cytometry. Cell viability (neutral red), cytotoxicity (MTT), and cell proliferation (crystal violet) assays were performed. All groups underwent morphological analysis by light microscopy (LM), and the biomaterial with superior performance was submitted to evaluation by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Time points of 24, 48, and 72 h of culture were used. All results were evaluated with a significance level of 0.05. Results showed that both biomaterials maintained cell viability and cytotoxicity similar to the control. The BO group showed smaller cell proliferation compared to the other groups. In LM evaluation, the BP group showed more spread and adherent cells than the BO group. In SEM, cells of the BP group showed characteristics of more active cells than those of the control. Bovine xenogenic biomaterials positively influenced SHEDs, while the BP group seemed to present higher potential with SHEDs for future application within in vivo and/or clinical studies.

The scaffolds and their interaction with mesenchymal stem cells are objects of study in bioengineering and tissue repair. Mechanisms such as surface adhesion, proliferation, viability, and cytotoxicity are essential for the development of therapies. The present study analyzed the influence of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) in viability, cytotoxicity, and proliferation of stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED) exposed to bovine biomaterial surfaces. The studied groups were divided and analyzed as follows: (S) only SHED as control Group; (SB) SHED + biomaterial; (SBP) SHED + biomaterial + PRF. Analyses of cells seeded in 24-well plates were performed after 24, 48 and 72 hours. Individual groups were subjected to viability, cytotoxicity and cell proliferation tests using neutral red, MTT and crystal violet, respectively; and in the 72-hour group, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was performed to record cell ultra-morphology. Data were submitted to statistical analysis by two-factor ANOVA with a significance level of 5%. The results demonstrated a better performance in the viability/cytotoxicity and proliferation of stem cells for the group (SBP) in comparison to the group (SB) and the group (S). The applied statistical tests showed that the biomaterial factor, time, and interaction between them gave rise to results with statistical significance. SHED submitted to bovine biomaterial were more viable, proliferative and with lower toxicity when associated with PRF. PRF seemed to activate the metabolism of stem cells in culture, indicating that such an association can bring an effective benefit in clinical outcome.