Cryopreservation based on freezing protocols for the long-term storage of microencapsulated myoblasts

One important challenge in biomedicine is the ability to cryogenically preserve not only cells, but also tissue-engineered constructs. In the present paper, alginate-poly-l-lysine-alginate (APA) microcapsules containing erythropoietin (Epo)-secreting C₂C₁₂ myoblasts were elaborated, characterized and tested both in vitro and in vivo. Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) was selected as cryoprotectant to evaluate the maintenance of physiological activity of cryopreserved microencapsulated myoblasts employing procedures based on freezing protocols up to a 45-day cryopreservation period. High chemical resistance of the cryopreserved microcapsules was observed using 10% DMSO as cryoprotectant following a standard slow-cooling procedure. Although a 42% reduction in Epo release from the microencapsulated cells was observed in comparison with the non-cryopreserved group, the in vivo biocompatibility and functionality of the encapsulated cells subcutaneously implanted in Balb/c mice was corroborated by high and sustained hematocrit levels over 194 days and lacking immunosuppressive protocols. No major host reaction was observed. Based on the results obtained in our study, a slow-cooling protocol using 10% DMSO as cryoprotectant (confirmed for cryopreservation periods up to 45 days) might be considered a suitable therapeutic strategy if the long-term storage of microencapsulated cells, such as C₂C₁₂ myoblasts is pretended.     

The capsid protein of infectious bursal disease virus contains a functional α4β1 integrin ligand motif

Infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV), a member of the dsRNA Birnaviridae family, is an important immunosuppressive avian pathogen. We have identified a strictly conserved amino acid triplet matching the consensus sequence used by fibronectin to bind the α4β1 integrin within the protruding domain of the IBDV capsid polypeptide. We show that a single point mutation on this triplet abolishes the cell-binding activity of IBDV-derived subviral particles (SVP), and abrogates the recovering of infectious IBDV by reverse genetics without affecting the overall SVP architecture. Additionally, we demonstrate that the presence of the α4β1 heterodimer is a critical determinant for the susceptibility of murine BALB/c 3T3 cells to IBDV binding and infectivity. Our data suggests that the IBDV might also use the α4β1 integrin as a specific binding receptor in avian cells.     

Platelet-Rich Plasma to Improve the Bio-Functionality of Biomaterials

Growth factors and cytokines are active players in controlling the different stages of wound healing and tissue regeneration. Recent trends in personalized regenerative medicine involve using patient’s own platelet-rich plasma for stimulating wound healing and tissue regeneration. This technology provides a complex cocktail of growth factors and even a fibrin scaffold with multiple biologic effects. In the last few years, an increasing number of studies provide evidence of the potential of combining platelet-rich plasma with different biomaterials in order to improve their properties, including handling, administration, bioactivity, and level of osseointegration, among others. In this review, we discuss the use of platelet-rich plasma as an alternative, easy, cost-effective, and controllable strategy for the release of high concentrations of many endogenous growth factors. Additionally, we provide an overview of the current progress and future directions of research combining different types of biomaterials with platelet-rich plasma in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.     

The potential impact of the preparation rich in growth factors (PRGF) in different medical fields

Platelet-rich preparations constitute a relatively new biotechnology for the stimulation and acceleration of tissue healing and bone regeneration. The versatility and biocompatibility of this approach has stimulated its therapeutic use in numerous medical and scientific fields including dentistry, oral implantology, orthopaedics, ulcer treatment, tissue engineering among others. Here we discuss the important progress that has been accomplished in the field of platelet-rich preparations in the last few years. Some of the most interesting therapeutic applications of this technology are discussed as are some of the limitations, future challenges and directions in the field.     

Is advanced esophageal adenocarcinoma a distinct entity from intestinal subtype gastric cancer? Data from the AGAMENON-SEOM Registry

Gastric Cancer - Advanced esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) is generally treated similarly to advanced gastroesophageal junction (GEJ-AC) and gastric (GAC) adenocarcinomas, although GAC clinical...     

High prevalence of chigger mite infection in a forest-specialist frog with evidence of parasite-related granulomatous myositis

Parasitology Research - Amphibians are hosts for a wide variety of micro- and macro-parasites. Chigger mites from the Hannemania genus are known to infect a wide variety of amphibian species across...     

Protective facemask impact on human thermoregulation: an overview

The use of protective facemasks (PFMs) negatively impacts respiratory and dermal mechanisms of human thermoregulation through impairment of convection, evaporation, and radiation processes. The relatively minor reported increases in core temperature directly attributable to the wearing of PFMs suggest that associated perceptions of increased body temperature may have a significant psychological component or that regional or global brain temperature changes are involved. Modifications in PFM structure, components, and materials might allow for improved heat dissipation and enhanced compliance with use.     

Cirugía de las metástasis en la glándula suprarrenal: resultados de una serie de 35 pacientes

IntroductionThe objectives of this study are to present the results of adrenalectomies due to metastasis, and to analyse the prognostic factors that may help to predict long-term survival in this patient group.Patients and methodsA retrospective study was conducted on 35 patients who underwent adrenalectomy for metastases in the Hospital de Cruces from 1996 to January 2010. The survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan and Meier method.ResultsNon-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) was the most frequent primary tumour, with 18 cases. In 15 patients the diagnosis of adrenal metastasis was synchronous with the primary tumour, and in 20 cases it was metachronous. Only 7 patients survived without disease for 12, 22, 26, 58, 60, 65 and 120 months after the adrenalectomy. The disease free survival at 5 years was 16% in the whole series, and 27% in the NSCLC sub-group. None of the prognostic factors evaluated (size greater than 4.5 cm, cell type, differentiation grade, chemotherapy, surgical technique, disease free interval) was statistically significant in the overall survival, either in the general series or in the sub-group of patients with NSCLC. However, in the general series with tumour recurrence, the difference in survival between metachronous and synchronous metastasis was statistically significant (P=.05), in favour of the former.ConclusionsAdrenalectomy improves the expected survival particularly in patients with NSCLC. Patients with metachronous metastases do not have a higher rate of disease free survival at 5 years than those with synchronous metastases, although they do have a longer survival with the disease. When there is tumour recurrence, it is usually early.