Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with LARS artificial ligament—clinical results after a long-term follow-up

Purpose The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the subjective and functional outcome of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with the synthetic Ligament Advanced Reinforcement System (LARS) ligament. Methods Twenty-six patients were reviewed at an average follow-up of 11.6 years. Objective clinical evaluation was performed with stability tests. Patient-reported outcomes (Visual Analogue Scale, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, and Cincinnati Knee Rating Scale) were used to assess subjective and functional outcomes. Results Overall satisfactory results were obtained in 22 cases (84.6%). Four patients (15.4%) showed mechanical failure of the graft. No cases of synovitis or infection were reported. Conclusion LARS ligament can be considered a safe and suitable option for ACL reconstruction in carefully selected cases, especially elderly patients needing a rapid postoperative recovery. Level of Evidence Level IV, retrospective case series

The choice of μ-vinyliminium ligand substituents is key to optimize the antiproliferative activity of related diiron complexes

Diiron vinyliminium complexes constitute a large family of organometallics displaying a promising anticancer potential. The complexes [Fe2Cp2(CO)(mu-CO){mu-eta(1):eta(3)-C(R-3)C(R-4)CN(R-1)(R-2)}]CF3SO3 (2a-c, 4a-d) were synthesized, assessed for their behavior in aqueous solutions (D2O solubility, Log P-ow, stability in D2O/Me2SO-d(6) mixture at 37 degrees C over 48 h) and investigated for their antiproliferative activity against A2780 and A2780cisR ovarian cancer cell lines and the nontumoral one Balb/3T3 clone A31. Cytotoxicity data collected for 50 vinyliminium complexes were correlated with the structural properties (i.e. the different R-1-R-4 substituents) using the partial least squares methodology. A clear positive correlation emerged between the octanol-water partition coefficient and the relative antiproliferative activity on ovarian cancer cell lines, both of which appear as uncorrelated to the cancer cell selectivity. However, the different effects played by the R-1-R-4 substituents allow tracing guidelines for the development of novel, more effective compounds. Based on these results, three additional complexes (4p-r) were designed, synthesized and biologically investigated, revealing their ability to hamper thioredoxin reductase enzyme and to induce cancer cell production of reactive oxygen species

Endophytic and rhizospheric bacterial communities isolated from the medicinal plants Echinacea purpurea and Echinacea angustifolia

In this work we analyzed the composition and structure of cultivable bacterial communities isolated from the stem/leaf and root compartments of two medicinal plants, Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench and Echinacea angustifolia (DC.) Hell, grown in the same soil, as well as the bacterial community from their rhizospheric soils. Molecular PCR-based techniques were applied to cultivable bacteria isolated from the three compartments of the two plants. The results showed that the two plants and their respective compartments were characterized by different communities, indicating a low degree of strain sharing and a strong selective pressure within plant tissues. Pseudomonas was the most highly represented genus, together with Actinobacteria and Bacillus spp. The presence of distinct bacterial communities in different plant species and among compartments of the same plant species could account for the differences in the medicinal properties of the two plants. [Int Microbiol 2014; 17(3):165-174]Keywords: Echinacea purpurea · Echinacea angustifolia · rhizosphere · medicinal plants · endophyte

Tailored star poly (ε-caprolactone) wet-spun scaffolds for in vivo regeneration of long bone critical size defects

One of the most challenging requirements of a successful bone tissue engineering approach is the development of scaffolds specifically tailored to individual tissue defects. Besides materials chemistry, well-defined scaffold’s structural features at the micro- and macro-levels are needed for optimal bone in-growth. In this study, polymeric fibrous scaffolds with a controlled internal network of pores and modelled on the anatomical shape and dimensions of a critical size bone defect in a rabbit’s radius model were developed by employing a computer-aided wet-spinning technique. The tailored scaffolds made of star poly(ε caprolactone) or star poly(ε-caprolactone)– hydroxyapatite composite material were implanted into 20-mm segmental defects created in radial diaphysis of New Zealand white rabbits. Bone regeneration and tissue response were assessed by X-rays and histological analysis at 4, 8 and 12 weeks after surgery. No signs of macroscopic and microscopic inflammatory reactions were detected, and the developed scaffolds showed a good ability to support and promote the bone regeneration process. However, no significant differences in osteoconductivity were observed between star poly(ε-caprolactone) and star poly(ε-caprolactone)–hydroxyapatite scaffolds. Long-term study on implanted star poly(ε-caprolactone) scaffolds confirmed the presence of signs of bone regeneration and remodelling, particularly evident at 24 weeks

Essential Oil from Origanum vulgare Completely Inhibits the Growth of Multidrug-Resistant Cystic Fibrosis Pathogens.

Essential oils (EOs) are known to inhibit the growth of a wide range of microorganisms. Particularly interesting is the possible use of EOs to treat multidrug-resistant cystic fibrosis (CF) pathogens. We tested the essential oil (EO) from Origanum vulgare for in vitro antimicrobial activity, against three of the major human opportunistic pathogens responsible for respiratory infections in CF patients; these are methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia and Achromobacter xylosoxidans. Antibiotic susceptibility of each strain was previously tested by the standard disk diffusion method. Most strains were resistant to multiple antibiotics and could be defined as multi-drug-resistant (MDR). The antibacterial activity of O. vulgare EO (OEO) against a panel of 59 bacterial strains was evaluated, with MIC and MBC determined at 24, 48 and 72 hours by a microdilution method. The OEO was effective against all tested strains, although to a different extent. The MBC and MIC of OEO for S. aureus strains were either lower or equal to 0.50%, v/v, for A. xylosoxidans strains were lower or equal to 1% and 0.50%, v/v, respectively; and for S. maltophilia strains were lower or equal to 0.25%, v/v. The results from this study suggest that OEO might exert a role as an antimicrobial in the treatment of CF infections

Exploring the Anti-Burkholderia cepacia Complex Activity of Essential Oils: A Preliminary Analysis

In this work we have checked the ability of the essential oils extracted from six different medicinal plants (Eugenia caryophyllata, Origanum vulgare, Rosmarinus officinalis, Lavandula officinalis, Melaleuca alternifolia, and Thymus vulgaris) to inhibit the growth of 18 bacterial type strains belonging to the 18 known species of the Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc). These bacteria are opportunistic human pathogens that can cause severe infection in immunocompromised patients, especially those affected by cystic fibrosis (CF), and are often resistant to multiple antibiotics. The analysis of the aromatograms produced by the six oils revealed that, in spite of their different chemical composition, all of them were able to contrast the growth of Bcc members. However, three of them (i.e., Eugenia caryophyllata, Origanum vulgare, and Thymus vulgaris) were particularly active versus the Bcc strains, including those exhibiting a high degree or resistance to ciprofloxacin, one of the most used antibiotics to treat Bcc infections. These three oils are also active toward both environmental and clinical strains (isolated from CF patients), suggesting that they might be used in the future to fight B. cepacia complex infections

PLA-BASED FOAMS AS SCAFFOLDS FOR TISSUE ENGINEERING APPLICATIONS

Introduction: The need for alternative solutions to meet the demand for replacement organs and tissue parts continues to drive advances in tissue engineering because no material meets all the design parameters in all applications, but a wide range of materials finds uses in different tissue engineering applications. In this research work, starting from biocomposites based on crosslinked particles of poly(acrylic acid) (SAP) and poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), new open-pore PLLA-based foams with good physico-mechanical properties are produced in absence of organic solvents and chemical foaming agents. Materials and methods: Biocomposites based on a binary system containing crosslinked particles of (SAP), commonly used as superabsorbent polymer, and PLLA have been prepared by melt-blending in a discontinuous mixer. Components were melt-mixed in different ratios in the presence of plasticizers and fibers or blended with different biopolymers such as poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG), poly (e-caprolactone) (PCL) and polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB). All samples were recovered from the mixing chamber and hot pressed using a laboratory compression molding machine to realize 0.2 mm thick sheets from which the specimens for mechanical tests were obtained. Results: A fairly homogeneous dispersion of particles was obtained, as revealed by SEM micrographs, showed a biphasic system with a regular distribution of particles, with diameter ranging from 5 to 10 mm, within the PLLA polymeric matrix. This biphasic system also showed excellent swelling properties, demonstrating that cross-linked particles retain their superabsorbent ability even if distributed in a thermoplastic polymeric matrix. Furthermore, in aqueous environments the particles swell and are leached from PLLA matrix generating very high porosity with random and irregular open pore structure. Density and porosity were measured using liquid substitution method. As expected, reduced density and increased porosity were observed on the samples as a result of the increased amount of leached particles. The biocompatibility of all samples and the influence of the surface on cell behavior were assessed in a preliminary investigation which evidenced optimal cell viability, adhesion and proliferation. Discussion: These new open-pore PLLA-based foams, produced in absence of organic solvents and chemical foaming agents, with good physico-mechanical properties appear very promising for scaffold production technology. In fact, open porosity is a crucial point because scaffold must possess a highly porous structure with a fully interconnected geometry to provide cell ingrowth and survival and uniform cell distribution. This new methodology allows to obtain a polymeric scaffold, with a porosity that can be easily tuned by a proper choice of superabsorbent particles. Another key point are surface properties, which include both chemical and topographical characteristics and can control and affect cellular adhesion and proliferation. The scaffold surface is the initial and primary site of interaction with surrounding cells and tissue. Surface properties can be selectively modified to enhance the performance of the biomaterials. For instance, by blending PLA matrix with PCL, PHB or PEG, optimal surface, chemical, and physical properties promoting cell viability were attaine

PLA-based foams as scaffolds for tissue engineering applications

In this work a simple, innovative, low-cost methodology was developed to produce PLA-based foams with good physico-mechanical properties and well interconnected open-pores in absence of organic solvents and chemical foaming agents. At first biocomposites were prepared by melt-blending crosslinked particles of sodium polyacrylate, commonly used as superabsorbent polymer (SAP), and poly-L-lactic acid based matrices (PLA). Morphological analyses showed a biphasic system with a regular distribution of particles, with diameters up to about 50 µm, within the PLA based matrices. The mechanical properties of PLA based matrices, dependent on biomaterial compositions, are markedly modified by addition of crosslinked particles, revealing by a regular stiffening effect. In addition, the polymeric biphasic system showed excellent swelling properties, demonstrating that cross-linked particles retain their superabsorbent ability even if distributed in a thermoplastic polymeric matrix. Subsequently, in aqueous environments the particles swell and are leached from PLA based matrices generating very high porosity. The new open-pore biomaterials allowed good cell adhesion and proliferation during culture of rat myoblasts cell lines. Hence this procedure, in general applicable not only to PLA-based polymeric systems but also to other biocompatible polymers, is suitable to selectively modify biomaterial properties and appear very promising for several applications, in particular for scaffold production in tissue engineering