Follicle-like environment for domestic cat vitrified oocytes.

The in vitro development of vitrified oocytes (VOs) is still suboptimal (Mandawala et al., 2016) and the traditional two-dimensional (2D) culture systems might not be adequate to fully exploit VOs potential. The use of three-dimensional (3D) follicle-like structures, i.e. a combination of granulosa cells (GCs) and semipermeable 3D matrices, could mimic the physiological microenvironment and enhance VOs maturation and embryo development.The aim of this study was to assess the steroidogenic ability (estradiol and progesterone secretion) of GCs encapsulated in 3D barium alginate microcapsules (follicle-like structure) compared to GCs cultured in a 2D monolayer and the maturation outcomes of VOs cultured in these systems.After purification (Simsek & Arikan, 2015), cat GCs retrieved from isolated ovaries were in vitro cultured for 6 days in 3D microcapsules (Vigo et al., 2005) or in 2D monolayers. On days 2 and 6, conditioned medium was collected and hormonal determination by enzyme-linked fluorescent assay was performed. On the same days, 3D and 2D cultured GCs were used as artificial milieu for in vitro maturation of VOs obtained by Cryotop protocol. Nuclear maturation was assessed by bis-benzimide staining.Steroidogenesis was observed in 3D follicle-like structures as well as in 2D monolayers; hormonal concentration increased over time and on day 6 it significantly differed between systems (p=0.02). Vitrified oocytes resumed meiosis in presence of GCs cultured for 2 days (3D: 45.5%; 2D: 56.7%), while GCs cultured for 6 days significantly hindered VOs meiosis progression in monolayers (21.7%, p=0.007), but supported high proportions of full maturation in follicle-like structures (26.7%, p=0.07).Granulosa cells in 3D microcapsules maintained their physiological features and these follicle-like structures were able to restore VOs developmental abilities. However, further advancements in VOs culture methods would optimize the use of these valuable resources

Using Medicinal Plants in Valmalenco (Italian Alps): From Tradition to Scientific Approaches

This ethnobotanical survey was carried out in Caspoggio (Valmalenco, SO, Italy) with the purpose of investigating the traditional uses of medicinal plants. Moreover, a bibliographic research meant to validate or refute the uses, focusing on the potentially responsible compounds, was performed. Fifty-nine species, attributable to 30 families (Asteraceae, Pinaceae, Malvaceae, and Lamiaceae the most cited), were mentioned. Arnica montana, anti-inflammatory for traumas and musculoskeletal pains; Pinus mugo, expectorant; Malva sylvestris, anti-inflammatory and soothing; Achillea moschata, digestive. The compounds, responsible for the therapeutic activities, are often polyphenols and terpenoids: helenanin in A. montana, -pinene, -3-carene, and limonene in P. mugo, gossypin and malvin in M. sylvestris, luteolin and apigenin in A. moschata. Scientific evidence for at least one of the traditional activities described was found for 50 species but only in 26 out of 196 works consulted, it is possible to make a comparison between investigated extracts and traditional preparations. This study is thus a stimulus to new phytochemical investigations, mimicking as much as possible the traditional preparations. This work is part of the European Interreg Italy-Switzerland B-ICE project, aimed at creating a management model for the ongoing climate change and searching for new sources of territory valorization as attractions for tourists

3D printed training simulator for transcatheter edge-to-edge repair of the tricuspid valve: A proof-of-concept

Background: Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) treatments have gradually shifted toward a more interventional approach and transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) has assumed a first-order role. TriClipTM by Abbott (Menlo Park, USA) is one of the most widely used devices for tricuspid repair. TEER procedures are recognised as technically challenging, characterized by a steep learning curve. For this reason, specialized training is necessary. The aim of this work is to develop and test a novel 3D printed training simulator, which considers both anatomical and mechanical characteristics, specifically designed for this kind of procedure. Methods: Starting from routinely acquired computed tomography (CT) images, a 3D digital model of the heart was reconstructed. This was then properly “augmented”, so that it could realistically reproduce the key features involved in the procedure. The simulator was manufactured exploiting the Polyjet 3D printed. Proper materials selection was performed to accurately reproduce mechanical properties. The manufactured prototype was then tested by a specialized professional, with the TriClipTM system. Results: The simulator was assessed to practice access, navigation, catheter steering and leaflet grasping. Throughout the process, appropriately placed cameras ensured that the operators could visualize the crucial steps on a screen. Even if a deeper evaluation is needed, preliminary feedback is satisfactory. Conclusions: In this study, a new training simulator for TriClipTM procedure was designed, produced, and preliminary assessed. Further studies will have to demonstrate the advantages of using this simulator design to shorten the learning curve and subsequently lead to better clinical outcomes

A new finite element based parameter to predict bone fracture

Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DXA) is currently the most widely adopted non-invasive clinical technique to assess bone mineral density and bone mineral content in human research and represents the primary tool for the diagnosis of osteoporosis. DXA measures areal bone mineral density, BMD, which does not account for the three-dimensional structure of the vertebrae and for the distribution of bone mass. The result is that longitudinal DXA can only predict about 70% of vertebral fractures. This study proposes a complementary tool, based on Finite Element (FE) models, to improve the DXA accuracy. Bone is simulated as elastic and inhomogeneous material, with stiffness distribution derived from DXA greyscale images of density. The numerical procedure simulates a compressive load on each vertebra to evaluate the local minimum principal strain values. From these values, both the local average and the maximum strains are computed over the cross sections and along the height of the analysed bone region, to provide a parameter, named Strain Index of Bone (SIB), which could be considered as a bone fragility index. The procedure is initially validated on 33 cylindrical trabecular bone samples obtained from porcine lumbar vertebrae, experimentally tested under static compressive loading. Comparing the experimental mechanical parameters with the SIB, we could find a higher correlation of the ultimate stress, \u3c3ULT, with the SIB values (R2adj = 0.63) than that observed with the conventional DXA-based clinical parameters, i.e. Bone Mineral Density, BMD (R2adj = 0.34) and Trabecular Bone Score, TBS (R2adj = -0.03). The paper finally presents a few case studies of numerical simulations carried out on human lumbar vertebrae. If our results are confirmed in prospective studies, SIB could be used-together with BMD and TBS-to improve the fracture risk assessment and support the clinical decision to assume specific drugs for metabolic bone diseases

How we do it: the Zurich Microsurgery Lab technique for placenta preparation

BACKGROUND Perfused placentas provide an excellent and accessible model for microvascular dissection, microsuturing and microanastomosis training - particularly in the early microsurgical learning curve. This way, a significant amount of live animals can be spared. METHOD We present the Zurich Microsurgery Lab protocol, detailing steps for obtaining, selecting, cleaning, flushing, cannulating, and preserving human placentas - as well as microsurgical training examples - in a tried-and-true, safe, cost-effective, and high-yield fashion. CONCLUSION Our technique enables highly realistic microsurgical training (microdissection, microvascular repair, microanastomosis) based on readily available materials. Proper handling, preparation, and preservation of the perfused placenta models is key

Superficial femoral artery stenting: Impact of stent design and overlapping on the local hemodynamics

Background: Superficial femoral arteries (SFAs) treated with self-expanding stents are widely affected by in-stent restenosis (ISR), especially in case of long lesions and multiple overlapping devices. The altered hemodynamics provoked by the stent is considered as a promoting factor of ISR. In this context, this work aims to analyze the impact of stent design and stent overlapping on patient-specific SFA hemodynamics.Methods: Through a morphing technique, single or multiple stents were virtually implanted within two patient specific, post-operative SFA models reconstructed from computed tomography. The stented domains were used to perform computational fluid dynamics simulations, quantifying wall shear stress (WSS) based descriptors including time-averaged WSS (TAWSS), oscillatory shear index (OSI), transverse WSS (transWSS), and WSS ratio (WSSRATIO). Four stent designs (three laser-cut - EverFlex, Zilver and S.M.A.R.T. - and one prototype braided stent), and three typical clinical scenarios accounting for different order of stent implantation and overlapping length were compared.Results: The main hemodynamic differences were found between the two types of stent designs (i.e. laser-cut vs. braided stents). The braided stent presented lower median transWSS and higher median WSS(RATIO )than the laser cut stents (p < 0.0001). The laser-cut stents presented comparable WSS-based descriptor values, except for the Zilver, exhibiting a median TAWSS ~30% higher than the other stents. Stent overlapping provoked an abrupt alteration of the WSS-based descriptors. The overlapping length, rather than the order of stent implantation, highly and negatively impacted the hemodynamics.Conclusion: The proposed computational workflow compared different SFA stent designs and stent overlapping configurations, highlighting those providing the most favorable hemodynamic conditions

Post-poliomyelitis syndrome as a possible viral disease

Summary This review summarizes current concepts on post-polio syndrome (PPS), a condition that may arise in polio survivors after partial or complete functional recovery followed by a prolonged interval of stable neurological function. PPS affects 15–20 million people worldwide. Epidemiological data are reported, together with the pathogenic pathways that possibly lead to the progressive degeneration and loss of neuromuscular motor units. As a consequence of PPS, polio survivors experience new weakness, generalized fatigue, atrophy of previously unaffected muscles, and a physical decline that may culminate in the loss of independent life. Emphasis is given to the possible pathogenic role of persistent poliovirus infection and chronic inflammation. These factors could contribute to the neurological and physical decline in polio survivors. A perspective is then given on novel anti-poliovirus compounds and monoclonal antibodies that have been developed to contribute to the final phases of polio eradication. These agents could also be useful for the treatment or prevention of PPS. Some of these compounds/antibodies are in early clinical development. Finally, current clinical trials for PPS are reported. In this area, the intravenous infusion of normal human immunoglobulins appears both feasible and promising

Mixed Reality for Cranial Neurosurgical Planning: A Single-Center Applicability Study With the First 107 Subsequent Holograms

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Mixed reality (MxR) benefits neurosurgery by improving anatomic visualization, surgical planning and training. We aim to validate the usability of a dedicated certified system for this purpose. METHODS: All cases prepared with MxR in our center in 2022 were prospectively collected. Holographic rendering was achieved using an incorporated fully automatic algorithm in the MxR application, combined with contrast-based semiautomatic rendering and/or manual segmentation where necessary. Hologram segmentation times were documented. Visualization during surgical preparation (defined as the interval between finalized anesthesiological induction and sterile draping) was performed using MxR glasses and direct streaming to a side screen. Surgical preparation times were compared with a matched historical cohort of 2021. Modifications of the surgical approach after 3-dimensional (3D) visualization were noted. Usability was assessed by evaluating 7 neurosurgeons with more than 3 months of experience with the system using a Usefulness, Satisfaction and Ease of use (USE) questionnaire. RESULTS: One hundred-seven neurosurgical cases prepared with a 3D hologram were collected. Surgical indications were oncologic (63/107, 59%), cerebrovascular (27/107, 25%), and carotid endarterectomy (17/107, 16%). Mean hologram segmentation time was 39.4 ± 20.4 minutes. Average surgical preparation time was 48.0 ± 17.3 minutes for MxR cases vs 52 ± 17 minutes in the matched 2021 cohort without MxR (mean difference 4, 95% CI 1.7527-9.7527). Based on the 3D hologram, the surgical approach was modified in 3 cases. Good usability was found by 57% of the users. CONCLUSION: The perioperative use of 3D holograms improved direct anatomic visualization while not significantly increasing intraoperative surgical preparation time. Usability of the system was adequate. Further technological development is necessary to improve the automatic algorithms and reduce the preparation time by circumventing manual and semiautomatic segmentation. Future studies should focus on quantifying the potential benefits in teaching, training, and the impact on surgical and functional outcomes

The Ancient Varieties of Mountain Maize: The Inheritance of the Pointed Character and Its Effect on the Natural Drying Process

The introduction of mechanized agricultural practices after the Second World War and the use of productive hybrids led to a gradual disappearance of local maize varieties. However, 13 landraces are still cultivated in North-Western Italy, in the Lombardy region; those that are cultivated in mountainous areas (roughly up to 1200 m in altitude) are often characterized by the pointed shape of their seeds (i.e., “Nero Spinoso”, “Rostrato Rosso di Rovetta”, “Spinato di Gandino” and “Scagliolo di Carenno”) and the presence of pigments (i.e., “Nero Spinoso”, “Rostrato Rosso di Rovetta”). The pointed shape of the seeds is an ancient characteristic of maize-ancestors, which negatively affects the yield by not allowing optimal “filling” of the ear. This study reports work on four different Italian varieties of pointed maize in order to assess the genetic bases of the “pointed character” and to try to explain the reasons for this adaptation to the mountain environment. The data obtained by genetic analysis, seed air-drying modeling and thermographic camera observations demonstrated that the “pointed trait” is controlled by the same genes across the different varieties studied and suggested that this peculiar shape has been selected in mountainous areas because it promotes faster drying of the seed, with the presence of pigments implementing this effect