Vascularised scaffolds for cutaneous wound reconstruction using stem/progenitor cells

The synthetic replacement of full thickness skin is suboptimal both aesthetically and functionally. One approach to improve existing dermal substitutes is to pre-vascularise them to facilitate incorporation. In so doing, the aim is to improve the trajectory of wound healing. More expeditious maturation has been suggested to improve outcomes. Endothelial colony forming cells (ECFCs), specialised progenitor cells required for vasculogenesis, were isolated from cord (CBECFC) and peripheral (PBECFC) blood. Mesenchymal stromal cells were separated from adipose tissue (AdMSCs). Using a proprietary device (μ-chemotaxis 3D), human umbilical vein endothelial cells, and CBECFC- and PBECFC-derived cells were compared for chemokinetic and chemotactic movement within collagen I gels, with or without fibronectin. PBECFC-derived cells migrated further than CBECFC-derived cells and HUVECs towards the chemoattractant. These data informed the fabrication of collagen I gels containing co-cultures of ECFC-derived cells with MSCs. An attempt was made to compress these gels to facilitate handling, but vascular tubule formation was not amenable to compression. HUVECs seeded as a monoculture within compressed gels also had a 100% mortality rate, although 62.5% AdMSCs and 66.4% human dermal fibroblasts survived the compression process. Since pre-formed tubules did not survive the compression process, various concentrations of ECFC-derived cells and MSCs were seeded within uncompressed collagen I gels in order to obtain an optimised vascular network. AdMSCs were compared to BMMSCs. PBECFC-derived cells were compared to CBECFC-derived cells and HUVECs. Optimised gels containing tubules formed by adult derived PBECFC-derived cells and AdMSCs were then scaled up and implanted into an in vivo immunodeficient mouse model. Host incorporation of the construct within this pre-vascularised gel was significantly improved compared to an empty gel control (p=0.04). In summary, it was possible to fabricate a pre-vascularised collagen I scaffold, using adult-derived stem/progenitor cells, increasing the rate of host incorporation in an in vivo murine model

A Tale of Two Greenways: A Comparative Study of Greenway Projects

This Comment discusses the recent trend in urban planning which places an emphasis on creating smart growth communities, which encourage mixed land use, alternative modes of transportation, and incorporating green space in development to combat urban sprawl. Smart growth communities often offer greenways, which encompass a broad range of green space including open space along rivers and streams, natural or landscaped courses for pedestrian or bicycle passage, open space connectors for parks, and linear parks designated as parkways, among others. The Comment discusses the environmental, economic, and health benefits of greenways. While greenways have become desirable, many communities aren\u27t successful in their implementation. The Comment examines the challenges in building greenways, mainly community support and land acquisition. The Comment identifies aspects of greenway projects that are keys to their success based on a comparative study of two greenway projects, the flourishing Chattanooga, Tennessee project and the struggling Rockford, Illinois project. The Comment also examines the four factors imperative to Chattanooga\u27s success: a wakeup call , a mover and shaker in the community, community participation and stewardship, and partnerships at every stage of the greenway project. The Comment concludes that most cities can emulate the four factors present in Chattanooga\u27s success

Economic Aspects of Marketing Florida Avocados

Excerpts from the report: Over the past three decades producers and shippers of avocados in Florida have experienced a wide range of economic problems. These have included marked changes in production from one year to the next and increasing competition from larger individual producing units in California. In addition, avocado consumption is at a rather low level from the viewpoint of industry members. These factors, in conjunction with prevailing marketing practices and methods, have often resulted in prices below cost of production for some growers and below cost of distribution for some shippers. The objectives of this report, therefore, are: (1) To present a more detailed and up-to-date analysis of some problem areas outlined in the preliminary progress report, (2) to summarize and evaluate industrywide attempts to improve marketing since 1954, and (3) to suggest further modifications in marketing practices and methods that may help growers and shippers obtain improved returns

Pooling and Other Grower Payment Methods as Used by Local Fruit, Vegetable, and Tree Nut Cooperatives

Excerpt from the report: The overall purpose of this study was to provide data on the types of grower payment methods used by local fruit, vegetable, and tree nut cooperatives; the extent of their use; and the factors associated with these methods that contribute to an effective and orderly marketing program. While the report is based on 1954-55 information, the findings are applicable to pooling operations in 1959

Hay Harvesting Time, Labor, and Costs Vary with Harvesting Methods

Idaho Agricultural Experiment Station, Circular No. 120

Costs of Drying and Storing Rough Rice in Louisiana and Texas

Excerpts from the report Summary: The importance to rice growers and others of efficient, low cost drying and storage of rough rice is reflected in the amount spent for these services. Of the $150 million received annually by rough rice growers in Louisiana and Texas, an estimated$15 to $16 million is spent for drying and storing. To accumulate data for determining why some facilities are successful and presumably low cost, while others are not, 51 driers in Louisiana and 44 in Texas were studied during three marketing seasons, 1959/60, 1960/61, 1961/62. The 95 driers were of four types: (1) on-farm round stationary bulk bins, (2) on-farm buildings with bulk bins, (3) on-farm multipass, continuous flow driers, and (4) off-farm or commercial multipass, continuous flow driers. Items compared in evaluating these driers included in-plant operating costs, marketing costs, and effect of drying and storing on rice quality. To facilitate comparisons, all data were expressed on the basis of hundredweights of dry rice, rather than on the basis of barrels of green rice, as is common to the trade