Investigating Alternative Measures of Functional Recovery in Rat Sciatic Nerve Injury

There is a pressing need for advancements in peripheral nerve repair techniques and functional recovery evaluation methods. The rat sciatic nerve injury model is a well examined model for peripheral nerve repair. One measure of functional recovery after nerve damage, the sciatic functional index (SFI), fails in the presence of self-mutilation, toe contracture, and other abnormalities in gait. In this IACUC approved study, the sciatic nerve was severed in four experimental groups (n=5). The nerves were repaired with Arginylglycylaspartic acid-poly(ε-caprolactone) (RGD-PCL) peptide functionalized nanofibers, non-functionalized PCL control nanofibers, an isograft, and a negative control empty conduit. Video walking track analysis allowed for a retrospective analysis with three other evaluation techniques: imbalance coupling (IC), stance factor (SF), and toe out angle (TOA). While these techniques are independent of self-mutilation and toe contracture, walking speed remained as a confounding variable. One way repeated measures ANOVA tests showed no significant difference between treatments or subjects in SFI, SF, or TOA. For SFI, 6 and 12 week trials both saw significant increases over time (p=0.00 for both). A significant difference was found between treatments in IC (p=0.03). Imbalance coupling showed promising Pearson correlation with the current industry standard, SFI (p=0.03). In a regression model, SFI over time had an R-squared value of 94.5%. IC, SF, and TOA had low R-squared values. Future investigation with updated protocol is necessary to confirm the degree of correlation and to evaluate the potential for a new industry standard for evaluating nerve repair

Enhanced Schwann Cell Attachment and Alignment Using One-Pot “Dual Click” GRGDS and YIGSR Derivatized Nanofibers

Using metal-free click chemistry and oxime condensation methodologies, GRGDS and YIGSR peptides were coupled to random and aligned degradable nanofiber networks postelectrospinning in a one-pot reaction. The bound peptides are bioactive, as demonstrated by Schwann cell attachment and proliferation, and the inclusion of YIGSR with GRGDS alters the expression of the receptor for YIGSR. Additionally, aligned nanofibers act as a potential guidance cue by increasing the aspect ratio and aligning the actin filaments, which suggest that peptide-functionalized scaffolds would be useful to direct SCs for peripheral nerve regeneration

Fund Black scientists.

Our nationwide network of BME women faculty collectively argue that racial funding disparity by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) remains the most insidious barrier to success of Black faculty in our profession. We thus refocus attention on this critical barrier and suggest solutions on how it can be dismantled

Fund Black scientists.

Our nationwide network of BME women faculty collectively argue that racial funding disparity by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) remains the most insidious barrier to success of Black faculty in our profession. We thus refocus attention on this critical barrier and suggest solutions on how it can be dismantled