High power passively Q-switched ytterbium fiber laser with Cr(4+):YAG as a saturable absorber

We report an efficient high-peak-power and high-average-power passively Q-switched ytterbium fiber laser with a Cr(4+):YAG crystal as a saturable absorber in an external-resonator configuration. At an incident pump power of 17.5 W, the passively Q-switched fiber laser produces an average power greater than 6.2 W with a pulse repetition rate of 48 kHz. The output pulses noticeably display a mode-locking phenomenon that leads to the maximum peak power to be higher than 20 kW.

InGaAs quantum-well saturable absorbers for a diode-pumped passively Q-switched Nd:YAG laser at 1123 nm

A low-loss semiconductor saturable absorber based on InGaAs quantum wells was developed for highly efficient Q switching of a diode-pumped Nd:YAG laser operating at 1123 nm. With an incident pump power of 16 W, an average output power of 3.1 W with a Q-switched pulse width of 77 ns at a pulse repetition rate of 100 kHz was obtained.

Acellular biological tissues containing inherent glycosaminoglycans for loading basic fibroblast growth factor promote angiogenesis and tissue regeneration

It was found in our previous study that acellular tissues derived from bovine pericardia consist primarily of insoluble collagen, elastin, and tightly bound glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). It is speculated that the inherent GAGs in acellular tissues may serve as a reservoir for loading basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and promote angiogenesis and tissue regeneration. This study was therefore designed to investigate effects of the content of GAGs in acellular bovine pericardia on the binding of bFGF and its release profile in vitro while its stimulation in angiogenesis and tissue regeneration in vivo were evaluated subcutaneously in a rat model. To control the content of GAGs, acellular tissues were treated additionally with hyaluronidase for 1 (Hase-D1), 3 (Hase-D3), or 5 days (Hase-D5). The in vitro results indicated that a higher content of GAGs in the acellular tissue resulted in an increase in bFGF binding and in a more gradual and sustained release of the growth factor. The in vivo results obtained at 1 week postoperatively showed that the density and the depth of neo-vessels infiltrated into the acellular tissue loaded with bFGF (acellular/bFGF) were significantly greater than the other test samples. At 1 month postoperatively, vascularized neo-connective tissues were found to fill the pores within each test sample, particularly for the acellular/bFGF tissue. These results suggested that the sustained release of bFGF from the acellular/ bFGF tissue continued to be effective in enhancing angiogenesis and generation of new tissues. In conclusion, the inherent GAGs present in acellular tissues may be used for binding and sustained release of bFGF to enhance angiogenesis and tissue regeneration.

Loading of a novel angiogenic agent, ginsenoside Rg1 in an acellular biological tissue for tissue regeneration

In this study, the effects of ginsenoside Rg1, a natural compound isolated from Panax ginseng, on human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) behavior in vitro, and on angiogenesis and tissue regeneration in genipin-fixed acellular tissue (extracellular matrix, ECM) in vivo, were investigated. Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) was used as a control. The in vitro results indicated that in the presence of bFGF or Rg1, HUVEC proliferation was significantly increased. Both bFGF and Rg1 promoted HUVEC migration in a Transwell plate assay. In addition, bFGF or Rg1 significantly increased the formation of capillary-like network by HUVECs on Matrigel. Thus, both bFGF and Rg1 enhanced multiple components of angiogenic activity in vitro. The in vivo results obtained 1 week postoperatively showed that the extent of angiogenesis in ECMs was significantly enhanced by bFGF or Rg1. At 1 month postoperatively, vascularized neoconnective tissues were found to fill the pores within ECMs loaded with bFGF or Rg1. There was a significant increase in neocapillary density from 1 week to 1 month for ECMs loaded with Rg1, whereas that observed in ECMs loaded with bFGF stayed approximately the same because of the limitations of protein stability. These results suggested that Rg1 may be a new class of angiogenic agent and may be loaded in ECMs to accelerate tissue regeneration.

Tissue regeneration observed in a porous acellular bovine pericardium used to repair a myocardial defect in the right ventricle of a rat model

OBJECTIVE

Nonliving synthetic materials have been widely used to repair myocardial defects; however, material-related failures do occur. To overcome these problems, an acellular bovine pericardium with a porous structure fixed with genipin (the AGP patch) was developed.

METHODS

The AGP patch was used to repair a surgically created myocardial defect in the right ventricle of a rat model. A commercially available expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (e-PTFE) patch was used as a control. At retrieval, a computerized mapping system was used to acquire local epicardial electrograms of each implanted sample, and the appearance of each retrieved sample was grossly examined. The retrieved samples were then processed for histologic examination.

RESULTS

The amplitude of local electrograms on the AGP patch increased significantly with increasing implantation duration, whereas only low-amplitude electrograms were observed on the e-PTFE patch throughout the entire course of the study. No aneurysmal dilation of the implanted patches was seen for either studied group. Additionally, no tissue adhesion was observed on the outer (epicardial) surface of the AGP patch, whereas a moderate tissue adhesion was observed on the e-PTFE patch. On the inner (endocardial) surface, intimal thickening was observed for both studied groups; however, no thrombus formation was found. Intact layers of endothelial and mesothelial cells were identified on the inner and outer surfaces of the AGP patch, respectively. At 4 weeks postoperatively, smooth muscle cells, together with neomuscle fibers (with a few neocollagen fibrils), neoglycosaminoglycans, and neocapillaries, were observed to fill the pores in the AGP patch, an indication of tissue regeneration. These observations were more pronounced at 12 weeks postoperatively. In contrast, no apparent tissue regeneration was observed in the e-PTFE patch.

CONCLUSION

The present study indicated that the AGP patch holds promise to become a suitable patch for surgical repair of myocardial defects.

Cell-free xenogenic vascular grafts fixed with glutaraldehyde or genipin: in vitro and in vivo studies

Chronic rejection of arterial xenografts results in aneurysmal dilation, due to immune mediated processes. To minimize the immunologic degradation of the graft, a cell-extraction process employing sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) was used in the study to remove the cellular components in bovine carotid arteries. To further reduce their immunogenicity, the acellular arteries were fixed with glutaraldehyde (A-GA) or genipin (A-GP). The in vitro properties of all test samples were analyzed. Additionally, the in vivo performance of the heparinized A-GA and A-GP grafts (H-A-GA and H-A-GP) was evaluated in a canine model. It was found that the SDS treatment effectively removed cells from the arterial wall, but the main structures of the extracellular matrix were preserved with a portion of the water-soluble glycosaminoglycans removed. After cell extraction, the elastic lamellae in the media became straightened, and thus made the tissue less extensile. The heparinized tissues significantly reduced platelet adhesion. At retrieval, all implanted grafts were patent and not dilated. Chronic inflammatory response surrounding the implants was observed. However, fixation of acellular tissues by glutaraldehyde or genipin inhibited immune cell penetration into the media and limited tissue degradation, and therefore prevented the arterial wall from dilation. Nevertheless, the H-A-GP graft was superior to the H-A-GA graft in completeness of endothelialization on its luminal surface, and thus precluded thrombus formation.

Peritoneal Regeneration Induced by an Acellular Bovine Pericardial Patch in the Repair of Abdominal Wall Defects

BACKGROUND

This study was to evaluate the feasibility of using an acellular bovine pericardium fixed with genipin (AGP) to repair an abdominal wall defect created in a rat model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The glutaraldehyde-fixed acellular pericardium (AGA), the genipin-fixed cellular pericardium (GP), and a commercially available polypropylene mesh were used as controls.

RESULTS

Gross examination at 3-month post-operatively revealed that dense adhesions to the visceral organs were observed for the polypropylene mesh and the AGA patch, while a filmy to dense adhesion was seen for the GP patch. In contrast, no adhesion to the visceral organs was observed for the AGP patch. Histologically, inflammatory cells were found mainly surrounding the GP patch. In contrast, host cells (inflammatory cells, fibroblasts, and neo-capillaries) were able to infiltrate into the AGA and AGP patches. Unlike the AGA patch, the AGP patch retrieved at 1-month post-operatively became well integrated with the host tissue near the suture line. Additionally, there were some mesothelial cells, identified by the van Gieson stain, observed on the AGP patch. At 3-month post-operatively, a neo-peritoneum was observed on the AGP patch. The neo-peritoneum consisted of organized vascularized connective tissues covered by an intact layer of mesothelial cells. The calcium contents of the polypropylene mesh and the AGA patch increased significantly at 3-month post-operatively, while those of the GP and AGP patches stayed minimal throughout the entire course of the study.

CONCLUSIONS

The results obtained in the study revealed that the AGP patch effectively repaired abdominal wall defects in rats and successfully prevented the formation of post-surgical abdominal adhesions.

Construction of varying porous structures in acellular bovine pericardia as a tissue-engineering extracellular matrix

In the study, a cell extraction process was used to remove the cellular components from bovine pericardia. Varying pore sizes and porosities of the acellular tissues were then created using acetic acid and collagenase and subsequently fixed with genipin. Biochemical analyses found that these acellular tissues with distinct porous structures consisted primarily of insoluble collagen, elastin, and tightly bound glycosaminoglycans. The thermal stability, mechanical properties, and capability against enzymatic degradation of the bovine pericardial tissue remained unaltered after cell extraction. However, following further treatment with acetic acid and collagenase, the thermal stability and capability against enzymatic degradation of the acellular tissues declined. The porous structures of the implanted samples seem to determine whether successful microvessel-ingrowth takes place. The acetic-acid- and collagenase-treated tissues, due to their high pore size and porosity, showed a large number of microvessels infiltrating into the interstices of the implanted samples. In contrast, a low density of microvessels was observed infiltrating into the acellular tissue and penetration of microvessels into the cellular tissue was never encountered.

A Natural Compound (Ginsenoside Re) Isolated from Panax ginseng as a Novel Angiogenic Agent for Tissue Regeneration

PURPOSE

The primary challenge for tissue engineering is to develop a vascular supply that can support the metabolic needs of the engineered tissues in an extracellular matrix. In this study, the feasibility of using a natural compound, ginsenoside Re, isolated from Panax ginseng in stimulating angiogenesis and for tissue regeneration was evaluated.

METHODS

Effects of ginsenoside Re on the proliferation, migration, and tube formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were examined in vitro. Additionally, angiogenesis and tissue regeneration in a genipin-fixed porous acellular bovine pericardium (extracellular matrix; ECM) incorporated with ginsenoside Re implanted subcutaneously in a rat model were investigated. Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) was used as a control.

RESULTS

It was found that HUVEC proliferation, migration in a Transwell plate, and tube formation on Matrigel were all significantly enhanced in the presence of bFGF or ginsenoside Re. Additionally, effects of ginsenoside Re on HUVEC proliferation, migration, and tube formation were dose-dependent and reached a maximal level at a concentration of about 30 microg/ml. The in vivo results obtained at 1 week postoperatively showed that the density of neocapillaries and the tissue hemoglobin content in the ECMs were significantly enhanced by bFGF or ginsenoside Re. These results indicated that angiogenesis in the ECMs was significantly enhanced by loading with bFGF or ginsenoside Re. At 1 month postoperatively, vascularzied neo-connective-tissue fibrils were found to fill the pores in the ECMs loaded with bFGF or ginsenoside Re.

CONCLUSIONS

The aforementioned results indicated that like bFGF, ginsenoside Re-associated induction of angiogenesis enhanced tissue regeneration, supporting the concept of therapeutic angiogenesis in tissue-engineering strategies.

Acellular bovine pericardia with distinct porous structures fixed with genipin as an extracellular matrix

A cell extraction process was employed to remove the cellular components from bovine pericardia. Various porous structures of the acellular tissues were then created, using acetic acid and collagenase, and subsequently fixed with genipin. The biological response and tissue regeneration pattern for each studied group were evaluated in a growing rat model. One month postoperatively, fibroblasts, neoconnective tissue fibrils, and neocapillaries were observed in the acellular, acetic acid-treated, and collagenase-treated tissues to fill the pores within the implanted samples, indicating that these tissue samples were being regenerated. The neoconnective tissue fibrils were identified to be neocollagen fibrils and neoglycosaminoglycans. On the other hand, no tissue regeneration was observed in the cellular tissue throughout the entire course of the study; tissue regeneration was limited to the outer most layer of the acellular tissue. In contrast, the areas of tissue regeneration in the acetic acid-treated and collagenase-treated tissues were expanded with increasing duration of implantation. However, 1 year postoperatively there were still numerous inflammatory cells observed in the acetic acid-treated tissue, whereas inflammatory cells in the collagenase-treated tissue had almost disappeared. These results indicated that tissue regeneration patterns within acellular tissues were significantly affected by their porous structures.

Effects of crosslinking degree of an acellular biological tissue on its tissue regeneration pattern

It was reported that acellular biological tissues can provide a natural microenvironment for host cell migration and may be used as a scaffold for tissue regeneration. To reduce antigenicity, biological tissues have to be fixed with a crosslinking agent before implantation. As a tissue-engineering scaffold, it is speculated that the crosslinking degree of an acellular tissue may affect its tissue regeneration pattern. In the study, a cell extraction process was employed to remove the cellular components from bovine pericardia. The acellular tissues then were fixed with genipin at various known concentrations to obtain varying degrees of crosslinking. It was shown in the in vitro degradation study that after fixing with genipin, the resistance against enzymatic degradation of the acellular tissue increased significantly with increasing its crosslinking degree. In the in vivo subcutaneous study, it was found that cells (inflammatory cells, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and red blood cells) were able to infiltrate into acellular tissues. Generally, the depth of cell infiltration into the acellular tissue decreased with increasing its crosslinking degree. Infiltration of inflammatory cells was accompanied by degradation of the acellular tissue. Due to early degradation, no tissue regeneration was observed within fresh (without crosslinking) and the 30%-degree-crosslinking acellular tissues. This is because the scaffolds provided by these two samples were already completely degraded before the infiltrated cells began to secrete their own extracellular matrix. In contrast, tissue regeneration (fibroblasts, neo-collagen fibrils, and neo-capillaries) was observed for the 60%- and 95%-degree-crosslinking acellular tissues by the histological examination, immunohistological staining, transmission electron microscopy, and denaturation temperature measurement. The 95%-degree-crosslinking acellular tissue was more resistant against enzymatic degradation than its 60%-degree-crosslinking counterpart. Consequently, tissue regeneration was limited in the outer layer of the 95%-degree-crosslinking acellular tissue throughout the entire course of the study (1-year postoperatively), while tissue regeneration was observed within the entire sample for the 60%-degree-crosslinking acellular tissue. In conclusion, the crosslinking degree determines the degradation rate of the acellular tissue and its tissue regeneration pattern.

The effect of galectin 1 on 3T3 cell proliferation on chitosan membranes

Galectin-1 (GAL1), a beta-galactoside-binding protein, functions in cell adhesion, development, and growth regulation. A number of studies suggest that GAL1 play an important role in enhancing cell adhesion to extracellular matrix and inducing cell proliferation. Chitosan is a derivative of chitin extracted from lobsters, crabs and shrimps' exoskeletons. In clinical medicine, chitosan membrane had been used as a semi-permeable biological dressing. Although chitosan membranes show no cytotoxicity, some cell types (e.g. 3T3 cells) fail to attach and proliferate on their surface. In these studies, we show that over-expression of GAL1 does not enhance 3T3 cell proliferation on chitosan membranes. However, coating the chitosan membrane with recombinant GAL1 proteins significantly expedites 3T3 cells proliferation. The enhanced cell growth was inhibited by thiodigalactoside (TDG, a potent inhibitor of beta-galactoside binding) and GAL1 monoclonal antibodies, suggesting GAL1's specific effect on the proliferation of 3T3 cells upon chitosan membranes. Moreover, immunoblotting detected a markedly suppressed tyrosine phosphorylation in several proteins on 3T3 cell growths upon GAL1-coated chitosan membrane. Pretreating the cells with sodium fluoride (NaF, a phosphatase inhibitor) inhibits the attachment and proliferation of 3T3 cells. These findings support a proposed role for altered levels of protein phosphorylation in GAL1-mediated cell attachment and proliferation on chitosan membranes.

Tissue regeneration patterns in acellular bovine pericardia implanted in a canine model as a vascular patch

It was noted in our previous study that acellular tissues can provide a natural microenvironment for host cell migration and proliferation to accelerate tissue regeneration. The purpose of this study was to further investigate the tissue regeneration patterns in acellular bovine pericardia fixed with glutaraldehyde or genipin as a biological patch to repair a defect in the pulmonary trunk in a canine model. The implanted samples were retrieved at distinct durations postoperatively. The structural remodeling of retrieved samples was then examined. It was found that the degree of inflammatory reaction observed for the genipin-fixed acellular patch was significantly less than its glutaraldehyde-fixed counterpart. At 1 month postoperatively, intimal thickening was found on the inner surfaces of both studied groups. The intimal thickening observed on the glutaraldehyde-fixed acellular patch was significantly thicker than its genipin-fixed counterpart. An intact layer of endothelial cells was found on the intimal thickening of the genipin-fixed acellular patch, whereas endothelial cells did not universally and totally cover the entire surface of the glutaraldehyde-fixed acellular patch. Additionally, fibroblasts with neocollagen fibrils and myofibroblasts were observed in the acellular patches for both studied groups, an indication of tissue regeneration. This phenomenon was more prominent for the genipin-fixed acellular patch than its glutaraldehyde-fixed counterpart. At 6 months postoperatively, foci of chondroid and/or bony metaplasia were found in each retrieved sample for both studied groups. The observed adverse response of chondroid metaplasia may be attributed to a compliance mismatch at the implanted site of the canine pulmonary trunk after implantation or a lack of angiogenesis in the regenerated tissue observed at 1 month postoperatively. Bony metaplasia may then develop as in other chondroid tissues. It was reported that ischemia is a usual cause of metaplasia.

Genipin-crosslinked gelatin microspheres as a drug carrier for intramuscular administration: in vitro and in vivo studies

Gelatin microspheres have been widely evaluated as a drug carrier. Nevertheless, gelatin dissolves rather rapidly in aqueous environments, making the use of the polymer difficult for the production of long-term delivery systems. This adverse aspect requires the use of a crosslinking agent in forming nonsoluble networks in microspheres. However, the use of crosslinking agents such as formaldehyde and glutaraldehyde can lead to toxic side effects owing to residual crosslinkers. In an attempt to overcome this problem, a naturally occurring crosslinking agent (genipin) was used to crosslink gelatin microspheres as a biodegradable drug-delivery system for intramuscular administration. Glutaraldehyde was used as a control. In the in vitro study, the morphology, dynamic swelling, and antienzymatic degradation of test microspheres were evaluated. In the in vivo study, the biocompatibility and degradability of test microspheres were implanted in the skeletal muscle of a rat model via intramuscular injection. The results obtained in the study suggested that crosslinking of gelatin microspheres with glutaraldehyde or genipin may produce distinct crosslinking structures. The water transport mechanism in both the glutaraldehyde- and genipin-crosslinked gelatin microspheres exhibit anomalous behavior ranging from Fickian to Case-II extremes. The increase of the swelling diameter for the genipin-crosslinked microspheres was significantly less than that observed for the glutaraldehyde-crosslinked microspheres. In the animal study, it was found that the degree in inflammatory reaction for tissues implanted with the genipin-crosslinked microspheres was significantly less than that implanted with the glutaraldehyde-crosslinked microspheres. Additionally, the degradation rate of the genipin-crosslinked microspheres was significantly slower than their glutaraldehyde-crosslinked counterparts. These results indicated that the genipin-crosslinked gelatin microspheres may be used as a long-acting drug carrier for intramuscular administration.

In vivo evaluation of cellular and acellular bovine pericardia fixed with a naturally occurring crosslinking agent (genipin)

A cell extraction process was employed in the study to remove the cellular components from bovine pericardium, leaving a framework of largely insoluble collagen and elastin. It was hypothesized in the literature that this process may decrease the antigenic load (or increase the biocompatibility) within the material. Additionally, acellular tissues may provide a natural microenvironment for host-cell migration to regenerate the tissue. The study was to evaluate the biocompatibility of cellular and acellular bovine pericardia fixed with a naturally occurring crosslinking agent (genipin) implanted subcutaneously in a growing rat model. Additionally, the tissue regeneration rate in the genipin-fixed acellular tissue was investigated. The glutaraldehyde-fixed counterparts were used as controls. The results indicated that the degrees in inflammatory reaction for the genipin-fixed cellular and acellular tissues were significantly less than their glutaraldehyde-fixed counterparts. Additionally, it was noted that the inflammatory reactions for the glutaraldehyde-fixed cellular and acellular tissues lasted much longer than their genipin-fixed counterparts. The tissue regeneration rate for the genipin-fixed acellular tissue was significantly faster than its glutaraldehyde-fixed counterpart. The calcium content of each studied group, analyzed by atomic absorption. did not change significantly until at the 52nd week, postoperatively. The differences in calcium content between the cellular and acellular tissues were insignificant for both the glutaraldehyde- and genipin-fixed groups throughout the entire course of the study. In summary, the biocompatibility of the genipin-fixed cellular and acellular tissues was superior to their glutaraldehyde-fixed counterparts. The genipin-fixed acellular tissue provided a better microenvironment for tissue regeneration than its glutaraldehyde-fixed counterpart, due to its low cytotoxicity. These results suggested that the genipin-fixed acellular tissue might be used as a tissue-engineering matrix in the clinical applications.

In vitro evaluation of a chitosan membrane cross-linked with genipin

The study was to evaluate the characteristics of a chitosan membrane cross-linked with a naturally-occurring cross-linking reagent, genipin. This newly-developed genipin-cross-linked chitosan membrane may be used as an implantable drug-delivery system. The chitosan membrane without cross-linking (fresh) and the glutaraldehyde-cross-linked chitosan membrane were used as controls. The characteristics of test chitosan membranes evaluated were their cross-linking degree, swelling ratio, mechanical properties. antimicrobial activity, cytotoxicity, and degradability. It was found that cross-linking of chitosan membrane using genipin increased its ultimate tensile strength but significantly reduced its strain-at-fracture and swelling ratio. There was no significant difference in antimicrobial activity between the genipin-cross-linked chitosan membrane and its fresh counterpart. Additionally, the results showed that the genipin-cross-linked chitosan membrane had a significantly less cytotoxicity and a slower degradation rate compared to the glutaraldehyde-cross-linked membrane. These results suggested that the genipin-cross-linked chitosan membrane may be a promising carrier for fabricating an implantable drug-delivery system. The drug-release characteristics of the genipin-cross-linked chitosan membrane are currently under investigation.

Prevalence of self-reported illnesses in elderly Hispanic and non-Hispanic Whites in New Mexico

OBJECTIVE

To report on the prevalences of self-reported illnesses from the New Mexico Elder Health Survey.

DESIGN

Randomized community-based cross-sectional survey of elderly (> or = 65 years of age) Hispanics and non-Hispanic Whites.

METHOD

Analysis of data from the 883 participants in the New Mexico Elder Health Survey.

RESULTS

Complete data on 848 subjects were available for this analysis: Hispanic males, 212; Hispanic females, 189; non-Hispanic White males, 236; non-Hispanic White females, 211. The mean age was 74 years (age range 65-98). Hispanics had fewer years of school and lower income. Hispanics reported a significantly (P<.05) higher prevalence of type 2 diabetes; leg ulcers/pressure sores; and Parkinson's Disease. Non-Hispanic Whites reported a significantly (P<.05) higher prevalence of asthma; circulatory problems; stomach (not ulcers), intestinal or gallbladder disease; urinary tract disorders (other than kidney disease); and cancer. Prevalence odds ratios and confidence intervals were calculated. Hispanic males reported a higher prevalence of type 2 diabetes (OR 1.88, CI 1.10-3.26, P = .02), and lower prevalences of asthma (OR 0.43, CI 0.18-0.93, P = .04); urinary tract disorders, other than kidney disease (OR 0.59, CI 0.38-0.91, P = .01); and cancer (OR 0.31, CI 0.13-0.68, P = .005). Hispanic females reported a higher prevalence of diabetes (OR 3.01, CI 1.48-6.50, P = .003), and a lower prevalence of glaucoma (OR 0.48, CI 0.22-1.00, P = .05). These differences remained significant after adjustment for age, education, income, and language.

CONCLUSION

There are significant differences in the prevalences of self-reported illnesses between Hispanic and non-Hispanic White elderly.

Reconstruction of the right ventricular outflow tract with a bovine jugular vein graft fixed with a naturally occurring crosslinking agent (genipin) in a canine model

OBJECTIVE

This study was designed to evaluate a newly developed biologic valved conduit fixed with genipin used to reconstruct the right ventricular outflow tract in a canine model.

METHODS

Fresh bovine jugular veins with a retained native valve procured from a slaughterhouse were used as raw materials to fabricate the valved conduits. A naturally occurring crosslinking agent, genipin, was used to fix the procured jugular veins. The glutaraldehyde-fixed counterpart was used as a control. A canine model was used in the study.

RESULTS

Echocardiography revealed that the motion of the valvular leaflets in both the glutaraldehyde- and genipin-fixed conduits was satisfactory. The transvalvular pressure gradients of both studied groups were minimal. No endothelium-like cells were observed on the luminal surface of the conduit and the valvular leaflet for the glutaraldehyde-fixed group throughout the entire course of the study. In contrast, endothelium-like cells were observed on the entire surface of the genipin-fixed valved conduit retrieved at 6 months postoperatively in all the cases studied. There was no evidence of luminal fibrous peel in any the valved conduits studied. Degradation of valvular leaflet in one of the glutaraldehyde-fixed conduits was observed. In this particular case, thrombus formation was also observed on the surface of the valvular leaflet. On the other hand, no apparent degradation or thrombus formation was observed on the surfaces of the genipin-fixed valvular leaflet and conduit. A significantly more severe inflammatory reaction was observed for the glutaraldehyde-fixed conduit than for its genipin-fixed counterpart throughout the entire course of the study. The calcium contents of the samples before implantation and those retrieved at distinct implantation duration were minimal for both the glutaraldehyde- and genipin-fixed tissues.

CONCLUSION

Although further studies are necessary, the genipin-fixed valved conduit appears to have great potential in helping mitigate the complications observed in the commercially available conduits.

[Application of wide-bore capillary gas chromatography in the synthesis of special esters of methacrylic acid]

A simple, rapid and accurate method for separating and analysing components in the synthesis of special esters of methacrylic acid by gas chromatography is reported. An SE-54 wide-bore capillary column of 50 m x 0.53 mm i.d. x 0.6 microns was used. The esters include dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate(DMAM), n-butyl methacrylate(BMA) and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate(EGDMA). Crude materials such as methyl methacrylate(MMA) and N, N-dimethyl ethanol amine (DMEA) were also analysed. The recoveries were 99.71%-102.89%, and the RSDs of the main components were below 0.1%. The method can be used to control the production of the esters.

Victim impact panels: do they impact drunk drivers? A follow-up of female and male, first-time and repeat offenders

OBJECTIVE

To examine gender differences and re-arrest rates of first-time and repeat offenders following referral to Victim Impact Panels (VIPs).

METHOD

Study participants (N = 6,702; 79% men) were first-time and repeat driving-while-impaired offenders who were referred to and completed a screening program in Bernalillo County, New Mexico, from 1989 to 1994. Whether subjects were mandated to attend a VIP was self-reported in a personal interview. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis was used to test the effects of VIP referral and other predictors of recidivism. Separate models were developed for female and male first-time and repeat offenders.

RESULTS

After controlling for multiple risk factors, VIP referral was not statistically associated with recidivism for female or male first offenders. However, female repeat offenders referred to VIPs were significantly more likely to be re-arrested compared with those not referred, with an odds of rearrest more than twice that of females not referred.

CONCLUSIONS

Although many factors influence recidivism, this study raises the possibility that VIPs may have a negative impact on female repeat offenders.

Beneficial effects of astringinin, a resveratrol analogue, on the ischemia and reperfusion damage in rat heart

Oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of myocardial ischemia and infarction. Antioxidants might then be beneficial in the prevention of these diseases. Astringinin (3,3',4',5-tetrahydroxystilbene), a resveratrol (3,4',5-trihydroxystilbene) analogue with considerably higher antioxidative activity and free radical scavenging capacity, was introduced to examine its cardioprotective effects in ischemia or ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) rats. In the present study, the left main coronary artery was occluded by the following procedures: (i) 30 min occlusion, (ii) 5 min occlusion followed by 30 min reperfusion, and (iii) 4 h occlusion. Animals were infused with and without astringinin before coronary artery occlusion. Mortality, and the severity of ischemia- and I/R-induced arrhythmias were compared. Pretreatment of astringinin dramatically reduced the incidence and duration of ventricular tachycardia (VT) and ventricular fibrillation (VF) during either ischemia or I/R period. Astringinin at 2.5 x 10(-5) and 2.5 x 10(-4) g/kg completely prevented the mortality of animals during ischemia or I/R. During the same period, astringinin pretreatment also increased nitric oxide (NO) and decreased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels in the carotid blood. In animals subjected to 4 h coronary occlusion, the cardiac infarct size (expressed as a percentage of occluded zone) was reduced from 44.4 + or - 4.1% to 19.1 + or - 2.4% by astringinin (2.5 x 10(-4) g/kg). We conclude that, astringinin is a potent antiarrhythmic agent with cardioprotective activity in ischemic and ischemic-reperfused rat heart. The beneficial effects of astringinin in the ischemic and ischemic-reperfused hearts may be correlated with its antioxidant activity and upregulation of NO production.

Dioxygen-binding kinetics and thermodynamics of a series of dicopper(I) complexes with bis[2-(2-pyridyl)ethyl]amine tridendate chelators forming side-on peroxo-bridged dicopper(II) adducts

Copper-dioxygen interactions are of interest due to their importance in biological systems as reversible O2- carriers, oxygenases, or oxidases and also because of their role in industrial and laboratory oxidation processes. Here we report on the kinetics (stopped-flow, -90 to 10 degrees C) of O2-binding to a series of dicopper(I) complexes, [Cu2(Nn)(MeCN)2]2+ (1Nn) (-(CH2)n- (n = 3-5) linked bis[(2-(2-pyridyl)ethyl]amine, PY2) and their close mononuclear analogue, [(MePY2)Cu(MeCN)]+ (3), which form mu-eta 2:eta 2-peroxodicopper(II) complexes [Cu2(Nn)-(O2)]2+ (2Nn) and [(MePY2)Cu]2(O2)]2+ (4), respectively. The overall kinetic mechanism involves initial reversible (k+,open/k-,open) formation of a nondetectable intermediate O2-adduct [Cu2(Nn)(O2)]2+ (open), suggested to be a CuI...CuII-O2- species, followed by its reversible closure (k+,closed/k-,closed) to form 2Nn. At higher temperatures (253 to 283 K), the first equilibrium lies far to the left and the observed rate law involves a simple reversible binding equilibrium process (kon,high = (k+,open/k-,open)(k+,closed)). From 213 to 233 K, the slow step in the oxygenation is the first reaction (kon,low = k+,open), and first-order behavior (in 1Nn and O2) is observed. For either temperature regime, the delta H++ for formation of 2Nn are low (delta H++ = -11 to 10 kJ/mol; kon,low = 1.1 x 10(3) to 4.1 x 10(3) M-1 s-1, kon,high = 2.2 x 10(3) to 2.8 x 10(4) M-1 s-1), reflecting the likely occurrence of preequilibria. The delta H degree ranges between -81 and -84 kJ mol-1 for the formation of 2Nn, and the corresponding equilibrium constant (K1) increases (3 x 10(8) to 5 x 10(10) M-1; 183 K) going from n = 3 to 5. Below 213 K, the half-life for formation of 2Nn increases with, rather than being independent of, the concentration of 1Nn, probably due to the oligomerization of 1Nn at these temperatures. The O2 reaction chemistry of 3 in CH2Cl2 is complicated, including the presence of induction periods, and could not be fully analyzed. However, qualitative comparisons show the expected slower intermolecular reaction of 3 with O2 compared to the intramolecular first-order reactions of 1Nn. Due to the likelihood of the partial dimerization of 3 in solution, the t1/2 for the formation of 4 remains constant with increasing complex concentration rather than decreasing. Acetonitrile significantly influences the kinetics of the O2 reactions with 1Nn and 3. For 1N4, the presence of MeCN inhibits the formation of a previously (Jung et al, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1996, 118, 3763-3764) observed intermediate. Small amounts of added MeCN considerably slow the oxygenation rates of 3, inhibit its full formation to 4, and increase the length of the induction period. The results for 1Nn and their mononuclear analogue 3 are presented, and they are compared with each other as well as with other dinucleating dicopper(I) systems.

In vitro evaluation of the genotoxicity of a naturally occurring crosslinking agent (genipin) for biologic tissue fixation

The objective of the present study was to evaluate in vitro, using Chinese hamster ovary (CHO-K1) cells, the genotoxicity of genipin, a naturally occurring crosslinking agent. Glutaraldehyde, the most commonly used crosslinking agent for biologic tissue fixation, was employed as a reference chemical. The selected procedures for this evaluation were the micronucleus (MN) and sister chromatid exchange (SCE) assays with or without the addition of a metabolic activation system (S9 mix). Before starting the genotoxicity assays, the maximum noncytotoxic amounts of glutaraldehyde and genipin were determined using the MTT assay. The results obtained in the MTT assay revealed that the cytotoxicity of genipin was significantly lower than that of glutaraldehyde with or without S9 mix. The frequencies of MN observed in the cases drugged with varying concentrations of glutaraldehyde or genipin were not statistically different from those seen in the negative controls (blank) in the presence or absence of S9 mix. However, it was noted that glutaraldehyde significantly inhibited the cell-cycle progression while the cells drugged with genipin did not result in cell-cycle delay. In the SCE assay, the numbers of SCE per cell observed in the cases drugged with varying concentrations of glutaraldehyde were significantly greater than those found in the negative controls with or without S9 mix. Nevertheless, these numbers were still low compared to the numbers of SCE induced by the strong mutagens used as our positive control substances. This suggests that glutaraldehyde may produce a weakly clastogenic response in CHO-K1 cells. In contrast, the numbers of SCE per cell obtained in the cases drugged with genipin were comparable to those observed in the negative controls in those that were except drugged with the highest dose (50 ppm). This suggests that genipin does not cause clastogenic response in CHO-K1 cells provided its concentration is lower than 50 ppm. In conclusion, as far as cytotoxicity and genotoxicity are concerned, genipin is a promising crosslinking agent for biologic tissue fixation.