RESUMO
Engineering cardiac implants for treating myocardial infarction (MI) has advanced, but challenges persist in mimicking the structural properties and variability of cardiac tissues using traditional bioconstructs and conventional engineering methods. This study introduces a synthetic patch with a bioactive surface designed to swiftly restore functionality to the damaged myocardium. The patch combines a composite, soft, and conductive hydrogel-based on (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene-sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). This cardiac patch exhibits a reasonably high electrical conductivity (40 S/cm) and a stretchability up to 50% of its original length. Our findings reveal its resilience to 10% cyclic stretching at 1 Hz with no loss of conductivity over time. To mediate a strong cell-scaffold adhesion, we biofunctionalize the hydrogel with a N-cadherin mimic peptide, providing the cardiac patch with a bioactive surface. This modification promote increased adherence and proliferation of cardiac fibroblasts (CFbs) while effectively mitigating the formation of bacterial biofilm, particularly against Staphylococcus aureus, a common pathogen responsible for surgical site infections (SSIs). Our study demonstrates the successful development of a structurally validated cardiac patch possessing the desired mechanical, electrical, and biofunctional attributes for effective cardiac recovery. Consequently, this research holds significant promise in alleviating the burden imposed by myocardial infarctions.
RESUMO
Osteosarcoma is the most common malignant tumour of the bone. Complete surgical excision is critical to achieve optimal outcomes and lower recurrence rates. However, accurate assessment of tumour margins remains a challenge and multiple technologies are employed for this purpose. The aim of this study is to highlight current and emerging technologies and their efficacy in detecting clear bone margins intraoperatively, through a systematic review of the literature. The following databases were searched using the OVID platform: Medline, Embase, Global Health and Google Scholar. Studies were screened using predetermined eligibility criteria. Data was extracted based on study and patient characteristics, modes of detection, and commercial availability, followed by quality assessment. A total of 17 studies were included. The primary diagnosis varied, with osteosarcoma being reported by 9 studies. Three studies reported relapse, ranging between 17.6%-48%. Twelve studies reported non-invasive imaging as the mode of detection used, while 4 studies reported the use of frozen section. MRI and CT were found to have an accuracy of up to 93 %. Raman spectroscopy was reported to have an accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of 69%, 58.8% and 83.3% respectively. CT had a sensitivity and specificity up to 83% and 100%, respectively. In conclusion, there seems to be high potential for the use of multimodal technologies to increase the accuracy of intraoperative margin assessment. Although imaging modalities possess a fair level of accuracy, they carry the risk of radiation exposure, are expensive, and cannot be used in-situ. Future clinical trials are needed to test the effectiveness of these technologies to measure the diagnostic accuracy and overall patient survival.
