Dr. Carvalho's work was supported by a research grant from the Office of Research on Women's Health and National Institute of Child Health and Human Development of the National Institutes of Health (5K12 HD043452). Dr Angst received supplies (On-Q PainBuster Post-Op Pain Relief System) and funds (for the biochemical assays) from I-Flow (Lake Forest, California).

1. Study Protocol
<ul>
	<li>Obtain Institutional Review Board approval and written informed consent.</li>
	<li>Select an appropriate surgical population for study conduct. This methodology has only been applied to cesarean delivery wounds but most surgical wounds would be appropriate.</li>
	<li>Consider inclusion and exclusion criteria for your study participation. Patients and procedures with high rates of surgical wound infection may not be appropriate.</li>
	<li>Standardize anesthesia and postoperative management fo...

<ol>
	<li>Carvalho, B., Clark, D. J., Angst, M. S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Local+and+Systemic+Release+of+Cytokines,+Nerve+Growth+Factor,+Prostaglandin+E2,+and+Substance+P+in+Incisional+Wounds+and+Serum+Following+Cesarean+Delivery.">Local and Systemic Release of Cytokines, Nerve Growth Factor, Prostaglandin E2, and Substance P in Incisional Wounds and Serum Following Cesarean Delivery.</a> J. Pain. 9, 650-657 (2008).</li><li>Carvalho, B., Clark, D. J., Yeomans, D. C., Angst, M. S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Continuous+subcutaneous+instillation+of+bupivacaine+compared+to+saline+reduces+interleukin+10+and+increases+substance+P+in+surgical+wounds+after+cesarean+delivery.">Continuous subcutaneous instillation of bupivacaine compared to saline reduces interleukin 10 and increases substance P in surgical wounds after cesarean delivery.</a> Anesth. Analg. 111, 1452-1459 (2010).</li><li>Verri, W. A., Cunha, T. M., Parada, C. A., Poole, S., Cunha, F. Q., Ferreira, S. H. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Hypernociceptive+role+of+cytokines+and+chemokines:+targets+for+analgesic+drug+development.">Hypernociceptive role of cytokines and chemokines: targets for analgesic drug development.</a> Pharmacol. Ther. 112, 116-138 (2006).</li><li>Watkins, L. R., Maier, S. F. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Immune+regulation+of+central+nervous+system+functions:+from+sickness+responses+to+pathological+pain.">Immune regulation of central nervous system functions: from sickness responses to pathological pain.</a> J. Intern. Med. 257, 139-155 (2005).</li><li>Beilin, B., Bessler, H., Mayburd, E., Smirnov, G., Dekel, A., Yardeni, I., Shavit, Y. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Effects+of+preemptive+analgesia+on+pain+and+cytokine+production+in+the+postoperative+period.">Effects of preemptive analgesia on pain and cytokine production in the postoperative period.</a> Anesthesiology. 98, 151-155 (2003).</li><li>Wu, C. T., Jao, S. W., Borel, C. O., Yeh, C. C., Li, C. Y., Lu, C. H., Wong, C. S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+effect+of+epidural+clonidine+on+perioperative+cytokine+response,+postoperative+pain,+and+bowel+function+in+patients+undergoing+colorectal+surgery.">The effect of epidural clonidine on perioperative cytokine response, postoperative pain, and bowel function in patients undergoing colorectal surgery.</a> Anesth. Analg. 99, 502-509 (2004).</li><li>Buvanendran, A., Kroin, J. S., Berger, R. A., Hallab, N. J., Saha, C., Negrescu, C., Moric, M., Caicedo, M. S., Tuman, K. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Upregulation+of+prostaglandin+E2+and+interleukins+in+the+central+nervous+system+and+peripheral+tissue+during+and+after+surgery+in+humans.">Upregulation of prostaglandin E2 and interleukins in the central nervous system and peripheral tissue during and after surgery in humans.</a> Anesthesiology. 104, 403-410 (2006).</li><li>Kristiansson, M., Soop, M., Sundqvist, K. G., Soop, A., Suontaka, A. M., Blomback, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Local+vs.+systemic+immune+and+haemostatic+response+to+hip+arthroplasty.">Local vs. systemic immune and haemostatic response to hip arthroplasty.</a> Eur. J. Anaesthesiol. 15, 260-270 (1998).</li><li>Liu, S. S., Richman, J. M., Thirlby, R. C., Wu, C. L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Efficacy+of+continuous+wound+catheters+delivering+local+anesthetic+for+postoperative+analgesia:+a+quantitative+and+qualitative+systematic+review+of+randomized+controlled+trials.">Efficacy of continuous wound catheters delivering local anesthetic for postoperative analgesia: a quantitative and qualitative systematic review of randomized controlled trials.</a> J. Am. Coll. Surg. 203, 914-932 (2006).</li><li>Eriksson, A. S., Sinclair, R., Cassuto, J., Thomsen, P. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Influence+of+lidocaine+on+leukocyte+function+in+the+surgical+wound.">Influence of lidocaine on leukocyte function in the surgical wound.</a> Anesthesiology. 77, 74-78 (1992).</li><li>Clark, J. D., Shi, X., Li, X., Qiao, Y., Liang, D., Angst, M. S., Yeomans, D. C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Morphine+reduces+local+cytokine+expression+and+neutrophil+infiltration+after+incision.">Morphine reduces local cytokine expression and neutrophil infiltration after incision.</a> Mol. Pain. 3, 28 (2007).</li><li>Webb, S. T., Ghosh, S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Intra-articular+bupivacaine:+potentially+chondrotoxic.">Intra-articular bupivacaine: potentially chondrotoxic.</a> Br. J. Anaesth. 102, 439-441 (2009).</li><li>Scott, N. B. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Wound+infiltration+for+surgery.">Wound infiltration for surgery.</a> Anaesthesia. 65, 67 (2010).</li></ol>

This methodology outlined above has been found to be sensitive enough to detect biochemical inflammatory and nociceptive mediators in wound exudate. Sampling at various time-points has also allowed us to observe changes of these mediators over time.1,2 We are not aware of any other human surgical wound assay that can serially measure the release profile of inflammatory and nociceptive mediators in surgical wound exudate. Results from our methodology of wound exudate collection from the surgical incision site i...

After a surgical incision, resident and migrating inflammatory cells release pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, prostanoids, neuropeptides and chemokines that are important for initiating and maintaining pain.3,4 The ability to collect site-specific biochemical markers is critical to determine the relationship between levels in serum and surgical wound, understand the complex relationship between mediator release and surgical pain, and to be able to evaluate the effect of both systemic and peripheral drug administration on surgical wound biochemistry. Studies have focused on systemic measurements of biochemical mediators and have not considered site-specific release.5,6 Serum measurements of cytokines and chemokines may not be reflective of local surgical wound biochemical events and only indicate a global systemic response to surgical injury. This article provides a detailed and unique visual description of this methodology that was first referenced in 2008 in the Journal of Pain.1 The aim of this JoVE article is to provide a unique and visually enhanced description of the methods.

collecting and measuring wound exudate biochemical mediators in surgical wounds

We describe a methodology by which we are able to collect and measure biochemical inflammatory and nociceptive mediators at the surgical wound site. Collecting site-specific biochemical markers is important to understand the relationship between levels in serum and surgical wound, determine any associations between mediator release, pain, analgesic use and other outcomes of interest, and evaluate the effect of systemic and peripheral drug administration on surgical wound biochemistry. This methodology has been applied to healthy women undergoing elective cesarean delivery with spinal anesthesia. We have measured wound exudate and serum mediators at the same time intervals as patient's pain scores and analgesics consumption for up to 48 hours post-cesarean delivery. Using this methodology we have been able to detect various biochemical mediators including nerve growth factor (NGF), prostaglandin E2 (PG-E2) substance P, IL-1&#x03B2;, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, IL-13, IL-17, TNF&alpha;, INF&#x03B3;, G-CSF, GM-CSF, MCP-1 and MIP-1&#x03B2;. Studies applying this human surgical wound bioassay have found no correlations between wound and serum cytokine concentrations or their time-release profile (J Pain. 2008; 9(7):650-7).1 We also documented the utility of the technique to identify drug-mediated changes in wound cytokine content (Anesth Analg 2010; 111:1452-9).2

Using this methodology we have been able to detect all biochemical mediators outlined above with the exception of IL-5 in wound exudate and plasma.1,2 Some additional cytokines were not detected in plasma (IL-4, IL-17, TNF&alpha;, INF&gamma;, GM-CSF).1 The time course of measured cytokines and chemokines in reported studies were consistent, reaching a plateau within the first few hours that was sustained for the 24 hour observation period..1,2 However, NGF increased steadily over the 24-h...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Collecting And Measuring Wound Exudate Biochemical Mediators In Surgical Wounds at JoVE.com

Collecting And Measuring Wound Exudate Biochemical Mediators In Surgical Wounds

This article provides a detailed and visual description of a methodology for collecting and measuring biochemical inflammatory and nociceptive mediators at the surgical wound site following cesarean delivery. This human bioassay has been used to determine correlations between wound and serum cytokine concentrations and drug-mediated changes in wound cytokines, chemokines and neuropetides.

We describe a methodology by which we are able to collect and measure biochemical inflammatory and nociceptive mediators at the surgical wound site. ...

collecting-measuring-wound-exudate-biochemical-mediators-surgical

Research

JoVE Journal

Medicine

11.9K ビュー.  Stanford University School of Medicine. この記事では、帝王切開後に手術創傷部位での炎症性および生化学的な侵害受容性メディエーターを収集し、測定するための方法論の詳細と視覚的な説明を提供しています。この人間のバイオアッセイは、創傷および血清サイトカイン濃度および創傷サイトカイン、ケモカインおよび神経ペプチドにおける薬剤性の変化との相関関係を決定するために使?...

ビデオ: Collecting And Measuring Wound Exudate Biochemical Mediators In Surgical Wounds

This article provides a detailed and visual description of a methodology for collecting and measuring biochemical inflammatory and nociceptive mediators at the surgical wound site following cesarean delivery. This human bioassay has been used to determine correlations between wound and serum cytokine concentrations and drug-mediated changes in wound cytokines, chemokines and...

collecting and measuring nociceptive and inflammatory mediators in surgical wounds 

Collecting and Measuring Nociceptive and Inflammatory Mediators in Surgical Wounds

A technique to collect and measure surgical wound biochemical mediators at specific time...

Collecting and Measuring Nociceptive and Inflammatory Mediators in Surgical Wounds 

assessing biofilm dispersal in murine wounds

Assessing Biofilm Dispersal in Murine Wounds

Here, we describe ex vivo and in vivo methods for assessing bacterial dispersal from a wound infection in mice. This protocol can be utilized to test the efficacy of topical antimicrobial and anti-biofilm therapies, or to assess the dispersal capacity of different bacterial strains or species.

collecting saliva and measuring salivary cortisol and alpha-amylase in frail community residing older adults via family caregivers

Collecting Saliva and Measuring Salivary Cortisol and Alpha-amylase in Frail Community Residing Older Adults via Family Caregivers

We demonstrate: (1) procedures for collection of salivary samples in cognitive impaired older adults by family caregivers in the home setting, (2) procedures for measuring stress activity via salivary cortisol and alpha amylase, and (3) representative profiles. Protocols that allow researchers to study stress-linked processes advance our understanding of biological sensitivity and...

protocol to create chronic wounds in diabetic mice

Protocol to Create Chronic Wounds in Diabetic Mice

Chronic wounds are developed from acute wounds on a diabetic mouse model by inducing high levels of oxidative stress after a full-thickness cutaneous wound. The wound is treated with inhibitors for catalase and glutathione peroxidase, resulting in impaired healing and biofilm development by bacteria present in the skin...

swine model of biofilm infection and invisible wounds

Author Spotlight: Studying Host-Microbe Interactions in Wound Biofilm Formation 

Chronic wounds that are resistant to antibiotics are a major threat to the healthcare system. Biofilm infections are stubborn and hostile and can cause deficient functional wound closure. We report a clinically relevant swine model of biofilm-infected full-thickness chronic wounds. This model is powerful for mechanistic studies as well as for testing...

Swine Model of Biofilm Infection and Invisible Wounds

microinjection wound assay and in vivo localization of epidermal wound response reporters in drosophila embryos.

Microinjection Wound Assay and In vivo Localization of Epidermal Wound Response Reporters in Drosophila Embryos.

The embryonic epidermis of very late stage Drosophila embryos provides an in vivo system for rapid puncture wound  response analysis and can be combined with genetic manipulations or chemical  microinjection treatments to advance studies in wound healing for translation  into mammalian...

Microinjection Wound Assay and In vivo Localization of Epidermal Wound Response Reporters in Drosophila Embryos.

human in-vivo bioassay for the tissue-specific measurement of nociceptive and inflammatory mediators

Human In-Vivo Bioassay for the Tissue-Specific Measurement of Nociceptive and Inflammatory Mediators

A technique is presented for the in-vivo collection of interstitial fluid samples from pertinent tissue sites (here, experimentally inflamed skin) for the measurement of biochemicals mediating pain and...

laser capture microdissection on surgical tissues to identify aberrant gene expression in impaired wound healing in type 2 diabetes

Laser Capture Microdissection on Surgical Tissues to Identify Aberrant Gene Expression in Impaired Wound Healing in Type 2 Diabetes

This technique provides a guide to inflicting ex vivo wounds, performing laser capture microdissection and quantifying changes in gene expression related to poor wound healing processes in diabetes using clinically relevant human...

characterization of immune cells and proinflammatory mediators in the pulmonary environment

Characterization of Immune Cells and Proinflammatory Mediators in the Pulmonary Environment

This protocol describes the use of flow cytometry to identify the changes in immune cell composition, cytokine profile, and chemokine profile in the pulmonary environment following transient middle cerebral artery occlusion, a murine model of ischemic...

Developing a Long-Term Swine Model for Biofilm-Infected Burn Wound Studies

https://cloudfront.jove.com/CDNSource/teasers/65301_b.jpg

application of lucilia sericata larvae in debridement of pressure wounds in outpatient settings

Application of Lucilia sericata Larvae in Debridement of Pressure Wounds in Outpatient Settings

Maggots of Lucilia sericata were used in the debridement of deep pressure sores in outpatient settings for the treatment of pressure sores involving the complete skin thickness. The technique presented in the article does not pose risks for the patient.

Application of Lucilia sericata Larvae in Debridement of Pressure Wounds in Outpatient Settings

hydroponic system preparation and root exudate collection in plants for root profiling

Hydroponic System Preparation and Root Exudate Collection in Plants for Root Profiling  

murine excisional wound healing model and histological morphometric wound analysis

Murine Excisional Wound Healing Model and Histological Morphometric Wound Analysis

This protocol describes how to generate bilateral, full-thickness excisional wounds in mice and how to subsequently monitor, harvest, and prepare the wounds for morphometric analysis. Included is an in-depth description of how to use serial histological sections to define, precisely quantify and detect morphometric...

biochemical titration of glycogen in vitro

Biochemical Titration of Glycogen In vitro

We describe here an accurate, reproducible and convenient biochemical method for titration of glycogen in vitro. This technique uses the Abcam Glycogen assay kit and is based on successive hydrolysis of glycogen to glucose and glucose titration by...

Biochemical Titration of Glycogen In vitro

collecting sleep, circadian, fatigue, and performance data in complex operational environments

Collecting Sleep, Circadian, Fatigue, and Performance Data in Complex Operational Environments

Sleep loss and circadian misalignment contribute to numerous operational accidents and incidents. The effectiveness of countermeasures and work scheduling designs aimed at mitigating fatigue can be challenging to evaluate in operational environments. This manuscript summarizes an approach for collecting sleep, circadian, fatigue, and performance data in complex operational...

methods for skin wounding and assays for wound responses in c. elegans

Methods for Skin Wounding and Assays for Wound Responses in C. elegans

The adult C. elegans skin is a tractable model for studies of epithelial wound responses, including wound closure, scar formation, and innate immunity.

Methods for Skin Wounding and Assays for Wound Responses in C. elegans

a versatile glass jar system for semihydroponic root exudate profiling

Author Spotlight: Exploring Plant-Microbe Interactions Through Root Exudates in a Novel Growth System 

We present a protocol for a glass-based, semihydroponic experimental system supporting the growth of a variety of phylogenetically distinct plants with or without microbes. The system is compatible with different growth media and permits nondestructive root exudate sampling for downstream...

A Versatile Glass Jar System for Semihydroponic Root Exudate Profiling

quantification of inflammatory mediators in infected human tissue-derived cells

This video demonstrates the quantification of inflammatory mediators during infection by incubating human lung-tissue-derived immune cells with Haemophilus influenzae. Flow cytometry is used to measure cytokine fluorescence in labeled lymphocytes, correlating with the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in response to bacterial...

Quantification of Inflammatory Mediators in Infected Human Tissue-Derived Cells

biochemical and high throughput microscopic assessment of fat mass in caenorhabditis elegans

Biochemical and High Throughput Microscopic Assessment of Fat Mass in Caenorhabditis Elegans

We present robust biochemical and microscopic methods for studying Caenorhabditis elegans lipid stores. A rapid, simple, fixing-staining procedure for fluorescent lipid droplet imaging leverages the spectral properties of the lipophilic dye Nile red. We then present biochemical measurement of triglycerides and phospholipids using solid phase extraction and gas chromatography-mass...

Biochemical and High Throughput Microscopic Assessment of Fat Mass in Caenorhabditis Elegans

Biochemical Measurement of Neonatal Hypoxia

Neonatal hypoxia ischemia is characterized by inadequate blood perfusion of a tissue or a systemic lack of oxygen. This condition is thought to cause/exacerbate well documented neonatal disorders including neurological impairment 1-3. Decreased adenosine triphosphate production occurs due to a lack of oxidative phosphorylation. To compensate for this energy deprived state molecules containing high energy phosphate bonds are degraded 2. This leads to increased levels of adenosine which is subsequently degraded to inosine, hypoxanthine, xanthine, and finally to uric acid. The final two steps in this degradation process are performed by xanthine oxidoreductase. This enzyme exists in the form of xanthine dehydrogenase under normoxic conditions but is converted to xanthine oxidase (XO) under hypoxia-reperfusion circumstances 4, 5. Unlike xanthine dehydrogenase, XO generates hydrogen peroxide as a byproduct of purine degradation 4, 6. This hydrogen peroxide in combination with other reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced during hypoxia, oxidizes uric acid to form allantoin and reacts with lipid membranes to generate malondialdehyde (MDA) 7-9. Most mammals, humans exempted, possess the enzyme uricase, which converts uric acid to allantoin. In humans, however, allantoin can only be formed by ROS-mediated oxidation of uric acid. Because of this, allantoin is considered to be a marker of oxidative stress in humans, but not in the mammals that have uricase.
We describe methods employing high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GCMS) to measure biochemical markers of neonatal hypoxia ischemia. Human blood is used for most tests. Animal blood may also be used while recognizing the potential for uricase-generated allantoin. Purine metabolites were linked to hypoxia as early as 1963 and the reliability of hypoxanthine, xanthine, and uric acid as biochemical indicators of neonatal hypoxia was validated by several investigators 10-13. The HPLC method used for the quantification of purine compounds is fast, reliable, and reproducible. The GC/MS method used for the quantification of allantoin, a relatively new marker of oxidative stress, was adapted from Gruber et al 7. This method avoids certain artifacts and requires low volumes of sample. Methods used for synthesis of MMDA were described elsewhere 14, 15. GC/MS based quantification of MDA was adapted from Paroni et al. and Cighetti et al. 16, 17. Xanthine oxidase activity was measured by HPLC by quantifying the conversion of pterin to isoxanthopterin 18. This approach proved to be sufficiently sensitive and reproducible.

A method is described to measure biochemical markers of neonatal hypoxia-ischemia. The approach utilizes high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) and Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS).

Neonatal hypoxia ischemia is characterized by inadequate blood perfusion of a tissue or a systemic lack of oxygen. This condition is thought to ...

Salivary measures have emerged in bio-behavioral research that are easy-to-collect, minimally invasive, and relatively inexpensive biologic markers of stress. This article we present the steps for collection and analysis of two salivary assays in research with frail, community residing older adults-salivary cortisol and salivary alpha amylase. The field of salivary bioscience is rapidly advancing and the purpose of this presentation is to provide an update on the developments for investigators interested in integrating these measures into research on aging. Strategies are presented for instructing family caregivers in collecting saliva in the home, and for conducting laboratory analyses of salivary analytes that have demonstrated feasibility, high compliance, and yield quality specimens. The protocol for sample collection includes: (1) consistent use of collection materials; (2) standardized methods that promote adherence and minimize subject burden; and (3) procedures for controlling certain confounding agents. We also provide strategies for laboratory analyses include: (1) saliva handling and processing; (2) salivary cortisol and salivary alpha amylase assay procedures; and (3) analytic considerations.

We demonstrate: (1) procedures for collection of salivary samples in cognitive impaired older adults by family caregivers in the home setting, (2) procedures for measuring stress activity via salivary cortisol and alpha amylase, and (3) representative profiles. Protocols that allow researchers to study stress-linked processes advance our understanding of biological sensitivity and susceptibility.

Salivary measures have emerged in bio-behavioral research  that are easy-to-collect, minimally invasive, and relatively inexpensive  biologic markers of ...

In utero Measurement of Heart Rate in Mouse by Noninvasive M-mode Echocardiography

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most frequent noninfectious cause of death at birth. The incidence of CHD ranges from 4 to 50/1,000 births (Disease and injury regional estimates, World Health Organization, 2004). Surgeries that often compromise the quality of life are required to correct heart defects, reminding us of the importance of finding the causes of CHD. Mutant mouse models and live imaging technology have become essential tools to study the etiology of this disease. Although advanced methods allow live imaging of abnormal hearts in embryos, the physiological and hemodynamic states of the latter are often compromised due to surgical and/or lengthy procedures. Noninvasive ultrasound imaging, however, can be used without surgically exposing the embryos, thereby maintaining their physiology. Herein, we use simple M-mode ultrasound to assess heart rates of embryos at E18.5 in utero. The detection of abnormal heart rates is indeed a good indicator of dysfunction of the heart and thus constitutes a first step in the identification of developmental defects that may lead to heart failure.

In utero Measurement of Heart Rate in Mouse by Noninvasive M-mode Echocardiography

Ultra-high frequency ultrasound is a powerful live imaging tool to examine cardiac abnormalities in small animals. Its noninvasiveness allows maintaining the physiologic state of embryos. Herein, we show the use of M-mode ultrasound to measure the heart rates of embryos at E18.5 in utero.

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most frequent noninfectious cause of death at birth. The incidence of CHD ranges from 4 to 50/1,000 births (Disease ...

Using In Vitro Live-cell Imaging to Explore Chemotherapeutics Delivered by Lipid-based Nanoparticles

Conventional imaging techniques can provide detailed information about cellular processes. However, this information is based on static images in an otherwise dynamic system, and successive phases are easily overlooked or misinterpreted. Live-cell imaging and time-lapse microscopy, in which living cells can be followed for hours or even days in a more or less continuous fashion, are therefore very informative. The protocol described here allows for the investigation of the fate of chemotherapeutic nanoparticles after the delivery of doxorubicin (dox) in living cells. Dox is an intercalating agent that must be released from its nanocarrier to become biologically active. In spite of its clinical registration for more than two decades, its uptake, breakdown, and drug release are still not fully understood. This article explores the hypothesis that lipid-based nanoparticles are taken up by the tumor cells and are slowly degraded. Released dox is then translocated to the nucleus. To prevent fixation artifacts, live-cell imaging and time-lapse microscopy, described in this experimental procedure, can be applied.

Using In Vitro Live-cell Imaging to Explore Chemotherapeutics Delivered by Lipid-based Nanoparticles

Live-cell imaging is a powerful tool to visualize dynamic processes. The examination of fixed cells provides only static pictures, which can lead to misinterpretation and confusion about the process. This work presents a method to study uptake, drug release, and intracellular localization of liposomal nanoparticles in living cells.

Conventional imaging techniques can provide detailed information about cellular processes. However, this information is based on static images in an ...

Collecting Hair Samples for Hair Cortisol Analysis in African Americans

The hormone cortisol is typically assessed in saliva, serum, or urine samples. More recently, cortisol has been successfully extracted from hair, including humans. The advantage of hair cortisol concentration is that it reflects a retrospective representation of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis function over time, much like hemoglobin A1C represents glycemic control. However, obtaining hair samples can be challenging, due to the cultural beliefs and hair care practices of minority participants. For example, African Americans may be reluctant to provide samples. Additionally, few researchers are trained to collect hair samples from African Americans. The purpose of this paper is to present a culturally informed protocol to help researchers obtain hair samples from African Americans. To illustrate the representative results of this protocol implementation, de-identified data from African Americans that participated in a community-based study on chronic stress are provided. Hair practice preferences are assessed. The participants are made comfortable by showing pictures of hair samples prior to cutting their hair. The single strain twist and gently pull method is used to collect approximately 30 - 50 strands of hair from the posterior vertex region of the scalp. This protocol will significantly improve collection of hair samples from African Americans.

Hair cortisol concentration analysis provides an alternative to traditional measures of cortisol; however, to collect hair samples from African Americans, scientists need to be culturally informed and competent. The purpose of this protocol is to demonstrate a culturally informed technique to collect hair samples for cortisol analysis from African Americans.

The hormone cortisol is typically assessed in saliva, serum, or urine samples. More recently, cortisol has been successfully extracted from hair, ...

Chronic wounds develop as a result of defective regulation in one or more complex cellular and molecular processes involved in proper healing. They impact ~6.5M people and cost ~$40B/year in the US alone. Although a significant effort has been invested in understanding how chronic wounds develop in humans, fundamental questions remain unanswered. Recently, we developed a novel mouse model for diabetic chronic wounds that have many characteristics of human chronic wounds. Using db/db-/- mice, we can generate chronic wounds by inducing high levels of oxidative stress (OS) in the wound tissue immediately after wounding, using a one-time treatment with inhibitors specific to the antioxidant enzymes catalase and glutathione peroxidase. These wounds have high levels of OS, develop biofilm naturally, become fully chronic within 20 days after treatment and can remain open more for more than 60 days. This novel model has many features of diabetic chronic wounds in humans and therefore can contribute significantly to advancing fundamental understanding of how wounds become chronic. This is a major breakthrough because chronic wounds in humans cause significant pain and distress to patients and result in amputation if unresolved. Moreover, these wounds are very expensive and time-consuming to treat, and lead to significant loss of personal income to patients. Advancements in this field of study through the use of our chronic wound model can significantly improve health care for millions who suffer under this debilitating condition. In this protocol, we describe in great detail the procedure to cause acute wounds to become chronic, which has not been done before.

Chronic wounds are developed from acute wounds on a diabetic mouse model by inducing high levels of oxidative stress after a full-thickness cutaneous wound. The wound is treated with inhibitors for catalase and glutathione peroxidase, resulting in impaired healing and biofilm development by bacteria present in the skin microbiome.

Chronic wounds develop as a result of defective regulation in one or more complex cellular and molecular processes involved in proper healing. They impact ...

Corneal Epithelial Abrasion with Ocular Burr As a Model for Cornea Wound Healing

The murine cornea provides an excellent model to study wound healing. The cornea is the outermost layer of the eye, and thus is the first defense to injury. In fact, the most common type of eye injury found in clinic is a corneal abrasion. Here, we utilize an ocular burr to induce an abrasion resulting in removal of the corneal epithelium in vivo on anesthetized mice. This method allows for targeted and reproducible epithelial disruption, leaving other areas intact. In addition, we describe the visualization of the abraded epithelium with fluorescein staining and provide concrete advice on how to visualize the abraded cornea. Then, we follow the timeline of wound healing 0, 18, and 72 h after abrasion, until the wound is re-epithelialized. The epithelial abrasion model of corneal injury is ideal for studies on epithelial cell proliferation, migration and re-epithelialization of the corneal layers. However, this method is not optimal to study stromal activation during wound healing, because the ocular burr does not penetrate to the stromal cell layers. This method is also suitable for clinical applications, for example, pre-clinical test of drug effectiveness.

This protocol describes a method to inflict an abrasion to the ocular surface of the mouse, and to follow the wound healing process thereafter. The protocol takes advantage of an ocular burr to partially remove the surface epithelium of the eye in anaesthetized mice.

The murine cornea provides an excellent model to study wound healing. The cornea is the outermost layer of the eye, and thus is the first defense to ...

Targeting Gray Rami Communicantes in Selective Chemical Lumbar Sympathectomy

Chemical lumbar sympathectomy (CLS) is a commonly used, minimally invasive procedure for the treatment of conditions including ischemic diseases of the lower extremities, hyperhidrosis, etc. It is commonly practiced to position the puncture needle tip in front of the anterior fascia of the psoas major muscle and inject the inactivating agent around the sympathetic trunk, which is defined as conventional CLS. Although relatively rare, ureteropelvic damage is the most frequently reported complication of conventional CLS and can cause serious harm to patients. We found that injecting the inactivating agent behind the anterior fascia, which only targets gray rami communicantes, helped achieve therapeutic efficacy in&#160;vasodilation, sweat reduction, and pain relief comparable to conventional CLS, and serious complications were largely reduced. We define this procedure as selective CLS. Here, we present a protocol of selective CLS. The precise needle tract and accurate evaluation of the spreading of the contrast agent are critical to ensure that the drug is injected behind the anterior fascia of the psoas major muscle. The needle tip is at approximately one-third the dividing line of the vertebral body in the lateral view of a lumbar X-ray. The contrast is mainly confined around the needle tip and spreads outward and downward along the psoas muscle fibers. In this way, the anterior fascia provides a natural barrier for the ureteropelvic area, and the psoas major muscle provides a natural barrier for the lumbar nerve root. There are several highlights of this article, including 1) a detailed description of the selective CLS procedures, 2) an explanation of the anatomical basis for the implementation of selective CLS, and 3) an explanation of the differences between selective and conventional CLS.

We present a protocol for selective chemical lumbar sympathectomy (CLS), which inactivates only gray rami communicantes and not the sympathetic trunk. Selective CLS can help achieve therapeutic efficacy in vasodilation, sweat reduction, and pain relief that are comparable to conventional CLS, and serious complications, particularly ureteropelvic damages, can be reduced.

Chemical lumbar sympathectomy (CLS) is a commonly used, minimally invasive procedure for the treatment of conditions including ischemic diseases of the ...

Sleeve Gastrectomy in Mice using Surgical Clips

The number of people who are overweight and obese is continually increasing both in the adult and adolescent populations. This coincides with the increased universal phenomenon of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and other metabolic problems. Bariatric surgery, such as SG, is currently one of the most effective and commonly used long-term treatment for obesity and T2D, but the association between them is not completely explored yet. The mechanisms underlying the outcomes seen after bariatric surgery in humans can be investigated based on preclinical animal studies. The SG reduces body weight, glucose levels and many metabolic parameters, and is easy to perform with a low incidence of complications. The goal of this work is to provide a simple method and an uncomplicated preclinical model of bariatric surgery in animals for researchers.

The prevalence of diabetes and obesity is continuously increasing worldwide. The mechanisms between diabetes, obesity and their associated mortality and co-morbidities need to be further investigated. Here, we present a protocol for sleeve gastrectomy (SG) in animals as an uncomplicated preclinical model of bariatric surgery.

The number of people who are overweight and obese is continually increasing both in the adult and adolescent populations. This coincides with the ...

Biological therapy using Lucilia sericata larvae has numerous advocates worldwide, yet it is still fairly unknown and not commonly applied in daily practice because of the limited awareness and insufficient experience of medical and nursing personnel. There are case reports suggesting that maggot therapy can be applied and supported by lay caregivers, provided they are supervised and informed by physicians/nurses. The foregoing observation suggests that the method should be considered for implementation by a wider group of caregivers if accepted and meticulously supervised by trained and experienced medical staff. The concerns related to the therapeutic use of maggots in certain regions seem understandable, but are not supported by scientific facts. It should be noted that many therapeutic agents (including brood) used in medicine are of natural origin, and are associated with low production costs and high possibilities of implementation in the course of therapy. By analyzing the literature and using our own clinical and research experience, we have come to conclusions related to using larvae therapy, as a quick and safe method providing cleaning and revitalization in the process of treating wounds of various etiologies, especially pressure ulcers. In the current study, medical-grade Lucilia sericata maggots were applied to remove necrotic tissue from deep pressure sores. The treatment is mostly accepted by both caregivers and patients. In most cases, it is conducted by trained and experienced medical personnel in home and outpatient settings. Over the course of the conducted analyzes involving the collected specimens, there were no statistically significant relationships (p&gt; 0.05) confirmed between the wound surface successfully cleared by brood and variables, such as time from wound formation, location, surface size, and the depth of damage to the tissue structure. The lack of statistical dependence may result from the small size of the studied group. Based on the current findings, we have formulated the following conclusions: Maggot Debridement Therapy (MDT) is a fast and effective method enabling the preparation of the wound bed. The use of MDT in outpatient settings is safe and acceptable for patients and their caregivers.

Maggots of Lucilia sericata were used in the debridement of deep pressure sores in outpatient settings for the treatment of pressure sores involving the complete skin thickness. The technique presented in the article does not pose risks for the patient.

Biological therapy using Lucilia sericata larvae has numerous advocates worldwide, yet it is still fairly unknown and not commonly applied in daily ...