Caprine Model Research Articles

Novel tubing connectors reduce ECMO circuit thrombosis.

Thrombosis within extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) circuits is a common complication that dominates clinical management of patients receiving mechanical circulatory support. Prior studies have identified that over 80% of circuit thrombosis can be attributed to tubing-connector junctions. A novel connector was designed that reduces local regions of flow stagnation at the tubing-connector junction to eliminate a primary source of ECMO circuit thrombi. To compare clotting between the novel connectors and the traditional connectors, both in vitro loops and an in vivo caprine model of long-term (48 h) ECMO were used to generate tubing-connector junction clots. In vitro, the traditional connectors uniformly (9/9) formed large thrombi, while novel connectors formed a small thrombus in only one of nine (p < 0.0001). In the long-term goat ECMO circuits, the traditional connectors exhibited more thrombi (p < 0.04), and these thrombi were more likely to protrude into the lumen of the tubing (p < 0.001). Both in vitro and in vivo validation experiments successfully recreated circuit thrombosis and demonstrate that the adoption of novel connectors can reduce the burden of circuit thrombosis.

A New Bioactive Fibrin Formulation Provided Superior Cartilage Regeneration in a Caprine Model

The effective and long-term treatment of cartilage defects is an unmet need among patients worldwide. In the past, several synthetic and natural biomaterials have been designed to support functional articular cartilage formation. However, they have mostly failed to enhance the terminal stage of chondrogenic differentiation, leading to scar tissue formation after the operation. Growth factors substantially regulate cartilage regeneration by acting on receptors to trigger intracellular signaling and cell recruitment for tissue regeneration. In this study, we investigated the effect of recombinant insulin-like growth factor 1 (rIGF-1), loaded in fibrin microbeads (FibIGF1), on cartilage regeneration. rIGF-1-loaded fibrin microbeads were injected into full-thickness cartilage defects in the knees of goats. The stability, integration, and quality of tissue repair were evaluated at 1 and 6 months by gross morphology, histology, and collagen type II staining. The in vivo results showed that compared to plain fibrin samples, particularly at 6 months, FibIGF1 improved the functional cartilage formation, confirmed through gross morphology, histology, and collagen type II immunostaining. FibIGF1 could be a promising candidate for cartilage repair in the clinic.

Use of a Caprine Model for Simulation and Training of Endoscopic Ear surgery.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the utility of a caprine model in endoscopic ear surgical education using the index procedures of tympanoplasty and ossiculoplasty. Specifically, this study assessed the face and content validity of the caprine model, and the potential impact of anatomical differences on trainee understanding of human middle ear anatomy. Twelve otolaryngology trainees attended a 3-hour endoscopic ear surgery course utilizing the caprine model in which they completed canalplasty, tympanoplasty, and ossiculoplasty. Prior to the course, the trainees completed a self-reported needs assessment and knowledge assessment of human middle ear anatomy. Following the course, the trainees repeated the knowledge assessment and completed evaluation and validation questionnaires. Five-point Likert scores were used for the needs assessment and validation questionnaire. Of the 12 trainees, 9 participated in the study. All domains of the learner needs assessment showed an average improvement of 1 point on the post-course evaluation with 6 of 9 domains being significantly improved using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test (P< .05). The model achieved validation in the domains of face, content, and global content validity with an average Likert score > 4. Knowledge assessment scores increased by 7% (P=.23) after the course compared to before. The caprine model offers an effective surgical simulation model for endoscopic ear surgery training with good face and content validity. We find it to be readily available and affordable. We currently use it routinely to give otolaryngology residents the experience of endoscopic ear surgery before operating on patients.

The Contribution of the Sheep and the Goat Model to the Study of Ovarian Ageing.

Ovarian ageing stands as the major contributor towards fertility loss. As such, there is an urge for studies addressing the mechanisms that promote ovarian ageing and new strategies aiming to delay it. Recently, the presence of a unique population of multinucleated giant cells has been identified in the ovaries of reproductively aged mice. These cells have been considered hallmarks of ovarian ageing. However, up to date multinucleated giant cells have only been described in the ovaries of the mice. Therefore, the aim of the present work was to evaluate and characterize the presence of such hallmarks of ovarian ageing in the sheep and the goat. In this study, ovaries from juvenile (6 months) and mature animals (18-24 months) were used. The hematoxylin and eosin technique was performed to describe the ovarian morphology and evaluate the ovarian follicle reserve pool. Sudan black B staining and the detection of autofluorescence emission were used to identify and characterize the presence of multinucleated giant cells. Statistical analyses were performed with GraphPad Prism 9.0.0. A decrease in the follicle reserve pool and the presence of multinucleated giant cells, with lipofuscin accumulation and the emission of autofluorescence, were observed in the ovaries of the mature animals of both species. Our results support the interest in the use of the ovine and the caprine model, that share physiological and pathophysiological characteristics with humans, in future studies addressing ovarian ageing.

A203 Comparison of two advanced bipolar devices for laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in an acute heparinized caprine model

A203 Comparison of two advanced bipolar devices for laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in an acute heparinized caprine model

Healing potentials of Marigold flower (Tagetes erecta) on full thickness dermal wound in caprine model

Objectives: In the modern days multiple drug resistance has been developed against many microbes due to the random use of existing antimicrobial drugs in the treatment of infectious diseases. This paves the way for reconsidering traditional medicine; hence we have carried out to evaluate the wound healing potentials of Marigold flower (Tagetes erecta) in the surgical wound model in black Bengal goats. Methods: A total of sixteen surgical wounds were made in eight goats under proper restraint and analgesia. Wounds were topically treated with Marigold flower paste (Group A) and normal saline (Group B, control). Post-treatment information was recorded from day 1 to day 21. Planimetric features such as swelling of the wound area, elevation of suture line, and length of the wound were monitored. Histopathological and in vivo anti-microbial studies were also investigated. Results: Results revealed that aqueous paste of Tagetes erecta flower modulated inflammation and promoted wound contraction leading to earlier healing than those with saline. Histological findings highlighted the normal cutaneous architecture of the marigold treated wound more than that appeared in the saline-treated wound. The antibacterial study revealed that the aqueous paste of marigold flower was highly effective against Staphylococcus aureus which is the ubiquitous bacterial pathogen both in humans and animals. Conclusions: These results, thus, demonstrate that the aqueous paste of Tagetes erecta flower possesses wound healing activities and it could be a potential candidate for the treatment of dermal wounds by topical application.

Development of Standardized Fetal Progenitor Cell Therapy for Cartilage Regenerative Medicine: Industrial Transposition and Preliminary Safety in Xenogeneic Transplantation.

Diverse cell therapy approaches constitute prime developmental prospects for managing acute or degenerative cartilaginous tissue affections, synergistically complementing specific surgical solutions. Bone marrow stimulation (i.e., microfracture) remains a standard technique for cartilage repair promotion, despite incurring the adverse generation of fibrocartilagenous scar tissue, while matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation (MACI) and alternative autologous cell-based approaches may partly circumvent this effect. Autologous chondrocytes remain standard cell sources, yet arrays of alternative therapeutic biologicals present great potential for regenerative medicine. Cultured human epiphyseal chondro-progenitors (hECP) were proposed as sustainable, safe, and stable candidates for chaperoning cartilage repair or regeneration. This study describes the development and industrial transposition of hECP multi-tiered cell banking following a single organ donation, as well as preliminary preclinical hECP safety. Optimized cell banking workflows were proposed, potentially generating millions of safe and sustainable therapeutic products. Furthermore, clinical hECP doses were characterized as non-toxic in a standardized chorioallantoic membrane model. Lastly, a MACI-like protocol, including hECPs, was applied in a three-month GLP pilot safety evaluation in a caprine model of full-thickness articular cartilage defect. The safety of hECP transplantation was highlighted in xenogeneic settings, along with confirmed needs for optimal cell delivery vehicles and implantation techniques favoring effective cartilage repair or regeneration.

Morpho-histological and bacteriological evaluation of aqueous Neem (Azadirachta indica) paste on experimental full-thickness dermal wounds in caprine model

The study was conducted to evaluate the healing potentials of Neem leaf on surgical wounds. A total of sixteen surgical wounds were studied under two groups; Neem (group A) and Normal saline (group B, control). Wound morphology, histopathology, and bacteriological examinations were carried out to assess wound healing potentials of this plant leaves. We have found a remarkably lower swollen area (3.91±0.10mm), suture line levation (2.64±0.19mm) and length of the wound (15.78±0.19mm) in the treatment group than the control (0.36±0.12mm, 3.59±0.12mm, and 17.11±0.08mm respectively). The mean healing period Neem treated wound was significantly (P<0.05) lower (12.33±0.42 days) than that of control (18.67±0.33 days). Histopathological study revealed the presence of substantial inflammation with fibroblastic proliferation in samples collected at day 3 in the control group whereas these features were distinctly reduced in the treatment group. There was a distinct thickening of the keratinized layer of the epidermis in Neem treated wound on day 21. In bacteriological study, huge bacterial colonies were found on day 3 in the control group whereas this was markedly reduced in number in the wound of Group-A. Thus, the present study supports the scientific rationale for the use of Neem leaf in the management of wounds.

Mandibular Defect Reconstitution: A Contaminated Caprine Model of Bone Regeneration

Mandibular reconstitution with bioabsorbable scaffolds seems feasible with the application of 3-dimensional printing combined with bioactive proteins. As yet, previous studies have been limited in number of animals and have avoided a contaminated defect. We present a caprine model of mandibular defect bone regeneration with a 3-dimensionally printed bioabsorbable scaffold contaminated with oral secretions and explore the impact of bone morphogenic protein in mandibular bone reconstitution. A 3-cm, contaminated mandibular defect was generated in 18 goats and stabilized with 2 mandibular reconstruction plates. An uncoated scaffold was placed in 6 goats, and in the final 6 goats, the scaffold was coated with bone morphogenic protein-2. In 6 goats, the defect was left empty. After 12weeks, the operative site, scaffold, and adjacent mandible were plasticized, sectioned, and evaluated histologically to assess for bone regeneration. The specimens revealed only focal (average of 5.8% of the scaffold pores) and early bone formation in the scaffold-only group. In the scaffold+bone morphogenic protein-2 group, there was more (average of 51.4% of the pores) bone formation. In the periosteum-only group, the ratio of the bone thickness of the defect to that of the normal bone ranged from 0.16 to 0.78. No major infections occurred. This caprine model serves as an excellent method to assess reconstructive options for contaminated mandibular deficits. Bone regeneration was documented in a 3-cm contaminated caprine mandibular defect reconstructed with a 3-dimensionally printed synthetic scaffold with or without the addition of bone morphogenic protein-2. Bone morphogenic protein-2 significantly augments bone generation in the synthetic scaffold. Residual mandibular periosteum generated bone. Future studies will focus on optimizing vascularization.

Static Magnetic Fields within Spinal Interbody Cages for the Promotion of Spinal Arthrodesis: A Pilot Study

Spinal arthrodesis is a commonly performed spinal operation. Spinal arthrodesis can be complicated by pseudoarthrosis and resultant hardware failure. Static magnetic fields (SMF) have the ability to improve bone fusion. We seek to assess the feasibility of the construction and implantation of a lumbar interbody cage equipped with a SMF in a caprine model. Six skeletally mature female Boer goats underwent a lateral approach for placement of an interbody graft at lumbar (L) 1-2 and 3-4. The goats were divided into 2 groups of 3 animals. The interbody graft contained a neodymium iron boron magnet in the experimental group and a nonmagnetic titanium sham in the control group. Both groups contained a synthetic bone graft. Blinded radiographic and histologic evaluation was performed at predetermined timepoints to assess degree of bony fusion and osseointegration. All 6 goats underwent successful placement of lumbar interbody grafts. At the 1-month postoperative computed tomography, 1 goat in the experimental group and 1 goat in the control group were noted to have dislodged their intervertebral cage. Qualitative radiographic and histologic evaluation identified enhanced bone formation, bone density, and osteointegration of the graft in the experimental group. A spinal interbody cage containing a neodymium iron boron magnet for the production of a local SMF is feasible. Preliminary data suggests enhanced bone formation, bone density, and osseointegration of the graft.

In vitro and in vivo study on the osseointegration of BCP-coated versus uncoated nondegradable thermoplastic polyurethane focal knee resurfacing implants.

Focal knee resurfacing implants (FKRIs) are intended to treat cartilage defects in middle‐aged patients. Most FKRIs are metal‐based, which hampers follow‐up of the joint using magnetic resonance imaging and potentially leads to damage of the opposing cartilage. The purpose of this study was to develop a nondegradable thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) FKRI and investigate its osseointegration. Different surface roughness modifications and biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) coating densities were first tested in vitro on TPU discs. The in vivo osseointegration of BCP‐coated TPU implants was subsequently compared to uncoated TPU implants and the titanium bottom layer of metal control implants in a caprine model. Implants were implanted bilaterally in stifle joints and animals were followed for 12 weeks, after which the bone‐to‐implant contact area (BIC) was assessed. Additionally, 18F‐sodium‐fluoride (18F‐NaF) positron emission tomography PET/CT‐scans were obtained at 3 and 12 weeks to visualize the bone metabolism over time. The BIC was significantly higher for the BCP‐coated TPU implants compared to the uncoated TPU implants (p = .03), and did not significantly differ from titanium (p = .68). Similar 18F‐NaF tracer uptake patterns were observed between 3 and 12 weeks for the BCP‐coated TPU and titanium implants, but not for the uncoated implants. TPU FKRIs with surface modifications could provide the answer to the drawbacks of metal FKRIs.

Sacrificial Fibers Improve Matrix Distribution and Micromechanical Properties in a Tissue-Engineered Intervertebral Disc

Tissue-engineered replacement discs are an area of intense investigation for the treatment of end-stage intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration. These living implants can integrate into the IVD space and recapitulate native motion segment function. We recently developed a multiphasic tissue-engineered disc-like angle-ply structure (DAPS) that models the micro-architectural and functional features of native tissue. While these implants resulted in functional restoration of the motion segment in rat and caprine models, we also noted deficiencies in cell infiltration and homogeneity of matrix deposition in the electrospun poly(ε-caprolactone) outer region (annulus fibrosus, AF) of the DAPS. To address this limitation, here, we incorporated a sacrificial water-soluble polymer, polyethylene oxide (PEO), as a second fiber fraction within the AF region to increase porosity of the implant. Maturation of these PEO-modified DAPS were evaluated after 5 and 10 weeks of in vitro culture in terms of AF biochemical content, MRI T2 values, overall construct mechanical properties, AF micromechanical properties and cell and matrix distribution. To assess the performance of the PEO-modified DAPS in vivo, precultured constructs were implanted into the rat caudal IVD space for 10 weeks. Results showed that matrix distribution was more homogenous in PCL/PEO DAPS, as evidenced by more robust histological staining, organized collagen deposition and micromechanical properties, compared to standard PCL-only DAPS in vitro. Cell and matrix infiltration were also improved in vivo, but no differences in macromechanical properties and a trend towards improved micromechanical properties were observed. These findings demonstrate that the inclusion of a sacrificial PEO fiber fraction in the DAPS AF region improves cellular colonization, matrix elaboration, and in vitro and in vivo function of an engineered IVD implant. Statement of significanceThis work establishes a method for improving cell infiltration and matrix distribution within tissue-engineered dense fibrous scaffolds for intervertebral disc replacement. Tissue-engineered whole disc replacements are an attractive alternative to the current gold standard (mechanical disc arthroplasty or vertebral fusion) for the clinical treatment of patients with advanced disc degeneration.

Co-culture of hWJMSCs and pACs in double biomimetic ACECM oriented scaffold enhances mechanical properties and accelerates articular cartilage regeneration in a caprine model

BackgroundThe dedifferentiation of chondrocytes and the unstable chondrogenic differentiation status of pluripotent mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are immense issues in cell-based articular cartilage repair and regenerative strategies. Here, to improve the cartilage characteristics of seed cells, a double biomimetic acellular cartilage extracellular matrix (ACECM)-oriented scaffold was used to mimic the cartilage microenvironment for human umbilical cord Wharton’s jelly-derived MSCs (hWJMSCs) and primary cartilage cells (pACs) to regenerate hyaline cartilage.MethodsA double biomimetic ACECM-oriented scaffold was created from the cartilage extracellular matrix of pig articular cartilage using pulverization decellularization freeze-drying procedures. hWJMSCs and pACs were co-cultured at ratios of 50:50 (co-culture group, ACCC), 0:100 (ACAC group) and 100:0 (ACWJ group) in the ACECM-oriented scaffold, and the co-culture system was implanted in a caprine model for 6 months or 9 months to repair full-thickness articular cartilage defects. The control groups, which had no cells, comprised the blank control (BC) group and the ACECM-oriented scaffold (AC) group. Gross morphology and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as well as histological and biomechanical evaluations were used to characterize the cartilage of the repair area.ResultsRelative to the control groups, both the gross morphology and histological staining results demonstrated that the neotissue of the ACCC group was more similar to native cartilage and better integrated with the surrounding tissue. Measurements of glycosaminoglycan content and Young’s modulus showed that the repair areas had more abundant cartilage-specific content and significantly higher mechanical strength in the ACCC group than in the control groups, especially at 9 months. On MRI, the T2-weighted signal of the repair area was homogeneous, and the oedema signal disappeared almost completely in the ACCC group at 9 months. HLA-ABC immunofluorescence staining demonstrated that hWJMSCs participated in the repair and regeneration of articular cartilage and escaped surveillance and clearance by the caprine immune system.ConclusionThe structure and components of double biomimetic ACECM-oriented scaffolds provided a cartilage-like microenvironment for co-cultured seed cells and enhanced the biomechanics and compositions of neotissue. This co-culture system has the potential to overcome the dedifferentiation of passage chondrocytes and the unstable chondrogenic differentiation status of MSCs.

Porcine bone-patellar tendon-bone xenograft in a caprine model of anterior cruciate ligament repair.

The use of human tissue-derived autografts and allografts continues to be the gold standard in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) repair. However, autografts and allografts have their own set of associated risks. Many alternative options, including synthetic replacements, have failed to demonstrate long-term success. In this study, sterile acellular porcine bone-tendon-bone (BTB) xenografts were created using a proprietary process and tested against BTB autografts in goats for 13 and 52 weeks. At 13 weeks, all xenograft-implanted animals (n = 9) had subjective hind leg motor function (HLMF) that was categorized as either normal (score = 0) or a slight limp (score = 1) compared with two of nine autograft-implanted animals having a moderate limp (score = 2). At 39 weeks, there was HLMF improvement with each autograft-implanted and xenograft-implanted animal having normal HLMF or only a slight limp. At 13 weeks, six of nine animals in each group achieved normal anterior drawer scores, which increased to nine of nine animals in each group by 39 weeks. Both autografts and xenografts exhibited minimal inflammation with excellent integration of the fibrous tendon portion of the graft to host bone, as evidenced histologically by Sharpey's fiber formation. At 52 weeks, maximum mechanical load at failure for xenografts was 1092.0 ± 586.4 N compared with 1037.0 ± 422.6 N for autografts. These results demonstrate that a sterile acellular porcine BTB xenograft can perform equivalently to BTB autograft in a caprine model of ACL repair.

Sacrificial Fibers Improve Matrix Distribution and Mechanical Properties in a Tissue-Engineered Intervertebral Disc

Tissue-engineered replacement discs are an area of intense investigation for the treatment of end-stage intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration. These living implants can integrate into the disc space and recapitulate native motion segment function. We recently developed a multiphasic tissue-engineered disc-like angle-ply structure (DAPS) that models the micro-architectural and functional features of native tissue. While these implants resulted in functional restoration of the motion segment in rat and caprine models, we also noted deficiencies in cell infiltration and homogeneity of matrix deposition in the electrospun poly(e-caprolactone) outer region (annulus fibrosus, AF) of the DAPS. To address this limitation, here, we incorporated a sacrificial water-soluble polymer, polyethylene oxide (PEO), as a second fiber fraction within the AF region to increase porosity of the implant. Maturation of these PEO-modified DAPS were evaluated after 5 and 10 weeks of in vitro culture in terms of AF biochemical content, MRI T2 values, overall construct mechanical properties, AF micromechanical properties and cell and matrix distribution. To assess the performance of the PEO-modified DAPS in vivo, precultured constructs were implanted into the rat caudal disc space for 10 weeks. Results showed that matrix distribution was more homogenous in PCL/PEO DAPS, as evidenced by more robust histological staining, organized collagen deposition and micromechanical properties, compared to standard PCL-only DAPS, both in vitro and in vivo. These PCL/PEO DAPS also better approximated native micro- and macro-mechanical properties than the PCL-only DAPS, following 10 weeks of in vivo implantation. These findings demonstrate that the inclusion of a sacrificial PEO fiber fraction in the DAPS AF region improves cellular colonization, matrix elaboration, and in vitro and in vivo function of an engineered disc implant.

Standardization of Surgical Site Preparation with Different Formulations of Povidone-Iodine, Chlorhexidine-Gluconate and Chlorxylenol in Caprine Model: A Comparative Study

Standardization of Surgical Site Preparation with Different Formulations of Povidone-Iodine, Chlorhexidine-Gluconate and Chlorxylenol in Caprine Model: A Comparative Study

Feasibility Study to Determine if Microfracture Surgery Using Water Jet Drilling Is Potentially Safe for Talar Chondral Defects in a Caprine Model.

ObjectiveSurgical microfracture is considered a first-line treatment for talar osteochondral defects. However, current rigid awls and drills limit access to all locations in human joints and increase risk of heat necrosis of bone. Using a flexible water jet instrument to drill holes can improve the reachability of the defect without inducing thermal damage. The aim of this feasibility study is to determine whether water jet drilling is potentially safe compared with conventional microfracture awls by studying side effects and perioperative complications, as well as the quality of cartilage repair tissue.DesignTalar chondral defects with 6-mm diameter were created bilaterally in 6 goats (12 samples). One defect in each goat was treated with microfracture created with conventional awls, the contralateral defect was treated with holes created with 5-second water jet bursts at a pressure of 50 MPa. Postoperative complications were recorded and after 24 weeks analyses were performed using the ICRS (International Cartilage Repair Society) macroscopic score and modified O’Driscoll histological score.ResultsSeveral practical issues using the water jet in the operating theatre were noted. Water jet drilling resulted in fibrocartilage repair tissue similar to the repair tissue from conventional awls.ConclusionsThese results suggest that water jet drilling gives adequate fibrocartilage repair tissue. Furthermore, the results highlight essential prerequisites for safe application of surgical water jet drilling: stable water pressure, water jet beam coherence, stable positioning of the nozzle head when jetting, and minimizing excessive fluid extravasation.

EP06.26: The dark side of antenatal magnesium sulfate: high‐dose regimen is associated with brain damage in the preterm caprine model of chorioamnionitis

EP06.26: The dark side of antenatal magnesium sulfate: high‐dose regimen is associated with brain damage in the preterm caprine model of chorioamnionitis

118. Prospective animal study of 5 FDA-approved cervical artificial discs

BACKGROUND CONTEXT Cervical arthroplasty is an increasingly popular alternative surgical option to anterior cervical discectomy and fusion for patients with cervical spondylotic radiculopathy refractory to conservative management. A number of FDA-approved cervical artificial discs are on the market with varying designs. The artificial discs may be categorized in several ways, eg, constrained, semi-constrained, and unconstrained, in terms of the mobility of the axis of rotation. Alternatively, they may be classified based on the number of mobile components (typically one, two, or three components). Another way to classify them is to look at their articulation point: metal-on-metal, polymer-on-metal, or fluid-filled capsule. Despite the varying designs, most existing studies in the literature are focused on comparing one particular device to cervical arthrodesis. Studies providing direct in vivo comparison of these various designs are limited. PURPOSE The purpose of this study is to provide direct in vivo comparison of five mechanically and materialistically different FDA-approved cervical artificial discs by using a previously validated caprine model. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING We performed a prospective study of adult female Alpine goats. These goats underwent C3-4 cervical arthroplasty with an FDA-approved cervical artificial disc under general anesthesia. The animals were monitored in a veterinary unit for six months. X-ray imaging was performed at the time of surgery and at regular intervals up to six months. PATIENT SAMPLE A total of 21 goats underwent C3-4 cervical arthroplasty. Group A (n=5) received Bryan (Medtronic) (unconstrained one-piece enclosed design). Group B (n=5) received ProDisc-C (Centinel Spine) (semi-constrained two-piece open metal-on-polymer design). Group C (n=4) received Mobi-C (Biomet Zimmer) (unconstrained three-piece open metal-polymer-metal design). Group D (n=3) received Prestige LP (Medtronic) (semi-constrained two-piece open metal-on-metal design). Group E (n=4) received Secure C (Globus Medical) (semi-constrained three-piece open metal-polymer-metal design). OUTCOME MEASURES During the observation period, the goats were observed for signs of pain and alterations in behavior. Radiographs were used to assess for hardware-related complications. METHODS As outlined above. RESULTS No goat in Group A had adverse effects. One out of five goats in Group B had anterior extrusion at three months. All four goats in Group C experienced anterior extrusion (three at one week and one at one month). Three out of three goats in Group D demonstrated anterior migration (one extruded at two months; one extruded at three months; one migrated anteriorly but did not extrude by the end of three months). One out of four in Group E anteriorly migrated at one week but did not extrude. CONCLUSIONS This caprine model simulates a highly active and flexible human cervical spine. Open multipiece semi-constrained or unconstrained designs with permissible translation of axis of rotation may be susceptible to anterior migration and possibly complete extrusion out of the disc space followed by disintegration. This should be considered when evaluating a patient for possible cervical arthroplasty and choosing a specific cervical disc prosthesis. FDA DEVICE/DRUG STATUS Medtronic Bryan (Approved for this indication), Medtronic Prestige LP (Approved for this indication), Centinel Spine ProDisc-C (Approved for this indication), Biomet Zimmer LDR Mobi-C (Approved for this indication), Globus Secure C (Approved for this indication).

Inflammation-mediated fetal injury by maternal granulocyte-colony stimulating factor and high-dose intraamniotic endotoxin in the caprine model.

Objective:To define a novel experimental model with maternal intravenous (i.v.) granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) followed by a single- and high-dose of 20 mg intra-amniotic (IA) endotoxin to induce fetal brain injury in the preterm fetal goat.Materials and Methods:Pregnant goats (n=4) were given 50 microg/day G-CSF into the maternal jugular vein through gestational days 110-115 (term, 150 days). At gestational day 115, 20 mg of IA endotoxin was administered. Following preterm delivery at day 120 by cesarean section umbilical cord, fetal lung and brain tissues were harvested for histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and electron microscopy. Inflammatory markers were evaluated in the amniotic fluid and fetal plasma.Results:Necrotizing funisitis with abundant leukocyte infiltration and fetal brain injury was induced in all the fetuses in the experimental group.Conclusion:Maternal i.v. G-CSF for 5 days followed by 20 mg of IA endotoxin is a feasible caprine model to exacerbate intrauterine inflammation.