Objective To compare the bursting strength and failure mode of ventral midline celiotomy closed with a simple continuous suture pattern with 1 of 2 knot combinations, a novel self‐locking knot combination of a forwarder start with an Aberdeen end knot (F‐A) and a traditional combination of a surgeon's start with a surgeon's end knot (S‐S). Study design Ex vivo experimental. Sample population Equine cadavers (n = 14). Methods A 20‐cm ventral midline celiotomy was created in 14 equine cadavers. Horses were assigned to celiotomy closure with an F‐A or S‐S knot combination. Prior to closure, a 200‐L inflatable bladder was placed in the abdomen and then insufflated until failure of the celiotomy closure. The horses’ signalment, weight, breed, and age, as well as knot combination type, mode of failure, closure time, and bursting strength (mm Hg) were recorded. Results The median bursting strength was significantly greater when incisions were closed with the F‐A knot combination (388 mm Hg) compared with the S‐S knot combination (290 mm Hg) (P = .035). Most incisions failed along the fascia when closed with F‐A combinations and at the knot when closed with S‐S combinations. Conclusion The bursting strength of ventral midline incisions in equine cadavers was increased by an average of 25% when closed with the self‐locking F‐A knot combination. Clinical significance Closing ventral midline celiotomies with an F‐A knot combination may provide a more secure closure than the traditional S‐S knot combination. Additional in vivo investigation is required prior to recommending this closure in clinical cases.

Objectives This report describes the use of a minimally invasive standing pastern arthrodesis technique for the treatment of osteoarthritis in horses and documents its clinical outcome in 12 horses. Materials and Methods Medical records and radiographs of horses diagnosed with proximal interphalangeal joint osteoarthritis that underwent standing pastern arthrodesis using transarticular screws were reviewed. Follow-up information for determination of outcome was obtained via phone interview with the owners. Results Twelve horses (15 limbs) were included in the study. Radiographical findings revealed severe osteoarthritis in 12/15 limbs and moderate osteoarthritis in 3/15 limbs. Follow-up information was available for 11/12 cases (13/15 limbs). Phone surveys with the owners revealed that 8/11 horses were performing at their previous activity level or higher. Two horses remained lame. One horse developed a surgical site infection and was euthanatized. The average time for horses to return to their previous level of activity was 6.5 months (range: 1–18 months). Clinical Significance Stabilization of the proximal interphalangeal joint in horses with moderate-to-severe osteoarthritis can be performed using this minimally invasive standing technique. This procedure can be performed safely and provides a similar outcome when compared with other described techniques.

Human-adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hADMSCs) are adult stem cells and are relatively easy to access compared to other sources of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). They have shown immunomodulation properties as well as effects in improving tissue regeneration. To better stimulate and preserve the therapeutic properties of hADMSCs, biomaterials for cell delivery have been studied extensively. To date, hyaluronic acid (HA)-based materials have been most widely adopted by researchers around the world. PGmatrix is a new peptide-based hydrogel that has shown superior functional properties in 3D cell cultures. Here, we reported the in vitro and in vivo functional effects of PGmatrix on hADMSCs in comparison with HA and HA-based Hystem hydrogels. Our results showed that PGmatrix was far superior in maintaining hADMSC viability during prolonged incubation and stimulated expression of SSEA4 (stage-specific embryonic antigen-4) in hADMSCs. hADMSCs encapsulated in PGmatrix secreted more immune-responsive proteins than those in HA or Hystem, though similar VEGF-A and TGFβ1 release levels were observed in all three hydrogels. In vivo studies revealed that hADMSCs encapsulated with PGmatrix showed improved skin wound healing in diabetic-induced mice at an early stage, suggesting possible anti-inflammatory effects, though similar re-epithelialization and collagen density were observed among PGmatrix and HA or Hystem hydrogels by day 21.

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