Musculoskeletal injuries in equine athletes represent one of the leading causes for sport-induced and career-ending injuries due to slow or incomplete tendon repair creating clinical challenges in functional repair and effective rehabilitation. As ideal strategies for tendon repair are being developed, testing these treatments begins with models. Three-dimensional (3D) tendon constructs provide an in vitro model highly representative of in vivo tendon. For some model species, protocols for cell seeding have been established, yet this is not the case for horse cells. Using a mouse 3D construct protocol with horse superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) cells led us to consider the need for protocol optimization for the horse cells. High cellularity in a construct could be advantageous due to the greater amount of cellular machinery for collagen production; however, more cells may produce spatial constraints thereby limiting area for collagen deposition. A balance between cell number and spatial constraint is necessary. Additionally, seeding technique – either by spreading the matrix or localizing – may affect mechanical or material properties due to differences in fibrinogen processing, collagen production and alignment. Biochemical, collagen content, and fibril ultrastructure organization analysis conducted on varying cell seeding concentrations (100,000, 300,000, and 500,000) showed that although not significant 300,000 cells per construct produced a more functionally and structurally reproducible construct. Assessing biomechanical and collagen content analysis for two seeding methods – local and spread – the localized method proved to be statistically stronger and more representative of in vivo tendon. Collectively, our findings show evidence that although cell seeding number does not ultimately affect the construct, the cell seeding method for three-dimensional constructs does affect the overall structure and function of the model tendon.

In our rapidly aging society, tendon and ligament injuries pose a tremendous socioeconomic burden with a great impact on mobility and patient quality of life. Understanding tendon/ligament development and maturation, pathogenesis, wound healing, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine approaches will be crucial. In this collection, we aim to showcase tendon and ligament research that spans the gamut of basic science to pre-clinical translation. These topics include but are not limited to tendon/ligament development and maturation, the pathogenesis of tendon and ligament injury, isolation and modification of stem cells and their products for regenerative medicine, identification and delivery of bioactive tenogenic/ligamentogenic molecules, development and characterization of bioactive and/or mechanically robust biomaterials in silico, in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo for tissue engineering, as well as the use of novel multidisciplinary methodologies and technologies including systems biology and synthetic biology approaches for studying tendons and ligaments as well as enhancing their repair and regeneration. With this collection, we aim to expose readers to inter- and multi-disciplinary biological and bioengineering techniques and research, which will stimulate broader discussion and advance our understanding to improve tendon/ligament repair and regeneration.

Tendon Regeneration: Understanding Tissue Physiology and Development to Engineer Functional Substitutes is the first book to highlight the multi-disciplinary nature of this specialized field and the importance of collaboration between medical and engineering laboratories in the development of tissue-oriented products for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine (TERM) strategies. Beginning with a foundation in developmental biology, the book explores physiology, pathology, and surgical reconstruction, providing guidance on biological approaches that enhances tendon regeneration practices. Contributions from scientists, clinicians, and engineers who are the leading figures in their respective fields present recent findings in tendon stem cells, cell therapies, and scaffold treatments, as well as examples of pre-clinical models for translational therapies and a view of the future of the field. - Provides an overview of tendon biology, disease, and tissue engineering approaches - Presents modern, alternative approaches to developing functional tissue solutions discussed - Includes valuable information for those interested in tissue engineering, tissue regeneration, tissue physiology, and regenerative medicine - Explores physiology, pathology, and surgical reconstruction, building a natural progression that enhances tendon regeneration practices - Covers recent findings in tendon stem cells, cell therapies, and scaffold treatments, as well as examples of pre-clinical models for translational therapies and a view of the future of the field

This new series, based on a bi-annual conference and its topics, represents a major contribution to the emerging science of cancer research and regenerative medicine. Each volume brings together some of the most pre-eminent scientists working on cancer biology, cancer treatment, cancer diagnosis, cancer prevention and regenerative medicine to share information on currently ongoing work which will help shape future therapies. These volumes are invaluable resources not only for already active researchers or clinicians but also for those entering these fields, plus those in industry. Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine is a proceedings volume which reflects papers presented at the 3rd bi-annual Innovations in Regenerative Medicine and Cancer Research conference; taken with its companion volume Stem Cells: Biology and Engineering it provides a complete overview of the papers from that meeting of international experts.

Equine MRI is a unique, comprehensive guide to MRI in the horse. Edited by Rachel Murray, a leading authority and researcher in the field with over ten years of equine clinical MRI experience, the book also includes contributions from worldwide experts in the subject. Divided into the following four sections, the book presents key information based on previous validation work and clinical practice: Principles of MRI, including the practicalities of image acquisition and interpretation Normal MRI anatomy and normal variations Different types of pathological change Options for clinical management and prognosis for different conditions MRI is a rapidly expanding area in veterinary medicine that confers detailed, three-dimensional information on both bone and soft tissue. Expanding clinical knowledge, improvements in technology, and practical application of MRI to the standing and recumbent horse means this useful imaging modality has become an integral and essential part of the diagnostic evaluation in lameness and is a realistic option for investigation of ophthalmological, neurological and cranial pathology. Equine MRI enables readers to understand the best ways to achieve good quality images, and provides a detailed explanation of the problems that may occur. With close to 950 normal and abnormal images, this book offers considerable detail and examples of both common and uncommon problems, making it a great reference for equine veterinarians, veterinary students, specialists in equine surgery, and specialists in veterinary imaging.