Hydrostatic pressure-generated reactive oxygen species induce osteoarthritic conditions in cartilage pellet cultures.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common causes of disability and represents a major socio-economic burden. Despite intensive research, the molecular mechanisms responsible for the initiation and progression of OA remain inconclusive. In recent years experimental findings revealed elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as a major factor contributing to the onset and progression of OA.

Perfusion Enhances Hypertrophic Chondrocyte Matrix Deposition, But Not the Bone Formation.

Perfusion bioreactors have been an effective tool in bone tissue engineering. Improved nutrient delivery and the application of shear forces have stimulated osteoblast differentiation and matrix production, allowing for generation of large, clinically sized constructs. Differentiation of hypertrophic chondrocytes has been considered an alternative strategy for bone tissue engineering.

Consumer exposure to certain ingredients of cosmetic products: The case for tea tree oil.

Reliable exposure data are essential to evaluate the safety of ingredients in cosmetics. The study reported here was carried out on behalf of the Australian Tea Tree Industry Association in order to support safety assessment of TTO in consumer cosmetic products. Data regarding the use of TTO-containing cosmetic products were collected through a web-survey among 2535 qualified users of validated TTO-containing cosmetics in 5 European countries.

Tissue-engineered hypertrophic chondrocyte grafts enhanced long bone repair.

Bone has innate ability to regenerate following injury. However, large and complex fractures exceed bone's natural repair capacity and result in non-unions, requiring external intervention to facilitate regeneration. One potential treatment solution, tissue-engineered bone grafts, has been dominated by recapitulating intramembranous ossification (bone formation by osteoblasts), although most serious bone injuries heal by endochondral ossification (bone formation by remodeling of hypertrophic cartilaginous anlage).

Endoscopic pancreatic sphincterotomy and stenting for preoperative prophylaxis of pancreatic fistula after distal pancreatectomy.

Background: Pancreatic fistula (PF) is the most common postoperative complication after distal pancreatectomy (DP). Endoscopic pancreatic sphincterotomy and drainage have been shown to be an effective treatment for PF. Recently, preoperative endoscopic pancreatic stenting was proposed to prevent PF, but there are no controlled trials so far.