Multipad agarose plate: a rapid and high-throughput approach for antibiotic susceptibility testing.

We describe a phenotypic antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) method that can provide an eightfold speed-up in turnaround time compared with the current clinical standard by leveraging advances in microscopy and single-cell imaging. A newly developed growth plate containing 96 agarose pads, termed the multipad agarose plate (MAP), can be assembled at low cost. Pads can be prepared with dilution series of antibiotics.

Clinical Outcomes and Survivorship of Hybrid Total Hip Arthroplasty Performed Through the Anterior Approach.

Introduction: There is growing evidence that cemented femoral stems have lower complication rates in the elderly due to lower rates of periprosthetic fracture. The main objective of this study was to analyze the survival rate of a hybrid total hip arthroplasty (THA) construct utilizing a taper-slip femoral stem implanted through the anterior approach (AA). Secondary outcome measures were the complication rate, the rate of aseptic loosening, coronal plane alignment of the stem, and the grade of the cement mantle.

Revisiting Cemented Femoral Fixation in Hip Arthroplasty.

➤: The primary means of femoral fixation in North America is cementless, and its use is increasing worldwide, despite registry data and recent studies showing a higher risk of periprosthetic fracture and early revision in elderly patients managed with such fixation than in those who have cemented femoral fixation.

➤: Cemented femoral stems have excellent long-term outcomes and a continued role, particularly in elderly patients.

➤: Contrary to historical concerns, recent studies have not shown an increased risk of death with cemented femoral fixation.

Ultrasound-Guided Adductor Canal Block Versus Intraoperative Transarticular Saphenous Nerve Block: A Retrospective Analysis.

Background: The ultrasound-guided adductor canal block (High-ACB) is an effective option for pain control in total knee arthroplasty (TKA), but its use can add substantial cost and preparatory time to a TKA procedure. An intraoperative adductor canal block (Low-ACB) performed by the operative surgeon has been described as an alternative. The hypothesis of this study is that the Low-ACB would achieve noninferior pain control and opioid utilization postoperatively when compared to the High-ACB.

Tobacco Smoking Independently Predicts Lower Patient-Reported Outcomes: New Insights on a Forgotten Epidemic.

Background: Although smoking is a well-accepted risk factor for surgical complications, the effect of smoking on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) has not been previously investigated. Prompted by an increasingly value-conscious healthcare environment, the purpose of this study is to investigate the association between smoking and PROs in total joint arthroplasty (TJA).

Methods: A retrospective review of 713 primary total hip and knee replacements was performed.

Autocrine and Paracrine Secretion of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in the Pre-Hypoxic Diabetic Retina.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is well established as the main agent responsible for vascular leakage and angiogenesis in the diabetic retina. While VEGF can have positive effects on hyperglycemia stressed retinal tissues, it also plays a role in events progressing to the oxygen- stressed, i.e.

Fibrin Scaffold as a Carrier for Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Growth Factors in Shoulder Rotator Cuff Repair.

With an increase in the aging population, rotator cuff tears are becoming more common. High failure rates with shoulder rotator cuff repair surgery have been persistent, prompting the introduction of biologic methods to promote healing. The aim of the present technique is to deliver stem cells and growth factors to the footprint of the repair site.

US definitions, current use, and FDA stance on use of platelet-rich plasma in sports medicine.

With increased utilization of platelet-rich plasma (PRP), it is important for clinicians to understand the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulatory role and stance on PRP. Blood products such as PRP fall under the prevue of FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER). CBER is responsible for regulating human cells, tissues, and cellular and tissue-based products.

The role of microglia in diabetic retinopathy.

There is growing evidence that chronic inflammation plays a role in both the development and progression of diabetic retinopathy. There is also evidence that molecules produced as a result of hyperglycemia can activate microglia. However the exact contribution of microglia, the resident immune cells of the central nervous system, to retinal tissue damage during diabetes remains unclear.

Upper extremity deep venous thromboembolism following arthroscopic labral repair of the shoulder and biceps tenodesis: a case report.

Study Design: Case Report.

Background: Upper extremity deep vein thrombosis (UEDVT) is a rare complication following arthroscopic shoulder surgery. However, it is possible that a patient with an UEDVT will present to physical therapy as the first service to interact with the patient following surgery.

In vitro evaluation of the anti-bacterial effect of two preparations of platelet rich plasma compared with cefazolin and whole blood.

Purpose: This study investigates the antibacterial properties of two different platelet-rich plasma (PRP) platelet concentration preparations (PRPLP and PRPHP) through a time-kill assay.

Methods: Two different PRP preparations - a single spin process yielding lower white blood cells and platelet concentration (PRPLP) and one yielding high platelet and white blood cell concentration (PRPHP) - were obtained from 2 individuals. PRPLP, PRPHP, phosphate buffered saline (PBS), whole blood and Cefazolin were added to experimental reaction tubes, each containing a single bacterial inoculum of Staphylococcus aureus (S.

Effects of tamoxifen versus raloxifene on retinal capillary endothelial cell proliferation.

Purpose: Endothelial cell proliferation in angiogenesis is active in conditions such as cancers and diabetic retinopathy. Tamoxifen (T) and raloxifene (R) have been compared in numerous studies as a prophylaxis for breast cancer, and T is used to treat breast cancer. T, unlike R, has been linked to an increase in uterine cancers, thrombo-embolic events, and cataract.

Increasing proportions of tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive interneurons colocalize with choline acetyltransferase or vasoactive intestinal peptide in the developing rat cerebral cortex.

Cortical interneurons are critical for information processing, and their dysfunction has been implicated in neurological disorders. One subset of this diverse cell population expresses tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) during postnatal rat development. Cortical TH-immunoreactive neurons appear at postnatal day (P) 16.

Lasing and optical gain around 500 nm from optically pumped lasers grown on c-plane GaN substrates.

Using the variable stripe length method we demonstrated positive net optical gain around 500 nm for an optically pumped laser with InGaN/GaN multiple quantum wells grown on c-plane freestanding GaN substrates. We found that owing to low optical gain, reducing optical losses is crucial to increasing lasing wavelength. We demonstrated lasing at 502 nm by using a 3-mm-long cavity with cleaved facets.

A novel cone visual cycle in the cone-dominated retina.

The visual processing of humans is primarily reliant upon the sensitivity of cone photoreceptors to light during daylight conditions. This underscores the importance of understanding how cone photoreceptors maintain the ability to detect light. The vertebrate retina consists of a combination of both rod and cone photoreceptors.

Photic history modifies susceptibility to retinal damage in albino trout.

Albino vertebrates exposed to intense light typically lose photoreceptors via apoptosis, and thus serve as useful models of retinal degeneration. In contrast, albino rainbow trout exposed to intense light maintain populations of rod and cone nuclei despite substantial damage to rod outer segments (ROS). The aim of this study was to differentiate between two hypotheses that could account for this divergent result: (1) trout rod nuclei remain intact during light damage, or (2) rod nuclei die but are replaced by cell proliferation.

A clinical study to compare the anticalculus efficacy of three dentifrice formulations.

The objective of this double-blind clinical study, conducted in harmony with the accepted Volpe-Manhold design for studies of dental calculus, was to compare the supragingival anticalculus efficacy of three commercially available dentifrice formulations. The test toothpastes were Colgate Total Plus Whitening Toothpaste with an added high cleaning silica base, Crest Multi-Care Advanced Cleaning Toothpaste, and Colgate Winterfresh Gel. Adult male and female subjects from the northern New Jersey area were entered into the study based on a pre-test (baseline) Volpe-Manhold Calculus Index score of 7.

The clinical efficacy of Colgate Total Plus Whitening Toothpaste containing a special grade of silica and Colgate Total Fresh Stripe Toothpaste in the control of plaque and gingivitis: a six-month clinical study.

The objective of this six-month, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical study, conducted in harmony with American Dental Association guidelines, was to provide an assessment of the effectiveness of a new dentifrice formulation of Colgate Total Toothpaste containing a special grade of silica (Colgate Total Plus Whitening Toothpaste), vs. Colgate Total Fresh Stripe Toothpaste as a control, and a placebo dentifrice without triclosan and the copolymer, for the control of supragingival dental plaque and gingivitis. Adult male and female subjects from the state of New Jersey were entered into the study, and stratified into three treatment groups which were balanced for baseline Quigley-Hein Plaque Index scores and baseline Löe-Silness Gingival Index scores.