Of cells and tissues: Identifying the elements of a diabetic cardiac in vitro study model.

This study aimed to elucidate the impact of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and glucose shock on cardiomyocyte viability, gene expression, cardiac biomarkers, and cardiac contractility. Firstly, AGEs were generated in-house, and their concentration was confirmed using absorbance measurements. AC16 cardiomyocytes were then exposed to varying doses of AGEs, resulting in dose-dependent decreases in cell viability.

Mortality predictors and definition proposal for complicated coagulase-negative Staphylococcus bacteremia. A multicenter prospective cohort study.

Objective: To explore a definition for complicated coagulase-negative staphylococci bloodstream infections (CoNS BSI), and to identify predictors for mortality.

Methods: Prospective cohort study conducted from October 2016 to March 2017 in 26 Spanish hospitals. Complicated CoNS BSI criteria included lack of early catheter removal in catheter-related cases, foreign indwelling implant, persistent bacteremia, fever ≥72 hours on active therapy, metastatic infection or deep-seated focus and infective endocarditis.

Fear of missing out: Drug availability in the United States vs Canada.

Background: Per capita spending on drugs in the United States is double that of Canada. One commonly debated point when comparing the 2 countries is whether this additional spending allows residents of the United States access to valuable therapies not available in Canada.

Objective: To characterize the therapeutic value of prescription drugs used in the United States that are not marketed in Canada.