Analysis of the conflicts of interest disclosed by the program reviewers of the scoliosis research society (SRS) congresses, 2010-2014.

Background: Conflicts of interest (COI) between industry and surgeons frequently introduce biases into surgical research. The abstracts submitted for presentation in scientific congresses are usually vetted for any indication of commercial bias. Members of review program committees regularly have recognized qualifications, and therefore certain COI are unavoidable.

The JAK2 pathway is activated in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Background: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is the most rapidly progressive and fatal fibrotic disorder, with no curative therapies. The signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) protein is activated in lung fibroblasts and alveolar type II cells (ATII), thereby contributing to lung fibrosis in IPF. Although activation of Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) has been implicated in proliferative disorders, its role in IPF is unknown.

Novel porcine experimental model of severe progressive thoracic scoliosis with compensatory curves induced by interpedicular bent rigid temporary tethering.

Unlabelled: Using flexible tethering techniques, porcine models of experimental scoliosis have shown scoliotic curves with vertebral wedging but very limited axial rotation. The aim of this experimental work was to induce a severe progressive scoliosis in a growing porcine model for research purposes. A unilateral spinal bent rigid tether was anchored to two ipsilateral pedicle screws in eight pigs.

Extraction of polyphenols in Himanthalia elongata and determination by high performance liquid chromatography with diode array detector prior to its potential use against oxidative stress.

Several studies have demonstrated the antioxidant capacity of seaweeds, which can be used for the development of biopharmaceuticals with extensive medical application. Antioxidant therapies appear to attenuate the organic deterioration originated by an excessive oxidative stress, which could prevent the harmful effects of various injuries such as ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) among others. Marine brown seaweeds play a significant role, as they are the only organisms on earth producing phlorotannins, which are polyphenols that exhibit important biological activity.

Use of cyanoacrylate adhesives in general surgery.

This paper presents a review of the use of cyanoacrylate adhesives (CA) in general surgery and digestive surgery, studies the mechanisms of action and interactions of CAs in adherent tissues, and compiles data on the latest experimental and clinical applications. More than seven million traumatic injuries are estimated to occur every year, and between 26 and 90 million surgical procedures using different techniques are performed to close the resulting wounds. Traditional methods not only are both useful and effective, but also have some drawbacks.