Bone Marrow Stromal Cells Generate a Pro-Healing Inflammasome When Cultured on Titanium-Aluminum-Vanadium Surfaces with Microscale/Nanoscale Structural Features.

The surface topography and chemistry of titanium-aluminum-vanadium (Ti6Al4V) implants play critical roles in the osteoblast differentiation of human bone marrow stromal cells (MSCs) and the creation of an osteogenic microenvironment. To assess the effects of a microscale/nanoscale (MN) topography, this study compared the effects of MN-modified, anodized, and smooth Ti6Al4V surfaces on MSC response, and for the first time, directly contrasted MN-induced osteoblast differentiation with culture on tissue culture polystyrene (TCPS) in osteogenic medium (OM). Surface characterization revealed distinct differences in microroughness, composition, and topography among the Ti6Al4V substrates.

Occupational therapists' experiences of hegemony in a mental health setting: A practice-based enquiry.

Background: Despite valuing occupation, occupational therapists report barriers to enacting occupation-based practice. One barrier noted in the literature is hegemony, the dominance of one social group's ideas over others. Specifically, biomedical and business models dominating healthcare are reported to significantly impact occupational therapists.

Diffusion changes in minimally invasive parafascicular approach for deep-seated tumours: impact on clinical outcomes.

Minimally invasive parafascicular surgery (MIPS) with the use of tubular retractors achieve a safe resection in deep seated tumours. Diffusion changes noted on postoperative imaging; the significance and clinical correlation of this remains poorly understood. Single centre retrospective cohort study of neuro-oncology patients undergoing MIPS.

Microbiota transplant for hepatic encephalopathy in cirrhosis: The THEMATIC trial.

Background: Preventing hepatic encephalopathy (HE) recurrence in cirrhosis, which is associated with an altered gut-liver-brain axis, is an unmet need. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is beneficial in phase-1 studies, but route and dose-related questions remain.

Methods: We performed a phase-2 randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, clinical trial of capsule and enema FMT in cirrhosis and HE on lactulose and rifaximin.

The HOPE4MCI study: AGB101 treatment slows progression of entorhinal cortex atrophy in ε4 non-carriers with mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer's disease.

Introduction: Hippocampal hyperactivity is a hallmark of prodromal Alzheimer's disease (AD) that predicts progression in patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI). AGB101 is an extended-release formulation of levetiracetam in the dose range previously demonstrated to normalize hippocampal activity and improve cognitive performance in aMCI. The HOPE4MCI study was a 78-week trial to assess the progression of MCI due to AD.