Tolerability of N-chlorotaurine in comparison with routinely used antiseptics: an in vitro study on chondrocytes.

Background: Currently, povidone-iodine (PVP-I) and hydrogen peroxide (HO) are frequently used antiseptics in joint infections, but the cytotoxic effects of these solutions are already reported. N-chlorotaurine (NCT) shows a broad-spectrum bactericidal activity and is well tolerated in various tissues, but its effect on human chondrocytes is unknown. The purpose of this study was to assess the cytotoxic effect of NCT, PVP-I, and HO on human chondrocytes compared to a control group in an in vitro setting to get first indications if NCT might be a promising antiseptic in the treatment of septic joint infections for the future.

Dupilumab-associated head and neck dermatitis shows a pronounced type 22 immune signature mediated by oligoclonally expanded T cells.

Dupilumab, an IL4R-blocking antibody, has shown clinical efficacy for atopic dermatitis (AD) treatment. In addition to conjunctivitis/blepharitis, the de novo appearance of head/neck dermatitis is now recognized as a distinct side effect, occurring in up to 10% of patients. Histopathological features distinct from AD suggest a drug effect, but exact underlying mechanisms remain unknown.

Antimicrobial potential and osteoblastic cell growth on electrochemically modified titanium surfaces with nanotubes and selenium or silver incorporation.

Titanium nanotube surfaces containing silver, zinc, and copper have shown antimicrobial effects without decreasing osteoblastic cell growth. In this in-vitro study we present first results on the biological evaluation of surface modifications by incorporating selenium and silver compounds into titanium-dioxide (TiO) nanotubes by electrochemical deposition. TiO-nanotubes (TNT) and Phosphate-doped TNT (pTNT) were grown on the surface of Ti6Al4V discs by anodization.

Utility of Absolute Quantification in Non-lesional Extratemporal Lobe Epilepsy Using FDG PET/MR Imaging.

The purpose of this study was to establish a non-invasive clinical PET/MR protocol using [F]-labeled deoxyglucose (FDG) that provides physicians with regional metabolic rate of glucose (MRGlc) values and to clarify the contribution of absolute quantification to clinical management of patients with non-lesional extratemporal lobe epilepsy (ETLE). The study included a group of 15 patients with non-lesional ETLE who underwent a dynamic FDG PET study using a fully-integrated PET/MRI system (Siemens Biograph). FDG tracer uptake images were converted to MRGlc (μmol/100 g/min) maps using an image derived input function that was extracted based on the combined analysis of PET and MRI data.

Zirconium Nitride Coating Reduced Staphylococcus epidermidis Biofilm Formation on Orthopaedic Implant Surfaces: An In Vitro Study.

Background: One of the most commonly identified pathogens responsible for orthopaedic implant infection is Staphylococcus epidermidis, which can form biofilms on surfaces. Currently, orthopaedic implants made of various surface materials are available, each with features influencing osseointegration, biocompatibility, and adherence of bacteria to the surface, which is the first step in biofilm formation. The aim of this experimental study was to investigate the effect of a high tribologic-resistant 2.

Towards quantitative [18F]FDG-PET/MRI of the brain: Automated MR-driven calculation of an image-derived input function for the non-invasive determination of cerebral glucose metabolic rates.

Absolute quantification of PET brain imaging requires the measurement of an arterial input function (AIF), typically obtained invasively via an arterial cannulation. We present an approach to automatically calculate an image-derived input function (IDIF) and cerebral metabolic rates of glucose (CMRGlc) from the [18F]FDG PET data using an integrated PET/MRI system. Ten healthy controls underwent test-retest dynamic [18F]FDG-PET/MRI examinations.

Combined [18F]-Fluoroethylcholine PET/CT and 99mTc-Macroaggregated Albumin SPECT/CT Predict Survival in Patients With Intermediate-Stage Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Aim: The aim of this study was to retrospectively analyze the prognostic value of combined Tc-macroaggregated albumin (MAA) SPECT/CT and [F]-fluoroethylcholine (FEC) PET/CT before radioembolization for survival of patients with intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma.

Methods: Twenty-four patients with known hepatocellular carcinoma Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage B were eligible for this analysis. All patients were scheduled for radioembolization and received a pretherapeutic [F]FEC PET/CT scan as well as Tc-MAA SPECT/CT for hepatopulmonary shunting.

Evaluation of 6- and 12-month supervised exercise training on strength and endurance parameters in patients with peripheral arterial disease.

Background: The classic symptom of peripheral arterial disease is the intermittent claudication (IC). Generally, endurance training is recommended to improve patients' walking performance. A potential benefit of the combination with strength training and the optimal duration of such an exercise program remain unclear.

Differential bacterial load on components of total knee prosthesis in patients with prosthetic joint infection.

Purpose: The purpose of our study was to evaluate and quantify the bacterial adherence on different components of total knee prosthesis with the sonication culture method.

Methods: Explanted components of all patients with presumptive prosthetic or implant infection were treated by sonication separately in sterile containers to dislodge the adherent bacteria from the surfaces and cultured. The bacterial load of the different knee components (femur, tibia, PE-inlay and patella) was evaluated by counting of colony-forming units (CFU) dislodged from the components surfaces using the sonication culture method.

Taurine chloramine induces apoptosis in human osteosarcoma cell lines.

Although combination of surgery with chemotherapy has noticeably improved the survival rate of osteosarcoma patients, the application of anticancer drugs is still associated with significant adverse reactions, for instance acquisition of drug-resistant phenotypes, necessitating the development of new chemotherapeutical agents. Therefore, the aim of this study was to research, if taurine chloramine (NCT) induces apoptosis in the osteosarcoma cell lines HOS, MG-63, and SAOS-2. Proliferation of osteosarcoma cells was detected with the "EZ4U Cell Proliferation and Cyotoxicity Assay" showing a time- and dose-dependent cytotoxic effect of NCT on these cell lines.

An in vitro model of biomaterial-augmented microfracture including chondrocyte-progenitor cell interaction.

Background: Biomaterials, acting as scaffolds for cell migration and differentiation, may be used to improve outcomes after microfracture. Three mechanisms determine the success of such procedures and are tested herein: the general capacity of adult femoral mesenchymal progenitor cells (MPC) to differentiate into cartilage, their capacity to do so in a biomaterial, and finally potential interactions between MPC and autologous chondrocytes.

Methods: Human adult chondrocytes and MPC were obtained with informed consent and cultured individually or in co-culture on a collagenous biomaterial.