Cryopreservation of Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells for Use in Regional Gene Therapy for Bone Repair.

The development of an regional gene therapy clinical pathway using adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) may require cryopreservation for cell culture, storage, and transport prior to clinical use. ASCs isolated from five donors were transduced with a lentiviral vector containing . Three groups were assessed: transduction without cell freezing (group 1), freezing of cells for 3 weeks followed by transduction (group 2), and cell transduction prior to freezing (group 3).

A Strategic Plan for Increasing Scholarly Activity Among Medical Students, Residents, and Faculty.

Background: Scholarly activity among students, residents, and faculty provides the foundation for medical education. However, a decline in the number of physician-scientists has been acknowledged during the past few decades. As a result, institutions have attempted to increase research activity among students and residents through a variety of means.

In vitro evaluation of a lentiviral two-step transcriptional amplification system using GAL4FF transactivator for gene therapy applications in bone repair.

In this study, we developed a lentiviral two-step transcriptional amplification (TSTA) system expressing bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) under the control of a GAL4FF transactivator to enhance gene expression and limit toxicity for bone repair applications. To this end human MSCs, isolated from bone marrow or adipose tissue, were transduced overnight with a LV-TSTA system (GAL4FF or GAL4vp16) expressing BMP-2 or GFP and evaluated in vitro for transduction efficiency, mean fluorescence intensity, cell viability, and BMP-2 production. FACS analysis of GFP-transduced MSCs confirmed successful transduction with the GAL4FF+GFP vector.

Gene Therapy for Bone Repair Using Human Cells: Superior Osteogenic Potential of Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2-Transduced Mesenchymal Stem Cells Derived from Adipose Tissue Compared to Bone Marrow.

Ex vivo regional gene therapy strategies using animal mesenchymal stem cells genetically modified to overexpress osteoinductive growth factors have been successfully used in a variety of animal models to induce both heterotopic and orthotopic bone formation. However, in order to adapt regional gene therapy for clinical applications, it is essential to assess the osteogenic capacity of transduced human cells and choose the cell type that demonstrates the best clinical potential. Bone-marrow stem cells (BMSC) and adipose-derived stem cells (ASC) were selected in this study for in vitro evaluation, before and after transduction with a lentiviral two-step transcriptional amplification system (TSTA) overexpressing bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2; LV-TSTA-BMP-2) or green fluorescent protein (GFP; LV-TSTA-GFP).

Charcot Collapse: Does Collapse Pattern Dictate Osseous Metabolism?

Unlabelled: Charcot fracture pattern (FP) and Charcot dislocation pattern (DP) are 2 distinct collapse patterns identified in Charcot neuroarthropathy of the foot and ankle. These patterns are believed to demonstrate relative differences in central bone mineral density (BMD), which has been theoretically extrapolated to describe local BMD. To assess variation in local bone composition of FP and DP patients, 10 patients, 5 DP and 5 FP were recruited.

Relationship Between Academic Performance and Student Self-Assessment of Clinical Performance in the College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery.

Background: Student self-assessment is viewed as an important tool in medical education. We sought to identify the relationship between student academic performance and third-year clinical performance self-assessment. No such study exists in podiatric medical education.

A retrospective review of the effect of metatarsus adductus on healing time in the fifth metatarsal jones fracture.

Purpose: The fifth metatarsal Jones fracture is a unique injury. Previous studies have identified possible biomechanical risk factors related to this fracture, as well as potential subsequent effects on bone healing complications. The purpose of this retrospective study was to determine the effect of metatarsus adductus (MAA) on bone healing in patients following intramedullary screw fixation of the Jones fracture.

Undergraduate GPAs, MCAT scores, and academic performance the first 2 years in podiatric medical school at Des Moines University.

Background: This study was performed to determine the relationship between undergraduate academic performance and total Medical College Admission Test score and academic performance in the podiatric medical program at Des Moines University. The allopathic and osteopathic medical professions have published educational research examining this relationship. To our knowledge, no such educational research has been published for podiatric medical education.

A biomechanical analysis of the effects of low-Dye taping on arch deformation during gait.

Background: The low-Dye technique serves to limit hindfoot pronation and medial arch collapse. Few studies exist that investigate the effects on medial arch deformation from a biomechanical perspective.

Methods: Kinematic data was collected using a Motion Analysis System.

The association of metatarsus adductus to the proximal fifth metatarsal Jones fracture.

This retrospective study aimed to determine if a transverse plane forefoot relationship exists in patients with Jones fractures. Anteroposterior radiographs of 30 acute Jones fractures were compared with radiographs of 30 asymptomatic control subjects. Radiographic metatarsus adductus angle measurements were analyzed with a digital software program.

Relationship between student academic and clinical performance in podiatric medical education at Des Moines University.

Background: This study was performed to determine whether a relationship exists regarding academic achievement between years 1 and 2 of podiatric medical education at Des Moines University. Furthermore, this study evaluates the relationship between academic performance in the first 2 years and clinical performance in year 3.

Methods: The academic records of four classes (2007-2010, N = 164) were examined for grade point averages and clinical performance scores using pairwise Pearson product moment correlations.

Peripheral and central bone mineral density in Charcot's neuroarthropathy compared in diabetic and nondiabetic populations.

Background: This prospective study was performed to compare calcaneal and lumbar bone mineral density (BMD) in individuals with and without diabetes mellitus. We compared bone density with the time from onset of Charcot's neuroarthropathy (CN) in patients with unilateral, nonoperative, reconstructive-stage CN. The final purpose was to investigate the role that sex, age, and serum vitamin D level may have in osseous recovery.

Navicular stress reactions in runners: a review of evaluation and management of a competitive athlete.

Navicular stress injuries in athletes can be devastating. Clinical findings are frequently nonspecific until significant progression of the abnormality has occurred. The use of diagnostic imaging techniques early in the discovery period increases the likelihood of establishing an immediate diagnosis and avoids frank fracture of the navicular bone.

Admission characteristics and academic performance of podiatric and osteopathic medical students at Des Moines University.

Background: Podiatric and osteopathic medical students at Des Moines University take the same basic science medical curriculum. The first course students complete is medical biochemistry. The final common course is the second-year medical pharmacology course.

Admission characteristics and academic performance of podiatric and osteopathic medical students at Des Moines University.

In this study, the admissions data and initial academic performance of osteopathic medical students were significantly statistically higher than that of podiatric medical students at Des Moines University. Once attrition occurred in year one, the academic performance between these groups of medical students was no longer statistically significant and can be considered comparable. The challenge for podiatric medicine is to increase the applicant-to-seat ratio and admit classes with admissions qualifications similar to other health professions.

A comparison of vitamin D levels in nondiabetic and diabetic patient populations.

Background: This study was designed to compare the vitamin D levels in a cohort of nondiabetic patients to populations of diabetic patients with and without Charcot neuroarthropathy.

Methods: A total of 41 participants (22 male, 19 female) with a mean +/- SD age of 59 +/- 9.43 years had serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels tested.

Chopart's amputation: a 10-year case study.

The purpose of this case study was to review the 10-year outcome of a patient with a history of diabetes, pedal osteomyelitis, and peripheral vascular disease, who underwent a Chopart's amputation of the right foot. Key evaluative elements to consider for long-term success of any amputation include the vascular status of the foot, control of infection, adequate soft tissue coverage, biomechanics associated with amputation, the metabolic challenge of amputation, and the psychosocial consequences linked to loss of a limb. The results of the case study show that Chopart's amputation is an excellent limb salvage surgical option that can achieve beneficial long-term outcomes in properly selected patients.

Elephantiasis nostras verrucosa.

Swelling of the leg is a frequent finding in podiatric medicine. Unless the patient draws notice to the condition or the physician is diligent in asking questions and examining the extremity, the condition may be viewed as minor and given little attention. Swelling of the leg can be a clinical sign of certain systemic diseases, lymphatic and venous disorders, or other miscellaneous causes.

A new tool for assessing standard of care in medical malpractice cases.

Background: Physician experts hired and prepared by litigants provide most of the information on standard of care for medical malpractice cases. Since this information may not be objective or accurate, the authors examined the feasibility and potential value of surveying peer physicians to assess standard of care.

Methods: The survey method for assessing standard of care was evaluated for a medical malpractice case involving an abdominoplasty that had a poor cosmetic result.

Review of the liposuction, abdominoplasty, and face-lift mortality and morbidity risk literature.

Background: The statistical discrepancies that exist in the mortality and morbidity risk literature are such that surgeons and patients cannot accurately assess the true risk rates associated with plastic surgery procedures.

Objectives And Methods: To review any relevant literature published to date in which the risk rates from liposuction, abdominoplasty, and rhytidectomy are cited and to reassess these figures alongside those published for both elective and emergency general surgeries.

Results And Conclusion: Despite the lack of reliable, comprehensive reporting of deaths and complications resulting from cosmetic surgeries, published data demonstrate that the risks associated with liposuction and rhytidectomy compare favorably with those from most general surgical procedures.

Hepatitis C: a review.

Hepatitis C virus is an RNA virus in the Flavivirus family that was identified in 1989. Since then, blood donor screening has reduced the incidence of acute infections; however, because this virus frequently leads to asymptomatic chronic infection, the prevalence of infection remains high. Chronic infection leads to increased risks of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, as well as extrahepatic manifestations.