The Influence of Vitamin D Metabolism on Gene Expression, Matrix Production and Mineralization During Osteoprecursor Cell-Based Bone Development.

Background: Multipotential precursor cell lines derived from human bone marrow, capable of differentiating into cartilage or bone, may provide a useful tissue development model for studying the regulation and metabolism of putative growth and differentiation factors necessary for tissue regeneration. In mammals, the process of bone development depends on the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblast lineage cells, and the subsequent synthesis and mineralization of bone extracellular matrix (ECM). Vitamin D metabolites play a pivotal role in bone and mineral homeostasis, and are positive factors on bone development.

Extrahepatic 25-Hydroxylation of Vitamin D in an Engineered Osteoblast Precursor Cell Line Exploring the Influence on Cellular Proliferation and Matrix Maturation during Bone Development.

Osteoblastic precursors experience distinct stages during differentiation and bone development, which include proliferation, extracellular matrix (ECM) maturation, and ECM mineralization. It is well known that vitamin D plays a large role in the regulation of bone mineralization and homeostasis via the endocrine system. The activation of vitamin D requires two sequential hydroxylation steps, first in the kidney and then in the liver, in order to carry out its role in calcium homeostasis.

Ultrasonic wave propagation assessment of native cartilage explants and hydrogel scaffolds for tissue engineering.

Non-destructive techniques characterising the mechanical properties of cells, tissues, and biomaterials provide baseline metrics for tissue engineering design. Ultrasonic wave propagation and attenuation has previously demonstrated the dynamics of extracellular matrix synthesis in chondrocyte-seeded hydrogel constructs. In this paper, we describe an ultrasonic method to analyse two of the construct elements used to engineer articular cartilage in real-time, native cartilage explants and an agarose biomaterial.

Three-Dimensional Culture of Cells and Matrix Biomolecules for Engineered Tissue Development and Biokinetics Model Validation.

There has been considerable progress in cellular and molecular engineering due to recent advances in multiscale technology. Such technologies allow controlled manipulation of physiochemical interactions among cells in tissue culture. In particular, a novel chemomechanical bioreactor has recently been designed for the study of bone and cartilage tissue development, with particular focus on extracellular matrix formation.

Residual urinary volume and urinary tract infection, a life threatening illness: a case report.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory disease that demyelinates the central nervous system causing progressive disability. The urodynamics of MS patients is an important consideration because these patients are susceptible to acute urinary bladder retention associated with a high fever. Treatment should include irrigation using a Foley catheter and an irrigation syringe to remove residual urine and sediment from the neurogenic bladder, intravenous fluid resuscitation, bacteriological analysis of the residual urine, and admission to an Intensive Care Unit for further evaluation by a urologist.

A Multivariate Logistical Model for Identifying the Compressive Sensitivity of Single Rat Tactile Receptors as Nanobiosensors.

Tactile sensation is a complex manifestation of mechanical stimuli applied to the skin. At the most fundamental level of the somatosensory system is the cutaneous mechanoreceptor. The objective here was to establish a framework for modeling afferent mechanoreceptor behavior as a nanoscale biosensor under dynamic compressive loads using multivariate regression techniques.

Revolutionary advances in the diagnosis of vitamin D deficiency.

Vitamin D deficiency has bee associated with bone diseases, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and multiple sclerosis. Recent clinical studies have pointed out that these diseases could be prevented by either adequate sun exposure or oral vitamin D3 supplementation. In an effort to prevent these illnesses, emergency physicians and other clinicians must be aware of technological advances in the measurement of serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D.

A need for reorganization of the Food and Drug Administration.

The associate director for science and medicine in the Office of Drug Safety at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Dr. David Graham, reported that the FDA was incapable of protecting Americans from unsafe drugs. In testimony to the Senate Finance Committee, he stated that the FDA has let the American people down and betrayed public trust.

Revolutionary advances in enhancing patient comfort on patients transported on a backboard.

Background: Patients with suspected spinal cord injuries are immobilized to a backboard during ambulance and helicopter air transport. It has been well documented that patients who are immobilized to a backboard experience discomfort and eventually become susceptible to pressure ulcer formation. Because the patient lying on a backboard is subjected to high skin interface pressures, it is imperative to improve patient comfort and prevent pressure ulcer formation.

Nursing home fractures: a challenge and a solution.

Hip fracture occurrences in nursing homes are associated with high morbidity, mortality, and high health care costs in elderly people. In the United States, approximately 340,000 hip fractures occur each year, while more then 90% are associated with falls. Osteoporosis is a skeletal disorder causing impaired bone strength that increases the risk of fracture.

A case report: femoral fracture in a multiple sclerosis patient with vitamin d deficiency--a preventable injury.

In this report, we describe the management of a multiple sclerosis patient with a femoral fracture who had severe vitamin D deficiency. After the patient's preoperative laboratory studies revealed a normal platelet count, the orthopedic surgeon performed an intramedullary rod fixation on the patient's left femoral fracture. After the surgery, the diagnosis of vitamin D deficiency was made by measuring the circulating serum concentration of 25-dihydroxyvita-min D (25(OH)D) via Disorin's Vitamin D immunochemiluminometric assay LIASION by LabCorp (Laboratory Corporation of America).

An innovative advance in continuing medical education for emergency physicians and trauma surgeons.

Objective: For the past two years, we have tried to devise, unsuccessfully, a manual for physician's assistants and residents. The manual was not completed because we did not have a comprehensive field triage plan for injured patients.

Methods: A landmark publication written by members of the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control of the CDC provided comprehensive and detailed information on field triage of injured patients.

Reducing workers' compensation costs for latex allergy and litigation against glove manufacturing companies.

It has been well documented in the medical literature that powdered medical gloves can have serious consequences to patients and health-care workers. Adverse reactions to natural latex gloves, such as contact dermatitis and urticaria, occupational asthma, and anaphylaxis, have been documented as a significant cause of Workers' Compensation claims among health-care workers. While the cost of examination and surgical gloves is significant, this factor must be considered with the total cost of Workers' Compensation claims and possible litigation bestowed upon hospitals and glove manufacturing companies.

Pandemic preparedness for swine flu influenza in the United States.

In March and early April 2009, Mexico experienced outbreaks of influenza caused by the H1N1 virus, which has spread throughout the world. With the pandemic of H1N1 infections, we have discussed in this scientific article strategies that should limit the spread of the influenza A (H1N1) virus in our country. Specific vaccines against the influenza H1N1 virus are being manufactured, and a licensed vaccine is expected to be available in the United States by mid-October 2009.

Revolutionary advances in the prevention of demyelinating diseases.

This collective review focuses on three major factors that influence the incidences of multiple sclerosis (MS) to include ultraviolet radiation (UVR), vitamin D3 supplementation, and vitamin D receptor gene (VDRG) polymorphisms. In general, the rate of MS increases with latitude. Individuals tend to carry their original risk with them if they migrate to a different latitude after adolescence.

Scientific documentation of the relationship of vitamin D deficiency and the development of cancer.

It is well known that vitamin D plays a key role in calcium homeostasis and is important for optimal skeletal growth. The major function of vitamin D is to enhance the efficiency of calcium absorption from the small intestine. Most physicians relate vitamin D deficiency to disorders of skeletal muscle.

Dangers of cornstarch powder on medical gloves: seeking a solution.

This article reviews information on the hazards of cornstarch powder on medical gloves. Dusting powders were first applied to latex gloves to facilitate donning. After 1980, manufacturers devised innovative techniques without dusting powder.

Revolutionary advances in the management of traumatic wounds in the emergency department during the last 40 years: part II.

Background And Objectives: During the last four decades, our research team has devised advances in wound repair that are highlighted in Part II of this collective review.

Discussion: There are several different methods to provide an accurate and secure approximation of the skin edges-sutures, tapes, staples, and tissue adhesives. Ideally, the selection of the wound closure technique will be based on the biologic interaction of the materials employed, tissue configuration, and biomechanical properties of the trauma wound.

Revolutionary advances in the management of traumatic wounds in the emergency department during the last 40 years: part I.

Background And Objectives: This report provides an overview of advances in wound repair devised by our research team during the last four decades. This collective review is presented in two parts.

Discussion: The following components are included in Part I: 1) search and treat life-threatening trauma; 2) conduct a thorough history; 3) examine the wound using aseptic technique; 4) anesthetize the wound before cleansing; 5) hair removal, skin disinfection, hemostasis, surgical debridement, and mechanical cleansing; 6) antibiotics, drains, and open wound management.