Lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory cytokine production by Schwann's cells dependent upon TLR4 expression.

Signaling of Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4) through its cognate ligand endotoxin appears critical in tissue inflammation associated with bacterial infection. We found that anti-GM1 antibody (Ab) enhances TLR4 expression in Schwann's cells (SCs) in vivo and in vitro. The anti-GM1 Ab-treated SC also showed increased release of pro-inflammation cytokines IL-1beta and TNF-alpha after incubation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS).

Antibiotic-impregnated cement spacer for bone defects of the forearm and hand.

Management of bone loss, particularly in the face of open or contaminated wounds, presents a reconstructive challenge. Polymethylmethacrylate impregnated with antibiotics has been used successfully in the treatment of infected total joint arthroplasty and open fractures. The cement delivers high-dose local concentrations of antibiotics while filling a space.

Intraarticular distal humerus fracture complicated by osteogenesis imperfecta treated with primary total elbow arthroplasty: a case report.

Intraarticular fractures of the distal humerus are challenging problems for the treating surgeon. When these fractures are complicated by severe comminution and poor bone quality, open reduction and internal fixation may lead to poor clinical outcomes when compared with those treated with primary total elbow arthroplasty. The population in which this clinical scenario most often arises is the elderly.

The accuracy of distal posterior interosseous and anterior interosseous nerve injection.

Purpose: To standardize a technique of delivering a local anesthetic to the posterior interosseous nerve (PIN) and anterior interosseous nerve (AIN) by using the anatomic landmarks of the wrist and to evaluate the accuracy of the technique in a cadaver model.

Methods: Techniques for PIN and AIN injection and for PIN injection alone are described. Techniques were tested in a fresh frozen cadaver model by using methylene blue injections.

Evaluation of the biocompatibility of a chitosan scaffold in mice.

Chitosan scaffolds appear to be suitable for a variety of tissue engineering applications. This study addressed the biocompatibility of chitosan in a mouse implantation model. Porous chitosan scaffolds were implanted in mice, and animals were sacrificed after 1, 2, 4, 8, or 12 weeks.