Expression of Chondrogenic Potential Markers in Cultured Chondrocytes from the Human Knee Joint.

Objectives: While substantial progress has been made in engineering cartilaginous constructs for animal models, further research is needed to translate these methodologies for human applications. Evidence suggests that cultured autologous chondrocytes undergo changes in phenotype and gene expression, thereby affecting their proliferation and differentiation capacity. This study was designed to evaluate the expression of chondrogenic markers in cultured human articular chondrocytes from passages 3 (P3) and 7 (P7), beyond the current clinical recommendation of P3.

Exploring the use of rating scales with entrustment anchors in workplace-based assessment.

Purpose: Competency-based medical education (CBME) has prompted widespread implementation of workplace-based assessment (WBA) tools using entrustment anchors. This study aimed to identify factors that influence faculty's rating choices immediately following assessment and explore their experiences using WBAs with entrustment anchors, specifically the Ottawa Surgical Competency Operating Room Evaluation scale.

Method: A convenience sample of 50 semi-structured interviews with Emergency Medicine (EM) physicians from a single Canadian hospital were conducted between July and August 2019.

Sacro-Iliac Joint Sensory Block and Radiofrequency Ablation: Assessment of Bony Landmarks Relevant for Image-Guided Procedures.

Image-guided sensory block and radiofrequency ablation of the nerves innervating the sacro-iliac joint require readily identifiable bony landmarks for accurate needle/electrode placement. Understanding the relative locations of the transverse sacral tubercles along the lateral sacral crest is important for ultrasound guidance, as they demarcate the position of the posterior sacral network (S1-S3 ± L5/S4) innervating the posterior sacro-iliac joint. No studies were found that investigated the spatial relationships of these bony landmarks.

Enhancement of artemisinin concentration and yield in response to optimization of nitrogen and potassium supply to Artemisia annua.

Background And Aims: The resurgence of malaria, particularly in the developing world, is considerable and exacerbated by the development of single-gene multi-drug resistances to chemicals such as chloroquinone. Drug therapies, as recommended by the World Health Organization, now include the use of antimalarial compounds derived from Artemisia annua--in particular, the use of artemisinin-based ingredients. Despite our limited knowledge of its mode of action or biosynthesis there is a need to secure a supply and enhance yields of artemisinin.

Effect of long-term aspirin use on embolic events in infective endocarditis.

Background: In a recent clinical trial, aspirin therapy was initiated approximately 34 days after the onset of symptoms but did not reduce the risk of embolism in patients with endocarditis. However, it is possible that aspirin used early in the course of the disease may be beneficial. The purpose of the study is to assess the effect of long-term daily aspirin use on the risk of embolic events in patients with infective endocarditis.

A randomized trial of aspirin on the risk of embolic events in patients with infective endocarditis.

Objectives: This study examined the effect of aspirin on the risk of embolic events in infective endocarditis (IE).

Background: Embolism is a major complication of IE, and studies in animal models have shown that platelet inhibition with aspirin can lead to more rapid vegetation resolution and a lower rate of embolic events.

Methods: We conducted a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial of aspirin treatment (325 mg/day) for four weeks in patients with IE to test the hypothesis that the addition of aspirin would reduce the incidence of clinical systemic embolic events.