Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty: all-poly versus metal-backed tibial component-a long-term follow-up study.

Introduction: While considered a satisfactory solution, unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) still raises concerns in regard to its durability. These concerns particularly focus on the tibial component. This study aims to compare two different cemented tibial components belonging to the same UKA design: all polyethylene (AP) versus metal backed (MB), at a long-term follow-up.

Interferon-γ Possesses Anti-Microbial and Immunomodulatory Activity on a Infection Model of Primary Human Synovial Fibroblasts.

, an obligate intracellular pathogen, is the most common cause of bacterial sexually transmitted diseases, and it is potentially responsible for severe chronic sequelae, such as reactive arthritis. To date, details of the mechanisms by which Chlamydiae induce innate antimicrobial pathways in synovial fibroblasts, are not well characterized; therefore, herein, we investigated the effects of interferon (IFN)α, IFNβ, and IFNγ on the infection, and replication phases of the developmental cycle, as well as on the induction of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) and IFN-related pathways. To do so, we set up an in vitro chlamydial-infection model of primary human synovial cells treated with IFNs before or after the infection.

Student Organizations as Avenues for Leader Learning and Development.

This chapter describes theory and research demonstrating that the experiences students have within student organizations, and the people with whom they interact within those organizations, are powerful triggers for leader learning and development.

Efficacy of betamethasone valerate medicated plaster on painful chronic elbow tendinopathy: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

Objective: to investigate the efficacy and safety of a medicated plaster containing betamethasone valerate (BMV) 2.25 mg in patients with chronic elbow tendinopathy.

Methods: randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study with assignment 2:2:1:1 to BMV medicated plaster applied daily for 12 hours, daily for 24 hours or matched placebo.

Involvement of pro-inflammatory cytokines and growth factors in the pathogenesis of Dupuytren's contracture: a novel target for a possible future therapeutic strategy?

Dupuytren's contracture (DC) is a benign fibro-proliferative disease of the hand causing fibrotic nodules and fascial cords which determine debilitating contracture and deformities of fingers and hands. The present study was designed to characterize pro-inflammatory cytokines and growth factors involved in the pathogenesis, progression and recurrence of this disease, in order to find novel targets for alternative therapies and strategies in controlling DC. The expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and of growth factors was detected by immunohistochemistry in fibrotic nodules and normal palmar fascia resected respectively from patients affected by DC and carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS; as negative controls).