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Antimicrobial strategies for musculoskeletal infections are typically first developed with in vitro models. The In Vitro Section of the 2023 Orthopedic Research Society Musculoskeletal Infection international consensus meeting (ICM) probed our state of knowledge of in vitro systems with respect to bacteria and biofilm phenotype, standards, in vitro activity, and the ability to predict in vivo efficacy. A subset of ICM delegates performed systematic reviews on 15 questions and made recommendations and assessment of the level of evidence that were then voted on by 72 ICM delegates. Here, we report recommendations and rationale from the reviews and the results of the internet vote. Only two questions received a ≥90% consensus vote, emphasizing the disparate approaches and lack of established consensus for in vitro modeling and interpretation of results. Comments on knowledge gaps and the need for further research on these critical MSKI questions are included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary purpose of this study was to examine the potential of LOw LAtency (LOLA), a low latency audio visual technology designed to allow simultaneous music performance, as a distance learning tool for musical styles in which synchronous playing is an integral aspect of the learning process (e.g., jazz, folk styles). The secondary purpose was to describe participant perceptions of the effectiveness of three technologies used to teach music: LOLA, PolyCom, and Skype. To achieve these goals, we isolated a classical masterclass, jazz lesson, and old-time fiddle session and described trends for these lessons across the three technology platforms. Participants rated the overall effectiveness of LOLA (M = 4.25) higher than PolyCom (M = 3.06) and Skype (M = 2.80). Participants shared their perception that LOLA was superior to other technologies for learning and teaching music. Implications for music teaching are discussed.

Creating slime fascinates students. Unfortunately, though intrigue is at its peak, the educational aspect of this activity is often minimal. This article describes a chemistry lab that closely relates to the slime lab and allows high school students to explore the concepts of chemical bonding, properties, and replacement reactions. It involves the synthesis not of slime, but of another cross-linked polymer: hydrogel. The hydrogel used in this activity is similar to those used in common medical applications--and just as entertaining as slime. It connects chemistry concepts to a modern medical issue and the cutting-edge research being done to address it. (Contains 2 figures and 6 online resources.)

Infection associated with tissue‐contacting biomedical devices is a compelling clinical problem initiated by the microbial colonization of the device surface. Among the possible sources of contaminating bacteria is the operating room (OR) itself, where viable bacteria in the atmosphere can sediment onto a device surface intraoperatively. We have developed an aerosolizing system that can reproducibly spray small quantities of aerosolized bacteria onto a surface to mimic OR contamination. This paper describes the design of the system and characterizes key aspects associated with its operation. The area density of sprayed bacteria is on the order of 102/cm2. Using titanium (Ti) alloy coupons as test substrates contaminated by staphylococci, we quantify the fraction of bacteria that are well adhered to the substrate, those that can be removed by sonication, and those that are not recovered after spraying. Despite the relatively low levels of surface contamination, we furthermore show that such a model is able to demonstrate a statistically significant reduction in colonization of Ti coupons modified by antimicrobial quaternary ammonium compounds relative to unmodified controls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A synthesis of lobed-type nanoparticles by emulsion polymerization of methyl acrylate (MA), methyl methacrylate (MMA), and vinyl acetate (VA) dissolved in seed latex particles of polydimethyl siloxane (PDMS) suspended in water are presented. It was found that copolymer remains entrapped in the PDMS lobe over a length scale of many tens of nanometers, indicating that the heteropolymer interface is a diffuse one.