Electromagnetic field exposure as a plausible approach to enhance the proliferation and differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells in clinically relevant scenarios

Mesenchymal stem/stromal cell(MSC)-based therapy has been regarded as one of the most revolutionary breakthroughs in the history of modern medicine owing to its myriad of immunoregulatory and regenerative properties.With the rapid progress in the fields of osteo-and musculoskeletal therapies,the demand for MSC-based treatment modalities is becoming increasingly prominent.In this endeavor,researchers around the world have devised new and innovative techniques to support the proliferation of MSCs while minimizing the loss of hallmark features of stem cells.One such example is electromagnetic field(EMF)exposure,which is an alternative approach with promising potential.In this review,we present a critical discourse on the efficiency,practicability,and limitations of some of the relevant methods,with insurmountable evidence backing the implementation of EMF as a feasible strategy for the clinically relevant expansion of MSCs.     

Mathematics Achievement as a Function of Within- and Between-School Differences

Achievement in mathematics of eighth-grade students is modeled as a function of within-school, between-school and cross-country differences. The data were obtained from 217,728 students, within 7,216 secondary schools, in 48 countries, who participated in the 2007 Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study. Multilevel analysis showed that out of the total variance in mathematics achievement, 40.39%, 20.61%, and 38.99% were accounted for within-school, between-school-within-country, and cross-country differences, respectively. Mathematics self-concept followed by socioeconomic status was the strongest predictor of achievement at the student level. At the school level, school location yielded the strongest link to achievement, while at the country level socioeconomic status was the main predictor of national mathematics average.