The incidence of limb fractures in patients living with HIV (PLWH) is increasing. However, due to their immunodeficiency status, the operation and rehabilitation of these patients present unique challenges. Currently, it is urgent to establish a standardized perioperative rehabilitation plan based on the concept of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS). This study aimed to validate the effectiveness of ERAS in the perioperative period of PLWH with limb fractures. A total of 120 PLWH with limb fractures, between January 2015 and December 2023, were included in this study. We established a multidisciplinary team to design and implement a standardized ERAS protocol. The demographic, surgical, clinical, and follow-up information of the patients were collected and analyzed retrospectively.Aims
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To assess the alterations in cell-specific DNA methylation associated with chondroitin sulphate response using peripheral blood collected from Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) patients before initiation of chondroitin sulphate treatment. Peripheral blood samples were collected from KBD patients at baseline of chondroitin sulphate treatment. Methylation profiles were generated using reduced representation bisulphite sequencing (RRBS) from peripheral blood. Differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were identified using MethylKit, while DMR-related genes were defined as those annotated to the gene body or 2.2-kilobase upstream regions of DMRs. Selected DMR-related genes were further validated by quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) to assess expression levels. Tensor composition analysis was performed to identify cell-specific differential DNA methylation from bulk tissue.Aims
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cAMP response element binding protein (CREB1) is involved in the progression of osteoarthritis (OA). However, available findings about the role of CREB1 in OA are inconsistent. 666-15 is a potent and selective CREB1 inhibitor, but its role in OA is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the precise role of CREB1 in OA, and whether 666-15 exerts an anti-OA effect. CREB1 activity and expression of a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 4 (ADAMTS4) in cells and tissues were measured by immunoblotting and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining. The effect of 666-15 on chondrocyte viability and apoptosis was examined by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, JC-10, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labelling (TUNEL) staining. The effect of 666-15 on the microstructure of subchondral bone, and the synthesis and catabolism of cartilage, in anterior cruciate ligament transection mice were detected by micro-CT, safranin O and fast green (S/F), immunohistochemical staining, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Aims
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Therapeutic agents that prevent chondrocyte loss, extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation, and osteoarthritis (OA) progression are required. The expression level of epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like repeats and discoidin I-like domains-containing protein 3 (EDIL3) in damaged human cartilage is significantly higher than in undamaged cartilage. However, the effect of EDIL3 on cartilage is still unknown. We used human cartilage plugs (ex vivo) and mice with spontaneous OA (in vivo) to explore whether EDIL3 has a chondroprotective effect by altering OA-related indicators.Aims
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Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nanoparticles secreted by all cells, enriched in proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids related to cell-to-cell communication and vital components of cell-based therapies. Mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC)-derived EVs have been studied as an alternative for osteoarthritis (OA) treatment. However, their clinical translation is hindered by industrial and regulatory challenges. In contrast, platelet-derived EVs might reach clinics faster since platelet concentrates, such as platelet lysates (PL), are already used in therapeutics. Hence, we aimed to test the therapeutic potential of PL-derived extracellular vesicles (pEVs) as a new treatment for OA, which is a degenerative joint disease of articular cartilage and does not have any curative or regenerative treatment, by comparing its effects to those of human umbilical cord MSC-derived EVs (cEVs) on an ex vivo OA-induced model using human cartilage explants. pEVs and cEVs were isolated by size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and physically characterized by nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), protein content, and purity. OA conditions were induced in human cartilage explants (10 ng/ml oncostatin M and 2 ng/ml tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα)) and treated with 1 × 109 particles of pEVs or cEVs for 14 days. Then, DNA, glycosaminoglycans (GAG), and collagen content were quantified, and a histological study was performed. EV uptake was monitored using PKH26 labelled EVs.Aims
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Impaired fracture repair in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is not fully understood. In this study, we aimed to characterize the local changes in gene expression (GE) associated with diabetic fracture. We used an unbiased approach to compare GE in the fracture callus of Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats relative to wild-type (WT) littermates at three weeks following femoral osteotomy. Zucker rats, WT and homozygous for leptin receptor mutation (ZDF), were fed a moderately high-fat diet to induce T2DM only in the ZDF animals. At ten weeks of age, open femoral fractures were simulated using a unilateral osteotomy stabilized with an external fixator. At three weeks post-surgery, the fractured femur from each animal was retrieved for analysis. Callus formation and the extent of healing were assessed by radiograph and histology. Bone tissue was processed for total RNA extraction and messenger RNA (mRNA) sequencing (mRNA-Seq).Aims
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Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent joint disorder with inflammatory response and cartilage deterioration as its main features. Dihydrocaffeic acid (DHCA), a bioactive component extracted from natural plant ( In vitro, interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) was used to establish the mice OA chondrocytes. Cell counting kit-8 evaluated chondrocyte viability. Western blotting analyzed the expression levels of collagen II, aggrecan, SOX9, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), IL-6, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs: MMP1, MMP3, and MMP13), and signalling molecules associated with nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways. Immunofluorescence analysis assessed the expression of aggrecan, collagen II, MMP13, and p-P65. In vivo, a destabilized medial meniscus (DMM) surgery was used to induce mice OA knee joints. After injection of DHCA or a vehicle into the injured joints, histological staining gauged the severity of cartilage damage.Aims
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Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common chronic immune disease. Berberine, as its main active ingredient, was also contained in a variety of medicinal plants such as Berberaceae, Buttercup, and Rutaceae, which are widely used in digestive system diseases in traditional Chinese medicine with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. The aims of this article were to explore the therapeutic effect and mechanism of berberine on rheumatoid arthritis. Cell Counting Kit-8 was used to evaluate the effect of berberine on the proliferation of RA fibroblast-like synoviocyte (RA-FLS) cells. The effect of berberine on matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, MMP-3, receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-Β ligand (RANKL), tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and other factors was determined by enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) kit. Transcriptome technology was used to screen related pathways and the potential targets after berberine treatment, which were verified by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blot (WB) technology.Aims
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The optimal choice of management for proximal humerus fractures (PHFs) has been increasingly discussed in the literature, and this work aimed to answer the following questions: 1) what are the incidence rates of PHF in the geriatric population in the USA; 2) what is the mortality rate after PHF in the elderly population, specifically for distinct treatment procedures; and 3) what factors influence the mortality rate? PHFs occurring between 1 January 2009 and 31 December 2019 were identified from the Medicare physician service records. Incidence rates were determined, mortality rates were calculated, and semiparametric Cox regression was applied, incorporating 23 demographic, clinical, and socioeconomic covariates, to compare the mortality risk between treatments.Aims
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MicroRNA-183 ( Clinical samples were collected from patients with OA, and a mouse model of OA pain was constructed by surgically induced destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM). Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction was employed to measure the expression of miR-183, transforming growth factor α (TGFα), C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (Aims
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This study aims to enhance understanding of clinical and radiological consequences and involved mechanisms that led to corrosion of the Precice Stryde (Stryde) intramedullary lengthening nail in the post market surveillance era of the device. Between 2018 and 2021 more than 2,000 Stryde nails have been implanted worldwide. However, the outcome of treatment with the Stryde system is insufficiently reported. This is a retrospective single-centre study analyzing outcome of 57 consecutive lengthening procedures performed with the Stryde nail at the authors’ institution from February 2019 until November 2020. Macro- and microscopic metallographic analysis of four retrieved nails was conducted. To investigate observed corrosion at telescoping junction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX) were performed.Aims
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Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor has been reported to attenuate inflammatory response in rat models of inflammation. This study was designed to investigate the effect of PARP signalling in osteoarthritis (OA) cartilage inflammatory response in an OA rat model. The OA model was established by anterior cruciate ligament transection with medial meniscectomy in Wistar rats. The poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP-1) shRNA (short hairpin (sh)-PARP-1) and negative control shRNA (sh-NC) were delivered using a lentiviral vector and were intra-articularly injected into rats after surgery. The weight-bearing distribution of the hind limbs and the knee joint width were measured every two weeks. The expression levels of PARP-1, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in cartilage were determined using real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blot. The serum concentrations of inflammatory cytokines were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Aims
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Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by symmetrical and chronic polyarthritis. Fibroblast-like synoviocytes are mainly involved in joint inflammation and cartilage and bone destruction by inflammatory cytokines and matrix-degrading enzymes in RA. Approaches that induce various cellular growth alterations of synoviocytes are considered as potential strategies for treating RA. However, since synoviocytes play a critical role in RA, the mechanism and hyperplastic modulation of synoviocytes and their motility need to be addressed. In this review, we focus on the alteration of synoviocyte signalling and cell fate provided by signalling proteins, various antioxidant molecules, enzymes, compounds, clinical candidates, to understand the pathology of the synoviocytes, and finally to achieve developed therapeutic strategies of RA. Cite this article:
In recent conflicts, most injuries to the limbs are due to blasts resulting in a large number of lower limb amputations. These lead to heterotopic ossification (HO), phantom limb pain (PLP), and functional deficit. The mechanism of blast loading produces a combined fracture and amputation. Therefore, to study these conditions, in vivo models that replicate this combined effect are required. The aim of this study is to develop a preclinical model of blast-induced lower limb amputation. Cadaveric Sprague-Dawley rats’ left hindlimbs were exposed to blast waves of 7 to 13 bar burst pressures and 7.76 ms to 12.68 ms positive duration using a shock tube. Radiographs and dissection were used to identify the injuries.Aims
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Osteoarthritis (OA), one of the most common motor system disorders, is a degenerative disease involving progressive joint destruction caused by a variety of factors. At present, OA has become the fourth most common cause of disability in the world. However, the pathogenesis of OA is complex and has not yet been clarified. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) refers to a group of RNAs more than 200 nucleotides in length with limited protein-coding potential, which have a wide range of biological functions including regulating transcriptional patterns and protein activity, as well as binding to form endogenous small interference RNAs (siRNAs) and natural microRNA (miRNA) molecular sponges. In recent years, a large number of lncRNAs have been found to be differentially expressed in a variety of pathological processes of OA, including extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation, synovial inflammation, chondrocyte apoptosis, and angiogenesis. Obviously, lncRNAs play important roles in regulating gene expression, maintaining the phenotype of cartilage and synovial cells, and the stability of the intra-articular environment. This article reviews the results of the latest research into the role of lncRNAs in a variety of pathological processes of OA, in order to provide a new direction for the study of OA pathogenesis and a new target for prevention and treatment. Cite this article:
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systematic autoimmune disorder, characterized by synovial inflammation, bone and cartilage destruction, and disease involvement in multiple organs. Although numerous drugs are employed in RA treatment, some respond little and suffer from severe side effects. This study aimed to screen the candidate therapeutic targets and promising drugs in a novel method. We developed a module-based and cumulatively scoring approach that is a deeper-layer application of weighted gene co-expression network (WGCNA) and connectivity map (CMap) based on the high-throughput datasets.Aims
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Arthrofibrosis is a relatively common complication after joint injuries and surgery, particularly in the knee. The present study used a previously described and validated rabbit model to assess the biomechanical, histopathological, and molecular effects of the mast cell stabilizer ketotifen on surgically induced knee joint contractures in female rabbits. A group of 12 skeletally mature rabbits were randomly divided into two groups. One group received subcutaneous (SQ) saline, and a second group received SQ ketotifen injections. Biomechanical data were collected at eight, ten, 16, and 24 weeks. At the time of necropsy, posterior capsule tissue was collected for histopathological and gene expression analyses (messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein).Aims
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Objectives. Experimental studies indicate that
The aim of this study was to identify key pathological genes in osteoarthritis (OA). We searched and downloaded mRNA expression data from the Gene Expression Omnibus database to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of joint synovial tissues from OA and normal individuals. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses were used to assess the function of identified DEGs. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and transcriptional factors (TFs) regulatory network were used to further explore the function of identified DEGs. The quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was applied to validate the result of bioinformatics analysis. Electronic validation was performed to verify the expression of selected DEGs. The diagnosis value of identified DEGs was accessed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.Objectives
Methods
The aims of this study were to determine whether the administration of anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic agents affect the proliferation, viability, and expression of markers involved in the fibrotic development of the fibroblasts obtained from arthrofibrotic tissue Dexamethasone, diclofenac, and decorin, in different concentrations, were employed to treat fibroblasts from arthrofibrotic tissue (AFib). Cell proliferation was measured by DNA quantitation, and viability was analyzed by Live/Dead staining. The levels of procollagen type I N-terminal propeptide (PINP) and procollagen type III N-terminal propeptide (PIIINP) were evaluated with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. In addition, the expressions of fibrotic markers were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Fibroblasts isolated from healthy tissue (Fib) served as control. Further, a rabbit model of joint contracture was used to evaluate the antifibrotic effect of the three different agents.Objectives
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