Aims. Mendelian randomization (MR) is considered to overcome the bias of
Aims. This
Aims. We aimed to assess the reliability and validity of OpenPose, a posture estimation algorithm, for measurement of knee range of motion after total knee arthroplasty (TKA), in comparison to radiography and goniometry. Methods. In this prospective
Aims. The present study investigates the effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) gel without adjunct to induce cartilage regeneration in large osteochondral defects in a rabbit model. Methods. A bilateral osteochondral defect was created in the femoral trochlear groove of 14 New Zealand white rabbits. The right knees were filled with PRP gel and the contralateral knees remained untreated and served as control sides. Some animals were killed at week 3 and others at week 12 postoperatively. The joints were harvested and assessed by Magnetic Resonance
Aims. To assess the variation in pre-fracture quality of life (QoL) within the UK hip fracture population, and quantify the nature and strength of associations between QoL and other routinely collected patient characteristics and treatment choices. Methods. The World Hip Trauma Evaluation (WHiTE) study, an
Objectives. Different criteria for assessing the reduction quality of trochanteric fractures have been reported. The Baumgaertner reduction quality criteria (BRQC) are relatively common and the Chang reduction quality criteria (CRQC) are relatively new. The objectives of the current study were to compare the reliability of the BRQC and CRQC in predicting mechanical complications and to investigate the clinical implications of the CRQC. Methods. A total of 168 patients were assessed in a retrospective
Objectives. Modern metal-on-metal (MoM) hip resurfacing arthroplasty (HRA), while achieving good results with well-orientated, well-designed components in ideal patients, is contraindicated in women, men with head size under 50 mm, or metal hypersensitivity. These patients currently have no access to the benefits of HRA. Highly crosslinked polyethylene (XLPE) has demonstrated clinical success in total hip arthroplasty (THA) and, when used in HRA, potentially reduces metal ion-related sequelae. We report the early performance of HRA using a direct-to-bone cementless mono-bloc XLPE component coupled with a cobalt-chrome femoral head, in the patient group for whom HRA is currently contraindicated. Methods. This is a cross-sectional,
Previous studies have suggested that selenium as a trace element is involved in bone health, but findings related to the specific effect of selenium on bone health remain inconclusive. Thus, we performed a meta-analysis by including all the relevant studies to elucidate the association between selenium status (dietary intake or serum selenium) and bone health indicators (bone mineral density (BMD), osteoporosis (OP), or fracture). PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were systematically searched to retrieve relevant articles published before 15 November 2022. Studies focusing on the correlation between selenium and BMD, OP, or fracture were included. Effect sizes included regression coefficient (β), weighted mean difference (WMD), and odds ratio (OR). According to heterogeneity, the fixed-effect or random-effect model was used to assess the association between selenium and bone health.Aims
Methods
Biofilm-related infection is a major complication that occurs in orthopaedic surgery. Various treatments are available but efficacy to eradicate infections varies significantly. A systematic review was performed to evaluate therapeutic interventions combating biofilm-related infections on in vivo animal models. Literature research was performed on PubMed and Embase databases. Keywords used for search criteria were “bone AND biofilm”. Information on the species of the animal model, bacterial strain, evaluation of biofilm and bone infection, complications, key findings on observations, prevention, and treatment of biofilm were extracted.Aims
Methods
Fracture-related infection (FRI) is commonly classified based on the time of onset of symptoms. Early infections (< two weeks) are treated with debridement, antibiotics, and implant retention (DAIR). For late infections (> ten weeks), guidelines recommend implant removal due to tolerant biofilms. For delayed infections (two to ten weeks), recommendations are unclear. In this study we compared infection clearance and bone healing in early and delayed FRI treated with DAIR in a rabbit model.
Aims
Methods
This study was performed to explore the effect of melatonin on pyroptosis in nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) and the underlying mechanism of that effect. This experiment included three patients diagnosed with lumbar disc herniation who failed conservative treatment. Nucleus pulposus tissue was isolated from these patients when they underwent surgical intervention, and primary NPCs were isolated and cultured. Western blotting, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, fluorescence staining, and other methods were used to detect changes in related signalling pathways and the ability of cells to resist pyroptosis.Aims
Methods
The present study aimed to investigate whether patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) undergoing joint arthroplasty have a higher incidence of adverse outcomes than those without IBD. A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify eligible studies reporting postoperative outcomes in IBD patients undergoing joint arthroplasty. The primary outcomes included postoperative complications, while the secondary outcomes included unplanned readmission, length of stay (LOS), joint reoperation/implant revision, and cost of care. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a random-effects model when heterogeneity was substantial.Aims
Methods
We compared the risks of re-revision and mortality between two-stage and single-stage revision surgeries among patients with infected primary hip arthroplasty. Patients with a periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) of their primary arthroplasty revised with single-stage or two-stage procedure in England and Wales between 2003 and 2014 were identified from the National Joint Registry. We used Poisson regression with restricted cubic splines to compute hazard ratios (HRs) at different postoperative periods. The total number of revisions and re-revisions undergone by patients was compared between the two strategies.Aims
Methods
We compared the risks of re-revision and mortality between two-stage revision surgery and single-stage revision surgery among patients with infected primary knee arthroplasty. Patients with a periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) of their primary knee arthroplasty, initially revised with a single-stage or a two-stage procedure in England and Wales between 2003 and 2014, were identified from the National Joint Registry. We used Poisson regression with restricted cubic splines to compute hazard ratios (HR) at different postoperative periods. The total number of revisions and re-revisions undergone by patients was compared between the two strategies.Aims
Methods
Taper corrosion has been widely reported to be problematic for modular total hip arthroplasty implants. A simple and systematic method to evaluate taper damage with sufficient resolution is needed. We introduce a semiquantitative grading system for modular femoral tapers to characterize taper corrosion damage. After examining a unique collection of retrieved cobalt-chromium (CoCr) taper sleeves (n = 465) using the widely-used Goldberg system, we developed an expanded six-point visual grading system intended to characterize the severity, visible material loss, and absence of direct component contact due to corrosion. Female taper sleeve damage was evaluated by three blinded observers using the Goldberg scoring system and the expanded system. A subset (n = 85) was then re-evaluated following destructive cleaning, using both scoring systems. Material loss for this subset was quantified using metrology and correlated with both scoring systems.Aims
Methods
To explore the clinical efficacy of using two different types of articulating spacers in two-stage revision for chronic knee periprosthetic joint infection (kPJI). A retrospective cohort study of 50 chronic kPJI patients treated with two types of articulating spacers between January 2014 and March 2022 was conducted. The clinical outcomes and functional status of the different articulating spacers were compared. Overall, 17 patients were treated with prosthetic spacers (prosthetic group (PG)), and 33 patients were treated with cement spacers (cement group (CG)). The CG had a longer mean follow-up period (46.67 months (SD 26.61)) than the PG (24.82 months (SD 16.46); p = 0.001).Aims
Methods
This study was designed to characterize the recurrence incidence and risk factors of antibiotic-loaded cement spacer (ALCS) for definitive bone defect treatment in limb osteomyelitis. We included adult patients with limb osteomyelitis who received debridement and ALCS insertion into the bone defect as definitive management between 2013 and 2020 in our clinical centre. The follow-up time was at least two years. Data on patients’ demographics, clinical characteristics, and infection recurrence were retrospectively collected and analyzed.Aims
Methods
In this study, we aimed to visualize the spatial distribution characteristics of femoral head necrosis using a novel measurement method. We retrospectively collected CT imaging data of 108 hips with non-traumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head from 76 consecutive patients (mean age 34.3 years (SD 8.1), 56.58% male (n = 43)) in two clinical centres. The femoral head was divided into 288 standard units (based on the orientation of units within the femoral head, designated as N[Superior], S[Inferior], E[Anterior], and W[Posterior]) using a new measurement system called the longitude and latitude division system (LLDS). A computer-aided design (CAD) measurement tool was also developed to visualize the measurement of the spatial location of necrotic lesions in CT images. Two orthopaedic surgeons independently performed measurements, and the results were used to draw 2D and 3D heat maps of spatial distribution of necrotic lesions in the femoral head, and for statistical analysis.Aims
Methods
The aim of this study was to determine the fracture haematoma (fxH) proteome after multiple trauma using label-free proteomics, comparing two different fracture treatment strategies. A porcine multiple trauma model was used in which two fracture treatment strategies were compared: early total care (ETC) and damage control orthopaedics (DCO). fxH was harvested and analyzed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Per group, discriminating proteins were identified and protein interaction analyses were performed to further elucidate key biomolecular pathways in the early fracture healing phase.Aims
Methods
Pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) is known to induce several types of tissue regeneration by activating tissue-specific stem cells. Here, we investigated the therapeutic potential of PEDF 29-mer peptide in the damaged articular cartilage (AC) in rat osteoarthritis (OA). Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) were isolated from rat bone marrow (BM) and used to evaluate the impact of 29-mer on chondrogenic differentiation of BM-MSCs in culture. Knee OA was induced in rats by a single intra-articular injection of monosodium iodoacetate (MIA) in the right knees (set to day 0). The 29-mer dissolved in 5% hyaluronic acid (HA) was intra-articularly injected into right knees at day 8 and 12 after MIA injection. Subsequently, the therapeutic effect of the 29-mer/HA on OA was evaluated by the Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) histopathological scoring system and changes in hind paw weight distribution, respectively. The regeneration of chondrocytes in damaged AC was detected by dual-immunostaining of 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) and chondrogenic markers.Aims
Methods
The purpose of this study was to explore a simple and effective method of preparing human acellular amniotic membrane (HAAM) scaffolds, and explore the effect of HAAM scaffolds with juvenile cartilage fragments (JCFs) on osteochondral defects. HAAM scaffolds were constructed via trypsinization from fresh human amniotic membrane (HAM). The characteristics of the HAAM scaffolds were evaluated by haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, picrosirius red staining, type II collagen immunostaining, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells (hAMSCs) were isolated, and stemness was verified by multilineage differentiation. Then, third-generation (P3) hAMSCs were seeded on the HAAM scaffolds, and phalloidin staining and SEM were used to detect the growth of hAMSCs on the HAAM scaffolds. Osteochondral defects (diameter: 3.5 mm; depth: 3 mm) were created in the right patellar grooves of 20 New Zealand White rabbits. The rabbits were randomly divided into four groups: the control group (n = 5), the HAAM scaffolds group (n = 5), the JCFs group (n = 5), and the HAAM + JCFs group (n = 5). Macroscopic and histological assessments of the regenerated tissue were evaluated to validate the treatment results at 12 weeks.Aims
Methods
Achilles tendon re-rupture (ATRR) poses a significant risk of postoperative complication, even after a successful initial surgical repair. This study aimed to identify risk factors associated with Achilles tendon re-rupture following operative fixation. This retrospective cohort study analyzed a total of 43,287 patients from national health claims data spanning 2008 to 2018, focusing on patients who underwent surgical treatment for primary Achilles tendon rupture. Short-term ATRR was defined as cases that required revision surgery occurring between six weeks and one year after the initial surgical repair, while omitting cases with simultaneous infection or skin necrosis. Variables such as age, sex, the presence of Achilles tendinopathy, and comorbidities were systematically collected for the analysis. We employed multivariate stepwise logistic regression to identify potential risk factors associated with short-term ATRR.Aims
Methods
Acridine orange (AO) demonstrates several biological activities. When exposed to low doses of X-ray radiation, AO increases the production of reactive radicals (radiodynamic therapy (AO-RDT)). We elucidated the efficacy of AO-RDT in breast and prostate cancer cell lines, which are likely to develop bone metastases. We used the mouse osteosarcoma cell line LM8, the human breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231, and the human prostate cancer cell line PC-3. Cultured cells were exposed to AO and radiation at various concentrations followed by various doses of irradiation. The cell viability was then measured. In vivo, each cell was inoculated subcutaneously into the backs of mice. In the AO-RDT group, AO (1.0 μg) was locally administered subcutaneously around the tumour followed by 5 Gy of irradiation. In the radiation group, 5 Gy of irradiation alone was administered after macroscopic tumour formation. The mice were killed on the 14th day after treatment. The change in tumour volume by AO-RDT was primarily evaluated.Aims
Methods
The antidiabetic agent metformin inhibits fibrosis in various organs. This study aims to elucidate the effects of hyperglycaemia and metformin on knee joint capsule fibrosis in mice. Eight-week-old wild-type (WT) and type 2 diabetic (db/db) mice were divided into four groups without or with metformin treatment (WT met(-/+), Db met(-/+)). Mice received daily intraperitoneal administration of metformin and were killed at 12 and 14 weeks of age. Fibrosis morphology and its related genes and proteins were evaluated. Fibroblasts were extracted from the capsules of 14-week-old mice, and the expression of fibrosis-related genes in response to glucose and metformin was evaluated in vitro.Aims
Methods
Here we used a mature seven-day biofilm model of Mature biofilms of Aims
Methods
The preventive effects of bisphosphonates on articular cartilage in non-arthritic joints are unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of oral bisphosphonates on the rate of joint space narrowing in the non-arthritic hip. We retrospectively reviewed standing whole-leg radiographs from patients who underwent knee arthroplasties from 2012 to 2020 at our institute. Patients with previous hip surgery, Kellgren–Lawrence grade ≥ II hip osteoarthritis, hip dysplasia, or rheumatoid arthritis were excluded. The rate of hip joint space narrowing was measured in 398 patients (796 hips), and the effects of the use of bisphosphonates were examined using the multivariate regression model and the propensity score matching (1:2) model.Aims
Methods
This study aimed to investigate the role and mechanism of meniscal cell lysate (MCL) in fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) and osteoarthritis (OA). Meniscus and synovial tissue were collected from 14 patients with and without OA. MCL and FLS proteins were extracted and analyzed by liquid chromatography‒mass spectrometry (LC‒MS). The roles of MCL and adenine nucleotide translocase 3 (ANT3) in FLSs were examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, and transmission electron microscopy. Histological analysis was performed to determine ANT3 expression levels in a male mouse model.Aims
Methods
Orthopaedic surgery requires grafts with sufficient mechanical strength. For this purpose, decellularized tissue is an available option that lacks the complications of autologous tissue. However, it is not widely used in orthopaedic surgeries. This study investigated clinical trials of the use of decellularized tissue grafts in orthopaedic surgery. Using the ClinicalTrials.gov (CTG) and the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) databases, we comprehensively surveyed clinical trials of decellularized tissue use in orthopaedic surgeries registered before 1 September 2022. We evaluated the clinical results, tissue processing methods, and commercial availability of the identified products using academic literature databases and manufacturers’ websites.Aims
Methods
This study examined whether systemic administration of melatonin would have different effects on osseointegration in ovariectomized (OVX) rats, depending on whether this was administered during the day or night. In this study, a titanium rod was implanted in the medullary cavity of one femoral metaphysis in OVX rats, and then the rats were randomly divided into four groups: Sham group (Sham, n = 10), OVX rat group (OVX, n = 10), melatonin day treatment group (OVX + MD, n = 10), and melatonin night treatment group (OVX + MN, n = 10). The OVX + MD and OVX + MN rats were treated with 30 mg/kg/day melatonin at 9 am and 9 pm, respectively, for 12 weeks. At the end of the research, the rats were killed to obtain bilateral femora and blood samples for evaluation.Aims
Methods
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
Methods
Osteosarcoma is the most common primary bone malignancy among children and adolescents. We investigated whether benzamil, an amiloride analogue and sodium-calcium exchange blocker, may exhibit therapeutic potential for osteosarcoma in vitro. MG63 and U2OS cells were treated with benzamil for 24 hours. Cell viability was evaluated with the MTS/PMS assay, colony formation assay, and flow cytometry (forward/side scatter). Chromosome condensation, the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL) assay, cleavage of poly-ADP ribose polymerase (PARP) and caspase-7, and FITC annexin V/PI double staining were monitored as indicators of apoptosis. Intracellular calcium was detected by flow cytometry with Fluo-4 AM. The phosphorylation and activation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) were measured by western blot. The expression levels of X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP), B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), B-cell lymphoma-extra large (Bcl-xL), SOD1, and SOD2 were also assessed by western blot. Mitochondrial status was assessed with tetramethylrhodamine, ethyl ester (TMRE), and intracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) was measured with BioTracker ATP-Red Live Cell Dye. Total cellular integrin levels were evaluated by western blot, and the expression of cell surface integrins was assessed using fluorescent-labelled antibodies and flow cytometry.Aims
Methods
The aim of this study was to determine the risk of tibial eminence avulsion intraoperatively for bi-unicondylar knee arthroplasty (Bi-UKA), with consideration of the effect of implant positioning, overstuffing, and sex, compared to the risk for isolated medial unicondylar knee arthroplasty (UKA-M) and bicruciate-retaining total knee arthroplasty (BCR-TKA). Two experimentally validated finite element models of tibia were implanted with UKA-M, Bi-UKA, and BCR-TKA. Intraoperative loads were applied through the condyles, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), medial collateral ligament (MCL), and lateral collateral ligament (LCL), and the risk of fracture (ROF) was evaluated in the spine as the ratio of the 95th percentile maximum principal elastic strains over the tensile yield strain of proximal tibial bone.Aims
Methods
Several artificial bone grafts have been developed but fail to achieve anticipated osteogenesis due to their insufficient neovascularization capacity and periosteum support. This study aimed to develop a vascularized bone-periosteum construct (VBPC) to provide better angiogenesis and osteogenesis for bone regeneration. A total of 24 male New Zealand white rabbits were divided into four groups according to the experimental materials. Allogenic adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AMSCs) were cultured and seeded evenly in the collagen/chitosan sheet to form cell sheet as periosteum. Simultaneously, allogenic AMSCs were seeded onto alginate beads and were cultured to differentiate to endothelial-like cells to form vascularized bone construct (VBC). The cell sheet was wrapped onto VBC to create a vascularized bone-periosteum construct (VBPC). Four different experimental materials – acellular construct, VBC, non-vascularized bone-periosteum construct, and VBPC – were then implanted in bilateral L4-L5 intertransverse space. At 12 weeks post-surgery, the bone-forming capacities were determined by CT, biomechanical testing, histology, and immunohistochemistry staining analyses.Aims
Methods
To investigate the effects of senescent osteocytes on bone homeostasis in the progress of age-related osteoporosis and explore the underlying mechanism. In a series of in vitro experiments, we used tert-Butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) to induce senescence of MLO-Y4 cells successfully, and collected conditioned medium (CM) and senescent MLO-Y4 cell-derived exosomes, which were then applied to MC3T3-E1 cells, separately, to evaluate their effects on osteogenic differentiation. Furthermore, we identified differentially expressed microRNAs (miRNAs) between exosomes from senescent and normal MLO-Y4 cells by high-throughput RNA sequencing. Based on the key miRNAs that were discovered, the underlying mechanism by which senescent osteocytes regulate osteogenic differentiation was explored. Lastly, in the in vivo experiments, the effects of senescent MLO-Y4 cell-derived exosomes on age-related bone loss were evaluated in male SAMP6 mice, which excluded the effects of oestrogen, and the underlying mechanism was confirmed.Aims
Methods
Aims. Calcium sulphate has traditionally been used as a filler of dead space arising during surgery. Various complications have been described following the use of Stimulan bio-absorbable calcium sulphate beads. This study is a prospective
There is a lack of biomaterial-based carriers for the local delivery of rifampicin (RIF), one of the cornerstone second defence antibiotics for bone infections. RIF is also known for causing rapid development of antibiotic resistance when given as monotherapy. This in vitro study evaluated a clinically used biphasic calcium sulphate/hydroxyapatite (CaS/HA) biomaterial as a carrier for dual delivery of RIF with vancomycin (VAN) or gentamicin (GEN). The CaS/HA composites containing RIF/GEN/VAN, either alone or in combination, were first prepared and their injectability, setting time, and antibiotic elution profiles were assessed. Using a continuous disk diffusion assay, the antibacterial behaviour of the material was tested on both planktonic and biofilm-embedded forms of standard and clinical strains of Aims
Methods
To investigate the optimal thresholds and diagnostic efficacy of commonly used serological and synovial fluid detection indexes for diagnosing periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) in patients who have rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The data from 348 patients who had RA or osteoarthritis (OA) and had previously undergone a total knee (TKA) and/or a total hip arthroplasty (THA) (including RA-PJI: 60 cases, RA-non-PJI: 80 cases; OA-PJI: 104 cases, OA-non-PJI: 104 cases) were retrospectively analyzed. A receiver operating characteristic curve was used to determine the optimal thresholds of the CRP, ESR, synovial fluid white blood cell count (WBC), and polymorphonuclear neutrophil percentage (PMN%) for diagnosing RA-PJI and OA-PJI. The diagnostic efficacy was evaluated by comparing the area under the curve (AUC) of each index and applying the results of the combined index diagnostic test.Aims
Methods
Exosomes (exo) are involved in the progression of osteoarthritis (OA). This study aimed to investigate the function of dysfunctional chondrocyte-derived exo (DC-exo) on OA in rats and rat macrophages. Rat-derived chondrocytes were isolated, and DCs induced with interleukin (IL)-1β were used for exo isolation. Rats with OA (n = 36) or macrophages were treated with DC-exo or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). Macrophage polarization and autophagy, and degradation and chondrocyte activity of cartilage tissues, were examined. RNA sequencing was used to detect genes differentially expressed in DC-exo, followed by RNA pull-down and ribonucleoprotein immunoprecipitation (RIP). Long non-coding RNA osteoarthritis non-coding transcript (OANCT) and phosphoinositide-3-kinase regulatory subunit 5 (PIK3R5) were depleted in DC-exo-treated macrophages and OA rats, in order to observe macrophage polarization and cartilage degradation. The PI3K/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway activity in cells and tissues was measured using western blot.Aims
Methods
Tendon is a bradytrophic and hypovascular tissue, hence, healing remains a major challenge. The molecular key events involved in successful repair have to be unravelled to develop novel strategies that reduce the risk of unfavourable outcomes such as non-healing, adhesion formation, and scarring. This review will consider the diverse pathophysiological features of tendon-derived cells that lead to failed healing, including misrouted differentiation (e.g. de- or transdifferentiation) and premature cell senescence, as well as the loss of functional progenitors. Many of these features can be attributed to disturbed cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) or unbalanced soluble mediators involving not only resident tendon cells, but also the cross-talk with immigrating immune cell populations. Unrestrained post-traumatic inflammation could hinder successful healing. Pro-angiogenic mediators trigger hypervascularization and lead to persistence of an immature repair tissue, which does not provide sufficient mechano-competence. Tendon repair tissue needs to achieve an ECM composition, structure, strength, and stiffness that resembles the undamaged highly hierarchically ordered tendon ECM. Adequate mechano-sensation and -transduction by tendon cells orchestrate ECM synthesis, stabilization by cross-linking, and remodelling as a prerequisite for the adaptation to the increased mechanical challenges during healing. Lastly, this review will discuss, from the cell biological point of view, possible optimization strategies for augmenting Achilles tendon (AT) healing outcomes, including adapted mechanostimulation and novel approaches by restraining neoangiogenesis, modifying stem cell niche parameters, tissue engineering, the modulation of the inflammatory cells, and the application of stimulatory factors. Cite this article:
This study investigated the effects of β-caryophyllene (BCP) on protecting bone from vitamin D deficiency in mice fed on a diet either lacking (D-) or containing (D+) vitamin D. A total of 40 female mice were assigned to four treatment groups (n = 10/group): D+ diet with propylene glycol control, D+ diet with BCP, D-deficient diet with control, and D-deficient diet with BCP. The D+ diet is a commercial basal diet, while the D-deficient diet contains 0.47% calcium, 0.3% phosphorus, and no vitamin D. All the mice were housed in conditions without ultraviolet light. Bone properties were evaluated by X-ray micro-CT. Serum levels of klotho were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Aims
Methods
Insufficient treatment response in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients requires novel treatment strategies to halt disease progression. The potential benefit of combination of cytokine-inhibitors in RA is still unclear and needs further investigation. To explore the impact of combined deficiency of two major cytokines, namely interleukin (IL)-1 and IL-6, in this study double deficient mice for IL-1αβ and IL-6 were investigated in different tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-driven inflammatory bone disorders, namely peripheral arthritis and sacroiliitis, as well as systemic bone loss. Disease course, histopathological features of arthritis, and micro-CT (µCT) bone analysis of local and systemic bone loss were assessed in 15-week-old Aims
Methods
Treatment outcomes for methicillin-resistant Total knee arthroplasty (TKA), MRSA inoculation, debridement, and vancomycin-spacer implantation were performed successively in rats to mimic first-stage PJI during the two-stage revision arthroplasty procedure. Vancomycin was administered intraperitoneally or intra-articularly for two weeks to control the infection after debridement and spacer implantation.Aims
Methods
To develop an early implant instability murine model and explore the use of intermittent parathyroid hormone (iPTH) treatment for initially unstable implants. 3D-printed titanium implants were inserted into an oversized drill-hole in the tibiae of C57Bl/6 mice (n = 54). After implantation, the mice were randomly divided into three treatment groups (phosphate buffered saline (PBS)-control, iPTH, and delayed iPTH). Radiological analysis, micro-CT (µCT), and biomechanical pull-out testing were performed to assess implant loosening, bone formation, and osseointegration. Peri-implant tissue formation and cellular composition were evaluated by histology.Aims
Methods
This study aimed to identify the effect of anatomical tibial component (ATC) design on load distribution in the periprosthetic tibial bone of Koreans using finite element analysis (FEA). 3D finite element models of 30 tibiae in Korean women were created. A symmetric tibial component (STC, NexGen LPS-Flex) and an ATC (Persona) were used in surgical simulation. We compared the FEA measurements (von Mises stress and principal strains) around the stem tip and in the medial half of the proximal tibial bone, as well as the distance from the distal stem tip to the shortest anteromedial cortical bone. Correlations between this distance and FEA measurements were then analyzed.Aims
Methods
The aim of this study was to explore the genetic correlation and causal relationship between blood plasma proteins and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Based on the genome-wide association studies (GWAS) summary statistics of RA from European descent and the GWAS summary datasets of 3,622 plasma proteins, we explored the relationship between RA and plasma proteins from three aspects. First, linkage disequilibrium score regression (LD score regression) was applied to detect the genetic correlation between RA and plasma proteins. Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was then used to evaluate the causal association between RA and plasma proteins. Finally, GEO2R was used to screen the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between patients with RA and healthy controls.Aims
Methods
Treatment for delayed wound healing resulting from peripheral vascular diseases and diabetic foot ulcers remains a challenge. A novel surgical technique named ‘tibial cortex transverse transport’ (TTT) has been developed for treating peripheral ischaemia, with encouraging clinical effects. However, its underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In the present study, we explored the potential biological mechanisms of TTT surgery using various techniques in a rat TTT animal model. A novel rat model of TTT was established with a designed external fixator, and effects on wound healing were investigated. Laser speckle perfusion imaging, vessel perfusion, histology, and immunohistochemistry were used to evaluate the wound healing processes.Aims
Methods
With the ageing population, fragility fractures have become one of the most common conditions. The objective of this study was to investigate whether microbiological outcomes and fracture-healing in osteoporotic bone is worse than normal bone with fracture-related infection (FRI). A total of 120 six-month-old Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomized to six groups: Sham, sham + infection (Sham-Inf), sham with infection + antibiotics (Sham-Inf-A), ovariectomized (OVX), OVX + infection (OVX-Inf), and OVX + infection + antibiotics (OVX-Inf-A). Open femoral diaphysis fractures with Kirschner wire fixation were performed. Aims
Methods
Exosomes derived from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) have been reported to be a promising cellular therapeutic approach for various human diseases. The current study aimed to investigate the mechanism of BMSC-derived exosomes carrying microRNA (miR)-136-5p in fracture healing. A mouse fracture model was initially established by surgical means. Exosomes were isolated from BMSCs from mice. The endocytosis of the mouse osteoblast MC3T3-E1 cell line was analyzed. CCK-8 and disodium phenyl phosphate microplate methods were employed to detect cell proliferation and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, respectively. The binding of miR-136-5p to low-density lipoprotein receptor related protein 4 (LRP4) was analyzed by dual luciferase reporter gene assay. HE staining, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining, and immunohistochemistry were performed to evaluate the healing of the bone tissue ends, the positive number of osteoclasts, and the positive expression of β-catenin protein, respectively.Aims
Methods
