Given the function of adiponectin (ADIPOQ) on the inflammatory condition of obesity and osteoarthritis (OA), we hypothesized that the ADIPOQ gene might be a candidate gene for a marker of susceptibility to OA. We systematically screened three tagging polymorphisms (rs182052, rs2082940 and rs6773957) in the ADIPOQ gene, and evaluated the association between the genetic variants and OA risk in a case-controlled study that included 196 OA patients and 442 controls in a northern Chinese population. Genotyping was performed using the Sequenom MassARRAY iPLEX platform.Objectives
Methods
Mesenchymal stem cells have the ability to differentiate into various cell types, and thus have emerged as promising alternatives to chondrocytes in cell-based cartilage repair methods. The aim of this experimental study was to investigate the effect of bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells combined with platelet rich fibrin on osteochondral defect repair and articular cartilage regeneration in a canine model. Osteochondral defects were created on the medial femoral condyles of 12 adult male mixed breed dogs. They were either treated with stem cells seeded on platelet rich fibrin or left empty. Macroscopic and histological evaluation of the repair tissue was conducted after four, 16 and 24 weeks using the International Cartilage Repair Society macroscopic and the O’Driscoll histological grading systems. Results were reported as mean and standard deviation (Objectives
Methods
We aimed to examine the characteristics of deep venous flow in
the leg in a cast and the effects of a wearable neuromuscular stimulator
(geko; FirstKind Ltd) and also to explore the participants’ tolerance
of the stimulator. This is an open-label physiological study on ten healthy volunteers.
Duplex ultrasonography of the superficial femoral vein measured
normal flow and cross-sectional area in the standing and supine
positions (with the lower limb initially horizontal and then elevated).
Flow measurements were repeated during activation of the geko stimulator
placed over the peroneal nerve. The process was repeated after the
application of a below-knee cast. Participants evaluated discomfort
using a questionnaire (verbal rating score) and a scoring index
(visual analogue scale).Objectives
Methods
