Spinopelvic alignment and low back pain after total hip arthroplasty: a scoping review

xlomafota.13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Spinopelvic alignment and low back pain after total hip arthroplasty: a scoping review Via Latest Results for BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders Abstract Objective Spinopelvic alignment is increasingly considered as an essential factor for maintaining an energy-efficient posture in individuals with normal or pathological status. Although several previous studies have shown that changes in the sagittal spinopelvic alignment may occur in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA), no review of this area has been completed so far. Thus, the objective of this scoping review was to summarize the evidence investigating changes in spinopelvic alignment and low back pain (LBP) following THA. Data sources We adhered to the established methodology for scoping reviews. Four electronic databases were systematically searched from inception-December 31, 2021. Study selection We selected prospective or retrospective observational or intervention studies that included patients with THA. Data extraction Data extraction and levels of evidence were independently performed using standardized checklists. Data synthesis A total of 45 papers were included in this scoping review, involving 5185 participants with THA. Pelvic tilt was the most common parameter measured in the eligible studies (n = 26). The results were not consistent across all studies; however, it was demonstrated that the distribution of pelvic tilt following THA had a range of 25° posterior to 20° anterior. Moreover, decreased sacral slope and lower pelvic incidence were associated with increased risk of dislocation in patients with THA. Lumbar spine scoliosis did not change significantly after THA in patients with bilateral hip osteoarthritis (5.50°(1.16°) vs. 3.73°(1.16°); P-value = 0.29). Finally, one study indicated that LBP improvement was not correlated with postoperative changes in spinopelvic alignment parameters. Several methodological issues were addressed in this study, including no sample size calculation and no type-I error adjustment for outcome multiplicity. Conclusions Changes in spinopelvic alignment may occur after THA and may improve with time. Patients with a THA dislocation usually show abnormal spinopelvic alignment compared to patients without a THA dislocation. LBP usually improves markedly over time following THA. View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Mitochondria in the Pathogenesis of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

xlomafota.13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Mitochondria in the Pathogenesis of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Via Latest Results for Current Rheumatology Reports Abstract Purpose of Review Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease characterized by autoantibody production and inflammation in multiple organs. In this article, we present data on how various mitochondria pathologies are involved in the pathogenesis of the disease including the fact that they serve as a reservoir of autoantigens which contribute to the upending of lymphocyte tolerance. Recent Findings Mitochondrial DNA from various cell sources, including neutrophil extracellular traps, platelets, and red blood cells, elicits the production of type I interferon which contributes to breaking of peripheral tolerance. Mitochondrial DNA also serves as autoantigen targeted by autoantibodies. Mutations of mitochondrial DNA triggered by reactive oxygen species induce T cell cross-reactivity against self-antigens. Selective gene polymorphisms that regulate mitochondrial apoptosis in autoreactive B and T cells represent another key aspect in the induction of autoimmunity. Summary Various mitochondrial abnormalities, including changes in mitochondrial function, oxidative stress, genetic polymorphism, mitochondrial DNA mutations, and apoptosis pathways, are each linked to different aspects of lupus pathogenesis. However, whether targeting these mitochondrial pathologies can be used to harness autoimmunity remains to be explored. View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Luminescent properties of metal–organic frameworks embedded in methacrylated gelatin for its application in biocompatible 3D printable materials

xlomafota.13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Luminescent properties of metal–organic frameworks embedded in methacrylated gelatin for its application in biocompatible 3D printable materials Via Latest Results for Journal of Nanoparticle Research Abstract In this work, nanoparticles of a luminescent metal–organic framework were embedded in a photopolymerized methacrylated gelatin. Steady-state and time-resolved luminescence spectroscopy was used to explore the drying and the photopolymerization processes, as well as the effect the methacrylated gelatin had on the quantum yield and decay time of the nanoparticles. A drying time of 27.5 min was needed for a 20 µL droplet, and the proposed intensity ratio analysis resulted in a minimum irradiation time of 18.6 min, at a lamp intensity of 2.7 W/m2, for the photopolymerization process to end. The presence of the methacrylated gelatin decreased the quantum yield of the nanoparticles and influenced the emission decay time. The intensity ratio showed that a concentration between 1 and 3% w/V of nanoparticles in the solution is required for the luminescence to be observed and to avoid the important quenching effect. Graphical abstract View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Role of drug delivery technologies in the success of COVID-19 vaccines: a perspective

xlomafota.13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Role of drug delivery technologies in the success of COVID-19 vaccines: a perspective Via Latest Results for Drug Delivery and Translational Research Abstract The triumphant success of mRNA vaccines is a testimony to the important role drug delivery technologies have played in protecting billions of people against SARS-CoV-2 (or the Corona Virus Disease 2019; COVID-19). Several lipid nanoparticle (LNP) mRNA vaccines were developed and have been instrumental in preventing the disease by boosting the immune system against the pathogen, SARS-CoV-2. These vaccines have been built on decades of scientific research in drug delivery of mRNA, vaccines, and other biologicals. In this manuscript, several leading and emerging scientists in the field of drug delivery share their perspective on the role of drug delivery technologies in developing safe and efficacious vaccines, in a roundtable discussion. The authors also discussed their viewpoint on the current challenges, and the key research questions that should drive this important area of research. View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

ECG Signal Quality Assessments of a Small Bipolar Single-Lead Wearable Patch Sensor

xlomafota.13 shared this article with you from Inoreader ECG Signal Quality Assessments of a Small Bipolar Single-Lead Wearable Patch Sensor Via Latest Results for Cardiovascular Engineering and Technology Abstract Purpose There is an increasing clinical interest in the adoption of small single-lead wearable ECG sensors for continuous cardiac monitoring. The purpose of this work is to assess ECG signal quality of such devices compared to gold standard 12-lead ECG. Methods The ECG signal from a 1-lead patch was systematically compared to the 12-lead ECG device in thirty subjects to establish its diagnostic accuracy in terms of clinically relevant signal morphology, wave representation, fiducial markers and interval and wave duration. One minute ECG segments with good signal quality was selected for analysis and the features of ECG were manually annotated for comparative assessment. Results The patch showed closest similarity based on correlation and normalized root-mean-square error to the standard ECG leads I, II, \({\text {V}_3}\) and \({\text {V}_4}\) . P-wave and QRS complexes in the patch showed sensitivity (Se) and positive predictive value (PPV) of at least 99.8% compared to lead II. T-wave representation showed Se and PPV of at least 99.9% compared to lead \({\text {V}_3}\) and \({\text {V}_4}\) . Mean errors for onset and offset of the ECG waves, wave durations, and ECG intervals were within 2 samples based on 125Hz patch ECG sampling frequency. Conclusion This study demonstrates the diagnostic capability with similar morphological representation and reasonable timing accuracy of ECG signal from a patch sensor compared to 12-lead ECG. The advantages and limitations of small bipolar single-lead wearable patch sensor compared to 12-lead ECG are discussed in the context of relevant differences in ECG signal for clinical applications. View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Embedded Computational Heart Model for External Ventricular Assist Device Investigations

xlomafota.13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Embedded Computational Heart Model for External Ventricular Assist Device Investigations Via Latest Results for Cardiovascular Engineering and Technology Abstract Purpose External cardiac assist devices are based on a promising and simple concept for treating heart failure, but they are surprisingly difficult to design. Thus, a structured approach combining experiments with computer-based optimization is essential. The latter provides the motivation for the work presented in this paper. Methods We present a computational modeling framework for realistic representation of the heart's tissue structure, electrophysiology and actuation. The passive heart tissue is described by a nonlinear anisotropic material law, considering fiber and sheetlet directions. For muscle contraction, an orthotropic active-strain model is employed, initiated by a periodically propagating electrical potential. The model allows for boundary conditions at the epicardium accounting for external assist devices, and it is coupled to a circulation network providing appropriate pressure boundary conditions inside the ventricles. Results Simulated results from an unsupported healthy and a pathological heart model are presented and reproduce accurate deformations compared to phenomenological measurements. Moreover, cardiac output and ventricular pressure signals are in good agreement too. By investigating the impact of applying an exemplary external actuation to the pathological heart model, it shows that cardiac patches can restore a healthy blood flow. Conclusion We demonstrate that the devised computational modeling framework is capable of predicting characteristic trends (e.g. apex shortening, wall thickening and apex twisting) of a healthy heart, and that it can be used to study pathological hearts and external activation thereof. View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Portable ultrasound assessment of jugular venous pressure is an accurate method for estimating volaemic status in patients with cardiac disease

xlomafota.13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Portable ultrasound assessment of jugular venous pressure is an accurate method for estimating volaemic status in patients with cardiac disease Via Latest Results for Journal of Ultrasound Abstract Purpose The objective of this study was to determine whether ultrasound-measured jugular venous pressure (U-JVP) could accurately estimate central venous pressure (CVP). Methods This prospective, diagnostic, single-centre study was performed at the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit of the Northern General Hospital, Sheffield, UK. Post-cardiac surgery patients were recruited from January to May 2019. The investigators were blinded to the central venous pressure when measuring the jugular venous pressure. U-JVP and direct CVP were measured simultaneously. Measurements were taken whilst the patient was ventilated and then repeated when the patient was extubated, providing non-ventilated readings. Results One-hundred and fourteen consecutive participants with a male predominance of 71% and mean age of 65 ± 12 years were included in the analysis. Bland–Altman plots revealed that U-JVP marginally overestimated CVP by 0.91 mmHg (95% limits of agreement were −2.936 to 4.754) in ventilated patients and by 0.11 mmHg (95% limits of agreement between −2.481 and 2.695) in non-ventilated patients. Reasonable sensitivity and specificity of ultrasound-measured jugular venous pressure was achieved for low and high central venous pressure in both ventilated and non-ventilated patients. Conclusion U-JVP accurately estimates cardiac filling pressure and fluid status in patients after cardiac surgery, irrespective of their ventilatory status. Jugular venous pressure measurement by insonation is a reliable technique that can be taught to medical students and other health professionals to non-invasively estimate central venous pressure and may be useful for assessment of volaemic status in patients with heart failure. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov public (identifier NCT03815188). Graphical abstract View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Prostate MRI using a rigid two-channel phased-array endorectal coil: comparison with phased array coil acquisition at 3 T

xlomafota.13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Prostate MRI using a rigid two-channel phased-array endorectal coil: comparison with phased array coil acquisition at 3 T Via Latest Results for Cancer Imaging Abstract Background To compare image quality, lesion detection and patient comfort of 3T prostate MRI using a combined rigid two-channel phased-array endorectal coil and an external phased-array coil (ERC-PAC) compared to external PAC acquisition in the same patients. Methods Thirty three men (mean age 65.3y) with suspected (n = 15) or biopsy-proven prostate cancer (PCa, n = 18) were prospectively enrolled in this exploratory study. 3T prostate MRI including T2-weighted imaging (T2WI) and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) was performed using an ERC-PAC versus PAC alone, in random order. Image quality, lesion detection and characterization (biparametric PI-RADSv2.1) were evaluated by 2 independent observers. Estimated signal-to-noise ratio (eSNR) was measured in identified lesions and the peripheral zone (PZ). Patient comfort was assessed using a questionnaire. Data were compared between sequences and acquisitions. Inter/intra-observer agreement for PI-RADS scores was evaluated. Results Twenty four prostate lesions (22 PCa) were identified in 20/33 men. Superior image quality was found for ERC-PAC compared to PAC for T2WI for one observer (Obs.1, p < 0.03) and high b-value DWI for both observers (p < 0.05). The sensitivity of PI-RADS for lesion detection for ERC-PAC and PAC acquisitions was 79.2 and 75% for Obs.1, and 79.1 and 66.7%, for Obs.2, without significant difference for each observer (McNemar p-values ≥0.08). Inter−/intra-observer agreement for PI-RADS scores was moderate-to-substantial (kappa = 0.52–0.84). Higher eSNR was observed for lesions and PZ for T2WI and PZ for DWI using ERC-PAC (p < 0.013). Most patients (21/33) reported discomfort at ERC insertion. Conclusion Despite improved image quality and eSNR using the rigid ERC-PAC combination, no significant improvement in lesion detection was observed, therefore not supporting the routine use of ERC for prostate MRI. View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Synthetic fused sRNA for the simultaneous repression of multiple genes

xlomafota.13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Synthetic fused sRNA for the simultaneous repression of multiple genes Via Latest Results for Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology Abstract Efficient control over multiple gene expression still presents a major challenge. Synthetic sRNA enables targeted gene expression control in trans without directly modifying the chromosome, but its use to simultaneously target multiple genes can often cause cell growth defects because of the need for additional energy for transcription and lowering of their repression efficiency by limiting the amount of Hfq protein. To address these limitations, we present fusion sRNA (fsRNA) that simultaneously regulates the translation of multiple genes efficiently. It is constructed by linking the mRNA-binding modules for multiple targeted genes in one sRNA scaffold via one-pot generation using overlap extension PCR. The repression capacity of fsRNA was demonstrated by the construction of sRNAs to target four endogenous genes: caiF, hybG, ytfR and minD in Escherichia coli. Their cross-reactivity and the effect on cell growth were a lso investigated. As practical applications, we applied fsRNA to violacein- and protocatechuic acid–producing strains, resulting in increases of 13% violacein and 81% protocatechuic acid, respectively. The developed fsRNA-mediated multiple gene expression regulation system thus enables rapid and efficient development of optimised cell factories for valuable chemicals without cell growth defects and limiting cellular resources. Key points • Synthetic fusion sRNA (fsRNA)–based system was constructed for the repression of multiple target genes. • fsRNA repressed multiple genes by only expressing a single sRNA while minimising the cellular burden. • The application of fsRNA showed the increased production titers of violacein (13%) and protocatechuic acid (81%). View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Protective effects of interleukin-22 on oxalate-induced crystalline renal injury via alleviating mitochondrial damage and inflammatory response

xlomafota.13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Protective effects of interleukin-22 on oxalate-induced crystalline renal injury via alleviating mitochondrial damage and inflammatory response Via Latest Results for Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology Abstract Oxalate-induced crystalline kidney injury is one of the most common types of crystalline nephropathy. Unfortunately, there is no effective treatment to reduce the deposition of calcium oxalate crystals and alleviate kidney damage. Thus, proactive therapeutic is urgently needed to alleviate the suffering it causes to patient. Here, we investigated whether IL-22 exerted nephroprotective effects to sodium oxalate-mediated kidney damage and its potential mechanism. Crystalline kidney injury models were developed in vitro and in vivo that was often observed in clinic. We provided evidence that IL-22 could effectively decrease the accumulation of ROS and mitochondrial damage in cell and animal models and reduce the death of TECs. Moreover, IL-22 decreased the expression of the NLRP3 inflammasome and mature IL-1β in renal tissue induced by sodium oxalate. Further studies confirmed that IL-22 could play an anti-inflammatory role by reducing the levels of cytokines suc h as IL-1β, IL-18, and TNF-α in serum. In conclusion, our study confirmed that IL-22 has protective effects on sodium oxalate-induced crystalline kidney injury by reducing the production of ROS, protecting mitochondrial membrane potential, and inhibiting the inflammatory response. Therefore, IL-22 may play a potential preventive role in sodium oxalate-induced acute renal injury. Key points • IL-22 could reduce sodium oxalate-mediated cytotoxicity and ameliorate renal injury. • IL-22 could alleviate oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction induced by sodium oxalate. • IL-22 could inhibit inflammatory response of renal injury caused by sodium oxalate. View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Acute cardiac autonomic and haemodynamic responses to leg and arm isometric exercise

xlomafota.13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Acute cardiac autonomic and haemodynamic responses to leg and arm isometric exercise Via Latest Results for European Journal of Applied Physiology Abstract Objectives Acute cardiovascular responses following a single session of isometric exercise (IE) have been shown to predict chronic adaptations in blood pressure (BP) regulation. It was hypothesised that exercises which recruit more muscle mass induce greater reductions in BP compared to exercises using smaller muscle mass. To test this hypothesis, the current study aimed to compare the acute haemodynamic and autonomic responses to a single session of isometric wall squat (IWS) and isometric handgrip (IHG) training. Methods Twenty-six sedentary participants performed a single IWS and IHG session in a randomised cross-over design, with training composed of 4 × 2-min contractions, with 2-min rest, at 95 HRpeak and 30% MVC respectively. Haemodynamic and cardiac autonomic variables were recorded pre, during, immediately post, and 1-h post-exercise, with the change from baseline for each variable used for comparative analysis. Results During IWS exercise, there was a significantly greater increase in systolic BP (P < 0.001), diastolic BP (P < 0.001), mean BP (P < 0.001), heart rate (P < 0.001), and cardiac output (P < 0.001), and a contrasting decrease in baroreflex effectiveness index (BEI) and cardiac baroreceptor sensitivity (cBRS). In the 10-min recovery period following IWS exercise, there was a significantly greater reduction in systolic BP (P = 0.005), diastolic BP (P = 0.006), mean BP (P = 0.003), total peripheral resistance (TPR) (P < 0.001), BEI (P = 0.003), and power spectral density (PSD-RRI) (P < 0.001). There were no differences in any variables between conditions 1-h post exercise. Conclusions Isometric wall squat exercise involving larger muscle mass is associated with a significantly greater post-exercise hypotensive response during a 10-min recovery window compared to smaller muscle mass IHG exercise. The significantly greater reduction in TPR may be an important mechanism for the differences in BP response. View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.