bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
VASCULAR NETWORK INVESTIGATION AFTER TISSUE ENGINEERING PROCEDURE ON SOFT TISSUE
Authors: Vettese J. , Julie M. , Evrard R. , Fieve L. , Lengelé B. , Cornu O. 
Published: November 2024

IntroductionIn tissue engineering, the establishment of sufficient vascularization is essential for tissue viability and functionality. Inadequate vascularization disrupts nutrients and oxygen supply. Nonetheless, regenerating intricate vascular networks represents a significant challenge. Consequently, research efforts devoted to preserving and regenerating functional vascular networks in engineered tissues are of paramount importance. The present work aims to validate a decellularisation process with preservation of the vascular network and extracellular matrix (ECM) components in fasciocutaneous flaps.MethodFive vascularized fasciocutaneous flaps from cadaveric donors were carefully harvested from the anterolateral thigh (ALT), preserving the main perforator of the fascia lata. The entire ALT flap underwent decellularization by perfusion using a clinically validated chemical protocol. Fluoroscopy and computed tomography (CT) were used to analyze the persistence of the vascular network within the flap, pre- and post-decellularization. Histological analysis, including hematoxylin and eosin staining, and quantitative DNA assessment evaluated decellularization efficacy. Further qualitative (immunohistochemistry, IHC) and quantitative analyses were conducted to assess the preservation of ECM components, such as collagen, glycosaminoglycans, and elastin.ResultOn average, the ALT flap maintains 82% of the perfusion area (p = 0.094) post-treatment. Histological analysis confirmed decellularization efficacy and revealed structural rearrangement. Paired analysis revealed a significant decrease in DNA levels (<14.8 ng/mg of dry weight, p****< 0.0001) and well-maintained ECM. IHC indicated the persistence of elastine, collagen IV and laminin. Quantitative analysis confirmed elastin (p = 0.44) and collagen persistence (+74%, p*** = 0.001, albeit with a decrease in matrix glycosaminoglycans (-41%, p*** = 0.01)ConclusionDecellularization effectively removed cells, while preserving the ECM overall and maintaining some vascular network integrity. Yet, further study is needed to validate these findings, involving microCT examination of the vascular network and its ability to support cell colonization and viability.
PATHOLOGIC FRACTURE OF LONG BONES AS A COMPLICATION OF ACUTE OSTEOMYELITIS IN PAEDIATRICS: A CHALLENGING TASK FOR ORTHOPAEDIC SURGEONS
Authors: Zargarbashi R. , Vosoughi F. , Shaker F. , Mirbeyk M. , Seifi M. , Vafaee A. R. 
Published: November 2024

IntroductionThe management of pathologic fractures (PF) following osteomyelitis (especially acute subtype) has not been widely investigated. This is challenging due to the infection-induced destructive process causing bone architecture defects. Therefore, this study aims to assess a stepwise treatment plan for the acute incidence of PF in long bone following pediatric acute Hematogenous osteomyelitis(AHO) (the most common mechanism in children).MethodThis case series was conducted in a tertiary pediatric center. Patients with fracture incidence within the first 10 days after AHO diagnosis were included. Patients’ characteristics were retrospectively reviewed.ResultNine patients (7 boys, involved bone: the femur(4), tibia(3), Radius(1), and Ulna(1)) were included, with a mean age of 52.56±66.18 months (7-216) and a follow-up time of 11.62±3.61 years (6.5-16 years). The etiology in all patients was hematological(Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus).Our stepwise treatment plan was as follows:Intravenous antibiotics until ESR<20, then oral to ESR<5Debridemnt surgery was performed if abscesses were detected.Fracture type determined initial fixation: external fixation (4 patients, 2 unions) or casting (2 patients, both unions).If the union was not obtained, internal fixation (with (2 patients) or without (2 patients) bone graft) was applied (all obtained union).Circular external fixation was applied if the union was not obtained or leg length discrepancy occurred (1 case).A mean of 3.2 surgical procedures (1-6) was required to control the infection, and 1.4 surgical procedures (0-4) were required to obtain union.Except for one patient who died of septic shock, all other patients (88.8%) reached complete recovery (average length of hospital stay of 19.2 days (5-35).), and the union was obtained (the average union time of 17.25 months(4-36)) without long-term sequelae of osteomyelitis.ConclusionThe outcome of the stepwise plan in this study suggests that acute PF following AHO in pediatrics can be managed efficiently.
FATIGUE STRENGTH ASSESSMENT OF A NOVEL LIGHT-CURABLE BONE FIXATION TECHNIQUE
Authors: Varga P. , Cameron P. , Hutchinson D. , Malkoch M. , Schwarzenberg P. 
Published: November 2024

IntroductionWhen designing a new osteosynthesis device, the biomechanical competence must be evaluated with respect to the acting loads. In a previous study, the loads on the proximal phalanx during rehabilitation exercises were calculated. This study aimed to assess the safety of a novel customizable osteosynthesis device compared to those loads to determine when failure would occur.MethodForty proximal phalanges were dissected from skeletally mature female sheep and divided into four testing groups. A custom 3D printed cutting and drilling guide was used to create a reduced osteotomy and pilot holes to insert four 1.5 mm cortical screws. A novel light-curable polymer composite was used to fixate the bones with an in situ fixation patch. The constructs were tested in cyclic four-point bending in a bioreactor with ringer solution at 37°C with a valley load of 2 N. Four groups (N = 10) had increasing peak loads based on varying safety factors relative to the physiological loading (G1:100x, G2:150x, G3:175x, G4:250x). Each specimen was tested for 12,600 cycles (6 weeks of rehabilitation) or until failure occurred. After the test the thickness of the patch was measured with digital calipers and data analysis was performed in Python and R.ResultAll samples survived in G1, and all failed in G4. G2 and G3 had 1 and 8 failures, respectively. There was no significant difference in patch thickness in all survivor samples against failures (p = 0.131), however, there was a significant difference in the displacement amplitude in the final cycle (0.072 mm vs. 0.15 mm; p < 0.001).ConclusionThis study found the survival and failure limits of a novel osteosynthesis device as a function of physiological loading. These results indicate that such fixations could withstand 100x the loading for typical non-weightbearing rehabilitation. Further studies are needed to confirm the safety for other conditions.
EXPLORING THE LINK BETWEEN CHRONIC STRESS AND OSTEOARTHRITIS IN A MURINE MODEL
Authors: Rösch G. , Rapp A. E. , Tsai P. L. , Kohler H. , Taheri S. , Schilling A. F. , Zaucke F. , Slattery D. , Lanzl Z. J. 
Published: November 2024

IntroductionOsteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative disease of the entire joint leading to joint stiffness and pain (PMID:33571663). Recent evidence suggests that the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) plays a role in the pathogenesis of OA (PMID:34864169). A typical cause for long-term hyperactivity of the SNS is chronic stress. To study the contribution of increased sympathetic activity, we analyzed the progression of OA in chronically stressed mice.MethodWe induced OA in male C57BL/6J mice by destabilizing the medial meniscus (DMM)(PMID:17470400) and exposed half of these mice to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)(PMID:28808696). Control groups consisted of sham-operated mice with and without CUMS exposure. After 12 weeks, CUMS efficacy was determined by assessing changes in body weight gain and activity of mice, measuring splenic norepinephrine and serum corticosterone levels. OA progression was studied by histological analysis of cartilage degeneration and synovitis, and by μCT to evaluate changes in calcified cartilage and subchondral bone microarchitecture. A dynamic weight-bearing system was used to assess OA-related pain.ResultCUMS resulted in significantly decreased body weight gain and activity, as well as increased splenic norepinephrine and serum corticosterone concentrations compared to the respective controls. Surprisingly, already DMM alone resulted in elevated stress hormone levels. CUMS significantly exacerbated cartilage degeneration and synovial inflammation and increased OA pain in DMM mice. The underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms are currently being analyzed using FACS, single cell RNAseq, and spatial proteomics.ConclusionOverall, chronic stress exacerbates OA severity and pain. Moreover, increased levels of stress hormones were observed in OA mice without CUMS induction, suggesting a complex bi-directional interaction between the SNS and OA. Targeting the autonomic nervous system, such as attenuating the SNS but also stimulating the activity of the parasympathetic nervous system, as a counterpart of the SNS, may therefore be promising for novel preventive or causal treatments of OA.
WHARTON’S JELLY MESENCHYMAL STROMAL CELL-DERIVED EXTRACELLULAR VESICLES ATTENUATE PYROPTOSIS IN SYNOVIAL FLUID-TREATED HUMAN OSTEOARTHRITIC CHONDROCYTES
Authors: Tilotta V. , Vadalà G. , Giacomo G. D. , Colaiacomo C. , Cicione C. , Ambrosio L. , Russo F. , Denaro V. , Papalia R. 
Published: November 2024

IntroductionOsteoarthritis (OA) is a predominant chronic degenerative disease exerting a deep impact on quality of life and healthcare systems. Recent evidences suggest that pyroptosis, a programmed cell death characterized by inflammatory cytokine release, may play a significant role in modulating OA pain. The aim of the study is to investigate the potential role of extracellular vesicles derived from umbilical cord Wharton's jelly (WJ-MSC EVs) in the attenuation of the pyroptotic process on human chondrocytes (hOAC) pre-treated with synovial fluid in a 3D in vitro model.MethodEVs isolated by tangential filtration of the conditioned medium of WJ-MSCs were characterized for: morphology by TEM, surface markers by WB and size by NTA. Confocal microscopy was used to identify PKH26-labelled EVs and monitor their incorporation into hOACs. The hOACs from surgical waste material of patients undergoing knee replacement, expanded, encapsulated in alginate beads were pre-treated with synovial fluid for 24 h (SF) and subsequently co-incubated with WJ-MSC EVs. We examined viability (CCK-8), metabolic activity (MTT), nitrite production (Griess) activation of the pyroptotis (IF), DNA quantification (PicoGreen) and gene expression levels of extracellular matrix (ECM) components (qPCR). One-way ANOVA analysis was used to compare the groups under exam and data were expressed as mean ± S.DResultWJ-MSC EVs increased hOACs viability and metabolic activity. The production of nitrites is significantly decreased compared sample group treated with SF. WJ-MSC EVs inhibited inflammasomes NLRP3 (nucleotide-binding domain, leucine-rich repeat pyrin domain containing 3) activation. The ECM catabolic genes decreased compared to the inflamed SF group for ADAMTS-5 and MMP-1.ConclusionOur results supported the potential use of WJ-MSC EVs as a cell-free strategy for OA, overcoming the side effects of cell-therapy. Moreover, WJ-MSC EVs are able to mitigate SF-treated hOACs pyroptotic death, attenuate ECM degradation and oxidative stress counteracting the inflamed status in OA development and progression.
A MULTIMODAL IODINATED GADOLINIUM-GOLD NANOMATERIAL AS CONTRAST AGENT FOR CARTILAGE IMAGING
Authors: Lu C. , Lian W. , Wu R. , Lin Y. , Su C. , Chen C. , Tai M. , Chen Y. , Wang S. , Wang F. 
Published: November 2024

IntroductionCartilage damage is a critical aspect of osteoarthritis progression, but effective imaging strategies remain limited. Consequently, multimodal imaging approaches are receiving increased attention. Gold nanomaterials, renowned for their therapeutic and imaging capabilities, hold promise in drug development. However, their potential for cartilage imaging is rarely discussed. Here, we developed a versatile nanomaterial, AuNC@BSA-Gd-I, for cartilage detection. By leveraging electrostatic interactions with sulfated glycosaminoglycans (sGAG), the AuNC@BSA-Gd-I can effectively penetrate damaged cartilage while accumulating minimally in healthy cartilage. This probe can be visualized or detected using CT, MRI, IVIS, and a gamma counter, providing a comprehensive approach to cartilage imaging. Additionally, we compared the imaging abilities, cartilage visualization capacities, and versatility of currently disclosed multimodal gold nanomaterials with those of AuNC@BSA-Gd-I.MethodThe physicochemical properties of nanomaterials were measured. The potential for cartilage visualization of these nanomaterials was assessed using an in vitro porcine model. The sGAG content in cartilage was determined using the dimethylmethylene blue (DMMB) assay to establish the correlation between sGAG concentration and imaging intensity acquired at each modality.ResultsThe cartilage imaging abilities of AuNC@BSA-Gd-I for CT, MRI, and optical imaging were verified, with each imaging intensity demonstrating a strong correlation with the sGAG content (MRI; R2=0.93, CT; R2=0.83, IVIS; R2=0.79). Furthermore, AuNC@BSA-Gd-131I effectively accumulated in defective cartilage tissue compared to healthy cartilage (23755.38 ± 5993.61 CPM/mg vs. 11699.97 ± 794.93 CPM/mg). Additionally, current gold nanomaterials excelled in individual imaging modalities but lacked effective multimodal imaging ability.ConclusionCompared to current multimodal gold nanomaterials, AuNC@BSA-Gd-I demonstrates the potential to image cartilage across multiple medical instruments, providing investigators with a more powerful, visible, and convenient approach to detect cartilage defects.AcknowledgementsThis work was financially supported by the National Health Research Institute, Taiwan (NHRI-EX112-11029SI), the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC 112-2314-B-182A-105-MY3), and Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taiwan (CMRPG8N0781 and CMRPG8M1281-3).
MUSCLE STRENGTH AND POWER IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC PAIN AFTER TOTAL KNEE ARTHROPLASTY: SECONDARY ANALYSIS FROM A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL
Authors: Larsen J. B. , Skou S. T. , Laursen M. , Bruun N. H. , Bandholm T. , Arendt-Nielsen L. , Madeleine P. 
Published: November 2024

IntroductionThere is a lack of evidence-based treatments for patients with chronic pain after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). It is well-established that knee extensor and flexor muscle strength are markedly impaired following TKA, but no studies have examined muscle strength and power in patients with chronic pain after TKA. Therefore, the aim was to investigate if neuromuscular exercises and pain neuroscience education (PNE) were superior to PNE alone for improvement of muscle strength and power in patients with chronic pain after TKA.MethodThis report presents the exploratory analysis of a randomized controlled trial (NCT03886259). Participants with chronic moderate-to-severe average daily pain intensity and no signs of prosthesis failure at least one year after primary TKA were included. Participants were randomized to receive either supervised neuromuscular exercise and PNE or the same PNE sessions alone. The outcomes were changes from baseline to 12-months for peak leg extension power and maximum muscle strength, measured during maximal voluntary isometric contractions, for the knee extensors and flexors.ResultSixty-nine participants (age 62.2±7.2, 40 females) were included. No between-group differences were observed for peak leg extension power (difference 13.6 Watts, 95% CI -22.2 to 49.3), maximum knee extensor muscle strength (difference -20.9 Newtons, 95% CI -65.8 to 24.0) or maximum knee flexor muscle strength (difference 8.6 Newtons, 95% CI -11.9 to 29.1). Peak leg extension power (26.3 Watts, 95% CI 4.3 to 48.3) and maximum knee flexor muscle strength (19.7 Newtons, 95% CI 7.6 to 31.9) improved significantly in the neuromuscular exercise and PNE group with no significant improvements observed in the PNE alone group.ConclusionNeuromuscular exercise and PNE did not improve muscle strength and power compared to PNE alone in patients with chronic pain after TKA.AcknowledgementsThis study was funded by the Danish Rheumatism Association, the Svend Andersen Foundation and Lions Club Denmark.
Evaluation of the measurement properties of intimate partner violence screening instruments for the general population: A COSMIN-based international systematic review
Authors: Li Yanjia , Wang Guiyun , Chen Jiarui , Xia Qing , Chen Keyi , Ou Suqi , Tang Siyuan 
Published: November 2024

Aim
To systematically appraise, compare, and summarize the measurement properties of intimate partner violence screening instruments for the general population and provide recommendations.

Methods
We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global and EBSCO Psychology Behavioral Sciences Collection from their establishment to March 2024 using systematic search strategies. The methodological quality of the instruments that met the inclusion criteria and their measurement properties were assessed using the COSMIN methodology, and the COSMIN recommendations were followed. We reported this study using PRISMA 2020 checklist.

Results
A total of 23 studies were eventually included, and 18 instruments were identified. The evaluation of the methodological quality indicates poor content validity but good structural validity; however, that of the criterion validity in most of the studies was inadequate. Measurement error and responsiveness were not assessed. Four screening instruments could be used in the interim. The remaining 14 instruments were not recommended for use.

Conclusions
The overall methodological quality of most of the assessed instruments was insufficient. A rigorous intimate partner violence screening instrument with good measurement properties is urgently required to identify and screen for intimate partner violence in the general population.

PROSPERO number
CRD42022365247.
Can acoustic measurements predict gender perception in the voice?
Authors: da Cruz Martinho Diego Henrique , Lopes Leonardo Wanderley , Dornelas Rodrigo , Constantini Ana Carolina 
Published: November 2024

Purpose
To determine if there is an association between vocal gender presentation and the gender and context of the listener.

Method
Quantitative and transversal study. 47 speakers of Brazilian Portuguese of different genders were recorded. Recordings included sustained vowel emission, connected speech, and the expressive recital of a poem. Subsequently, four scripts were used in Praat to extract 16 acoustic measurements related to prosody. Voices underwent Auditory-Perceptual Assessment (APA) of the gender presentation by 236 people [65 speech and language pathologist (SLP) with experience in the area of the voice (SLP), 101 cisgender people (CG), and 70 transgender and non-binary people (TNB)]. Gender presentation was evaluated by visual analogue scale. Agreement analyses were executed among quantitative variables and multiple linear regression models were generated to predict APA, taking the judge context/gender and speaker gender into consideration.

Results
Acoustic analysis revealed that cis and transgender women had higher median fundamental frequency (fo) values than other genders. Cisgender women exhibited greater breathiness, while cisgender men showed more vocal quality deviations. In terms of APA, significant differences were observed among judge groups: SLP judged vowel samples differently from other groups, and TNB judged speech samples differently (both p<0.001). The predictive measures for the APA varied based on the sample type, speaker gender, and judge group. For vowel samples, only SLP judges had predictive measures (fo and ABI Jitter) for cisgender speakers. In number counting samples, predictive measures for cisgender speakers included fomed and HNR for CG judges, and fomed for both SLP and TNB judges. For transgender and non-binary speakers, predictive measures were fomed for CG and SLP judges, and fomed, CPPs, and ABI for TNB judges. In the poem recital task, predictive measures for cisgender speakers were fomed and HNR for both SLP and CG judges, with additional measures of cvint and sr for CG judges, and fomed, HNR, cvint, and fopeakwidth for TNB judges. For transgender and non-binary speakers, the predictive measures included a wider range of acoustic features such as fomed, fosd, sr, fomin, emph, HNR, Shimmer, and fo peakwidth for SLP judges, and fomed, fosd, sr, fomax, emph, HNR, and Shimmer for CG judges, while TNB judges considered fomed, sr, emph, fosd, Shimmer, HNR, Jitter, and fomax.

Conclusions
There is an association between the perception of gender presentation in the voice and the gender or context of the listener and the speaker. Transgender and non-binary judges diverged to a higher degree from cisgender and SLP judges. Compared to the evaluation of cisgender speakers, all judge groups used a greater number of acoustic measurements when analyzing the speech of transgender and non-binary individuals in the poem recital samples.
Training secondary school students as anti-smoke ambassadors using the service-learning model: A cluster randomized controlled trial with hybrid type 1 effectiveness-implementation design study protocol
Authors: Lam Katherine Ka Wai , Ho Ka Yan , Leung Doris Yin Ping , Wong Arkers Kwan Ching , Wu Cynthia Sau Ting , Liu Charlotte Qi , Mao Ting , Mak Yim Wah 
Published: November 2024

Background
Evidence shows that using the AWARD (Ask, Warn, Advise, Refer, Do-it-again) model with service-learning model in youngsters may be an appropriate strategy to refer young smokers for early smoking cessation services. Therefore this study aims to promote smoking cessation by training secondary school students as anti-smoke ambassadors (ASAs) with increased knowledge, skills and self-efficacy on smoking cessation and AWARD model using service-learning model.

Methods
A cluster randomized controlled trial will be conducted in 14 secondary schools in Hong Kong. Also, a hybrid type 1 effectiveness-implementation design with the Reach Effectiveness Adoption Implementation Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework will be adopted. For the intervention group, participants (n = 184) will attend a 3-hour training workshop, followed by hands-on sessions supervised by trained nursing students, then a 6-month smoker referral competition and an award presentation ceremony. The control group (n = 184) will only attend the 3-hour training workshop. The research assistant will contact participants at the start and the end of training program, and at 3, 6, and 12 months after the end of the training program by telephone to complete a set of questionnaires. Participating secondary schools, participating nursing students, ASAs, and responsible organizational staff will be randomly invited for a one-to-one semi-structured interview. The primary outcome will be the number of smokers who referred by secondary school students. Descriptive statistics, mixed between-within-subjects ANOVA, logistic regressions, and content analysis will be used.

Discussion
This study will bridge the gap in existing literature by determining the effectiveness and exploring facilitators and barriers in implementing our intervention with the use of the AWARD model and service-learning model in training young people to refer smokers to anti-smoke organizations in the real-world. This can enhance our community capacity and enable youngsters to take a proactive role to support smoking cessation.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05897346. Registered on 11 May 2023.