Assessing the Effects of Geniculate Artery Embolization in a Nonsurgical Animal Model of Osteoarthritis

PurposeTo create a nonsurgical animal model of osteoarthritis (OA) to evaluate the effects of embolotherapy during geniculate artery embolization (GAE).Materials and MethodsFluoroscopy-guided injections of 700 mg of sodium monoiodoacetate were performed into the left stifle in 6 rams. Kinematic data were collected before and after induction. At 10 weeks after induction, Subjects 1 and 4–6 underwent magnetic resonance (MR) imaging with dynamic contrast enhancement (DCE) and Subjects 1, 3, and 4–6 underwent angiography with angiographic scoring to identify regions with greatest disease severity for superselective embolization (75–250-μm microspheres). Target vessel size was measured. At 24 weeks after angiography, DCE-MR imaging, angiography, and euthanasia were performed, and bilateral stifles were harvested. Medial/lateral tibial and femoral condylar, patellar, and synovial samples were cut, preserved, decalcified, and scored using the Osteoarthritis Research Society International criteria. The stifle and synovium Whole-Organ Magnetic Resonance Imaging Score and Multicenter Osteoarthritis Study score were determined. The volume transfer constant (K_trans) and extracellular volume fraction (v_e) were calculated from DCE-MR imaging along the lateral synovial regions of interest.ResultsThe mean gross and microscopic pathological scores were elevated at 38 and 61, respectively. Mean synovitis score was elevated at 9.2. Mean pre-embolization and postembolization angiographic scores were 5 and 3.8, respectively. Mean superior, transverse, and inferior geniculate artery diameters were 3.1 mm ± 1.21, 2.0 mm ± 0.50, and 1.6 mm ± 0.41 mm, respectively. Mean pre-embolization and postembolization cartilage and synovitis scores were elevated at 35.13 and 73.3 and 5.5 and 9.2, respectively. The K_trans/v_e values of Subjects 4, 5, and 6 were elevated at 0.049/0.38, 0.074/0.53, and 0.065/0.51, respectively. Altered gait of the hind limb was observed in all subjects after induction, with reduced joint mobility. No skin necrosis or osteonecrosis was observed.ConclusionsA nonsurgical ovine animal knee OA model was created, which allowed the collection of angiographic, histopathological, MR imaging, and kinematic data to study the effects of GAE.     

Exploring peer tutoring from the peer tutor's perspective

IntroductionChanging working practices, student numbers, workforce demands, and deficits, have created a need to consider new ways of radiography student training. One suggestion could be to implement Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) during clinical placements. PAL utilises social constructivist theories, where peer tutors teach lower or same level tutees, reinforcing and practicing material formally taught. The aim of this study was to trial an intervention of PAL, co-designed between the university and students and evaluated to identify opportunities and challenges.MethodsUsing participatory action research 8 final year student volunteers trialled a 3-week intervention, where they delivered PAL to first years, tutoring on first year radiographic clinical practice. Focus groups were held pre and post intervention to gather qualitative data.ResultsFocus group discussions were transcribed and collectively thematically analysed. Two students and the primary researcher took part in the analysis.ConclusionStudents identified benefits and challenges to PAL. Issue around preparing for and being a peer tutor are also discussed.Further study involving experiences of first year students and clinical colleagues is required.Implications for practicePeer-tutoring has potential benefits to students to facilitate the development of skills related to image analysis and critique as well as radiographic anatomy and patient positioning.     

瘀热型慢性前列腺炎与心理性因素及性功能的相关性

目的分析瘀热型慢性前列腺炎(CP)临床症状与心理性因素及性功能的相关性。方法收集2020年6月至2021年6月在南京市江宁中医院泌尿外科门诊诊治的91例瘀热型CP患者的临床资料进行回顾性分析,使用美国国立卫生研究院慢性前列腺炎症状指数评分表(NIH-CPSI)、中医证候量表、7项广泛性焦虑障碍量表(GAD-7)、抑郁症筛查量表(PHQ-9)、疼痛灾难化量表(PCS)、国际勃起功能评分表(IIEF-5)和早泄诊断量表(PEDT)对患者进行评估,对量表评定结果进行Pearson相关性分析和多元线性回归分析。结果(1)症状量表:NIH-CPSI总分与中医量表总分、GAD-7总分呈正相关,中医证候量表总分与CPSI、GAD-7、PHQ-9、PCS、PEDT总分呈正相关(P<0.05);CPSI总分随中医量表总分递增而升高,中医证候量表总分随CPSI疼痛症状、PHQ-9总分递增而升高(P<0.05)。(2)情绪量表:GAD-7总分与CPSI、中医证候量表总分、排尿症状、PHQ总分、PEDT总分呈正相关,PHQ-9总分与中医证候量表总分、疼痛及排尿症状、PCS总分、PEDT总分呈正相关,PCS总分与中医证候量表总分及疼痛症状分值呈正相关(P<0.05);GAD-7总分随PHQ-9总分递增而升高;PHQ-9总分随中医证候量表排尿症状、GAD-7、PCS分值递增而升高;PCS总分随中医证候量表疼痛症状、PHQ-9分值递增而升高(P<0.05)。(3)性功能量表:IIEF-5总分与中医证候量表疼痛分值呈负相关,PEDT总分与中医证候量表总分及疼痛症状、GAD-7、PHQ-9分值呈正相关(P<0.05);IIEF-5总分随中医证候量表疼痛症状分值递减而升高(P<0.05)。结论瘀热型CP患者表现为以疼痛为主,伴随排尿异常、情绪异常、认知障碍和性功能障碍的系列症状,同时使用中医证候量表及CPSI评估能较好的反映其病情的严重程度。     

Appendicular and mid-thigh lean mass are associated with muscle strength,physical performance,and dynamic balance in older persons at high risk of falls

BackgroundFalls in older persons are associated with muscle mass and strength alterations, which may also affect balance parameters. However, the most appropriate combined approach to assess muscle and balance components that predict falls in older persons is still lacking.Research questionWe hypothesized that appendicular lean and/or mid-thigh mass and muscle strength and performance are positively associated with balance indices and fall risk in older persons.MethodsCross-sectional analyses of retrospective data from 260 participants with risk and/or history of falls examined at a Falls and Fracture Clinic. Assessments included a comprehensive clinical exam, bone densitometry and body composition by DXA, grip strength, gait speed, posturography, timed up and go (TUG) and four-square step (FSST) tests. Retrospective falls and fracture history was collected. Associations between appendicular and mid-thigh lean mass and muscle strength/performance vs balance indicators were determined before and after adjusting for age and gender.ResultsMean age of participants was 78 ± 6.7 (65−96) years. Both appendicular and mid-thigh lean masses corrected for BMI (but not for height²), and muscle strength and performance measures are associated with better dynamic balance. Conversely, static balance indicators showed less consistent associations with lean mass. Only TUG and sit to stand time consistently showed significant associations with most static balance indicators.SignificanceCombined with strength and performance parameters, ALM and mid-thigh estimates adjusted by BMI strongly correlate with dynamic balance parameters and could become practical elements of falls risk assessment as well as markers of therapeutic response to falls prevention interventions.