Useful animal models for the research of osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a major cause of suffering for millions of people. Investigating the disease directly on humans may be challenging. The aim of the present study is to investigate the advantages and limitations of the animal models currently used in OA research. The animal models are divided into induced and spontaneous. Induced models are further subdivided into surgical and chemical models, according to the procedure used to induce OA. Surgical induction of OA is the most commonly used procedure, which alters the exerted strain on the joint and/or alter load bearing leading to instability of the joint and induction of OA. Chemical models are generated by intra-articular injection of modifying factors or by systemically administering noxious agents, such as quinolones. Spontaneous models include naturally occurring and genetic models. Naturally occurring OA is described in certain species, while genetic models are developed by gene manipulation. Overall, there is no single animal model that is ideal for studying degenerative OA. However, in the present review, an attempt is made to clarify the most appropriate use of each model.     

Alterations of leptin during IFN-alpha therapy in patients with chronic viral hepatitis

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Leptin has a particular profibrogenic role in the liver. We investigated whether IFN-alpha influences leptin production in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and C (CHC). Leptin was determined in serial samples from 63 CHB and 42 CHC IFN-alpha treated patients. Furthermore, we evaluated whether leptin alterations were associated with patients' characteristics. METHODS: Sera were investigated at serial time-points using an enzyme-linked-immunosorbent-assay. Controls consisted of 36 patients with autoimmune liver diseases and 44 healthy patients. RESULTS: Leptin levels before IFN-alpha administration were higher in CHB and CHC compared to healthy (P<0.004) and diseased controls (P=0.0001). In CHB patients, we observed a significant reduction of leptin during IFN-alpha treatment and lasting for up to 6 months after the end of treatment, followed by an increase reaching pretreatment levels at 1.5 years after stopping therapy. The pattern of leptin alterations was similar in CHC patients where leptin's decrease was more pronounced at 6 months after the end of treatment. Biochemical or virological response to treatment was not associated with leptin reduction in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides information on leptin kinetics during IFN-alpha treatment and follow-up in CHB and CHC patients and suggests IFN-alpha as a potential inhibitor of leptin production.     

Moderately increased alcohol consumption is associated with higher pressure wave reflections and blood pressure in men

Background and aimsIncreased alcohol consumption has been associated with CVD risk. Subclinical arterial damage (SAD) precedes the onset of cardiovascular disease (CVD), and allows early identification and study of the pathophysiology of CVD. Reliable, noninvasive vascular biomarkers are available for the early detection of SAD and reclassification of CVD risk. To investigate the association of alcohol consumption with multiple SAD biomarkers and central hemodynamics in a large sample of Greek adults with CVD risk factors.Methods and resultsThis cross-sectional study was conducted with 938 participants (43.5% men) and collected data on SAD biomarkers, central hemodynamics, and dietary intake. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed according to sex after adjusting for several confounders. In men, alcohol consumption of 20–30 g/d was positively associated with mean, diastolic, and peripheral systolic blood pressure (BP). The consumption of >30 g/d was positively associated with the augmentation index. In women, no statistically significant associations were found between alcohol consumption and BP or SAD indices. No statistically significant associations were found between alcohol consumption and arterial compliance or distensibility in both sexes.ConclusionIn men even a small deviation from the current recommendation for alcohol consumption is associated with both higher BP indices and pressure wave reflections. The absence of association in women might be due to very low alcohol intake, even in the high consumption group. More studies are needed to verify our findings and establish the above associations in each sex.     

Correction to: Uniportal Versus Multiportal Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Lobectomy for Lung Cancer: An Updated Meta-analysis

Lung - A correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00408-021-00428-8     

Lipoprotein profile,glycemic control and physical fitness after strength and aerobic training in post-menopausal women with type 2 diabetes

We studied the effects on blood lipids and physical fitness after a training program that combined strength and aerobic exercise in postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes. Ten patients (55.0 ± 5.2 years) followed four exercise sessions per week, two strength and two aerobic, and ten (59.4 ± 3.2 years) served as a control group. Lipid profile, glycated hemoglobin (HbA_1c), HOMA2 index, exercise stress and muscular testing were assessed at the beginning and after 16 weeks of training program. Exercise training increased significantly HDL-C (17.2%; P < 0.001) and decreased triglycerides (18.9%), HbA_1c (15.0%), fasting plasma glucose (5.4%), insulin resistance (HOMA2 25.2%) and resting blood pressure (P < 0.01). After 16 weeks of training, exercise time (17.8%) and muscular strength increased significantly (P < 0.001). The results indicated that a combined strength and aerobic training program could induce positive adaptations on lipid profile, glycemic control, insulin resistance, cardiovascular function, and physical fitness in post-menopausal women with type 2 diabetes. An erratum to this article can be found at     

Modified technique of percutaneous dilational tracheostomy in 600 cases

Tracheostomy is frequently required for the treatment of critically ill patients to prevent the complications with prolonged translaryngeal intubation. It may facilitate airway suctioning and improve patient comfort during the process of weaning. The purpose of the study was to introduce a new modified technique for percutaneous dilational tracheostomy (MPDT) and assess its advantages. From November 1997 through December 2000, a series of 600 patients (350 men, 250 women; mean age 44.5 years) underwent MPDT in our department. The technique we used is a combination of the Seldinger and Schachner techniques with an incision of 2 to 3 cm between the cricoid cartilage and the notch. Using a small automatic retractor, the thyroid muscles were dissected with the help of a curved mosquito clamp. This gave us the opportunity to control the isthmus and offered the possibility of ligation when the thyroid was large, providing a good operative field directly on the trachea. Hence we avoided traumatizing the isthmus, which is the main source of hemorrhage during this procedure. The mean operating time was 4.5 minutes. The morbidity rate was 0.04%. One patient developed a subcutaneous emphysema and in three cases we had to ligate the external jugular vein. The surgical incision was completely healed within 3 to 4 days after removing the tracheostoma. No tracheal stenoses were observed during the follow-up. MPDT is a safe, applicable technique that can be performed quickly even by a nonsurgeon in the intensive care unit and emergency department, with a low risk of complications because there is a direct view of the trachea and minimal trauma.     

Ross-Konno procedure in neonates: report of three patients

The Ross-Konno procedure, applied to neonates with severe left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction, offers a satisfactory solution in fully releasing the LVOT gradient, and in replacing the aortic valve with a pulmonary autograft with an excellent growth potential. We reported on three recent neonatal cases.