- Ismene Dontas, DVM, PhD, is Professor of Experimental Surgical Research at the School of Medicine, NKUA, was Director... moreIsmene Dontas, DVM, PhD, is Professor of Experimental Surgical Research at the School of Medicine, NKUA, was Director of the Laboratory for Research of the Musculoskeletal System 2013-2021. Her research focuses on ageing, animal welfare, biomedical research, education(Ismene Dontas, DVM, PhD, is Professor of Experimental Surgical Research at the School of Medicine, NKUA, was Director of the Laboratory for Research of the Musculoskeletal System 2013-2021. Her research focuses on ageing, animal welfare, biomedical research, education)edit
Direct anastomosis of the esophagus is the treatment of choice in patients with esophageal atresia. If, however, a long esophageal gap exists, the anastomosis is performed under tension or a staged procedure is anticipated. The aim of... more
Direct anastomosis of the esophagus is the treatment of choice in patients with esophageal atresia. If, however, a long esophageal gap exists, the anastomosis is performed under tension or a staged procedure is anticipated. The aim of this study was to prove that a pedicle musculopleural graft can be used to bridge the two esophageal ends. In 14 dogs through a right thoracotomy, the periosteum of the fifth rib was mobilized and the rib was excised. An intercostal musculopleural flap was created leaving the muscle attached to its vascular pedicle posteriorly with the intercostal vessels and nerve carefully preserved. A tube-like portion including pleural and intercostal muscles was formed from the free part of the graft. A 5 cm segment of the esophagus was excised and the tubular graft was interimposed. Animals were studied 1 month postoperatively with a barium meal that showed free passage through the esophageal neolumen. Peristaltic activity was studied with strain gauges above, below, and at the grafted area. Histologic examination revealed good healing at both anastomotic sites, while esophageal squamous epithelium covered the lumen all over the graft. Survival of the musculopleural pedicle graft seems to be feasible providing that its vascular supply is preserved. It is, thus, suggested that this technique might offer an alternative method in bridging long gaps in esophageal surgery.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
The possible increase of ofloxacin levels in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) by concomitant indomethacin administration was investigated in 120 healthy adult rats. The animals were administered intramuscular doses of ofloxacin 30... more
The possible increase of ofloxacin levels in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) by concomitant indomethacin administration was investigated in 120 healthy adult rats. The animals were administered intramuscular doses of ofloxacin 30 mg/kg alone (Group A, n = 60) or with indomethacin 2 mg/kg (Group B, n = 60). Blood and CSF samples were obtained from both groups at 30, 45, 60 and 90 min post-administration. Concentrations of ofloxacin were estimated using a microbiological assay. Co-administration of indomethacin did not affect plasma levels of ofloxacin significantly; however, higher levels were found in all CSF samples after co-administration with indomethacin, particularly after 90 min with 0.59 microg/ml versus zero median values when only ofloxacin was administered (P = 0.05). No central nervous system adverse effects were observed clinically. No correlation between levels of ofloxacin in plasma and CSF could be established either in rats administered only ofloxacin or in rats administered both drugs. The presented pharmacokinetic findings revealed that co-administration of ofloxacin and indomethacin may result in protracted quinolone levels in the CSF. However, the absence of significant correlation between concentrations of ofloxacin in plasma and CSF upon co-administration of indomethacin, as well as of central nervous system adverse effects, make the probability of an epileptogenic interaction between them unlikely. These results merit further clinical evaluation.
Research Interests: Pharmacology, Chemistry, Medical Microbiology, Pharmacokinetics, Medicine, and 15 moreCerebrospinal Fluid, Toxicity, Female, Animals, Central Nervous System, Rats, Rat, Antimicrobial agents, Combination drug therapy, Ofloxacin, Drug Interaction, Clinical evaluation, Indomethacin, Adverse effect, and Pharmacology and pharmaceutical sciences
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
It is known that the outer layers of the thoracic aorta receive substantial blood flow through vasa vasorum. This study was undertaken to test the hypothesis that removal of vasa vasorum flow will alter the elastic properties of the... more
It is known that the outer layers of the thoracic aorta receive substantial blood flow through vasa vasorum. This study was undertaken to test the hypothesis that removal of vasa vasorum flow will alter the elastic properties of the ascending aorta. Distensibility of the ascending aorta was determined before and 30 min after careful removal of the periaortic fat network which contains the vasa vasorum in 10 acutely instrumented dogs (experimental group) and the results were compared with those obtained from six weight matched sham operated control dogs. Aortic distensibility was measured using the formula: distensibility = 2 x pulsatile changes in aortic diameter divided by (diastolic aortic diameter x pulse pressure). Aortic pressures were measured directly from the ascending aorta by a pressure gauge. Aortic diameters were simultaneously determined by an elastic air filled ring connected to a transducer. The efficacy of the technique for the interruption of vasa vasorum blood supply to the aortic wall was proved in six additional animals by histology of transverse blocks of aortic wall from the area of interest. Histology was performed before vasa vasorum removal in two animals, 30 min after vasa vasorum removal in another two, and 15 d after vasa vasorum removal in the remainder. At baseline, there was no difference in the measured variables between the two groups. Aortic distensibility decreased significantly in the experimental group after vasa vasorum removal by 0.90(SEM 0.17) 10(-6).cm2.dyn-1 (p < 0.001), while it remained unchanged in the control group during the experiment. Complete removal of vasa vasorum of the ascending aorta was found in experimental group animals which were killed 30 min after operation, while ischaemic medial necrosis was observed in those killed 15 d after operation. Vasa vasorum removal led to an acute decrease in the distensibility of the ascending aorta. Lack of blood supply to the outer part of the aortic wall is most likely to have accounted for these findings.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Objectives: To investigate in growing rats the effect of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) on the bone mineral density of the mandible and tibia, as well as the quality of the mandibular and condylar bone. Methods: Twelve male rats... more
Objectives: To investigate in growing rats the effect of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) on the bone mineral density of the mandible and tibia, as well as the quality of the mandibular and condylar bone. Methods: Twelve male rats were born IUGR by mothers sustaining 50% food restriction during pregnancy. Twelve control male rats were born by mothers fed ad libitum. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) of the tibia, proximal tibial metaphysis and the mandible, biochemical markers, histology and histomorphometrical analysis on the mandibular and subchondral bone of the condyle were performed. Results: IUGR significantly affected bone mineral density (BMD) of both tibial and mandibular bones. IUGR rats had significantly lower osteocalcin values (p=0.021) and phosphorus (p=0.028), but not 25-OH vitamin D (p=0.352). Bone area percentage in the mandible was significantly lower (51.21±5.54) in IUGR compared to controls (66.00±15.49), and for subchondral bone of the condyle for IUGR (47.01±6.82) compared to controls (68.27±13.37). IUGR had a significant reduction in the fibrous layer, but not the proliferating layer, with the hypertrophic layer significantly increased. Conclusion: Maternal restricted nutrition during gestation can affect BMD of the mandible and the tibia of the offspring animals.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Στην eργασία αυτή γίνeται ανασκόπηση των παραμέτρων eκeίνων που απαιτούνται για τη βέλτιστη μeταφορά και παραλαβή ζώων eργαστηρίου, προκeιμένου να διασφαλιστeί η υγeία και η eυζωία τους. Οι συνθήκeς μeταφοράς, η παραλαβή τους στα... more
Στην eργασία αυτή γίνeται ανασκόπηση των παραμέτρων eκeίνων που απαιτούνται για τη βέλτιστη μeταφορά και παραλαβή ζώων eργαστηρίου, προκeιμένου να διασφαλιστeί η υγeία και η eυζωία τους. Οι συνθήκeς μeταφοράς, η παραλαβή τους στα eρeυνητικά κέντρα, η κλινική eκτίμηση της υγeίας τους από κτηνίατρο, καθώς και η διαχeίριση τους κατά την πeρίοδο eγκλιματισμού, eίναι υψίστης σημασίας για τη σωστή διαβίωση τους και για την αξιοπιστία των αποτeλeσμάτων των πeιραματικών μeλeτών. Αναφέρονται, eπίσης, οι μέχρι στιγμής νομοθeτημένeς και συστηνόμeνeς οδηγίeς από eυρωπαϊκούς και διeθνeίς οργανισμούς, οι οποίeς διαρκώς υπόκeινται σe αναθeωρήσeις, συμφωνά μe τα νέα eπιστημονικά δeδομένα.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Article 23(2) of the European Union Directive 2010/63/EU, which regulates welfare provisions for animals used for scientific purposes, requires that staff involved in the care and use of animals for scientific purposes be adequately... more
Article 23(2) of the European Union Directive 2010/63/EU, which regulates welfare provisions for animals used for scientific purposes, requires that staff involved in the care and use of animals for scientific purposes be adequately educated and trained before they undertake any such work. However, the nature and extent of such training is not stipulated in the Directive. To facilitate Member States in fulfilling their education and training obligations, the European Commission developed a common Education and Training Framework, which was endorsed by the Member States Competent Authorities. An Education & Training Platform for Laboratory Animal Science (ETPLAS) Working Group was recently established to develop further guidance to the Learning Outcomes in the Framework, with the objective to clarify the levels of knowledge and understanding required by trainees, and to provide the criteria by which these Learning Outcomes should be assessed. Using the Framework document as a startin...
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests: Medicine, Neuroprotection, Ketamine, Anesthesia, Xylazine, and 2 moreIsoflurane and Simvastatin(Isoflurane and Simvastatin)
(Isoflurane and Simvastatin)
Directive 2010/63/EU was adopted in September 2010 by the European Parliament and Council, and became effective in January 2013. It replaces Directive 86/609/EEC and introduces new requirements for the protection of animals used for... more
Directive 2010/63/EU was adopted in September 2010 by the European Parliament and Council, and became effective in January 2013. It replaces Directive 86/609/EEC and introduces new requirements for the protection of animals used for scientific purposes. In particular, it requires that establishments that breed, supply or use laboratory animals have a designated veterinarian (DV) with expertise in laboratory animal medicine, or a suitably qualified expert where more appropriate, charged with advisory duties in relation to the well-being and treatment of the animals. This paper is a report of an ESLAV/ECLAM/LAVA/EVERI working group that provides professional guidance on the role and postgraduate training of laboratory animal veterinarians (LAVs), who may be working as DVs under Directive 2010/63/EU. It is also aimed at advising employers, regulators and other persons working under the Directive on the role of the DV. The role and responsibilities of the DV include the development, imp...
Research Interests:
Sarcoidosis is a multisystemic disorder that is currently viewed as the consequence of chronic immunological response associating genetic susceptibility and specific environmental or transmissible agents. Relevant evidence, although... more
Sarcoidosis is a multisystemic disorder that is currently viewed as the consequence of chronic immunological response associating genetic susceptibility and specific environmental or transmissible agents. Relevant evidence, although conflicting, justifies a concern about the involvement of specific pathogens to disease causation. In this study we assessed the infectivity of sarcoid clinical material, and of the pathogens found in it, to normal CBA mice used as a model of an immuno-competent host. One hundred and eleven mice were inoculated into their footpads with fresh, filtered, and autoclaved, sputum and bronchoalveolar lavage homogenates, collected from patients with sarcoidosis, and with the mycobacterial and propionibacterial pathogens isolated from this material. The total number of positive reactors of the animals that received raw clinical material and the pathogens it contained was statistically significant compared to those of the control groups. However, the number of af...
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
To study whether Pseudomonas aeruginosa may directly trigger peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids, since lipid peroxidation is a mechanism involved in the pathogenesis of sepsis. Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) was administered... more
To study whether Pseudomonas aeruginosa may directly trigger peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids, since lipid peroxidation is a mechanism involved in the pathogenesis of sepsis. Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) was administered intravenously at a dose of 25mg/kg in an infusion time of 10 minutes to seven male rabbits. Blood samples were collected from the hepatic veins and from the carotid artery at regular time intervals. One clinical isolate was ex vivo incubated with the serum derived from the latter samples and concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined during incubation in the growth medium by the thiobarbiturate assay. Elevated concentrations of MDA compared to their basal levels were found over the first three hours of incubation in the presence of samples collected 30 to 60 minutes after the end of the infusion of GLA. After infusion of GLA concentrations of arachidonic acid in the serum increased to concentrations comparable to those detected in sepsis. Direct triggering of lipid peroxidation by nosocomial isolates might be proposed as a pathogenetic mechanism of sepsis.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
SUMMARY In attempt to investigate the stimulatory effect of Pseudomonas aeruginosa on innate immunity and to correlate it to its level of resistance to antimicrobials, 20 isolates were applied; 8 isolates were susceptible and 12... more
SUMMARY In attempt to investigate the stimulatory effect of Pseudomonas aeruginosa on innate immunity and to correlate it to its level of resistance to antimicrobials, 20 isolates were applied; 8 isolates were susceptible and 12 multidrug-resistant. Genetic diversity was defined by PFGE. Human monocytes of two healthy volunteers were in vitro stimulated by the isolates for the production of pro-inflammatory (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and IL-12) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10), of malondialdehyde and of procalcitonin. Cytokines were estimated by EIA, malondialdehyde by the thiobarbiturate assay and procalcitonin by an immunochemiluminometric assay. Survival of 48 Wistar rats was recorded after induction of sepsis by the intraperitoneal injection of three susceptible and three multidrug-resistant isolates. To test whether comparative effect of the latter isolates on survival correlates with any difference of monocyte-mediated release of pro-inflammatory mediators, monocytes of ...
Research Interests: Microbiology, Immunology, Biology, Innate immunity, Medicine, and 15 moreAnimals, Antimicrobial activity, Male, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, In Vivo, Anti-Bacterial Agents, Rats, Monocytes, Pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), Interleukins, Wistar Rats, Pseudomonas Aeruginosa, Calcitonin, Malondialdehyde, and Multiple Drug Resistance
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests: Endocrinology, Nutrition and Dietetics, Immunology, Polymorphism, Calcium, and 15 moreStratification, Medicine, Postmenopausal Women, Lumbar spine, Osteoporosis, Internal Medicine, Vitamin D receptor, The, Nutritional Biochemistry, Gene Polymorphism, Bone Mineral Density, Food Sciences, Genetic Predisposition, Dietary Calcium, and Biochemistry and cell biology
Research Interests:
In clinical practice, the co-administration of antiplatelet drugs, such as acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and dipyridamole (DP) and calcium dobesilate, is often recommended in order to obtain secondary prophylaxis against certain ischaemic... more
In clinical practice, the co-administration of antiplatelet drugs, such as acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and dipyridamole (DP) and calcium dobesilate, is often recommended in order to obtain secondary prophylaxis against certain ischaemic diseases. Therefore the possible pharmacokinetic interactions between these three drugs were studied after a single-dose in beagle dogs. The plasma concentrations of ASA, DP and CaDb were measured by HPLC. It was found that the DP and CaDb kinetics were unaffected by concurrent intake of ASA, DP or CaDb. However, concurrent DP or CaDb improved the bioavailability of ASA, particularly the increased Cmax and (AUC).
Research Interests: Pharmacology, Chemistry, Kinetics, Pharmacokinetics, Drug interactions, and 15 moreMedicine, Clinical Chemistry, Dogs, Clinical Practice, Female, Animals, Male, Aspirin, Bioavailability, European, Acetylsalicylic Acid, Biological Availability, Pharmacology and pharmaceutical sciences, beagle, and Cmax
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests: Pharmacology, Microbiology, Medical Microbiology, Biology, Medicine, and 15 moreAnimals, Male, Cephalosporins, Antimicrobial chemotherapy, Antibiotics, In Vivo, Microbial Sensitivity Tests, Pseudomonas Aeruginosa, Culture Media, Malondialdehyde, Arachidonic Acid, Ceftazidime, Drug synergism, Pharmacology and pharmaceutical sciences, and Lipid peroxides
Research Interests:
The Directive 2010/63/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council has been in force for more than a decade and has brought about significant improvements and novel requirements for the welfare of animals used for scientific purposes,... more
The Directive 2010/63/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council has been in force for more than a decade and has brought about significant improvements and novel requirements for the welfare of animals used for scientific purposes, while safeguarding research integrity. The Directive sets clear provisions for its scope, the authorization procedures, animal welfare bodies, national committees, cost/benefit analysis, severity classification, retrospective assessment, and statistical reporting, among many others. From this perspective, indicative areas in the existing legislative texts and guidance documents, which may influence animal welfare and scientific integrity, have been identified by the authors after years of working in this field. Suggested solutions to address these areas by potential future revisions in the legislation or other actions to benefit animal welfare are discussed, with the aim to clarify and simplify them for all stakeholders involved.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Canonical Wnt signaling regulation is essential for controlling stemness and differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). However, the mechanism through which canonical Wnt-dependent MSC lineage commitment leads to chondrogenesis is... more
Canonical Wnt signaling regulation is essential for controlling stemness and differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). However, the mechanism through which canonical Wnt-dependent MSC lineage commitment leads to chondrogenesis is controversial. Some studies hypothesize that inhibition of canonical Wnt signaling induces MSC chondrogenic differentiation, while others support that the pathway should be activated to achieve MSC chondrogenesis. The purpose of the present review is to analyze data from recent studies to elucidate parameters regarding the role of canonical Wnt signaling in MSC chondrogenic differentiation.
Research Interests:
Summary Background and aims We aimed to evaluate the impact of perinatal food manipulation on skeletal characteristics and insulin levels of Wistar rats at the age of 1 year. Methods Sixty-seven first-time pregnant rats were randomized,... more
Summary Background and aims We aimed to evaluate the impact of perinatal food manipulation on skeletal characteristics and insulin levels of Wistar rats at the age of 1 year. Methods Sixty-seven first-time pregnant rats were randomized, to either normally fed (Control Diet, CD), food-restricted (FR), or fat-fed (FF), from the 12th gestational day, and gave birth on the 21st day of pregnancy. Pups born to FR-mothers were divided into: fetal growth restricted (FGR) and non-FGR, based on their birth weight. Maternal food manipulation continued through the lactation period. Following delivery, all neonates were cross-fostered until the 25th day postpartum; the offspring of normally-fed mothers were lactated by FR-, FF- or CD-fed mothers. A similar process was followed for the offspring of mothers FF- or FR-during pregnancy. On the 26th day postpartum, all pups were weaned to the diet of their foster mother until one year old. Bone density was assessed by peripheral quantitative computed tomography. Results FF/FF rats had lower values of total bone density and total/subcortical area compared to CD/CD. FF/FR showed lower subcortical density compared to FF/FF group. FGR/CD showed lower values of all assessed skeletal parameters compared to those receiving CD throughout the experiment. Non-FGR/FF rats had higher values of all assessed skeletal parameters compared to those food restricted postnatally. FGR-pups that were fat-fed postnatally had higher insulin vs rats FF/FR. Similar insulin levels were identified in rats fat-fed postnatally, irrespective of prenatal food-restriction or high-fat diet. Conclusions Perinatal food manipulation is associated with distinct skeletal acquisition and insulin levels’ profiles in Wistar rats at the first year of life.
Research Interests:
The baseline levels of various inflammatory mediators and their changes during anesthesia in swine are not known. The aim of this animal study was to measure the baseline values and kinetics of interleukin-6, procalcitonin, and tumor... more
The baseline levels of various inflammatory mediators and their changes during anesthesia in swine are not known. The aim of this animal study was to measure the baseline values and kinetics of interleukin-6, procalcitonin, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in healthy Landrace-Large White swine anesthetized with propofol-based total intravenous anesthesia. We included 8 healthy male pigs with an average weight of 19 ± 2 kg (aged 10-15 weeks) that were subjected to propofol-based total intravenous anesthesia for 8 hours. Complete blood count, serum chemistry, and serum levels of interleukin-6, procalcitonin, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha were analyzed, and serum levels were quantified hourly. Blood was also collected for bacterial culturing. Baseline values of interleukin-6 and procalcitonin were 18 pg/ml and 21 ng/ml, respectively, while tumor necrosis factor-alpha was not detectable during collection of baseline samples. A statistically significant difference was observed in inter...
Research Interests:
Aim. The purpose of this study was to examine the symmetry of the mechanical and tomographic properties of the rat femur and tibia, frequently used in biomedical research. Materials-Methods. For this purpose both femora and tibiae of 43... more
Aim. The purpose of this study was to examine the symmetry of the mechanical and tomographic properties of the rat femur and tibia, frequently used in biomedical research. Materials-Methods. For this purpose both femora and tibiae of 43 Wistar rats underwent tomographic (pQCT) evaluation while both femora and tibiae of 40 further Wistar rats were subjected to destructive three-point bending testing. The age of the animals ranged between 3 and 12 months and all were males. Results. While there was significant variation between the structural and the biomechanical properties between different animals the differences between the femora and the tibiae of the same animal were not statistically significantly different in the majority of animals. Conclusion. We conclude that in healthy, sexually mature Wistar rats, in the first year of their life, there is no significant diversity in terms of tomographic and biomechanical properties of their opposing posterior limb long bones.
Research Interests:
An alternative approach for elaborating the raw data obtained from three-point bending tests of long bones of Wistar rats is described. The aim of the study is to provide mechanical properties of the bone tissue which are independent of... more
An alternative approach for elaborating the raw data obtained from three-point bending tests of long bones of Wistar rats is described. The aim of the study is to provide mechanical properties of the bone tissue which are independent of the bone geometric characteristics. The study is carried out experimentally ex-vivo. It is indicated that ignoring the actual shape of the bone critical cross-section (i.e., the section where a fracture occurs) and the inclination of the loading axis with respect to the principal centroidal axes of the critical section may lead to erroneous results concerning the strength of the tissue.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Hypercalcemia of malignancy is the most common life-threatening metabolic disorder in patients with advanced stage cancers and is a sign of poor prognosis. It usually presents with markedly elevated calcium level and is severely... more
Hypercalcemia of malignancy is the most common life-threatening metabolic disorder in patients with advanced stage cancers and is a sign of poor prognosis. It usually presents with markedly elevated calcium level and is severely symptomatic. It is associated with hematological malignancies, such as multiple myeloma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, leukemias and solid cancers, particularly renal and breast carcinomas as well as squamous cell carcinomas of any organ. Several mechanisms have been implicated in the development of hypercalcemia of malignancy amongst them the osteolytic related hypercalcemia, parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP) mediated hypercalcemia, extrarenal 1,25 dixydroxyvitamin D (calcitriol) mediated hypercalcemia and parathyroid hormone (PTH) related hypercalcemia either ectopic in origin or in patients with parathyroid carcinoma. Clinical history and and physical examination could point towards the correct diagnosis confirmed by the above-mentioned biochemical medi...
Research Interests:
The classic technique of microfracture does not promote hyaline cartilage restoration. Subchondral bone perforations lead to the formation of a clot containing pluripotent progenitor cells and finally the cartilage defect is filled by... more
The classic technique of microfracture does not promote hyaline cartilage restoration. Subchondral bone perforations lead to the formation of a clot containing pluripotent progenitor cells and finally the cartilage defect is filled by fibrocartilage tissue. Researchers have focused on enhancing the quality of the newly formed tissue in cartilage defects after microfracture arthroscopic surgery. Adjuvant treatments are categorized in four main groups: scaffolds, pharmaceutical agents, growth factors and combinations of the aforementioned. Several experimental studies utilize pharmaceutical or biological agents in combination with microfracture, to improve the quality of the regenerated cartilage. The mechanism of action of the agents used is either to exert a chondroprotective effect on the newly formed fibrocartilage tissue, or to induce the recruitment of mesenchymal stem cells towards chondrogenesis instead of osteogenesis during microfracture repair. Additionally, scaffolds have ...
Research Interests:
Background: Hip fractures are common in the elderly and many patients fail to regain prefracture hip abductor strength or functional status. The purpose of this clinical trial was to compare the effects of an intensive abductor muscle... more
Background: Hip fractures are common in the elderly and many patients fail to regain prefracture hip abductor strength or functional status. The purpose of this clinical trial was to compare the effects of an intensive abductor muscle exercise program versus a standard physiotherapy intervention in hip-fractured patients. Materials and Methods: Ninety six femoral neck-fractured patients were randomized into equal-sized groups. A 12-week standard physiotherapy program was implemented in the control group(S-PT) whereas an intensive exercise program, emphasizing on abductors’ strengthening, was implemented in the research group(I-PT). Abductors’ isometric strength of the fractured hip, abductor ratio% in the fractured compared to contralateral hip, and functional level were assessed at the 3rd (postintervention) and 6th (followup) months. Results: Postintervention, abductors’ isometric strength was 35.7% greater (P < 0.0005) and abductor ratio% was 2.5% higher (P < 0.0005) in I-PT group, compared to S-PT group. With regard to functional assessments, I-PT group was 29.1% faster during Timed Up and Go (TUG) test and achieved a 26.7% higher Lower Extremity Functional Scale Greek version's (LEFS-Greek) total score, compared to S-PT group (P < 0.0005). At followup, abductors’ isometric strength was 37.0% greater (P < 0.0005) and abductor ratio% was 7.1% higher (P < 0.0005) in I-PT group, compared to S-PT group. In addition, I-PT group was 45.9% faster during TUG test (P < 0.0005) and achieved an 11.2% higher LEFS-Greek total score, compared to S-PT group (P = 0.013). Conclusions: Compared to the standard physiotherapy intervention, the intensive abductor-strengthening program significantly increased both abductors’ isometric strength of the fractured hip and abductor ratio% and resulted in patients’ enhanced functional level. Clinical Trial Identifier: ISRCTN30713542.
Research Interests:
Joint conditions incapacitate free movement driving to a sedentary lifestyle, a major risk factor for chronic diseases. Regenerative procedures, involving the use of mesenchymal stem/stromal cells along with platelet-rich plasma (PRP),... more
Joint conditions incapacitate free movement driving to a sedentary lifestyle, a major risk factor for chronic diseases. Regenerative procedures, involving the use of mesenchymal stem/stromal cells along with platelet-rich plasma (PRP), can help patients with these conditions. We describe the main characteristics of cellular products (bone marrow concentrate, stromal vascular fraction of adipose tissue, and mesenchymal stem/stromal cells derived from these tissues), and the potential benefits of combination with PRP in 3 scenarios: PRP lysates used during laboratory cell expansion; PRP to prime cellular products or the host tissue before cell implantation; PRP used as a vehicle for cell transplantation and to provide trophic signals. Clinical studies exploring the benefits of combination products are limited to case series and few controlled studies, involving either arthroscopy or percutaneous injections. Combination products are making their way to clinics but further experimental ...