Combination of a human articular cartilage-derived extracellular matrix scaffold and microfracture techniques for cartilage regeneration: A proof of concept in a sheep model.

Background: The utilization of decellularized extracellular matrix has gained considerable attention across numerous areas in regenerative research. Of particular interest is the human articular cartilage-derived extracellular matrix (hACECM), which presents as a promising facilitator for cartilage regeneration. Concurrently, the microfracture (MF) â€‹technique, a well-established marrow stimulation method, has proven efficacious in the repair of cartilage defects. However, as of the current literature review, no investigations have explored the potential of a combined application of hACECM and the microfracture technique in the repair of cartilage defects within a sheep model. Hypothesis: The combination of hACECM scaffold and microfracture will result in improved repair of full-thickness femoral condyle articular cartilage defects compared to the use of either technique alone. Study design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Full-thickness femoral condyle articular cartilage defect (diameter, 7.0 â€‹mm; debrided down to the subchondral bone plate) were created in the weight-bearing area of the femoral medial and lateral condyles (n â€‹= â€‹24). All of defected sheep were randomly divided into four groups: control, microfracture, hACECM scaffold, and hACECM scaffold â€‹+ â€‹microfracture. After 3, 6 and 12 months, the chondral repair was assessed for standardized (semi-) quantitative macroscopic, imaging, histological, immunohistochemical, mechanics, and biochemical analyses in each group. Result: At 3, 6 and 12 months after implantation, the gross view and pathological staining of regenerative tissues were better in the hACECM scaffold and hACECM scaffold â€‹+ â€‹microfracture groups than in the microfracture and control groups; Micro-CT result showed that the parameters about the calcified layer of cartilage and subchondral bone were better in the hACECM scaffold and hACECM scaffold â€‹+ â€‹microfracture groups than the others, and excessive subchondral bone proliferation in the microfracture group. The results demonstrate that human cartilage extracellular matrix scaffold alone is an efficient, safe and simple way to repair cartilage defects. Conclusion: hACECM scaffolds combined with/without microfracture facilitate chondral defect repair. The translational potential of this article: Preclinical large animal models represent an important adjunct and surrogate for studies on articular cartilage repair, while the sheep stifle joint reflects many key features of the human knee and are therefore optimal experimental model for future clinical application in human. In this study, we developed a human articular cartilage-derived extracellular matrix scaffold and to verify the viability of its use in sheep animal models. Clinical studies are warranted to further quantify the effects of hACECM scaffolds in similar settings.

Harnessing joint distraction for the treatment of osteoarthritis: a bibliometric and visualized analysis.

Osteoarthritis (OA) stands as a prevalent degenerative joint ailment, demanding immediate attention towards the development of efficacious therapeutic interventions. Presently, a definitive cure for OA remains elusive, and when conservative treatment modalities prove ineffective, resorting to a joint prosthesis becomes imperative. Temporary distraction emerges as a pivotal joint-preserving intervention in human OA patients, conferring both clinical amelioration and structural enhancements. Although extant clinical investigations exist, they are characterized by relatively modest sample sizes. Nonetheless, these studies furnish compelling evidence affirming that joint distraction engenders sustained clinical amelioration and structural refinement. Despite substantial strides in the last decade, a bibliometric analysis of joint distraction within the realm of osteoarthritis treatment research has been conspicuously absent. In this context, we have undertaken a comparative investigation utilizing bibliometric methodologies to scrutinize the landscape of joint distraction within osteoarthritis treatment. Our comprehensive analysis encompassed 469 scholarly articles. Our findings evince a consistent escalation in global research interest and publication output pertaining to this subject. The United States emerged as the frontrunner in international collaboration, publication count, and citation frequency, underscoring its preeminence in this domain. The journal "Osteoarthritis and Cartilage" emerged as the principal platform for disseminating research output on this subject. Notably, Mastbergen SC emerged as the most prolific contributor in terms of authorship. The identified keywords predominantly revolved around non-surgical interventions and joint arthroscopy procedures. This bibliometric analysis, augmented by visual representations, furnishes invaluable insights into the evolutionary trajectory of joint distraction as an osteoarthritis treatment modality spanning from 2003 to 2023. These insights will serve as a compass for the scientific community, facilitating further exploration in this promising domain.

Species-specific identification of Pseudomonas based on 16S-23S rRNA gene internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and its combined application with next-generation sequencing.

BACKGROUND: Pseudomonas species are widely distributed in the human body, animals, plants, soil, fresh water, seawater, etc. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the main pathogens involved in nosocomial infections. It can cause endocarditis, empyema, meningitis, septicaemia and even death. However, the Pseudomonas classification system is currently inadequate and not well established. RESULTS: In this study, the whole genomes of 103 Pseudomonas strains belonging to 62 species available in GenBank were collected and the specificity of the 16S-23S ribosomal RNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequence was analysed. Secondary structures of ITS transcripts determining where the diversity bases were located were predicted. The alignment results using BLAST indicated that the ITS sequence is specific for most species in the genus. The remaining species were identified by additional frequency analyses based on BLAST results. A double-blind experiment where 200 ITS sequences were randomly selected indicated that this method could identify Pseudomonas species with 100% sensitivity and specificity. In addition, we applied a universal primer to amplify the Pseudomonas ITS of DNA extracts from fish samples with next-generation sequencing. The ITS analysis results were utilized to species-specifically identify the proportion of Pseudomonas species in the samples. CONCLUSIONS: The present study developed a species-specific method identification and classification of Pseudomonas based on ITS sequences combined NGS. The method showed its potential application in other genera.