Review of Spider Silk Applications in Biomedical and Tissue Engineering.

This review will present the latest research related to the production and application of spider silk and silk-based materials in reconstructive and regenerative medicine and tissue engineering, with a focus on musculoskeletal tissues, and including skin regeneration and tissue repair of bone and cartilage, ligaments, muscle tissue, peripheral nerves, and artificial blood vessels. Natural spider silk synthesis is reviewed, and the further recombinant production of spider silk proteins. Research insights into possible spider silk structures, like fibers (1D), coatings (2D), and 3D constructs, including porous structures, hydrogels, and organ-on-chip designs, have been reviewed considering a design of bioactive materials for smart medical implants and drug delivery systems. Silk is one of the toughest natural materials, with high strain at failure and mechanical strength. Novel biomaterials with silk fibroin can mimic the tissue structure and promote regeneration and new tissue growth. Silk proteins are important in designing tissue-on-chip or organ-on-chip technologies and micro devices for the precise engineering of artificial tissues and organs, disease modeling, and the further selection of adequate medical treatments. Recent research indicates that silk (films, hydrogels, capsules, or liposomes coated with silk proteins) has the potential to provide controlled drug release at the target destination. However, even with clear advantages, there are still challenges that need further research, including clinical trials.

Epidemiology of Hip Fractures Due to Falls.

Background and Objectives: The epidemiological pattern of the hip fracture burden attributable to falls in Central European countries is still insufficiently known. The aim of this study was to assess the regional and national trends of hip fractures due to falls in Central Europe from 1990 to 2019. Materials and Methods: Using the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019 study, this descriptive epidemiological study presents trends in incidence of and Years Lived with Disability (YLDs) from hip fractures due to falls in the region of Central Europe. All estimates (age- and sex-specific rates, and age-standardized rates) were expressed per 100,000. A joinpoint regression analysis was used to assess trends: the average annual percent change (AAPC) with a corresponding 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was calculated. Results: Among all new cases of hip fracture in the population as a whole in Central Europe in 2019, 3.9% in males and 7.0% in females were attributable to falls, while the share of hip fractures due to falls in the population aged 70 and over was 16.9% in males and 20.0% in females. About 400,000 new cases of hip fracture due to falls occurred in the Central European region in 2019 (220,000 among males and 160,000 among females), resulting in 55,000 YLDs (32,000 in females and 22,000 in males). About one-third of all new cases (59,326 in males and 72,790 in females) and YLDs (8585 in males, and 10,622 in females) of hip fractures due to falls were recorded in Poland. From 1990 to 2019, the age-standardized incidence rates of hip fracture due to falls showed a decreasing tendency in females (AAPC = -1.1%), and an increasing tendency in males (AAPC = 0.1%). Both in males and females, YLDs rates of hip fracture due to falls in the Central European region decreased (AAPC = -1.6% and AAPC = -2.4%, respectively). Conclusions: Hip fracture due to falls represents an important health issue in the Central European region, although incidences and YLDs declined in the most recent decades. However, further efforts to reduce the burden of hip fractures attributed to falls are needed.

The effect of tranexamic acid on the reduction of intraoperative and postoperative blood loss and thromboembolic risk in patients with hip fracture.

The aim of this study is to determine whether the use of tranexamic acid (TXA) in patients with hip fracture reduces intraoperative and postoperative blood loss, and on the other hand, whether it increases thromboembolic risk. The study was performed on patients with hip fracture for a period of one year. Patients were divided into two groups (1:1): the first group receiving TXA and the second group receiving placebo. The amount of blood aspiration during the surgery was measured as well as drainage in the postoperative period of 24 h. The occurrence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) was monitored before and after the surgery by ultrasound of the lower extremities. The amount of total blood loss was two times lower in patients who received TXA (291.8 ± 65.5 mL of blood vs 634.7 ± 150.5 mL of blood). Among the patients who developed DVT, one patient was from the group that did not receive TXA, and two patients were from the group that received TXA. The use of TXA in patients with hip fracture significantly reduces intraoperative and postoperative blood loss, without a significant thromboembolic risk.

IS A DECREASED NITRIC OXIDE CONCENTRATION AFTER TRIAMCINOLONE ACETONIDE INTRAVITREAL INJECTION ONE OF THE REASONS FOR INTRAOCULAR PRESSURE RISE?

Diabetic macular edema is the most common cause of vision loss in patients affected by diabetes mellitus. For eyes with persistent retinal thickening despite anti-VEGF therapy, treatment with intravitreal triamcinolone may be considered, especially in pseudophakic eyes. The aim of this study was to examine aqueous humor nitric oxide concentration changes in pseudophakic eyes with persistent diffuse diabetic macular edema after intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide, as well as the potential impact of these changes on the intraocular pressure values. In 10 pseudophakic eyes with persistent diffuse diabetic macular edema, paracentesis of anterior chamber with aspiration of aqueous humor and nitric oxide concentration measurements were done on the day of the intravitreal application of 20 mg triamcinolone acetonide, and after 1, 3, 6 and 9 months. Also, we were recording intraocular pressure values before the intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide injection and during the next 9 months. One month after the intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide injection, we noticed a decrease of nitric oxide concentration (45.37±5.55 µmol/L) by 31.79% compared to the initial values (66.52±7.66 µmol/L). After that, nitric oxide concentrations began to rise slightly, and at the end of the ninth month the mean nitric oxide concentration was similar to that recorded at the beginning of the study. Intraocular pressure values had increasing trend one month after the intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide injection (23.70±4.08 mm Hg) compared to the initial values (16.21±1.55 mm Hg), but after nine months these values returned to normal levels. Decreased concentration of nitric oxide could be one of the reasons for increased intraocular pressure after intravitreal application of triamcinolone acetonide in the treatment of diffuse diabetic macular edema.