Characterization and Optimization of Vesicle Properties in bioPISA: from Size Distribution to Post-Assembly Loading.

This study investigates the formation and properties of vesicles produced via biocatalytic Polymerization-Induced Self-Assembly (bioPISA) as artificial cells. Methods for achieving size uniformity, including gentle centrifugation and sucrose gradient centrifugation, are explored, and the effects of stirring speed on vesicle morphology is investigated. The internal structure of the vesicles, characterized by a polymer-rich matrix, is analyzed using fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS).

Enzymatic Reaction Network-Driven Polymerization-Induced Transient Coacervation.

A living cell has a highly complex microenvironment whereas numerous enzyme-driven processes are active at once. These procedures are incredibly accurate and efficient, although comparable control has not yet been established in vitro. Here, we design an enzymatic reaction network (ERN) that combines antagonistic and orthogonal enzymatic networks to produce adjustable dynamics of ATP-fueled transient coacervation.

Evaluating the impact of robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty on quality of care through patient-reported outcome measures in a third-level hospital in Italy: A prospective cohort study.

Background: With the shift towards personalized medicine, understanding the impact of robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty (TKA) on patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) is essential for evaluating its effectiveness and patient satisfaction. The QUAROB (Quality-assessment-of-ROBotic-orthopedic-surgery) study aims at assessing the impact of robotic surgery on quality of care and joint functionality at 6 months post-surgery among patients undergoing robotic-assisted TKA.

Methods: This observational, prospective cohort study included patients from Ravenna Hospital, Italy, who underwent elective robotic TKA (2022-2023), and a historical cohort who underwent traditional TKA (2019).

Rehabilitation after musculoskeletal injury: European perspective.

Trauma is one of the main causes of death in younger people and ongoing disability worldwide. In Europe, while there is generally good organization of trauma reception and acute treatment, rehabilitation from major musculoskeletal injuries is less well defined and provided. This article documents the diverse approaches to rehabilitation after major injury in 6 European nations.

Grafting and controlled release of antimicrobial peptides from mesoporous silica.

The grafting of antimicrobial peptides onto mesoporous silica particles and their controlled release using a green light-responsive linker, which enables tunable release-concentration-time profiles, is presented. The mesoporous silica surface is functionalized with antimicrobial peptides employing sequential functionalization steps, including the grafting of 3-[(2-propynylcarbamate)propyl]triethoxysilane (PPTEOS) as anchor, boron-dipyrromethene (BODIPY) as photosensitive linker, and C14R peptides as antimicrobial agents. Characterization using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), attenuated total reflectance infrared (ATR-IR) spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) validate the successful fabrication and functionalization of mesoporous silica.

Transtibial versus anteromedial transportal femoral tunnel in single-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective randomized controlled trials.

The purpose of this study was to systematically review and meta-analyze randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting the comparative clinical and functional outcomes, postoperative complications, and radiological outcomes of single-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) performed using the transtibial (TT) approach or anteromedial (AM) technique. A systematic review of the literature was performed according to Cochrane and PRISMA guidelines. RCTs comparing TT and AM techniques were considered only.

Self-decorating cells surface-initiated enzymatic controlled radical polymerization.

Through the innovative use of surface-displayed horseradish peroxidase, this work explores the enzymatic catalysis of both bioRAFT polymerization and bioATRP to prompt polymer synthesis on the surface of cells, with bioATRP outperforming bioRAFT polymerization. The resulting surface modification of living yeast cells with synthetic polymers allows for a significant change in yeast phenotype, including growth profile, aggregation characteristics, and conjugation of non-native enzymes to the clickable polymers on the cell surface, opening new avenues in bioorthogonal cell-surface engineering.

Artificial cell synthesis using biocatalytic polymerization-induced self-assembly.

Artificial cells are biomimetic microstructures that mimic functions of natural cells, can be applied as building blocks for molecular systems engineering, and host synthetic biology pathways. Here we report enzymatically synthesized polymer-based artificial cells with the ability to express proteins. Artificial cells were synthesized using biocatalytic atom transfer radical polymerization-induced self-assembly, in which myoglobin synthesizes amphiphilic block co-polymers that self-assemble into structures such as micelles, worm-like micelles, polymersomes and giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs).

Surgical treatment of critical size bone defects with Masquelet technique versus bone transport: a systematic review and meta-analysis of comparative studies.

Introduction: To date, the management of critical-sized bone defects lacks a universally accepted approach among orthopedic surgeons. Currently, the main options to treat severe bone loss include autologous grafting, free vascularized bone transfer, bone transport and induced-membrane technique. The purpose of this study is to critically compare the outcomes of Masquelet technique and bone transport to provide a higher level of evidence regarding the indexed techniques.

An Outer Membrane-Inspired Polymer Coating Protects and Endows Escherichia coli with Novel Functionalities.

A bio-inspired membrane made of Pluronic L-121 is produced around Escherichia coli thanks to the simple co-extrusion of bacteria and polymer vesicles. The block copolymer-coated bacteria can withstand various harsh shocks, for example, temperature, pressure, osmolarity, and chemical agents. The polymer membrane also makes the bacteria resistant to enzymatic digestion and enables them to degrade toxic compounds, improving their performance as whole-cell biocatalysts.

Overview of fracture liaison services in the UK and Europe: standards, model of care, funding, and challenges.

Fragility fractures represent a growing global problem, including in the United Kingdom and European countries. Reports demonstrate the benefits of national guidance and organized fragility fracture programs through fracture liaison services to deliver care to patients who sustain these injuries. The challenge of assembling multidisciplinary teams, providing routine screening of appropriate patients, and monitoring therapies where there is a known compliance problem, remains an obstacle to the success of fragility fracture treatment programs to all.

Third generation Dual Mobility Cups: could be the future in total hip arthroplasty? A five-year experience with dualis.

Background: The concept of dual mobility (DM) is currently approved as a valid option for reducing the risk of dislocation, with an incidence ranging from 0% to 4.6%. The principle is to achieve a high joint stability through a large diameter polyethylene (PE) liner, and to reduce cutting forces due to a "low-friction" head-liner coupling mechanism.

Radiocapitellar plica: a narrative review.

Radiocapitellar plica is a vestigial lateral portion of elbow synovial fold which may cause pain and snap in some cases. Plica is a difficult and misleading diagnosis and it could be easily confused with a common lateral epicondylitis however, they are different conditions. Pathology full understanding and proper diagnosis is essential to achieve patient's pain relief and functional recovery therefore, we reviewed the most relevant literature about radiocapitaller plica.

Retrospective analysis of outcomes and complications after Korus hemiarthroplasty in elderly patients with neck femur fractures.

Background: Femoral neck fractures (FNF) is one of the most common traumatic events in elderly patients: the choice of an appropriate treatment is necessary to decrease the related mortality and to achieve the best possible outcomes. Nowadays, it is still debated whether or not to cement the stem in hemiarthroplasty and above all, which stem to use to best respect the integrity of the elderly bone.

Methods: From January 2017 to December 2019, a bi-centric study utilizing prospectively collected databases of elderly patients with FNF treated with uncemented Korus stem hemiarthroplasty was performed.

Clustering of catalytic nanocompartments for enhancing an extracellular non-native cascade reaction.

Compartmentalization is fundamental in nature, where the spatial segregation of biochemical reactions within and between cells ensures optimal conditions for the regulation of cascade reactions. While the distance between compartments or their interaction are essential parameters supporting the efficiency of bio-reactions, so far they have not been exploited to regulate cascade reactions between bioinspired catalytic nanocompartments. Here, we generate individual catalytic nanocompartments (CNCs) by encapsulating within polymersomes or attaching to their surface enzymes involved in a cascade reaction and then, tether the polymersomes together into clusters.

One-stage procedure for open tibial fractures: feasible without orthoplastic surgery?

Background: Open tibial fractures are mostly the result of high-energy traumas and often involve severe injuries with extensive bone and soft tissue loss, damage of muscles and neurovascular structures. Over recent- years, - the growth of Ortho-Plastic teams, as a well-coordinated bone, joint and soft tissue treatment, contributed to change the approach to these fractures and to achieve higher successful results in lower limb salvage. Unfortunately, many hospitals cannot benefit of a combined team in emergency, and the orthopedic surgeon is forced to manage personally these kinds of traumas.

Articular Femoral Head Fracture Management: A Meta-analysis of Literature.

Purpose: Articular fractures of the proximal femur are seldom encountered and there are few studies in literature regarding this topic. To date, only a few large series have adequate follow-up and exhaustive description of treatment and outcome, which, however, often result incomplete and do not allow a comparison. Since there are still uncertainties and debates on which the treatment gold standard should be, the goal of the present study is to carry out a meta-analysis on type I and II Pipkin fracture management to establish the best treatment according to EBM.

Skeletal System Biology and Smoke Damage: From Basic Science to Medical Clinic.

Cigarette smoking has a negative impact on the skeletal system, as it reduces bone mass and increases fracture risk through its direct or indirect effects on bone remodeling. Recent evidence demonstrates that smoking causes an imbalance in bone turnover, making bone vulnerable to osteoporosis and fragility fractures. Moreover, cigarette smoking is known to have deleterious effects on fracture healing, as a positive correlation between the daily number of cigarettes smoked and years of exposure has been shown, even though the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood.

RADIAL head arthroplasty: does ligaments repair influence outcomes? A minimum two years follow-up radiographic multi-center study.

Purpose: The current indication for comminuted radial head fractures is radial head arthroplasty (RHA). The main purpose of this study was to investigate any statistical differences in terms of prosthesis revision or removal and radiographic degenerative changes by comparing patients who underwent RHA and ligaments repair to those who underwent only RHA implant at minimum two years follow-up. The secondary aim was to delineate a trend profile of RHA implants.

A modified Frosch approach for posterior tibial plateau fractures: Technical note and case series.

Achieving the best possible articular congruity following a tibial plateau (TP) fracture is associated with better long-term functional outcomes; TP has an essential role in the movements of the knee joint and is well established that a not optimal reduction leads to articular instability and early osteoarthritis. In recent times, 3D reconstruction from CT scan has greatly contributed to improve the surgical treatment of these fractures since an accurate preoperative plan gives the possibility to decide the best interventional strategy before the surgical incision. Reduction of the posterior part of tibial plateau is not easily achievable with standard surgical access.

An unusual two-stage infection following a scolopendra bite.

Background: Scolopendrae represent the best-known genus of centipedes. They are nocturnal general feeders with strong mandibles and venomous fangs which leave visible puncture marks at the bite site. The bite accidents occur during the warm rainy season and mostly take place on the extremities.

Injury of the brachial artery accompanying simple closed elbow dislocation: a case report.

Background: Elbow dislocation is the second common dislocation in adults, after the shoulder. The anatomical proximity to the joint of the brachial artery could lead to concomitant vascular injuries, even if their occurrence remains very rare.

Method: It is reported the case of a right-hand-dominant  42-year-old man who sustained a simple closed  posterior elbow dislocation of  his left elbow, associated to a complete brachial artery rupture.

Bridging the gap between serum biomarkers and biomechanical tests in musculoskeletal ageing.

Musculoskeletal ageing is a major public health interesting and strain due to the significant demographic modifications in the population, and it is linked to high risk of falls, loss of autonomy in elderly individuals and institutionalization with small health outcomes. Thus, this pathological status is related to high morbidity and health care rates. Bone mass and muscle mass and strength increase during late adolescence and early adulthood but start to reduce noticeably from the fifth decade of life and are closely linked.

The limits and potentials of presepsin in orthopaedic surgery: state of the art and future directions.

Presepsin, i.e. the soluble cluster of differentiation 14-SubType (sCD14-ST), is an emerging biomarker for the diagnosis and evaluation of sepsis and infection.

Novel directions in the study of osteoporosis: focus on gut microbiota as a potential therapeutic target.

Osteoporosis is a significant social health problem, not only in terms of pain and disability but also in terms of mortality rate. In recent years, there is an increasing interest in studying the relationship between gut dysmicrobiosis, immune system and bone health, therefore the term "osteomicrobiology" has been recently coined. This review aims to summarize the current knowledge about the link between gut dysbiosis and osteoporosis, in order to define a potential preventive and therapeutic strategy.