Size-Based Microfluidic-Enriched Mesenchymal Stem Cell Subpopulations Enhance Articular Cartilage Repair.

Background: The functional heterogeneity of culture-expanded mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has hindered the clinical application of MSCs. Previous studies have shown that MSC subpopulations with superior chondrogenic capacity can be isolated using a spiral microfluidic device based on the principle of inertial cell focusing.

Hypothesis: The delivery of microfluidic-enriched chondrogenic MSCs that are consistent in size and function will overcome the challenge of the functional heterogeneity of expanded MSCs and will significantly improve MSC-based cartilage repair.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Clinical Use of Megestrol Acetate for Cancer-Related Anorexia/Cachexia.

Cancer-related anorexia/cachexia is known to be associated with worsened quality of life and survival; however, limited treatment options exist. Although megestrol acetate (MA) is often used off-label to stimulate appetite and improve anorexia/cachexia in patients with advanced cancers, the benefits are controversial. The present meta-analysis aimed to better elucidate the clinical benefits of MA in patients with cancer-related anorexia/cachexia.

A scoping review of qualitative studies on pre-hospital analgesia administration and practice.

Background: Pain is an exceedingly common complaint in the pre-hospital setting. Despite advancements in organizational protocols and guidelines, many emergency medical services (EMS) systems still fail to provide optimal pain management. This scoping review thus aimed to map the body of qualitative literature pertaining to factors influencing pre-hospital analgesia administration and practice in order to clarify concepts and understanding as well as to identify any knowledge gaps.

A Pre-Clinical Animal Study for Zonal Articular Cartilage Regeneration Using Stratified Implantation of Microcarrier Expanded Zonal Chondrocytes.

Objective: The zonal properties of articular cartilage critically contribute to the mechanical support and lubrication of the tissue. Current treatments for articular cartilage have yet to regenerate this zonal architecture, thus compromising the functional efficacy of the repaired tissue and leading to tissue degeneration in the long term. In this study, the efficacy of zonal cartilage regeneration through bilayered implantation of expanded autologous zonal chondrocytes was investigated in a porcine chondral defect model.

Laparoscopic versus open resection of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with cirrhosis: meta-analysis.

Background: The exact role of laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and underlying liver cirrhosis (LC) is not well defined. In this meta-analysis, both long- and short-term outcomes following LLR versus open liver resection (OLR) were analysed.

Methods: PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus and Web of Science databases were searched systematically for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and propensity-score matched (PSM) studies reporting outcomes of LLR versus OLR of HCC in patients with cirrhosis.

Centile Charts for Monitoring of Weight Loss Trajectories After Bariatric Surgery in Asian Patients.

Background: Following bariatric surgery, accurate charting of weight loss and regain is crucial. Various preoperative factors affect postoperative weight loss, including age, sex, ethnicity, and surgical type. These are not considered by current weight loss metrics, limiting comparison of weight loss outcomes between patients or centers and across time.

Association of metabolic-bariatric surgery with long-term survival in adults with and without diabetes: a one-stage meta-analysis of matched cohort and prospective controlled studies with 174 772 participants.

Background: Metabolic-bariatric surgery delivers substantial weight loss and can induce remission or improvement of obesity-related risks and complications. However, more robust estimates of its effect on long-term mortality and life expectancy-especially stratified by pre-existing diabetes status-are needed to guide policy and facilitate patient counselling. We compared long-term survival outcomes of severely obese patients who received metabolic-bariatric surgery versus usual care.

Effects of Electromagnetic Field on Proliferation, Differentiation, and Mineralization of MC3T3 Cells.

We present the study about how the parameters of pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) stimulus affected calvarial osteoblast precursor cell in terms of growth, viability, and differentiation. This research provides insight and foundation to clinical application of noninvasive therapy using PEMF to improve bone regeneration.