Publications by authors named "Luigi Zagra"

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) and their released factors (secretome) are intriguing options for regenerative medicine approaches based on the management of inflammation and tissue restoration, as in joint disorders like osteoarthritis (OA). Production strategy may modulate cells and secretome fingerprints, and for the latter, the effect of serum removal by starvation used in clinical-grade protocols has been underestimated. In this work, the effect of starvation on the molecular profile of interleukin 1 beta (IL1β)-primed adipose-derived MSCs (ASCs) was tested by assessing the expression level of 84 genes related to secreted factors and 84 genes involved in defining stemness potential.

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Objective: The objective of the analysis presented is to assess the efficacy of a fast-track pathway for elective hip and knee arthroplasty, compared to the traditional approach, adopted within a research hospital located in Milan (Italy), in terms of length of stay reduction and related direct medical costs.

Methods: A monocentric observational retrospective study was implemented considering adult subjects who underwent elective primary total hip or knee replacement, with a diagnosis of primary or secondary osteoarthritis. Exclusion criteria were subjects admitted via emergency department, subjects undergoing knee or hip replacement because of fractures or prosthesis revision.

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Connexin 43 (Cx43) is crucial for the development and homeostasis of the musculoskeletal system, where it plays multifaceted roles, including intercellular communication, transcriptional regulation and influencing osteogenesis and chondrogenesis. Here, we investigated Cx43 modulation mediated by inflammatory stimuli involved in osteoarthritis, i.e.

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Purpose: Clinical and patient reported outcomes are often collected before and after the procedure to benchmark and study outcomes for patients. These outcomes and scores are useful for tracking patient outcomes after surgery, however, the fact that these commonly used measures typically provide information about a patient's level of pain and function at a single point in time is a limitation.

Methods: We present early functional recovery and return to work outcomes after primary THA from a novel questionnaire administered in a global, multi-center, prospective clinical study.

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Introduction: Osteoarthritis (OA), a chronic inflammatory joint disorder, still lacks effective therapeutic interventions. Consequently, the development of convenient experimental models is crucial. Recently, research has focused on the plasticity of Mesenchymal Stem/stromal Cells, particularly adipose-derived ones (ASCs), in halting OA progression.

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Article Synopsis
  • Patients with total hip arthroplasty (THA) may experience recurrent pain due to various issues related to the joint and surrounding tissues, such as tendons and nerves.
  • Ultrasound (US) plays a crucial role in diagnosing these conditions, allowing for quick identification of problems and evaluation of pain relief through localized anesthetic injections.
  • US guidance can also assist in procedures like fluid aspiration from the joint and injections of treatments such as corticosteroids and platelet-rich plasma for therapeutic benefits.
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  • Influenza poses a significant public health risk, particularly for severe cases, prompting the need for effective vaccination strategies among pediatric populations in Palermo.
  • A study was conducted in two phases, starting with an educational intervention for family pediatricians (FPs), followed by monitoring the safety and acceptance of the qLAIV vaccine among children.
  • Results showed a vaccination coverage rate of 13.2%, much higher than the average rates in the Palermo LHA and throughout Sicily, with only mild adverse reactions reported, indicating that educational efforts can enhance vaccination rates effectively.
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Background: Effective surgical wound management in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is crucial for optimal healing and patient outcomes. Despite surgical advances, managing wounds to prevent complications remains challenging. This study aimed to identify and address evidence gaps in TKA wound management, including preoperative optimization, intraoperative options, and postoperative complication avoidance.

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Purpose: To assess utility, benefits, and risks of 4th-generation alumina-zirconia ceramic pairings in elective total hip arthroplasty (THA).

Methods: A comprehensive mixed-methods best-evidence synthesis using data from systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), prospective and retrospective cohort studies, as well as joint replacement registries, was conducted to estimate overall revision and survival rates, periprosthetic infection, bearing fractures, and noise phenomena with 4th-generation alumina-zirconia ceramic versus other tribological couplings in elective THA. The systematic review part across multiple databases was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42023418076), and individual study data were extracted for statistical re-analysis.

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Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is the best surgical approach for treating advanced hip degeneration, providing pain relief, and improved function in most cases. In the past, MR imaging quality has been highly compromised by in-plane distortions, inadequate fat saturation, and other artifacts due to metal components of THA. Technological advancements have made pathologic conditions, which were previously hidden by periprosthetic artifacts, outstanding features due to the optimization of several sequences.

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: The ultrasound-guided viscosupplementation of the hip joint with hyaluronic acid (HA) is considered a standard procedure among the conservative treatments for hip arthritis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical benefit and the incidence of adverse events of the technique in an observational study at one year follow up. We evaluated a consecutive series of 85 patients with a diagnosis of symptomatic arthritis who underwent intra-articular ultrasound-guided hyaluronic acid injections.

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Background: Acetabular cup positioning in total hip arthroplasty (THA) is closely related to outcomes. The literature has suggested cup parameters defined by the Lewinnek safe zone; however, the validity of such measures is in question. Several studies have raised concerns about the benefits of using the Lewinnek safe zone as a predictor of success.

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Background: Overweight has been associated with several social and phycological problems and is perceived as one of the major health care challenges to focus on in the future. The purpose of the study is to investigate the correlations among nutritional status, assessed by the Body Mass Index, the perception of one's own health status and Life Satisfaction, detected in Italian adolescents living in Tuscany Region, and to investigate the influence of gender on them.

Methods: A statistically representative sample of 2760 Tuscan adolescents aged 11, 13 and 15 was involved in the 2018 Health Behaviours at School-aged Children survey.

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Article Synopsis
  • This study investigates the use of human platelet lysate (hPL) as a substitute for fetal bovine serum (FBS) to create macrophage models for clinical applications, particularly in immune response testing.
  • Primary human monocytes were differentiated into different types of macrophages using either hPL or FBS, and the study evaluated their protein secretion and surface marker expressions (like CD80 and CD206).
  • Results indicated that while hPL maintained similar macrophage marker regulation compared to FBS, it exhibited lower baseline levels of certain markers, necessitating careful interpretation of results in immunomodulatory assays using hPL.
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  • Asbestos is a significant occupational carcinogen, and despite its ban in Italy since 1992, the country continues to face high rates of asbestos-related diseases (ARDs), particularly in the Province of Palermo from 2010 to 2021.
  • The study identified 245 ARD cases among asbestos-exposed workers, revealing a range of conditions including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma, with tobacco use notably increasing lung cancer risk.
  • The findings highlight the ongoing public health challenge posed by ARDs, stressing the need for improved data collection and early diagnosis methods to better manage these diseases in affected populations.
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Background: The purpose of this study is to compare peri-operative and short-term outcomes in patients who underwent elective total hip replacement (THA) for primary osteoarthritis (OA) with direct anterior approach (DAA) versus a pair-matched cohort of patients who underwent robotic-assisted THA with posterolateral approach.

Materials And Methods: Data from consecutive patients who underwent elective hip replacement from 2021 to 2023 for primary OA were retrospectively retrieved and divided into two groups: the DAA group, who underwent THA with the DAA approach using conventional instruments, and the robotic posterolateral (R-PL group), who underwent robot arm-assisted THA with the posterolateral approach. Comparative assessed outcomes were: operative time, radiographical implant positioning, intake of rescue analgesics, blood loss, transfusion rate, leg length discrepancy and functional outcomes (Harris hip score and forgotten joint score).

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Background: This modified Delphi study aimed to develop a consensus on optimal wound closure and incision management strategies for total hip arthroplasty (THA). Given the critical nature of wound care and incision management in influencing patient outcomes, this study sought to synthesize evidence-based best practices for wound care in THA procedures.

Methods: An international panel of 20 orthopedic surgeons from Europe, Canada, and the United States evaluated a targeted literature review of 18 statements (14 specific to THA and 4 related to both THA and total knee arthroplasty).

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Background: The purpose of this modified Delphi study was to obtain consensus on wound closure and dressing management in total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Methods: The Delphi panel included 20 orthopaedic surgeons from Europe and North America. There were 26 statements identified using a targeted literature review.

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Despite the worldwide recommendations for influenza immunisation, vaccination coverage for patients exposed to the highest risk of severe complications is still far from the optimal target. The need to take advantage of alternative methods to provide vaccination is essential. This study presents a hospital-based strategy which offers influenza vaccination to inpatients at discharge.

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Purpose: The results of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction are still under-investigated. The purpose of this research is to investigate the differences between TKA after ACL reconstruction and TKA for primary osteoarthritis through a review and meta-analysis of the literature.

Methods: Case-control and cohort studies reporting outcomes of TKA following ACL reconstruction were considered eligible for inclusion.

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