Light therapy improves diurnal blood pressure control in night shift workers via reduction of catecholamines: the EuRhythDia study.

Objectives: Night shift work is associated with high rates of hypertension and cardiometabolic disease, which are linked to disrupted circadian rhythms. We hypothesized that timed light therapy might improve disrupted circadian rhythms and stabilize diurnal control of blood pressure and glucose in night shift workers.

Methods: We randomized 24 rotating night shift workers (mean age, 36 ± 13 years, 7 men) who had spent a median of 6 years on rotating night shifts (median, six night shifts per month) to 12 weeks of light therapy or no intervention and compared them with 12 daytime workers (37 ± 11 years, 6 men).

Regenerative application of stromal vascular fraction cells enhanced fat graft maintenance: clinical assessment in face rejuvenation.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the use of FG-SVFs in face rejuvenation for esthetic improvement.

Methods: 33 female patients affected by face's soft-tissue defects with loss of volume, study group (SG), were treated with FG-SVFs, comparing results with a control group (CG) (n = 30) treated with fat graft not enhanced (FG). Clinical evaluation, a photographic assessment, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultrasound (US) were performed.

A randomized blinded retrospective study: the combined use of micro-needling technique, low-level laser therapy and autologous non-activated platelet-rich plasma improves hair re-growth in patients with androgenic alopecia.

Introduction: Mini-invasive therapies based on autologous non-activated Platelet-Rich Plasma (ANA-PRP), Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLL-T), and Micro-Needling Technique (MN-T) used in combining for hair re-growth need to be standardized.

Objectives: The work aims to show outcomes resulted from retrospective case-series study in which ANA-PRP + MN-T + LLL-T were used in combined in patients affected by Androgenic alopecia.

Methods: 23 patients were treated, of which 13 males were classified in stage I-V by the Norwood-Hamilton scale, and 10 females were classified in stage I-III by the Ludwig scale.

Autologous activated platelet-rich plasma (AA-PRP) and non-activated (A-PRP) in hair growth: a retrospective, blinded, randomized evaluation in androgenetic alopecia.

: A retrospective case-series study comparing autologous activated platelet-rich plasma (AA-PRP) versus autologous non-activated platelet-rich plasma (A-PRP) in hair re-growth was reported.: 90 patients, 63 males showing AGA in stage I-V by the Norwood-Hamilton scale and 27 females with AGA in stage I-III by the Ludwig scale, treated since 2013, were analyzed. 57 patients were treated with A-PRP injections and 33 patients were treated with AA-PRP in three sessions spaced 30 days average.

The Royal London Hospital Test for the clinical diagnosis of patellar tendinopathy.

Purpose: To ascertain whether the Royal London Hospital test is reproducible, sensitive, and specific for diagnosis of patellar tendinopathy.

Methods: Fifteen consecutive athletes with patellar tendinopathy were prospectively enrolled and compared with a control group of 15 non consecutive athletes with Achilles tendinopathy. Two testers examined separately each patient, using manual palpation and the Royal London Hospital test for diagnosis of patellar tendinopathy.

Hyaluronic acid increases tendon derived cell viability and proliferation : comparative study of two different hyaluronic acid preparations by molecular weight.

Background: Hyaluronic Acid (HA) has been already approved by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for osteoarthritis (OA), while its use in the treatment of tendinopathy is still debated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of two different HA on human rotator cuff tendon derived cells in terms of cell viability, proliferation and apoptosis.

Methods: An model was developed on human tendon derived cells from rotator cuff tears to study the effects of two different HA preparations: Sinovial HL® (High-Low molecular weight) (MW: 80-100 kDa) and KDa Sinovial Forte SF (MW: 800-1200), at various concentrations.

Stem cells from human hair follicles: first mechanical isolation for immediate autologous clinical use in androgenetic alopecia and hair loss.

Background: Hair follicles are known to contain a well-characterized niche for adult stem cells: the bulge, which contains epithelial and melanocytic stem cells. Stem cells in the hair bulge, a clearly demarcated structure within the lower permanent portion of hair follicles, can generate the interfollicular epidermis, hair follicle structures, and sebaceous glands. The bulge epithelial stem cells can also reconstitute in an artificial system to a new hair follicle.

Combined supplementation of ascorbic acid and thyroid hormone T affects tenocyte proliferation. The effect of ascorbic acid in the production of nitric oxide.

Background: Tissue engineering is now increasingly focusing on cell-based treatments as promising tools to improve tendon repair. However, many crucial aspects of tendon biology remain to be understood before adopting the best experimental approach for cell-tissue engineering.

Methods: The role played by Ascorbic Acid (AA) alone and in combination with thyroid hormone T in the viability and proliferation of primary human tendon-derived cells was investigated.

NRAS(Q61K) mutated primary leptomeningeal melanoma in a child: case presentation and discussion on clinical and diagnostic implications.

Background: Primary melanocytic neoplasms are rare in the pediatric age. Among them, the pattern of neoplastic meningitis represents a peculiar diagnostic challenge since neuroradiological features may be subtle and cerebrospinal fluid analysis may not be informative. Clinical misdiagnosis of neoplastic meningitis with tuberculous meningitis has been described in few pediatric cases, leading to a significant delay in appropriate management of patients.

Injectable PLGA/Hydroxyapatite/Chitosan Microcapsules Produced by Supercritical Emulsion Extraction Technology: An In Vitro Study on Teriparatide/Gentamicin Controlled Release.

Supercritical emulsion extraction (SEE) is proposed as a green and effective strategy for the fabrication of chitosan-covered poly-lactic-co-glycolic acid (chi-PLGA) injectable microcapsules for the controlled release of teriparatide (THA) and teriparatide/gentamicin sulfate (THA/Gen). These formulations can be used for locally bone pathologies treatment or in complex fracture healing of aged patients. Several oil-water (o-w) and water-oil-water (w-o-w) emulsions were processed by SEE to produce multifunctional microcapsules containing hydroxyapatite (HA) within a poly-lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) matrix (up to 24 mg/g) and with both THA (0.

Subtalar Arthroereisis Implant Removal in Adults: A Prospective Study of 100 Patients.

Subtalar joint arthroereisis (STA) can be used in the management of adult acquired flatfoot deformity (AAFD), including posterior tibial tendon dysfunction. The procedure is quick and normally causes little morbidity; however, the implant used for STA often needs to be removed because of sinus tarsi pain. The present study evaluated the rate and risk factors for removal of the implant used for STA in adults treated for AAFD/posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, including patient age, implant size, and the use of endoscopic gastrocnemius recession.

Hyaluronic acid increases tendon derived cell viability and collagen type I expression in vitro: Comparative study of four different Hyaluronic acid preparations by molecular weight.

Background: Hyaluronic Acid (HA) has been already approved by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for osteoarthritis (OA), while its use in the treatment of tendinopathy is still debated. The aim of this study was to evaluate in human rotator cuff tendon derived cells the effects of four different HA on cell viability, proliferation, apoptosis and the expression of collagen type I and collagen type III.

Methods: An in vitro model was developed on human tendon derived cells from rotator cuff tears to study the effects of four different HA preparations (Ps) (sodium hyaluronate MW: 500-730 KDa - Hyalgan®, 1000 kDa Artrosulfur HA®, 1600 KDa Hyalubrix® and 2200 KDa Synolis-VA®) at various concentrations.

All arthroscopic stabilization of acute acromioclavicular joint dislocation with fiberwire and endobutton system.

Introduction: acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocation is common in athletes and in contact sports and about 9% of shoulder injuries involves this joint. The majority of these AC lesions can be successfully treated conservatively but high grade dislocation and some cases of type III dislocation need a surgical treatment. Many different operative techniques have been described over the years.

The management of chronic rupture of the Achilles tendon: minimally invasive peroneus brevis tendon transfer.

We hypothesised that a minimally invasive peroneus brevis tendon transfer would be effective for the management of a chronic rupture of the Achilles tendon. In 17 patients (three women, 14 men) who underwent minimally invasive transfer and tenodesis of the peroneus brevis to the calcaneum, at a mean follow-up of 4.6 years (2 to 7) the modified Achilles tendon total rupture score (ATRS) was recorded and the maximum circumference of the calf of the operated and contralateral limbs was measured.

Progress in gene therapy for primary immunodeficiencies using lentiviral vectors.

Purpose Of Review: This review gives an overview over the most recent progress in the field of lentiviral gene therapy for primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs). The history and state-of-the-art of lentiviral vector development are summarized and the recent advancements for a number of selected diseases are reviewed in detail. Past retroviral vector trials for these diseases, the most recent improvements of lentiviral vector platforms and their application in preclinical development as well as ongoing clinical trials are discussed.

Dual-regulated lentiviral vector for gene therapy of X-linked chronic granulomatosis.

Regulated transgene expression may improve the safety and efficacy of hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) gene therapy. Clinical trials for X-linked chronic granulomatous disease (X-CGD) employing gammaretroviral vectors were limited by insertional oncogenesis or lack of persistent engraftment. Our novel strategy, based on regulated lentiviral vectors (LV), targets gp91(phox) expression to the differentiated myeloid compartment while sparing HSC, to reduce the risk of genotoxicity and potential perturbation of reactive oxygen species levels.

The role of eccentric exercise in sport injuries rehabilitation.

Introduction: Sports injuries frequently involve tendons, muscles and ligaments. The variable outcome of surgery and medical treatment support early functional treatments. Eccentric exercise (EE) showed effectiveness in the management of Achilles tendinopathy (AT), patellar tendinopathy (PT) and lateral epicondyle tendinopathy (LET).

Lentiviral vectors for the treatment of primary immunodeficiencies.

In the last years important progress has been made in the treatment of several primary immunodeficiency disorders (PIDs) with gene therapy. Hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) gene therapy indeed represents a valid alternative to conventional transplantation when a compatible donor is not available and recent success confirmed the great potential of this approach. First clinical trials performed with gamma retroviral vectors were promising and guaranteed clinical benefits to the patients.

ISMuLT Guidelines for muscle injuries.

Muscle injuries are frequent in high demand sports. No guidelines are available in the scientific literature. ISMuLT, the "Italian Society of Muscles, Ligaments and Tendons", in line with its multidisciplinary mission, is proud to cover this gap.

Thyroid hormones and tendon: current views and future perspectives. Concise review.

Thyroid hormones (THs) T3 and T4, play an essential role in the development and metabolism of many tissues and organs, and have profound metabolic effects in adult life. THs action is mediated mainly by the thyroid hormone receptor (TRs) which seem to be ubiquitous. To-date thyroid-associated disease are not thought to be related in tendinopathies and tendons tears.

Professional liability in orthopaedics and traumatology in Italy.

Background: Interest in medical errors has increased during the last few years owing to the number of medical malpractice claims. Reasons for the increasing number of claims may be related to patients' higher expectations, iatrogenic injury, and the growth of the legal services industry. Claims analysis provides helpful information in specialties in which a higher number of errors occur, highlighting areas where orthopaedic care might be improved.

Biological properties of mesenchymal Stem Cells from different sources.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are adult, nonhematopoietic, stem cells that were initially isolated from bone marrow. Now they can be isolated from almost every tissue of the body. They have the ability to self-renew and differentiate into multiple cell lineage, including bone, chondrocytes, adipocytes, tenocytes and cardiomyocytes, and it makes them an attractive cell source for a new generation of cell-based regenerative therapies.

Physiopathology of intratendinous calcific deposition.

In calcific tendinopathy (CT), calcium deposits in the substance of the tendon, with chronic activity-related pain, tenderness, localized edema and various degrees of decreased range of motion. CT is particularly common in the rotator cuff, and supraspinatus, Achilles and patellar tendons. The presence of calcific deposits may worsen the clinical manifestations of tendinopathy with an increase in rupture rate, slower recovery times and a higher frequency of post-operative complications.