Therapeutic potential of COMP and TIMP-3 in preserving cartilage integrity compromised by proteases: A histo-mechanical study.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTS) significantly impact articular cartilage biomechanical properties in osteoarthritis (OA). However, comprehensive understanding of biomechanical responses and the efficacy of potential therapeutic interventions remains limited. This study investigates how MMPs and ADAMTS synergistically degenerate cartilage biomechanical properties under different loading conditions, and evaluates the preventive role of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-3 (TIMP-3).

Trans-Ulnar Single Incision Fasciotomy for Decompression of Forearm Compartment Syndrome: A Cadaveric Study.

Objectives: Acute compartment syndrome (ACS) is a medical emergency that requires timely intervention, and delays in treatment can lead to severe complications such as nerve injury, muscle necrosis, amputation, and even death. Definitive treatment of ACS requires a fasciotomy. Currently, there is no consensus on the best approach for a forearm fasciotomy; compartment release is most commonly done through volar or combined volar and dorsal incisions.

Quantifying features from X-ray images to assess early stage knee osteoarthritis.

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a progressive degenerative joint disease and a leading cause of disability worldwide. Manual diagnosis of KOA from X-ray images is subjective and prone to inter- and intra-observer variability, making early detection challenging. While deep learning (DL)-based models offer automation, they often require large labeled datasets, lack interpretability, and do not provide quantitative feature measurements.

A Review and Meta-Analysis of Biomarkers in Early-Stage Osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common musculoskeletal disorder impacting millions in the United States, presenting with joint pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Its complex origins and lack of clear early-stage symptoms make early detection challenging. Traditional diagnostic methods, including imaging, are often used when significant cartilage loss has already occurred.

Mechanical characterization of articular cartilage degraded combinedly with MMP-1 and MMP-9.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) degrade the extracellular matrix (ECM) subsequently damaging cartilage and altering biomechanical properties. Collectively, MMPs cleave every ECM macromolecule. However, MMPs present complex substrate interactions and digest differing ECM components making it difficult to understand the individual role each MMP plays in cartilage degradation.

COVID-19: Factors associated with psychological distress, fear, and coping strategies among community members across 17 countries.

Background: The current pandemic of COVID-19 impacted the psychological wellbeing of populations globally.

Objectives: We aimed to examine the extent and identify factors associated with psychological distress, fear of COVID-19 and coping.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study across 17 countries during Jun-2020 to Jan-2021.

Psychological distress, fear and coping among Malaysians during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has enormously affected the psychological well-being, social and working life of millions of people across the world. This study aimed to investigate the psychological distress, fear and coping strategies as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated factors among Malaysian residents.

Methods: Participants were invited to an online cross-sectional survey from Aug-Sep 2020.

COVID-19 Related Psychological Distress, Fear and Coping: Identification of High-Risk Groups in Bangladesh.

The COVID-19 pandemic has imposed psychological distress and fear across the globe; however, factors associated with those issues or the ways people cope may vary by country or context. This study aimed to investigate the factors associated with psychological distress, fear, and coping strategies for people living in Bangladesh during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional study conducted in August-September 2020 using online platforms in Bangladesh.

An in vitro investigation to understand the synergistic role of MMPs-1 and 9 on articular cartilage biomechanical properties.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play a crucial role in enzymatically digesting cartilage extracellular matrix (ECM) components, resulting in degraded cartilage with altered mechanical loading capacity. Overexpression of MMPs is often caused by trauma, physiologic conditions and by disease. To understand the synergistic impact MMPs have on cartilage biomechanical properties, MMPs from two subfamilies: collagenase (MMP-1) and gelatinase (MMP-9) were investigated in this study.

Chronic Painless, Multiple Papulo-Nodular Skin Lesion at Foot Resembles Mycetoma Infection (Madura Foot): A Case Report.

Madura foot is a chronic, progressively destructive bacterial or fungal infection of the subcutaneous tissues, which may affect skin, muscle, and bone. It is endemic in tropical and subtropical areas known as the "Mycetoma belt" between latitude 30°N and 15°S. Mycetoma is prevalent in the poor population living in remote areas of developing countries that lack proper reporting system and management.

Diabetic Hand Infection: An Emerging Challenge.

Hand infection in diabetics is an often ignored but challenging condition. If not addressed effectively, it may result in long term disability, contracture, amputation and even death. From August 2014 to December 2015, a study was done in our centre, where 49 diabetic hand infection cases were analyzed in two groups, superficial and deep hand infection.

Thumb Replantation Using the Superficial Palmar Branch of the Radial Artery.

The thumb is the most important part of the hand. If thumb is amputated, all efforts should be made to replant it to preserve hand functions. Good functional outcome can be obtained with successful thumb replantation than with other reconstructive surgery.

A microsurgical suture technique without the need for vascular clamps.

Vascular clamps are often used during microvascular repair and anastomosis. However, pressure exerted by the clamps may damage the vessels, which compromises patency of vessels. This article reports on a microsurgical suture technique performed without any clamp to avoid clamp-related problems.

Classification of distal fingertip amputation based on the arterial system for replantation.

During replantation of distal fingertip amputation, identification of the artery is the most important but time consuming procedure. Depending on the damaged arterial structure, we classified distal fingertip amputations into 4 zones, on the basis of three dimensional concept. Zone 1 injury was defined as damage to the proximal central pulp artery; zone 2 injury, damage to the branch of the central pulp artery; zone 3 injury, damage to the distal central pulp artery; and zone 4 injury, no injury to the central pulp artery, injury only to the lateral pulp artery.