The Effects of Unloader Knee Orthosis and Lateral Wedge Insole in Patients with Mild and Moderate Knee Osteoarthritis (OA)

Objective: Patients suffering from mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis may be treated with unloader knee orthoses or laterally wedged insoles. This study aimed to identify and compare the effects of two orthoses in these patients. Methods: 56 patients with medial compartment knee OA were evaluated when wearing an unloader knee orthosis and insoles with a 6° lateral wedge which were randomly assigned. Testing was performed at baseline and after 6 months of use with the two types of orthoses. The KOOS score was used to assess outcomes in this study. A paired T test was used for comparing base line and the 6th month post interventions KOOS sub scale score. An independent T test was used for analyzing the efficacy between the two orthoses. Results: Each of the interventions improved all the parameters comparing to the baseline condition (P=0.000). However, in comparing the effect between these orthoses, we did not find significant differences in activities of daily living (P=0.871), or sports and recreational activities (P=0.351). The pain and symptoms (P=0.000) were, however, significantly different between the two interventions. Conclusion: The unloader knee orthoses were more effective than lateral wedge insoles in reducing pain and symptoms

The Influence of β-Alanine Supplementation on Recovery Biomarkers in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Clinical studies, investigating the effect of β-Alanine (BA) supplementation on recovery biomarkers in physically active individuals, have generated inconsistent results. This systematic review and meta-analysis study aimed to clarify the clinically relevant dietary effects of BA supplementation. Methods: A comprehensive search was done in the electronic databases of Scopus, PubMed, ISI Web of Science and Embase from inception to 2022. Meta-analysis was done using the random-effects model. Pooled effect size was evaluated using standard mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Heterogeneity of between-study was evaluated according to Cochran’s Q test and I2 . Subgroup analysis was conducted to identify the potential sources of heterogeneity. Results: Overall, 32 studies were included in the current study. The results suggested that BA supplementation increases carnosine level significantly (SMD: 0.22mmol/L, 95%CI: -0.17, 0.61, P=0.27) but no effect was shown about lactate, fatigue, VO2 , pH and bicarbonate (HCO3 - ) (P>0.05). Subgroup analysis revealed a significant association of VO2, carnosine and fatigue with supplementation dosage, gender and duration of administration respectively. Conclusion: BA supplementation emerged its beneficial effects on enhancing carnosine level which highlights its ergogenic effects. In contrast, no significant effects had been shown in term of fatigue delay and blood levels of lactate, HCO3 - , pH, and VO2 value. These results warrant more investigation in a prospective design to clarify the exact mechanism in this way

Effect of modified lumbosacral orthoses on treatment of patients with spondylolysis

Introduction: In this study, the effect of modified lumbo sacral orthoses on lordosis andlumbosacral angle and reliving pain and functional disability was investigated.Materials and Methods: 30 patients (19 females, 11 males) with spondylolysis (aged between 22-57 years) were sampled in a simple randomized manner. They had a history of low back pain for 30.7(in average) months. Modified lumbo sacral orthoses was prescribed for 3 months (23 hours daily).The brace was unique, bridged between xyphoid process to pubic symphysis anteriorly and seventhlumbar vertebrae to gluteal prminency posteriorly.Results: Our results show that 3-months using the modified lumbo sacral orthoses resulted insignificant decrement in pain and improvement in functional ability of patients. Although lordosis andlumbosacral angles decreased to 2.21 and 0.92 degrees, respectively, but these changes were notsignificant. Finally, patients with the lower duration of low back pain showed better results.Conclusion: Our findings indicate that the modified lumbosacral orthoses, as a non-invasiveprocedure, can be used for conservative treatments in spondylolysis patients

Revolutionizing cancer treatment: the power of bi- and tri-specific T-cell engagers in oncolytic virotherapy

Bi- or tri-specific T cell engagers (BiTE or TriTE) are recombinant bispecific proteins designed to stimulate T-cell immunity directly, bypassing antigen presentation by antigen-presenting cells (APCs). However, these molecules suffer from limitations such as short biological half-life and poor residence time in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Fortunately, these challenges can be overcome when combined with OVs. Various strategies have been developed, such as encoding secretory BiTEs within OV vectors, resulting in improved targeting and activation of T cells, secretion of key cytokines, and bystander killing of tumor cells. Additionally, oncolytic viruses armed with BiTEs have shown promising outcomes in enhancing major histocompatibility complex I antigen (MHC-I) presentation, T-cell proliferation, activation, and cytotoxicity against tumor cells. These combined approaches address tumor heterogeneity, drug delivery, and T-cell infiltration, offering a comprehensive and effective solution. This review article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Bi- or TriTEs and OVs as promising therapeutic approaches in the field of cancer treatment. We summarize the cutting-edge advancements in oncolytic virotherapy immune-related genetic engineering, focusing on the innovative combination of BiTE or TriTE with OVs

Prosthetic Reconstruction for a Child with a Congenital Bilateral Ear Deformity: Case Report

Objectives: Microtia is the most commonly seen congenital ear defect, and involves an auricular deformity either unilaterally or bilaterally. The aim of this study was to fabricate silicone prostheses for a child with bilateral microtia using an innovative technique. Methods: This method involved the construction of bilateral ear prostheses using clips, which were located within the layers of the silicone superstructure.  Results: Surgical reconstruction was not indicated due to the patient’s age; so prosthetic reconstruction was advised in this case. Discussion: Two prosthetic ears were manufactured, with one being attached using an adhesive method and the other by a self suspension method. The child and his parents were very satisfied by the cosmetic and aesthetic appearance of the prostheses fitted. This technique has been proven to be suitable for pediatric patients with microtia

Micro-RNAs and Their Roles in Breast Cancer Pathogenesis; An Updated Review Article

Micro-RNAs (miRNAs) are small molecules that modulate the translation of target mRNA through binding to these molecules. In cancer, the expression of oncogenes and suppressors are increased and decreased, respectively. MiRNAs are one of the causing factors in the formation of cancer. To collect data, research articles in PubMed and Google Scholar were searched under keywords including breast cancer and micro-RNA. The data obtained from articles published in prestigious journals showed that some miRNAs are involved in the suppression and some in the induction of cancer cell growth in breast cancer tissue. Some of them are also involved in the aggression and metastasis. According to the obtained results, it seems that assessing miRNAs in breast cancer tissue can be considered as a potential candidate for prognosis and may be used in pre-diagnosis of the disease in near future