Engineering human cell-based, functionally integrated osteochondral grafts by biological bonding of engineered cartilage tissues to bony scaffolds

In this study, we aimed at developing and validating a technique for the engineering of osteochondral grafts based on the biological bonding of a chondral layer with a bony scaffold by cell-laid extracellular matrix. Osteochondral composites were generated by combining collagen-based matrices (Chondro-Gide) containing human chondrocytes with devitalized spongiosa cylinders (Tutobone) using a fibrin gel (Tisseel). We demonstrate that separate pre-culture of the chondral layer for 3 days prior to the generation of the composite allows for (i) more efficient cartilaginous matrix accumulation than no pre-culture, as assessed histologically and biochemically, and (ii) superior biological bonding to the bony scaffold than 14 days of pre-culture, as assessed using a peel-off mechanical test, developed to measure integration of bilayered materials. The presence of the bony scaffold induced an upregulation in the infiltrated cells of the osteoblast-related gene bone sialoprotein, indicative of the establishment of a gradient of cell phenotypes, but did not affect per se the quality of the cartilaginous matrix in the chondral layer. The described strategy to generate osteochondral plugs is simple to be implemented and--since it is based on clinically compliant cells and materials--is amenable to be readily tested in the clinic

Transculturation: Mission and Modernity in Africa

This volume is a collection of papers dealing with cultural interaction between Europe and Africa resulting from missionary activity in Africa. The main focus is on the premises and impact of Protestant missionary work, both in Africa and in Europe, but one paper deals with similar processes in Islam

Patient-cooperative control increases active participation of individuals with SCI during robot-aided gait training

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Manual body weight supported treadmill training and robot-aided treadmill training are frequently used techniques for the gait rehabilitation of individuals after stroke and spinal cord injury. Current evidence suggests that robot-aided gait training may be improved by making robotic behavior more patient-cooperative. In this study, we have investigated the immediate effects of patient-cooperative versus non-cooperative robot-aided gait training on individuals with incomplete spinal cord injury (iSCI). METHODS: Eleven patients with iSCI participated in a single training session with the gait rehabilitation robot Lokomat. The patients were exposed to four different training modes in random order: During both non-cooperative position control and compliant impedance control, fixed timing of movements was provided. During two variants of the patient-cooperative path control approach, free timing of movements was enabled and the robot provided only spatial guidance. The two variants of the path control approach differed in the amount of additional support, which was either individually adjusted or exaggerated. Joint angles and torques of the robot as well as muscle activity and heart rate of the patients were recorded. Kinematic variability, interaction torques, heart rate and muscle activity were compared between the different conditions. RESULTS: Patients showed more spatial and temporal kinematic variability, reduced interaction torques, a higher increase of heart rate and more muscle activity in the patient-cooperative path control mode with individually adjusted support than in the non-cooperative position control mode. In the compliant impedance control mode, spatial kinematic variability was increased and interaction torques were reduced, but temporal kinematic variability, heart rate and muscle activity were not significantly higher than in the position control mode. CONCLUSIONS: Patient-cooperative robot-aided gait training with free timing of movements made individuals with iSCI participate more actively and with larger kinematic variability than non-cooperative, position-controlled robot-aided gait training

Guidelines for the use of flow cytometry and cell sorting in immunological studies (third edition)

The third edition of Flow Cytometry Guidelines provides the key aspects to consider when performing flow cytometry experiments and includes comprehensive sections describing phenotypes and functional assays of all major human and murine immune cell subsets. Notably, the Guidelines contain helpful tables highlighting phenotypes and key differences between human and murine cells. Another useful feature of this edition is the flow cytometry analysis of clinical samples with examples of flow cytometry applications in the context of autoimmune diseases, cancers as well as acute and chronic infectious diseases. Furthermore, there are sections detailing tips, tricks and pitfalls to avoid. All sections are written and peer‐reviewed by leading flow cytometry experts and immunologists, making this edition an essential and state‐of‐the‐art handbook for basic and clinical researchers.DFG, 389687267, Kompartimentalisierung, Aufrechterhaltung und Reaktivierung humaner Gedächtnis-T-Lymphozyten aus Knochenmark und peripherem BlutDFG, 80750187, SFB 841: Leberentzündungen: Infektion, Immunregulation und KonsequenzenEC/H2020/800924/EU/International Cancer Research Fellowships - 2/iCARE-2DFG, 252623821, Die Rolle von follikulären T-Helferzellen in T-Helferzell-Differenzierung, Funktion und PlastizitätDFG, 390873048, EXC 2151: ImmunoSensation2 - the immune sensory syste

Das Modellvorhaben Physiotherapie der BIG direkt gesund und des IFK e. V. : welche Heilmittel wählen Physiotherapeuten bei Unabhängigkeit von der ärztlichen Verordnung?

Zusammenfassung Hintergrund In Ländern mit Direktzugang zur Physiotherapie wählen Physiotherapeuten autonom das bevorzugte Heilmittel zur Behandlung ihrer Patienten. Anders gestaltet sich die Situation in Deutschland: Hier verordnen die Ärzte das zu verwendende Heilmittel. Ziel Im Rahmen des Modellvorhabens Physiotherapie gemäß § 63 Abs. 3b SGB V wird (unter anderem) evaluiert, welche Heilmittel bei Behandlungsautonomie in welcher Frequenz und Dauer angewendet werden und welche Auswirkungen diese Wahl auf die Behandlungsergebnisse der Patienten hat. Methode Eine randomisierte kontrollierte Studie vergleicht die herkömmliche Behandlung nach ärztlicher Verordnung mit der Behandlung im neuen Versorgungsmodell hinsichtlich Wahl der Heilmittel, Behandlungsdauer und -frequenz sowie den Behandlungsergebnissen Patientenzufriedenheit (Fragebogen ZUF-8), Schmerz (visuelle Analogskala, VAS), gesundheitsbezogene Lebensqualität (Fragebogen EuroQol) und Funktion (Back Performance Scale [BPS], Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire [RMDQ], Lower Extremity Functional Scale [LEFS]). Ergebnisse Am Modellvorhaben nahmen 630 Patienten teil, davon 296 in der Kontroll- (KG) und 334 in der Modellgruppe (MG). In der MG wendeten die Physiotherapeuten häufiger (in 33 % der Fälle) Allgemeine Krankengymnastik (AKG) und/oder Manuelle Therapie (MT) zusammen mit einem ergänzenden Heilmittel (z. B. Wärmetherapie-Fango) an (vs. 10 % in der KG; x2 = 51,525, p &lt; 0,001) sowie häufiger eine Kombination aus AKG mit MT (in 32 % der Fälle vs. 3 % in der KG, x2 = 100,455, p &lt; 0,001). Die Behandlungsdauer war in der MG mit 9,7 Wochen (Standardabweichung [SD] = 13,2) kürzer als in der KG mit 11,8 Wochen (SD = 5,4; T = 2,542, p &lt; 0,05). Weitgehend unabhängig von ihrer Zugehörigkeit zur KG oder MG, berichteten die Patienten eine hohe Zufriedenheit und signifikante Verbesserungen hinsichtlich Schmerz, Lebensqualität und Funktion (Back Performance Scale [BPS], Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire [RMDQ], Lower Extremity Functional Scale [LEFS]). Schlussfolgerung Bei Behandlungsfreiheit entschieden sich Physiotherapeuten vermehrt für eine Kombination von aktiven und passiven Behandlungstechniken, ohne die Behandlungsdauer auszudehnen. Dieses Vorgehen ist mit international anerkannten Behandlungsleitlinien konform.</jats:p