Effect of Calcium and Vitamin D Supplementation With and Without Collagen Peptides on Volumetric and Areal Bone Mineral Density, Bone Geometry and Bone Turnover in Postmenopausal Women With Osteopenia.

Collagen peptides (CPs) have been shown to potentially have a role as a treatment option in osteopenia. In the present randomized prospective study, we examined the effect of calcium, vitamin D with and without CPs supplementation on changes in volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) and bone geometry assessed by peripheral quantitative computed tomography at the tibia, areal bone mineral density (aBMD) assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry at the lumbar spine and the hip and bone turnover markers over 12-mo. Fifty-one postmenopausal women with osteopenia were allocated to Group A who received orally 5 g CPs, 500 mg calcium and 400 IU vitamin D3 and Group B who received the same dose of calcium and vitamin D3 per day. The primary endpoint was the change of trabecular bone mineral content (BMC) and vBMD after 12-mo supplementation in Groups A and B. At the trabecular site (4% of the tibia length), Group A had a significant increase of total BMC by 1.96 ± 2.41% and cross-sectional area by 2.58 ± 3.91%, trabecular BMC by 5.24 ± 6.48%, cross-sectional area by 2.58 ± 3.91% and vBMD by 2.54 ± 3.43% and a higher % change of these parameters at 12 mo in comparison to Group B (p < 0.01, p = 0.04, p < 0.01, p = 0.04, p = 0.02, respectively). At the cortical site (38% of the tibia length), total and cortical vBMD increased by 1.01 ± 2.57% and 0.67 ± 1.71%. Furthermore, the mean aBMD at the spine was higher (p = 0.01), while bone markers decreased in Group A compared to Group B. The present study shows improvement of trabecular and cortical parameters as assessed by peripheral quantitative computed tomography at the tibia, prevention of aBMD decline and decrease of bone turnover after 12-mo supplementation with calcium, vitamin D with CPs.

Alveolar bone response distal to applied orthodontic forces in ovariectomized rats.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the application of orthodontic tooth forces on the alveolar bone distal to the loaded teeth, in ovariectomized female rats. METHODS: Twenty-four eight-month-old Wistar rats were divided into one group ovariectomized at the age of six months and one control. An orthodontic appliance delivering a mesial traction force of 60 gr* was placed on the right maxillary 1st molar of all animals for 14 days. Histology of the alveolar bone, of the adjacent and distal teeth to the loaded molar and the contralateral side, was performed following euthanasia. RESULTS: In the non-ovariectomized rats, extensive resorption was noticed in the direction of the orthodontic movement in the 2nd and 3rd molar interdental space, whereas the respective contralateral interdental space did not show any remodeling activity. Ovariectomized rats displayed reduced osseous tissue in the interdental space of both sides. The alveolar bone in the interradicular area of the 2nd loaded molar revealed frontal resorption, whereas, the alveolar interradicular bone of the contralateral 2nd molar showed internal resorption. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, orthodontic forces applied to the dentoalveolar complex of ovariectomized rats affect bone remodeling, even in areas distal to the site of force application. This finding should be taken into account during orthodontic treatment of women during menopause.

Intrauterine growth restriction affects bone mineral density of the mandible and the condyle in growing rats.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate in growing rats the effect of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) on the bone mineral density of the mandible and tibia, as well as the quality of the mandibular and condylar bone. METHODS: Twelve male rats were born IUGR by mothers sustaining 50% food restriction during pregnancy. Twelve control male rats were born by mothers fed ad libitum. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) of the tibia, proximal tibial metaphysis and the mandible, biochemical markers, histology and histomorphometrical analysis on the mandibular and subchondral bone of the condyle were performed. RESULTS: IUGR significantly affected bone mineral density (BMD) of both tibial and mandibular bones. IUGR rats had significantly lower osteocalcin values (p=0.021) and phosphorus (p=0.028), but not 25-OH vitamin D (p=0.352). Bone area percentage in the mandible was significantly lower (51.21±5.54) in IUGR compared to controls (66.00±15.49), and for subchondral bone of the condyle for IUGR (47.01±6.82) compared to controls (68.27±13.37). IUGR had a significant reduction in the fibrous layer, but not the proliferating layer, with the hypertrophic layer significantly increased. CONCLUSION: Maternal restricted nutrition during gestation can affect BMD of the mandible and the tibia of the offspring animals.

The effect of table olive wastewater extract administration on the adult ovariectomised rat model of osteoporosis.

Recent efforts for alternative non-pharmaceutical treatments for postmenopausal osteoporosis are focused on nutritional measures. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of table olive wastewater extract (OE) administration on bone mineral density (BMD) and biomechanical strength in ovariectomised rats. Thirty mature 9-month-old female Wistar rats were separated into three groups of ten: Control, Ovariectomised (OVX) and OVX + OE. BMD was measured before ovariectomy, 3 and 6 months afterwards. At the end of the study, blood, both femurs and tibias, internal organs and abdominal fat were collected. After 3 months, the percentage changes from baseline of the total and proximal tibial BMD of the OVX + OE group were both higher compared with the OVX group (P < 0·005). Similar results were found after 6 months, when the percentage changes from baseline of the total and proximal tibial BMD of the OVX + OE group were both higher compared with the OVX group (P < 0·005). Biomechanical testing of the femurs did not reveal any statistically significant difference between the groups. Body weights throughout the study, organs' and abdominal fat ratios to final body weight and blood results (alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma-glutamyltransferase (γ-GT), total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, Ca and P) were within normal limits and did not show any significant difference between the treated and untreated groups. As a conclusion, the administration of OE for 6 months protected tibial BMD loss in comparison with the untreated OVX group without causing adverse effects.

Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 (FGF23) and Klotho Protein in Beta-Thalassemia.

Derangements in phosphate and calcium homeostasis are common in patients with beta-thalassemia. Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) is among the main hormones regulating phosphate levels, while several studies underline an interplay between iron (Fe) and FGF23. Herein, we investigated, for the first time, the serum intact molecule (iFGF23) and the carboxyl-terminal fragment (C-FGF23) and Klotho levels simultaneously in patients with beta-thalassemia major receiving iron chelation regimens in comparison to healthy control subjects. We also correlated them with the body iron burden. The observational case-control study included 81 subjects (40 thalassemic patients and 41 healthy controls). Serum iFGF23, C-FGF23 and Κlotho were measured by ELISA. Parathormone, 25-hydroxycholecalciferol, calcium, and phosphorus were measured in blood and/or urine. The degree of hemosiderosis was evaluated by assessing the serum ferritin levels and performing T2* MRI measurements. Serum C-FGF23 levels were significantly lower in patients compared to control subjects (p=0.04), while iFGF23 and Klotho levels did not differ. Serum C-FGF23 levels were negatively correlated with ferritin (r=-0,421, p=0.018), whereas there were no significant correlations of each of the three factors with the iron chelation therapy. Decreased serum C-FGF23 levels were found in ßTh patients which may be attributed to inhibition of proteolytic cleavage of iFGF23. Further studies in a greater number of patients will shed more light on the disturbances of the iFGF23, Klotho and C-FGF23 in thalassemia and their possible role in bone disease of such patients.

Effect of calcium and vitamin D supplementation with and without collagen peptides on bone turnover in postmenopausal women with osteopenia.

OBJECTIVES: Collagen peptides (CPs) seem to exert beneficial effects on bone and may have a role as a treatment option. In the present randomized prospective study, we aimed to examine the efficacy, as expressed by changes in P1NP and CTX, and the tolerability of 3-month supplementation of calcium, vitamin D with or without bioactive CPs in postmenopausal women with osteopenia. METHODS: Fifty-one female, postmenopausal women with osteopenia were allocated to two groups: Group A received a sachet containing 5 g CPs, 3.6 g calcium lactate (equivalent to 500 mg of elemental calcium) and 400 IU vitamin D3 and group B received a chewable tablet containing 1.25 g calcium carbonate (equivalent to 500 mg of elemental calcium) and 400 IU vitamin D3 daily. RESULTS: In group A, the P1NP levels significantly decreased by 13.1% (p<0.001) and CTX levels decreased by 11.4% (p=0.058) within 3 months of supplementation. In group B, P1NP and CTX did not change. Group A presented better compliance in comparison to group B and no adverse events contrary to group B. CONCLUSIONS: These findings may reflect the reduction of the increased bone turnover in postmenopausal women with the use of calcium, vitamin D and CPs supplements. The addition of CPs in a calcium and vitamin D supplement may enhance its already known positive effect on bone metabolism. Clinical Trial ID: NCT03999775.

Diagnosis, Pathophysiology and Management of Hypercalcemia in Malignancy: A Review of the Literature.

Hypercalcemia of malignancy is the most common life-threatening metabolic disorder in patients with advanced stage cancers and is a sign of poor prognosis. It usually presents with markedly elevated calcium level and is severely symptomatic. It is associated with hematological malignancies, such as multiple myeloma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, leukemias and solid cancers, particularly renal and breast carcinomas as well as squamous cell carcinomas of any organ. Several mechanisms have been implicated in the development of hypercalcemia of malignancy amongst them the osteolytic related hypercalcemia, parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP) mediated hypercalcemia, extrarenal 1,25 dixydroxyvitamin D (calcitriol) mediated hypercalcemia and parathyroid hormone (PTH) related hypercalcemia either ectopic in origin or in patients with parathyroid carcinoma. Clinical history and and physical examination could point towards the correct diagnosis confirmed by the above-mentioned biochemical mediators of hypercalcemia. Early diagnosis and treatment lowering calcium levels in the blood can improve symptoms and the quality of life of these patients and avoid delays for further antitumor therapy.

The effect of osteopenia on tooth movement in ovariectomized rats. An experimental study.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this experimental study was to investigate in depth the effects of osteopenia related to the rate, as well as to the quality of orthodontic tooth movement, by combining experimental ovariectomy and molar movement in rats. METHODS: Twenty-four six-month-old female Wistar rats were used in this study. The animals were divided into two groups consisting of twelve animals each: Group A (control group) was subjected to orthodontic movement of the upper right first molars. Group B was subjected to orthodontic movement of the upper right first molar following bilateral ovariectomy. Ovariectomy was performed on the first experimental day and the upper right first molars were subjected to orthodontic forces 60 days post-ovariectomy, lasting for 14 days. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Direct inspections of the upper jaws, measurements of orthodontic movement of the upper right first molars of Group A and B, as well as histologic examinations of the alveolar bone in the upper right and left first molar regions, showed that osteopenia affects the rate of orthodontic tooth movement, as well as the quality of alveolar bone remodeling, in ovariectomized rats. Specifically, in the ovariectomized animals the alveolar bone of the non-loaded side showed extensive internal resorption, with large marrow cavities, whereas the alveolar bone of the loaded side was dense with almost no marrow cavity and frontal resorption on the surface. It appears that alveolar remodeling after the exertion of orthodontic forces follows the general paradigm of osteoporotic bone remodeling after loading.

Per os colchicine administration in cholesterol fed rabbits: Triglycerides lowering effects without affecting atherosclerosis progress.

BACKGROUND: Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease that is promoted, among others, by pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1ß and IL-18 produced by NLRP 3 inflammasome. Development of atherosclerotic lesions is also affected by leptin. Furthermore, inflammasome's action is interfered with other inflammatory diseases, like diabetes. On the other hand, colchicine is reported to act as anti-inflammatory agent inhibiting inflammasome's action and stabilizing atherosclerotic lesions. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of per os colchicine on the de novo formation of atherosclerotic lesions and on the levels of IL-18, leptin and insulin in cholesterol-fed rabbits. METHODS: Twenty-three male, 2 months old New Zealand White rabbits, were seperated in 3 groups and were fed with different types of diet for 7 weeks: standard, cholesterol 1% w/w and cholesterol 1% w/w plus colchicine 2 mg/kg body weight. Blood was collected for biochemical measurements and conduction of ELISA for leptin, IL-18 and insulin. Histologic examination of stained with eosin and hematoxylin aorta specimens was performed. Aortic intimal thickness was evaluated using image analysis. The statistical analysis included non-parametric tests: a) paired-sample Wilcoxon test, b) Spearman correlation coefficient and c) Kruscal-Wallis test. RESULTS: Triglerycide levels were decreased in cholesterol plus colchicine group in the end of the experiment (p < 0.05), whereas the cholesterol group had increased levels. No statistical differences were observed in the levels of IL-18, leptin and insulin between groups. Likewise, there was neither any correlation between IL-18, leptin and intima thickness nor between IL-18 and glucose and between leptin and weight. In cholesterol and colchicine group there was a strong positive correlation between IL-18 and insulin levels in the 4th week (r s = .66, n = 10, p < 0.05), whereas in the 7th week this correlation became strong negative (r s = -.86, n = 10, p < 0.05). Finally, intima thickness in the ascending and thoracic aorta of the cholesterol and colchicine group was significantly greater than that of the other groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Per os administration of colchicine did not influence atherosclerosis progression in cholesterol-fed rabbits, levels of IL-18, insulin and leptin. We encountered the attenuating role of colchicine on TG levels.

Effects of mechanical loading on the expression of pleiotrophin and its receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase beta/zeta in a rat spinal deformity model.

Mechanical loading of the spine is a major causative factor of degenerative changes and causes molecular and structural changes in the intervertebral disc (IVD) and the vertebrae end plate (EP). Pleiotrophin (PTN) is a growth factor with a putative role in bone remodeling through its receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase beta/zeta (RPTPß/ζ). The present study investigates the effects of strain on PTN and RPTPß/ζ protein expression in vivo. Tails of eight weeks old Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to mechanical loading using a mini Ilizarov external apparatus. Rat tails untreated (control) or after 0 degrees of compression and 10°, 30° and 50° of angulation (groups 0, I, II and III respectively) were studied. PTN and RPTPß/ζ expression were evaluated using immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis. In the control group, PTN was mostly expressed by the EP hypertrophic chondrocytes. In groups 0 to II, PTN expression was increased in the chondrocytes of hypertrophic and proliferating zones, as well as in osteocytes and osteoblast-like cells of the ossification zone. In group III, only limited PTN expression was observed in osteocytes. RPTPß/ζ expression was increased mainly in group 0, but also in group I, in all types of cells. Low intensity RPTPß/ζ immunostaining was observed in groups II and III. Collectively, PTN and RPTPß/ζ are expressed in spinal deformities caused by mechanical loading, and their expression depends on the type and severity of the applied strain.

Assessment of body composition in Wistar rat offspring by DXA in relation to prenatal and postnatal nutritional manipulation.

BACKGROUND: This experimental study aims to investigate the impact of combinations of prenatal and postnatal food manipulation on body composition in rat offspring. METHODS: On day 12 of gestation, 100 timed pregnant rats were randomized into two nutritional groups: standard laboratory and 50% starved. Pups born to starved mothers were subdivided, based on birthweight (BiW), into fetal growth restricted (FGR) and non-FGR. Pups were born on day 21, cross-fostered, then left undisturbed lactating until the 26th postnatal day when they underwent dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) examination. RESULTS: Prenatally control-fed animals had a significantly greater body weight at 26 d postnatally than the prenatally starved groups, irrespective of their postnatal diet (P < 0.001). Postnatal control diet was associated with significantly increased abdominal and total fat in non-FGR compared to FGR rats (P < 0.001). non-FGR/CONTROL rats showed higher values of abdominal fat than prenatally starved animals that were starved postnatally irrespective of their birth weight (P < 0.001). Postnatal control diet significantly increased total bone mineral content (BMC), head BMC, head area, abdominal BMC in non-FGR compared to FGR rats (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Interaction between prenatal and postnatal nutrition affects growth, abdominal adiposity, and bone accrual in Wistar rats' offspring at 26 d of life.

Volumetric bone mineral density and bone geometry assessed by peripheral quantitative computed tomography in women with differentiated thyroid cancer under TSH suppression.

OBJECTIVE: TSH suppression therapy in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) has been associated with adverse effects on areal bone mineral density (aBMD) only in postmenopausal women. The purpose of study was to examine the effect of TSH suppression therapy on skeletal integrity using peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) at the radius and tibia in pre- and postmenopausal women with DTC and controls. STUDY DESIGN AND PATIENTS: Subjects included 80 women with DTC (40 pre- and 40 postmenopausal) and 89 (29 and 60, respectively) controls. pQCT was performed at the radius and tibia, Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) at the hip and lumbar spine, while samples were taken for calciotropic hormones and bone markers. RESULTS: No differences were observed concerning aBMD by DXA. In premenopausal women, there were no significant differences concerning vBMD, while cortical thickness was higher at the radius in patients with DTC (P < 0·01) compared with controls. In postmenopausal women with DTC trabecular bone mineral content (BMC), area and vBMD were lower at the radius (all P < 0·05), while at the tibia trabecular BMC and vBMD were lower at the mixed transition zone (14% from the distal end, P < 0·05) compared with controls. Cortical thickness was lower at the radius (P < 0·01) in postmenopausal patients compared with controls. Serum CTX was higher in postmenopausal women with DCT (P < 0·01), while in premenopausal patients, parathyroid hormone (PTH) was lower (P = 0·01) compared with controls. CONCLUSIONS: TSH suppression therapy is associated with higher bone resorption only in postmenopausal women; this adversely affects trabecular and cortical bone properties especially at nonweight-bearing sites such as the radius.

Levosimendan Improves Neurological Outcome in a Swine Model of Asphyxial Cardiac Arrest.

BACKGROUND: In asphyxial cardiac arrest, the severe hypoxic stress complicates the resuscitation efforts and results in poor neurological outcomes. Our aim was to assess the effects of levosimendan on a swine model of asphyxial cardiac arrest. METHODS: Asphyxial cardiac arrest was induced in 20 Landrace/Large White piglets, which were subsequently left untreated for four minutes. The animals were randomised to receive adrenaline alone (n=10, Group A) and adrenaline plus levosimendan (n=10, Group B). All animals were resuscitated according to the 2010 European Resuscitation Council guidelines. Haemodynamic variables were measured before arrest, during arrest and resuscitation, and during the first 30 minutes after return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), while survival and neurologic alertness score were measured 24 hours later. RESULTS: Return of spontaneous circulation was achieved in six animals (60%) from Group A and nine animals (90%) from Group B (p=0.303). During the first minute of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, coronary perfusion pressure was significantly higher in Group B (p=0.046), but there was no significant difference at subsequent time points until ROSC. Although six animals (60%) from each group survived after 24 hours (p=1.000), neurologic examination was significantly better in the animals of Group B (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The addition of levosimendan to adrenaline improved coronary perfusion pressure immediately after the onset of cardiopulmonary resuscitation and resulted in better 24-hour neurological outcome.

Rodent models of hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury: time and percentage-related pathophysiological mechanisms.

Ischemia and reperfusion (IR) injury remains one of the major problems in liver surgery and transplantation, which determines the viability of the hepatic tissue after resection and of the grafted organ. This review aims to elucidate the mechanisms involved in IR injury of the liver in rodent experimental studies and the preventative methods and pharmacologic agents that have been applied. Many time- and percentage-related liver IR injury rodent models have been used to examine the pathophysiological mechanisms and the parameters implicated with different morbidity, mortality, and pathology findings. The most preferred experimental rodent model of liver IR is the induction of 70% IR for 45 min, which is associated with almost 100% survival. In this model, plasma levels of several parameters such as alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyltransferase, endothelin-1, malonodialdehyde, tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin 1b, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and caspases are increased. The increase of caspases is associated with the initiation of hepatic cellular apoptosis. The main injuries observed 24 h after reperfusion are nuclear pyknosis, cytoplasmic hypereosinophilia, severe necrosis, and loss of intercellular borders. Both ischemic pre- and post-conditioning preventative methods and pharmacologic agents are successfully applied to alleviate the IR injuries. The selection of the time- and percentage-related liver IR injury rodent model and the potential preventative method should be related to the clinical question being answered.

Effect of parathyroidectomy versus risedronate on volumetric bone mineral density and bone geometry at the tibia in postmenopausal women with primary hyperparathyroidism.

The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of parathyroidectomy (PTX) versus 35 mg once-weekly (ow) risedronate administration on volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) and bone geometry at the tibia in postmenopausal women with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). Our open-label prospective observational study included 32 postmenopausal women with PHPT as the study group: 16 underwent PTX and 16 were treated with 35 mg ow risedronate for 2 years. We assessed areal BMD (aBMD) by DXA, and vBMD and bone mineral content (BMC) (cortical and trabecular area) by peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) at the tibia at baseline and at 2 years. Risedronate did not result in any significant change on vBMD and structural pQCT indices. PTX resulted in significant increase in trabecular (trab) BMC (6.44 %) and vBMD (4.64 %), with percent increase being significantly higher than risedronate (p < 0.05). At cortical sites, there was no significant change following PTX. However, the percent change in cortical (cort) vBMD was higher following PTX versus risedronate (0.39 % vs. -0.26 %, p < 0.05). In conclusion, in postmenopausal women with PHPT, PTX is superior to ow risedronate, in terms of improvement of trabecular mineralization and vBMD at the tibia, whereas the effect at cortical sites is less pronounced.

Enhancement of bone regeneration with the combination of platelet-rich fibrin and synthetic graft.

INTRODUCTION: Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is a relatively new developed platelet concentrate with several benefits over platelet-rich plasma. The aim of this study was to compare healing properties of PRF and its combination with a ceramic synthetic material (graft) composed of hydroxyapatite and b-tricalcium phosphate in an animal model. METHODS: A bone deficit was surgically created in each femoral condyle of 15 New Zealand white rabbits. In each animal, 1 limb had (a) PRF only and the other (b) PRF plus synthetic graft material randomly implanted. Experimental animals were killed 3 months postoperatively. Histological and radiological examinations were made by means of computed tomography and peripheral quantitative computed tomography. RESULTS: Mean density of the healed bone was statistically significantly greater when synthetic material was used (P < 0.0005). Moreover, combination of PRF with the synthetic material resulted in more cortical and subcortical bone formation (P = 0.038 and P = 0.037, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The addition of the ceramic material significantly increased the formation of new bone, providing a better substrate for bone regeneration.

Biological response to ß-tricalcium phosphate/calcium sulfate synthetic graft material: an experimental study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a biphasic synthetic bone graft material composed of ß-tricalcium phosphate (ß-TCP) and calcium sulfate (CS) in 12 New Zealand rabbits. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A circular bicortical critical-size cranial defect was created in each of 12 rabbits. The defects were grafted with ß-TCP/CS. Animals were euthanized at 3 and 6 weeks. Harvested tissue specimens were evaluated histologically and histomorphometrically. Parameters associated with new bone formation and graft resorption were measured and calculated. The results were statistically analyzed using the Mann-Whitney test. RESULTS: Our data demonstrated the biocompatibility of synthetic ß-TCP/CS, as no inflammatory response was observed, and no fibrosis was developed between the graft particles and the newly formed bone. Moreover, ß-TCP/CS acted as an osteoconductive scaffold that allowed a significant bone regeneration and graft biodegradation with time. CONCLUSION: In this animal model, synthetic ß-TCP/CS proved to be a biocompatible, osteoconductive, and bioresorbable bone graft substitute.

Useful animal models for the research of osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a major cause of suffering for millions of people. Investigating the disease directly on humans may be challenging. The aim of the present study is to investigate the advantages and limitations of the animal models currently used in OA research. The animal models are divided into induced and spontaneous. Induced models are further subdivided into surgical and chemical models, according to the procedure used to induce OA. Surgical induction of OA is the most commonly used procedure, which alters the exerted strain on the joint and/or alter load bearing leading to instability of the joint and induction of OA. Chemical models are generated by intra-articular injection of modifying factors or by systemically administering noxious agents, such as quinolones. Spontaneous models include naturally occurring and genetic models. Naturally occurring OA is described in certain species, while genetic models are developed by gene manipulation. Overall, there is no single animal model that is ideal for studying degenerative OA. However, in the present review, an attempt is made to clarify the most appropriate use of each model.

Celebrating Women in Science: Pioneering Contributions to Animal Behaviour and Welfare.

In the scientific domain, women have historically demonstrated their dedication, intellect, and innovative input in relation to animal behaviour and welfare [...].

Reliability and validity of the Greek adaptation of the Modified Barthel Index in neurorehabilitation patients.

BACKGROUND: The Modified Barthel Index (MBI) (Shah version) is a widely used functional assessment measure with greater sensitivity and improved reliability compared to the original Barthel Index. AIM: The aim of this study was to adapt the MBI for use in Greece and measure its reliability and validity on a Greek neuro-rehabilitation population. DESIGN: Observational study. SETTING: KAT Hospital Rehabilitation Clinic and National Rehabilitation Centre in Athens, Greece. POPULATION: A total of 100 rehabilitation inpatients and outpatients consisting of 50 stroke and 50 spinal cord injury (SCI) patients were evaluated. METHODS: The MBI underwent the proper translation and cultural adaptation procedure as required by the World Health Organization and was administered to 100 rehabilitation patients. For criterion validity evaluation all patients were also assessed with the Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living (Katz Index) and the 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36) physical functioning subscale, both questionnaires having been validated for use in Greece. RESULTS: The unidimensionality solution was rejected and a two- factor solution was adopted based on exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis (Factor 1 - Transfers and Activities of Daily Living, Factor 2 - Mobility). Very high correlation was presented between the Katz Index score and the Greek MBI Factor 1 (r=0.888, P<0.001) and total score (r=0.873 P<0.001) respectively and high with MBI Factor 2 (r=0.561, P<0.001). High correlation was observed between the SF-36 physical functioning subscale score with MBI Factor 1 (r=0.522, P<0.001), MBI Factor 2 (r=0.590, P<0.001) and MBI Total score (r=0.580, P<0.001). The internal consistency of the MBI Factor 1, Factor 2 and Total score was 0.920, 0.860 and 0.923 respectively. Test-retest reliability was remarkably consistent (total score 0.994, P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The Greek version of the Modified Barthel Index has been found to exhibit satisfactory levels of reliability and validity. CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT: The Greek MBI adaptation is an adequate and useful instrument for use on Greek neuro-rehabilitation patients.