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ObjectiveTo summarize proceedings of a workshop convened to discuss the current state of science in the disease of osteoarthritis (OA), identify the knowledge gaps, and examine the developmental and regulatory challenges in bringing these products to market.DesignSummary of the one-day workshop held virtually on June 22nd, 2021.ResultsSpeakers selected by the Planning Committee presented data on the current approach to assessment of OA therapies, biomarkers in OA drug development, and the assessment of disease progression and long-term benefit.ConclusionsDemonstrated by numerous failed clinical trials, OA is a challenging disease for which to develop therapeutics. The challenge is magnified by the slow time of onset of disease and the need for clinical trials of long duration and/or large sample size to demonstrate the effect of an intervention. The OA science community, including academia, pharmaceutical companies, regulatory agencies, and patient communities, must continue to develop and test better clinical endpoints that meaningfully reflect disease modification related to long-term patient benefit.

PurposeOsteoarthritis (OA) is a frequently occurring, chronic condition; however, few studies describe the clinical characteristics of individuals with OA and the treatments they use to manage their symptoms. We conducted a study to characterize the OA population in the US and describe the nonsurgical management used by this population based on consumer research data collected through an online survey.MethodsData from the 2017 US National Health and Wellness Survey (NHWS) for adults aged ≥35 years were used to evaluate the relationship between OA and certain study participant characteristics and to identify the most commonly used treatment options. NHWS data were collected through a survey of individuals drawn from the internet panel maintained by Lightspeed Research (Bridgewater, New Jersey) and its panel partners. Weighted estimates were generated using data from the 2016 Current Population Survey (Annual Demographics File) of the US Census Bureau. Comparisons between the general and OA populations were made based on body mass index (BMI), exercise frequency, and comorbid diagnoses of hypertension or diabetes. Among the OA population, the use of dietary supplements, prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) treatments with chondroitin with or without glucosamine (Ch ± Gl), prescription treatment by time since OA diagnosis, and utilization of a physical therapist were also recorded.ResultsThe prevalence of OA in the overall population was 17.6 % and was higher for individuals with a BMI ≥ 25 (21.9 %), patients diagnosed with hypertension or diabetes (36.2 %), and those who did not exercise regularly (19.0 %). Adults without OA were more likely to exercise regularly (12 days per month or more) than adults diagnosed with OA. Ch ± Gl (6.0 %) was the most commonly used OTC dietary supplement in the OA population, followed by omega-3 fatty acids (2.8 %), vitamin D (1.9 %), calcium (1.1 %), and multivitamins (0.7 %). Individuals using Ch ± Gl were more likely to use OTC only products (75.4 % vs 37.3 %) or prescription medications, namely non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and/or opioids, and OTC products (24.6 % vs 13.0 %) compared with individuals not using Ch ± Gl, while individuals not using Ch ± Gl were more likely to be untreated (30.3 % vs 0) or to use prescription medications only (19.4 % vs 0). Nearly 32 % of individuals with OA reported using prescription treatments, and the likelihood of using a prescription treatment increased with number of years since OA diagnosis (

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative joint disease that poses a significant global healthcare challenge due to its complexity and limited treatment options. Advances in metabolomics have provided insights into OA by identifying dysregulated metabolites and their connection to altered signaling pathways. However, a comprehensive understanding of these biomarkers in OA is still required. Objectives: This systematic review aims to identify metabolomics biomarkers associated with dysregulated signaling pathways in OA, using data from various biological samples, including in vitro models, animal studies, and human research. Design: A systematic review was conducted following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Data sources and methods: Data were gathered from literature published between August 2017 and May 2024, using databases such as "PubMed," "Scopus," "Web of Science," and "Google Scholar." Studies were selected based on keywords like "metabolomics," "osteoarthritis," "amino acids," "molecular markers," "biomarkers," "diagnostic markers," "inflammatory cytokines," "molecular signaling," and "signal transduction." The review focused on identifying key metabolites and their roles in OA-related pathways. Limitations include the potential exclusion of studies due to keyword selection and strict inclusion criteria. Results: The meta-analysis identified dysregulated metabolites and associated pathways, highlighting a distinct set of related metabolites consistently altered across the studies analyzed. The dysregulated metabolites, including amino acids, lipids, and carbohydrates, were found to play critical roles in inflammation, oxidative stress, and energy metabolism in OA. Metabolites such as alanine, lysine, and proline were frequently linked to pathways involved in inflammation, cartilage degradation, and apoptosis. Key pathways, including nuclear factor kappa B, mitogen-activated protein kinase, Wnt/β-catenin, and mammalian target of rapamycin, were associated with changes in metabolite levels, particularly in proinflammatory lipids and energy-related compounds. Conclusion: This review reveals a complex interplay between dysregulated metabolites and signaling pathways in OA, offering potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Further research is needed to explore the molecular mechanisms driving these changes and their implications for OA treatment. Plain language summary: Understanding how altered metabolites and signaling pathways contribute to osteoarthritis: a comprehensive review Aims and purpose of the research Research question: The main question we are exploring is how certain chemicals in the body, called metabolites, are linked to signaling pathways in osteoarthritis (OA). Hypotheses/Expectations: Before starting this review, we expected that specific metabolites would be connected to the processes that cause OA, like inflammation and cartilage tissue breakdown. Objective: Our goal is to identify these metabolites and understand how they interact with signaling pathways in OA. We aim to gather data from various sources, including laboratory experiments, animal studies, and human clinical studies. Background of the research Why this question matters: Osteoarthritis is a common and painful condition that affects the joints, making it hard for people to move and perform everyday tasks. There are not many effective treatments available, which is why it's important to study this disease in depth. By understanding the metabolic changes that occur in OA, we might find new ways to treat it. Scale of issue: Osteoarthritis affects millions of people around the world. It is a leading cause of disability and significantly impacts the quality of life of those who suffer from it. The high prevalence and limited treatment options make it a major public health issue. Methods and research design Research design: We conducted a systematic review of scientific literature published between August 2017 and May 2024. This means we carefully collected and analyzed all relevant studies available in major databases like PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. We followed strict guidelines (PRISMA) to ensure our review was thorough and unbiased. Key variables: The key variables in our study were different types of metabolites, such as amino acids, lipids, and carbohydrates, and their association with signaling pathways known to be involved in OA, like NFκB, MAPK, Wnt/β-catenin, and mTOR. Participants: Our data came from a var. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current research was conducted with the aim of designing a model for using cloud computing in Small and medium-sized enterprise. This study is a developmental in terms of its purpose and it is a qualitative research in terms of the nature of data collection and analysis, and was conducted using the grounded theory method. The statistical population consists of experts and entrepreneurs in the field of handicrafts and university professors of Kermanshah city, among which 14 people were selected as sample members by snowball sampling. semi-structured interviews was used for data collection. The results show that improving competitive advantages and improving operational processes explain why cloud computing should be used in these Enterprise. The findings also indicate that cultural-management facilitators, infrastructural facilitators and facilitators related to cloud computing are among the factors that can act as contextual factors. In addition, two categories of intervening factors (promoting and inhibiting factors) can affect the use of these technologies in these enterprises. The strategies of using cloud computing are also identified at two enterprises and environmental levels, and the consequences of using these technologies are also identified in four categories of operational, managerial-executive, entrepreneurial and competitive consequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering Iran's potential in medical tourism and being located in one of the world's most competitive health tourism regions, the present study aims to Identify and prioritize strategies for developing medical tourism in the country. The study relied on a mixed research method. In the qualitative part, solutions for Iran's medical tourism development were identified by interviewing activists and experts. The collected data were analyzed through the thematic analysis method. This process revealed four dimensions and 18 strategies. In the quantitative part, a questionnaire was developed, and experts in the Iranian medical tourism industry prioritized the identified dimensions and strategies. The analysis of the data through the best-worst method clarified that, from the perspective of the practitioners, dimensions of medical tourism development in Iran were: "marketing," "applying information and communication technologies," "human resources development," and "reinforcing infrastructures.". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]