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(1) Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a serious chronic disease mostly affecting the knee joint. Despite the many efforts for developing strategies to predict and control Knee Osteoarthritis (KOA), the disease is on the rise. This paper describes the process for the creation of a simulation model, the Dynamic Knee Osteoarthritis Simulation (DYNAMIKOS) model, that captures the complex interrelationships of the risk factors for the development of KOA; (2) Methods: The DYNAMIKOS model will be based on the System Dynamics approach. The first step will be to develop a Causal Loop Diagram (CLD) model for the risk factors involved incorporating a series of Group Modeling Building (GMB) workshops with experts and stakeholders. Using data from a representative sample of KOA patients, the statistical approaches Exploratory Factor Analysis, Confirmatory Factor Analysis, and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) will be carried out. (3) Results: This study will develop a simulation System Dynamics model for the risk factors of KOA based on the results of CLD and SEM; (4) Conclusions: The proposed DYNAMIKOS model could be used for effectively analyzing the complex interrelationships among the multiple factors that constitute the spread of KOA. In this way, plausible prevention strategies could be implemented for effectively managing and leading the potential eradication of KOA.

The enhanced paper grip test (EGPT) quantitatively assesses lower limb strength. EGPT assesses the hallux grip force by reacting a pulling force derived from a card, being positioned underneath the participant's hallux. This study aimed to investigate the repeatability and clinical applicability of the EPGT for assessing foot muscle strength. EPGT force was measured using a dynamometer. The reliability of the measurement of EPGT force was assessed by having two examiners performing the test on the same group of healthy adults. Clinical applicability was assessed in community-dwelling adults of both genders. EPGT force was recorded for both feet using the same standardised protocol for all participants. Regarding reliability, 20 healthy adults aged 23.04±5.5 years participated in the present study. The EGPT demonstrated good to excellent test-retest (ICC1,2 0.8 to 0.86) and interrater reliability (ICC1,2 0.82 to 0.88). A convenience sample of 15 community-dwelling adults (71.6±7.8 years, 68.5% women) was recruited for clinical applicability testing. All participants performed the test with mean score 15±5.7 N. EPGT is a reliable measurement of the hallux grip force strength and can be used for clinical and research purposes.

As reported in contemporary literature, prosthetic joint infection (PJI) caused by Listeria monocytogenes (LM) is a rare infection affecting mainly immunocompromised patients. It is considered a late complication occurring months or years after the arthroplasty that is treated with, or without, implant retention, in one-stage or two-stage surgical procedures, and long-term administration of antibiotics. We reviewed the published studies in the English language and present a case of a patient who underwent total hip arthroplasty (THA) and had been affected by this infection. Our patient was successfully treated with 3 months of antibiotics (ampicillin and TMP/SMX) and a two-stage surgical procedure. The success rates of conservative treatment and one-stage or two-stage procedures are dependent on appropriate patient selection and chronicity of the infection. Ιmmmunocompromised patients are susceptible to PJI caused by LM and should be advised that consumption of unpasteurized dairy products increases the risk of this atypical infection.

Introduction: Bladder augmentation with catheterizable channel creation is indicated for patients with neurogenic bladder (poorly complaint/high pressure) to preserve kidney function and provide long-term social continence when conservative medical management has failed. An open surgical approach is currently the gold standard. Methods: A 10-year-old-male with a history of neurogenic bladder due to sacral agenesis and caudal regression syndrome (wheelchair bound), solitary left kidney with worsening vesicoureteral reflux (grade 3), and continued daytime and nighttime incontinence underwent an open bladder augmentation ileocystoplasty, with creation of an appendicovesicostomy catheterizable channel, and bladder neck reconstruction. Results: Total operative time was 230 min. EBL was less than 50 cc. Patient was discharged on post-operative day 9. At the 6 month post-operative visit, patient is selfcatheterizing the APV channel every 2-3 h with daytime outputs of 300 mL-500 mL and nighttime output between 200 mL-300 mL. Renal ultrasound shows improved grade 3 hydronephrosis, with improved renal pelvis dilation and more robust appearing renal parenchyma. Conclusion: This video demonstrates the steps of an open bladder augmentation ileocystoplasty, with creation of an appendicovesicostomy catheterizable channel, and bladder neck reconstruction.

(1) Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a serious chronic disease mostly affecting the knee joint. Despite the many efforts for developing strategies to predict and control Knee Osteoarthritis (KOA), the disease is on the rise. This paper describes the process for the creation of a simulation model, the Dynamic Knee Osteoarthritis Simulation (DYNAMIKOS) model, that captures the complex interrelationships of the risk factors for the development of KOA; (2) Methods: The DYNAMIKOS model will be based on the System Dynamics approach. The first step will be to develop a Causal Loop Diagram (CLD) model for the risk factors involved incorporating a series of Group Modeling Building (GMB) workshops with experts and stakeholders. Using data from a representative sample of KOA patients, the statistical approaches Exploratory Factor Analysis, Confirmatory Factor Analysis, and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) will be carried out. (3) Results: This study will develop a simulation System Dynamics model for the risk factors of KOA based on the results of CLD and SEM; (4) Conclusions: The proposed DYNAMIKOS model could be used for effectively analyzing the complex interrelationships among the multiple factors that constitute the spread of KOA. In this way, plausible prevention strategies could be implemented for effectively managing and leading the potential eradication of KOA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fresh potatoes were deep-fried in olive oil (OO), extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), and their blends with 5%, 10%, and 20% v/v sesame oil (SO). This is the first report on the use of sesame oil as a natural source of antioxidants during olive oil deep frying. The oil was evaluated for anisidine value (AV), free fatty acids (FFAs), extinction coefficient (K232 and K270), Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), and total phenols (TPs) until the total polar compounds (TPCs) reached 25%. Sesame lignan transformations were monitored through reversed-phase HPLC. While the TPCs in olive oils increased at a steady rate, the addition of 5%, 10%, and 20% v/v SO delayed TPCs’ formation for 1, 2, and 3 h, respectively. The addition of 5%, 10%, and 20% v/v SO increased the olive oil frying time by 1.5 h, 3.5 h, and 2.5 h, respectively. The addition of SO to OO reduced the secondary oxidation products’ formation rate. The AV for EVOO was lower than OO and all tested blends, even those with EVOO. EVOO was more resistant to oxidation than OO, as measured by the TPCs and TEAC, while the frying time rose from 21.5 to 25.25 h when EVOO replaced OO. The increase in frying time for OO but not for EVOO, after SO addition, points to a niche market for EVOO in deep frying.

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with a progressive loss of muscle mass and function and a systemic inflammatory process that can cause sarcopenia. Objective: The objective of this study is to estimate the prevalence rate of sarcopenia in COPD patients and to determine the factors associated with sarcopenic patients living in Western Greece. Methods: European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People criteria were applied to 69 outpatients with stable COPD. Body composition, exercise capacity, functional performance, physical activity, and health status were also assessed. COPD disease severity (COPD stage) was evaluated with the Global Initiative for chronic obstructive lung disease. The study protocol was approved by the Ethical Committee of the Technological Educational Institute of Western Greece. Results: The sample comprised 69 patients (59 women and 10 men), with a mean age of 71.33 ± 7.48 years. The prevalence of sarcopenia was 24.6% (n = 17). A high percentage (82.6%; n = 57) of the 69 Greek participants did not perform any regular exercise. The findings of this study demonstrated that sarcopenia was positively associated with COPD, age, body mass index, skeletal muscle mass, hand grip strength, and 4 m test. Conclusions: In conclusion, there is a 24.6% prevalence of sarcopenia in patients with COPD. Further research with larger samples would be indicated to clarify the precise association of specific characteristics of patients with sarcopenia and COPD.

We report the case of a 40-year-old man presenting at the emergency department with ankle and feet edema due to acute sarcoidosis (Lofgren syndrome). The diagnosis was suggested based on an ultrasound examination showing bilateral asymmetrical tenosynovitis of the flexor tendons with hypervascular subcutaneous cellulitis without any significant ankle and foot joint effusion or synovitis. This case report highlights the crucial role of ultrasound imaging as the first-line diagnostic tool in the investigation of a non-specific clinical condition, when performed by a knowledgeable sonographer with attention to detail. Radiologists performing ultrasound should be aware of the presenting ultrasound pattern of acute soft tissue sarcoidosis, and should include this entity in the differential diagnosis of patients with distal lower extremity swelling, tenosynovitis and hypervascular subcutaneous cellulitis, in order to narrow down the differential diagnosis and facilitate the clinical workup of the patient.

(1) Background: Sarcopenia and chronic pain are prevalent syndromes among older adults that negatively affect their quality of life. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between chronic pain and sarcopenia among Greek community-dwelling older adults. (2) Methods: Older adults >60 years of age were enrolled in this descriptive, cross-sectional study. Sarcopenia status was assessed according to the EWGSOP2 2019 algorithm. This assessment included the evaluation of muscle strength, body composition and gait speed. Pain location and pain characteristics were assessed using a self-reported questionnaire. Pain severity was assessed via the visual analog scale. The participants were also asked to fill out the SARC-F, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I) questionnaire. (3) Results: This study included 314 participants with a mean age of 71.3 ± 7.4 years. The prevalence of sarcopenia was 19.4 (n = 61), and 44.26% of the sarcopenic participants recorded chronic pain. Chronic pain was associated with sarcopenia, comorbidities, the number of drugs and HADS. (4) Conclusions: The results demonstrated a high percentage of chronic pain in the sarcopenic population. The results also highlight the importance of the detection of chronic pain in older patients with sarcopenia in order to develop effective preventive and therapeutic strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background There is accumulating evidence for the advantages of rehabilitation involving sensori-motor training (SMT) following total knee replacement (TKR). However, the best way in which to deliver SMT remains elusive because of potential interference effects amongst concurrent exercise stimuli for optimal neuromuscular and morphological adaptations. The aim of this study was to use additional outcomes (i.e. muscle strength, activation and size) from a published parent study to compare the effects of early-initiated home-based rehabilitative SMT with functional exercise training (usual care) in patients undergoing TKR. Methods A controlled clinical trial was conducted at the Orthopedic University Hospital of Rion, Greece involving allocation concealment to patients. Fifty-two patients electing to undergo TKR were randomised to either early-initiated SMT [experimental] or functional exercise training [control] in a home-based environment. Groups were prescribed equivalent duration of exercise during 12-weeks, 3–5 sessions of ~ 40 min per week of home-based programmes. Muscle strength and activation (peak force [PF]; peak amplitude [Peak Amp.] and root mean square of integrated electromyography [RMS iEMG]), muscular size (including rectus femoris muscle cross-sectional area [CSARF]), and knee ROM were assessed on three separate occasions (pre-surgery [0 weeks]; 8 weeks post-surgery; 14 weeks post-surgery). Results Patients undertaking SMT rehabilitation showed significantly greater improvements over the 14 weeks compared to control in outcomes including quadriceps PF (25.1 ± 18.5 N vs 12.4 ± 20.8 N); iPeak Amp. (188 ± 109.5% vs 25 ± 105.8%); CSARF (252.0 ± 101.0 mm2 vs 156.7 ± 76.2 mm2), respectively (p

The enhanced paper grip test (EGPT) quantitatively assesses lower limb strength. EGPT assesses the hallux grip force by reacting a pulling force derived from a card, being positioned underneath the participant's hallux. This study aimed to investigate the repeatability and clinical applicability of the EPGT for assessing foot muscle strength. EPGT force was measured using a dynamometer. The reliability of the measurement of EPGT force was assessed by having two examiners performing the test on the same group of healthy adults. Clinical applicability was assessed in community-dwelling adults of both genders. EPGT force was recorded for both feet using the same standardised protocol for all participants. Regarding reliability, 20 healthy adults aged 23.04±5.5 years participated in the present study. The EGPT demonstrated good to excellent test-retest (ICC1,2 0.8 to 0.86) and interrater reliability (ICC1,2 0.82 to 0.88). A convenience sample of 15 community-dwelling adults (71.6±7.8 years, 68.5% women) was recruited for clinical applicability testing. All participants performed the test with mean score 15±5.7 N. EPGT is a reliable measurement of the hallux grip force strength and can be used for clinical and research purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]