European Journal of Translational Myology最新文献

The aim of the study is to compare improvement outcomes in patients (aged between 8 and 18 years old) with idiopathic scoliosis treated with a traditional technique with those treated with an innovative method. The study included 17 participants allocated into two groups: experimental (n=8) and control (n=9) groups. The first group was treated with a new method with PosturalSpine® D'Amanti method, twice a week for 30 min per session while the second group was treated with kinesitherapy and traditional tools three times week for 45 min per session. The two groups are similar in the anthropometric characteristics, in baseline Risser index and in the Cobb angles average and no statistically significant differences were found between the two groups. After one year of motor intervention, both treatment groups showed improvements in the progression of scoliotic curves and the PosturalSpine® group showed a significantly higher improvement than the control group. Our results therefore suggest that this new specific method with PosturalSpine® D'Amanti method could play a significant role in improving adolescent idiopathic scoliosis compared to traditional exercises.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a non-invasive method of O2 delivery that induces systemic hyperoxia. Hyperbaric chamber consists of a pressure vessel and a compressed breathing gas supply, which can regulate internal pressure. The chamber delivers 100% O2 to patients according to predetermined protocols and is monitored by trained personnel. HBOT relies on increasing the inspired O2 fraction (fiO2) and elevating the partial pressure of O2 (pO2). O2 is typically administered at pressures between 1.5 and 3.0 ATA for 60 to 120 minutes, depending on the clinical presentation. Currently, there are 15 indications for HBOT approved by the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine Society, categorized into three groups: emergency medicine, wound healing acceleration, and antimicrobial effects. The present narrative review aims to elucidate the mechanisms action underlying HBOT, particularly oxy-inflammation, in various pathologies within these categories.

In dentistry, Surface Electromyography (sEMG) is currently used in both clinical and research fields to study the electrical activity of the masticatory muscles, such as the anterior Temporals and Masseters, which are easily accessible. Due to biological and technical factors that can alter the capture of the sEMG signal, comparing recordings obtained from the same subject at different days, with electrode replacement, can be challenging, thus complicating inter- and intra-subject sEMG comparisons. In the present study, sEMG activity of the masticatory muscles during maximum teeth clenching was simultaneously recorded using two different electrode configurations (A and B) to simulate different electrodes positioning as may occur between appointments. Raw sEMG signals and standardised indexes based on acquisitions from configurations A and B were compared. The position of the electrodes significantly affected the sEMG raw potentials of the masticatory muscles during maximum teeth clenching, while standardised indexes were not influenced by electrode positioning.

This retrospective study, utilising prospectively collected data, investigates the use of spine ultrasound as an alternative method for assessing scoliosis, with the aim of reducing radiation exposure. We included 92 patients aged 10 to 16 years with suspected idiopathic scoliosis. Exclusion criteria were weight over 150 kg, metal implants, pre-existing conditions, secondary deformities, and cognitive impairments. Each patient underwent clinical assessment and full spine radiographs, followed by spine ultrasound using the Scolioscan® system. Unprocessed B-mode ultrasound images were analysed using automatic measurements. The correlation between Ultrasound Coronal Angle (UCA) and Radiographic Cobb Angle (RCA) was evaluated at initial and follow-up visits. Strong correlations were found between UCA and RCA, with correlation coefficients ranging from 0.786 to 0.903 (p<0.001). The regression formula showed good predictive accuracy for curve progression on follow-up radiographs. The best results were observed in females and in primary thoracic curves (r = 0.936, p<0.001). Although only four patients exhibited true progression (≥5° increase in Cobb angle), changes in scoliotic angles were effectively detected using ultrasound. This study confirms the feasibility of unprocessed spine ultrasound for scoliosis monitoring in clinical settings. Automatic measurements without 3D reconstruction make ultrasound a practical tool for tracking progression. The regression model shows potential for predicting curve progression, although further validation is needed. These findings suggest spine ultrasound could reduce the need for radiographs, benefiting patients by minimising radiation exposure while providing reliable monitoring of scoliosis progression and treatment outcomes.

We invariably hear that Artificial Intelligence (AI), a rapidly evolving technology, does not just creatively assemble known knowledge. We are told that AI learns, processes and creates, starting from fixed points to arrive at innovative solutions. In the case of scientific work, AI can generate data without ever having entered a laboratory, (i.e., blatantly plagiarizing the existing literature, a despicable old trick). How does an editor of a scientific journal recognize when she or he is faced with something like this? The solution is for editors and referees to rigorously evaluate the track records of submitting authors and what they are doing. For example, false color evaluations of 2D and 3D CT and MRI images have been used to validate functional electrical stimulation for degenerated denervated muscle and a home Full-Body In-Bed Gym program. These have been recently published in Ejtm and other journals. The editors and referees of Ejtm can exclude the possibility that the images were invented by ChatGPT. Why? Because they know the researchers: Marco Quadrelli, Aldo Morra, Daniele Coraci, Paolo Gargiulo and their collaborators as well! Artificial intelligence is not banned by the EJTM, but when submitting their manuscripts to previous and to a new Thematic Section dedicated to Generative AI in Translational Mobility Medicine authors must openly declare whether they have used artificial intelligence, of what type and for what purposes. This will not avoid risks of plagiarism or worse, but it will better establish possible liabilities.

The objective of this study is to compare the effectiveness and safety of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) and Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) in the treatment of Non-ST-Segment Elevation Acute Coronary Syndromes (NSTE-ACS). A literature search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, covering studies up to June 2024. Studies comparing PCI and CABG in patients with NSTE-ACS were included, focusing on clinical outcomes such as mortality, myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular accidents, and the need for repeat revascularization. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed. Statistical analysis was conducted using R software, with the Mantel-Haenszel method and random-effects model employed to pool effect sizes and assess heterogeneity. A total of 15 studies met the eligibility criteria, including 48,891 patients. The pooled risk ratio (RR) for mortality showed no significant difference between PCI and CABG (RR=1.09, 95% CI: 0.90-1.19, p=0.28). CABG was associated with a significantly lower risk of subsequent MI (RR=0.56, 95% CI: 0.38-0.61, p <0.01) and the need for repeat revascularization (RR=2.94, 95% CI: 2.30-3.76, p <0.01). Conversely, PCI had a lower associated risk of CVA (RR=0.58, 95% CI: 0.42-0.79, p <0.01). High heterogeneity was observed in mortality outcomes, indicating variability among studies. The findings suggest that while PCI and CABG have comparable mortality risks in NSTE-ACS patients, CABG offers superior protection against myocardial infarction and the need for repeat revascularization, whereas PCI is associated with a lower risk of cerebrovascular accidents. These results underscore the importance of individualized patient assessment in choosing the optimal revascularization strategy, considering patient-specific risk factors and clinical profiles.

Mega scientific conferences increasingly suffer from the need for short and poster presentations without discussion. An alternative is to organize workshops in hotels large enough to accommodate all participants. This significantly increases the opportunities for constructive discussion during breakfasts, lunches, dinners and long evenings that can bring together experts of scientific and clinical sub-specialties and young fellows. Time for groups' discussions and new collaborations are increased so as the job opportunities for the young researchers. The Padova Muscle Days have offered in the previous thirty-five years these opportunities, which have matured into innovative and multidisciplinary results to the point that it came naturally to underline it with a neologism now included in the title of the 2025 event: "Mobility Medicine", a discipline not yet officially recognised, that makes explicit the call for rejoining knowledges dispersed in sub-specialisations. The included program of the Padua Days on Muscle and Mobility Medicine 2025 (2025Pdm3) will be hosted at the Hotel Petrarca in Euganean Thermae (Padua, Italy) from 25 to 29 March 2025. It further testifies by listing unique Sessions that it is possible to organize valid countermeasures to the inevitable tendencies towards hyperspecialization that the explosive increase in scientific progress brings with it. Furthermore, the European Journal of Translational Myology and Mobility Medicine (Ejtm3) will accept typescripts on results presented at the 2025Pdm3, together with the Special Section: New Trends in Musculoskeletal Imaging of the MDPI (Basel) Journal Diagnostics, because diagnosis is essential to prevent, manage and follow-up not only neuro-metabolic-muscular disorders, but the unavoidable physiologicical decay of performances in early and late aging. Hoping many others share our dreams, we look forward to meeting you at 2025Pdm3 conference.

Reconstruction of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) in Skeletally Immature Patients (SIP) poses challenges due to anatomical and developmental factors. This randomized controlled trial evaluated the Functional Recovery (FR) of pediatric patients undergoing ACL Reconstruction (ACLR), comparing Transphyseal Reconstruction (TPR) and physeal-sparing reconstruction (PSR). Forty-three young athletes (mean age 14.1 ± 2.3 years), including 29 boys and 14 girls, were randomized to TPR (n=23) or PSR (n=20). FR was assessed by using the Pediatric International Knee Documentation Committee (Pedi-IKDC) questionnaire at baseline, 8 months, and 12 months post-surgery. At the 12-month follow-up, the TPR group demonstrated a significantly greater improvement in Pedi-IKDC scores, with a 66.95% increase compared to 56.73% in the PSR group, reflecting notable differences in knee function between the groups at both 8 and 12 months (p < 0.001). Additionally, 80% of participants in the TPR group returned to sports, with 56% resuming limited activities, while the PSR group exhibited a slower recovery trajectory. These preliminary findings indicate that TPR provides superior FR and a faster return to sports compared to PSR, underscoring the importance of tailored rehabilitation protocols and long-term follow-up to optimize outcomes in SIP.

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) in the treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), focusing on its effects on pain relief, grip strength, and morning stiffness. A comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, yielding 3,111 articles. After eliminating duplicates and screening titles and abstracts, 94 full-text articles were assessed, and 23 studies met the eligibility criteria for inclusion in the systematic review. Of these, 22 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Data were extracted and analyzed using a random-effects model, with pooled Mean Differences (MD) calculated for the primary outcomes. The meta-analysis revealed that LLLT did not significantly reduce pain compared to placebo (MD = 0.00, 95% CI [-0.09, 0.09], p = 0.97). However, LLLT significantly improved grip strength (MD = -12.38, 95% CI [-17.42, -7.34], p < 0.01) and reduced morning stiffness (MD = -0.84, 95% CI [-1.33, -0.36], p < 0.01), despite substantial heterogeneity in these outcomes. LLLT shows promise in improving grip strength and reducing morning stiffness in RA patients, though it does not significantly impact pain relief. These findings highlight the potential role of LLLT as an adjunctive treatment for RA, with further research needed to optimize treatment protocols and clarify underlying mechanisms.

Surface Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) is a well-studied intervention for multiple muscular disorders. However, it is still controversially discussed as a complementary therapy for complete facial paralysis. The aim of this intervention is to test a daily home-based ES concept as a pilot study regarding safety, feasibility, and effects on facial functionality and symmetry. In a prospective single-centre pilot study, 10 patients (median 61 years, denervation 130 d) with complete peripheral facial paralysis performed home-based FES of the affected lateral mouth region Stimulation parameters, facial paralysis scores and standardised photographs were assessed in monthly follow-ups. No serious adverse events appeared. Stimulation parameters could be constantly increased indicating effective muscle training while subjectively perceived functionality of the face improved. Thus, smile angle of the paralysed side improved as well. FES is a safe therapy model for application in facial nerve paralysis patients. A feasible stimulation protocol could be applied, which improved the functionality and symmetry of the stimulated facial region. A future controlled, randomised and double-blind follow-up study is needed to investigate these initial results in a further evolved replicable setting.