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Study identifies risk factors associated with negative outcomes following lower extremity soft-tissue reconstruction after trauma

A multicenter study found diabetes to be associated with post-reconstruction limb loss and racial disparities in wound infection rates. The study also revealed that vascular interventions prior to reconstruction correlated with higher complication rates, as did free flap types, which led to longer hospital stays.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalPlastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open·TypeContent analysis·DateApr 27, 2023

NRG Oncology combined trial long-term results indicate that pathologic complete response is prognostic of outcomes for soft tissue sarcoma patients

The NRG Oncology combined trial results indicate that pathologic complete response (pCR) is associated with improved survival outcomes for patients with localized soft tissue sarcoma. pCR can be used as a prognostic factor for clinical outcomes in future STS research, with patients achieving higher overall and disease-free survival rates.

SourceNRG Oncology·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateMar 31, 2023

How birds got their wings

Researchers at the University of Tokyo found that a specialized wing structure called the propatagium evolved in non-avian dinosaurs, paving the way for modern birds to fly. The discovery, based on statistical analyses of arm joints, helps fill gaps in knowledge about bird flight origins.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalZoological Letters·TypeImaging analysis·DateFeb 23, 2023

Hip muscle exercises could help amputees improve functional mobility

Researchers found that strengthening hip abductor muscles can provide effective compensation for weaknesses in knee extensor muscles, leading to improved mobility in people with below-the-knee amputations. The study tested the hypothesis in eight military personnel who had undergone a lower limb amputation and showed promising results.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalJournal of Biomechanics·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 21, 2023

Fiber sensing scientists invent 3D printed fiber microprobe for measuring in vivo biomechanical properties of tissue and even single cell

Researchers at Shenzhen University have developed a compact fiber optical nanomechanical probe (FONP) to measure in vivo biomechanical properties of tissue and even single cells. The high-precision mechanical sensing system enables accurate measurements with spring constants as low as 2.1 nanonewtons.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateFeb 10, 2023

Palaeontology: No supersonic boom for dinosaur tails

A modelling study published in Scientific Reports found that diplodocid tails were unlikely to create a supersonic boom due to their slow movement speed. The authors simulated tail movements using a model and found that adding hypothetical structures to the end of the tail did not allow it to reach the speed of sound without breaking.

SourceScientific Reports·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 8, 2022

University of Virginia engineering researchers strive to match artistry of biological tissues

University of Virginia engineers develop a Minecraft-like, voxelated approach to create complicated structures comparable to human tissues and organs. They use droplets as the basic building blocks, assembling them into 3D constructs with precise location, composition, and properties.

SourceUniversity of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalActa Biomaterialia·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 16, 2022

Shorter course of radiation therapy yields comparable results for patients with non-metastatic soft tissue sarcoma

Patients with non-metastatic soft tissue sarcoma can safely receive hypofractionated treatment over three weeks instead of five, achieving similar tumor control and no increased risk of wound complications. The study found comparable rates of major wound complications between the two treatment courses.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateNov 4, 2022

LSU Health New Orleans study finds dramatic drop in opioid rx after state legislation enacted

A LSU Health New Orleans study reports a nearly 70% decrease in morphine milligram equivalent (MME) per discharge opioid prescriptions for patients who underwent common lower extremity surgical procedures. The study also found a significant decline in new opioid prescriptions, from 50% in 2013 to 19.3% in 2018.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·TypeSystematic review·DateDec 7, 2021

Harnessing Thor’s Hammer -- How forensic science is unlocking the mysteries of fatal lightning strikes

Researchers developed a tool to investigate cause of death when skeletonised remains are recovered, providing a breakthrough in forensic lightning pathology. The study identified unique markers of lightning damage deep within the human skeleton, allowing for recognition of lightning strikes even when only dry bone survives.

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalForensic Science International Synergy·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 3, 2021

Skin and bones repaired by bioprinting during surgery

Using bioprinting, researchers successfully repaired traumatic injuries to the skin and bones of the face and skull in a rat model. The technique involved printing both bone and soft tissue layers, achieving 100% closure of soft tissue in four weeks and 80% closure of bone in six weeks.

SourcePenn State·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateApr 26, 2021

New 'sea dragon' discovered off UK coastline

A new genus and species of ichthyosaur, Thalassodraco etchesi, has been discovered in the UK, measuring 2m in length and dating back to the Late Jurassic period. The specimen was found buried head-first in limestone, preserving its soft tissues and providing valuable insights into the biology of these marine reptiles.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 9, 2020

Goals, opportunities, guides for advancing soft tissue and soft materials research

Researchers at UMass Amherst have outlined high-priority goals and opportunities for advancing knowledge on cavitation science, which occurs in soft materials and tissues during traumatic brain injury. The team proposes using cavitation as a unique tool to understand soft tissues and develop new medical devices.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 15, 2020

A new substance prevents vascular calcification

Researchers at ETH Zurich developed a new substance that inhibits the growth of calcium phosphate crystals, preventing vascular calcification. The molecule is structurally related to IP6 and has been shown to be stable and effective in vitro and in disease models.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 5, 2020

Statins linked to higher risk of diabetes and skin infections

A study published in British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology found that statin use for as little as 91 days increased the risk of skin and soft tissue infections. Statin use was also associated with a higher risk of developing diabetes, which is a significant risk factor for these infections.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Clinical Pharmacology·DateOct 9, 2019

A toast to the proteins in dinosaur bones

Researchers at Yale University discovered chemicals that preserve dinosaur soft tissues under specific conditions, such as oxidative environments. These preserved structures are comparable to Advanced Glycoxidation and Lipoxidation end products (AGEs and ALEs), which are resistant to decay and degradation.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 9, 2018