Abstract Background This study aimed at identifying preoperative predictors of patient-reported outcomes after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and at investigating their association with the outcomes ...over time. Methods We used data from 2080 patients from the Knee Arthroplasty Trial who received primary TKA in the United Kingdom between July 1999 and January 2003. The primary outcome measure was the Oxford knee score (OKS) collected annually over 10 years after TKA. Preoperative predictors included a range of patient characteristics and clinical conditions. Mixed-effects linear regression model analysis of repeated measurements was used to identify predictors of overall OKS, and pain and function subscale scores over 10 years, separately. Results Worse preoperative OKS, worse mental well-being, body mass index greater than 35 kg/m2 , living in the most deprived areas, higher American Society of Anesthesiologists grade, presence of comorbidities, and history of previous knee surgery were associated with worse overall OKS over 10 years after surgery. The same predictors were identified for pain and function subscale scores, and for both long-term (10 years) and short-to-medium-term outcomes (1 and 5 years). However, fitted models explained more variations in function and shorter-term outcomes than in pain and longer-term outcomes, respectively. Conclusion The same predictors were identified for pain and functional outcomes over both short-to-medium term and long term after TKA. Within the factors identified, functional and shorter-term outcomes were more predictable than pain and longer-term outcomes, respectively. Regardless of their preoperative characteristics, on average, patients achieved substantial improvement in pain over time, although improvement for function was less prominent.
The use of L protein coupled magnetic particles for the concentration and purification of immunoglobulin M (mIgM) monoclonal antibodies against Taenia solium was evaluated. Three concentration ...methods and different elution times were evaluated and the ratio of particles to the ratio of mIgM was optimized. It is demonstrated that: 1) with the use of magnetic particles, a previous concentration of mIgM is not required, which reduces the manipulation of the antibodies and improves the recovery, 2) the use of a binding buffer can be omitted, since the pH of most cell culture supernatants are neutral, and 3) longer elution times (~ 45 minutes) are needed to increase recovery to a level greater than 80%. The study demonstrates that the use of L protein-coupled magnetic particles is a simple and efficient tool for mIgM concentration and purification.
People with Parkinson's disease (PD) may find it difficult to identify and access the wide number of services they need and are entitled to along their complex PD journey. As part of the project ...OPTIM‐PARK – Optimisation of community resources and systems of support to enhance the process of living with Parkinson's Disease, document analysis was developed to create overviews of existing resources and systems of support in Denmark, Norway, Spain and the United Kingdom. Documents on community resources, policies, guidelines and professional recommendations were the main sources of information. They were sought systematically at official websites of the public sector (national and regional levels) and websites of non‐governmental organisations and scientific societies; searches were performed in October 2020 and updated in September 2021. A higher‐level cross‐national content analysis integrated all the country‐specific information. Data‐ and concept‐driven coding frames were developed; trial coding and peer review strengthened face validity and reliability. The analysis led to overviews of: (1) Key aims at patient and societal levels. (2) Key elements in form of professional approaches. (3) Community resources. (4) Legally anchored services. In general, clear descriptions of how to implement care pathways and tools to facilitate delivery were missing in the included documents, and pathways and guidelines did not include referral to general social support, social security support or labour and employment support. The results shed light on the complex support systems and resources and can inspire the planning of more comprehensive care pathways for people with PD and other long‐term conditions.
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