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Objectives Responsive biomarkers are needed to assess the progression of OA and their lack has hampered previous clinical trials. Statistical shape modelling (SSM) from radiographic images identifies those at greatest risk of fast-progression or joint replacement, but its sensitivity to change has not previously been measured. This study evaluates the responsiveness of SSM in knee OA in a 12-month observational study. Methods A total of 109 people were recruited who had undergone knee radiographs in the previous 12 months, and were grouped based on severity of radiographic OA (Kellgren–Lawrence grading). An SSM was built from three dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scans at 6-month intervals. Change-over-time and OA were assessed using generalized estimating equations, standardized response means (SRM) and reliable change indices Results Mode 1 showed typical features of radiographic OA and had a strong link with Kellgren–Lawrence grading but did not change significantly during the study. Mode 3 showed asymmetrical changes consistent with medial cartilage loss, osteophytes and joint malalignment, and was responsive to change, with a 12-month SRM of 0.63. The greatest change was observed in the moderate radiographic OA group (SRM 0.92) compared with the controls (SRM 0.21), and the reliable change index identified 14% of this group whose progression was clinically significant. Conclusion Shape changes linked the progression of osteophytosis with increasing malalignment within the joint. Modelling of the whole joint enabled quantification of change beyond the point where bone-to-bone contact has been made. The knee SSM is, therefore, a responsive biomarker for radiographic change in knees over 12 months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study which investigated the inter-species cell-cell co-aggregation between Saccharomyces (S.) cerevisiae BY4741 and Lactobacillus (L.) plantarum ML11-11 in the formation of mixed-species biofilm. The study used S. cerevisiae BY4741 and L. plantarum ML11-11 from Fukuyama pot vinegar, as well as S. cerevisiae Y11-43 from the vinegar. Results suggest that L. plantarum ML11-11 cells are adhesive to S. cerevisiae strain cells.

The article presents a study on the formation of mixed-species biofilm through direct cell-cell contact between Lactobacillus plantarum ML11-11 and Saccharomyces cerevisiae Y11-43. It says that yeasts isolates and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from autumn-2006 samples of Fukuyama pot vinegar fermentation were obtained and were investigated. Results show that LAB and yeast cells formed as extraordinarily thick biofilm in mixed-culture while mixed-species biofilm had a thick, bi-layer structure.