Risk analysis of periprosthetic knee joint infection (PJI) in total knee arthroplasty after preoperative corticosteroid injection: a systematic review : A study performed by the Early-Osteoarthritis group of ESSKA-European Knee Associates section.

PURPOSE: Intra-articular corticosteroid injection is widely used for symptomatic relief of knee osteoarthritis. However, if pain is not improved which consequences a total knee arthroplasty (TKA), there is a potential risk of post-operative periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). The aim of this study is to investigate whether the use of preoperative intra-articular corticosteroid injection increases the risk of PJI and to investigate a time frame in which the risk of subsequent infection is significantly increased. METHODS: A systematic search was performed in PubMed (Medline), Scopus, and the Cochrane Library. Inclusion criteria were original studies investigating the rate of PJI in patients receiving pre-operative intra-articular corticosteroid injection compared to controls. RESULTS: A total of 380 unique articles were screened. Six studies met the inclusion criteria with 255,627 patients in total. Overall, no statistical significance was observed in the intra-articular infection rate in corticosteroid compared to controls groups. However, intra-articular corticosteroid injections within 3 months prior to TKA were associated with a significantly increased risk of infection (OR: 1.52, 95% CI 1.37-1.67, p < 0.01); this was not observed in the 6 month period (OR: 1.05, 95% CI 0.80-1.39, p = 0.72). CONCLUSIONS: Performing an intra-articular corticosteroid injection within 3 months prior to TKA is associated with a significantly increased risk of PJI. The current evidence supports the safe use of intra-articular corticosteroid injection more than 6 months before TKA. However, additional studies are needed to clarify the risk of PJI after TKA implantation between 3 and 6 months after the last corticoid injection. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Herida crónica digital: ¿quiste epidermoide, osteomielitis o ambos? Presentación de dos casos clínicos y revisión de la literatura / Chronic digital wound: epidermoid cyst, osteomyelitis or both? Presentation of two clinical cases and review of the literature

Resumen: Introducción: ante una herida crónica a nivel digital se plantea el diagnóstico diferencial entre osteomielitis o tumor primario. No es infrecuente la coexistencia entre osteomielitis y quiste óseo epidermoide. Material y métodos: en este artículo describimos dos casos de quistes epidermoides en falange distal de la mano asociados a osteomielitis y se presenta una revisión de la literatura. Resultados: tanto la osteomielitis como el quiste óseo epidermoide se han relacionado con la presencia de un traumatismo previo en el sitio de la lesión, alteraciones ungueales y signos flogóticos crónicos, por lo que es importante llegar a un diagnóstico certero mediante un estudio anatomopatológico y realizar un buen desbridamiento quirúrgico que asegure la curación de ambas entidades. Conclusiones: el desbridamiento quirúrgico asociado a curetaje y relleno del defecto óseo con sustituto óseo por medio de antibiótico es una buena opción terapéutica en el tratamiento de estas lesiones.

Abstract: Introduction: when faced with a chronic digital injury, the differential diagnosis between osteomyelitis or primary tumor is raised. Coexistence between osteomyelitis and epidermoid bone cyst is not uncommon. Material and methods: in this article, we describe two cases of epidermoid cysts in distal phalanx of the hand associated with osteomyelitis and a review of the literature is presented. Results: both osteomyelitis and epidermoid bone cyst have been related to the presence of previous trauma at the site of the lesion, nail alterations and chronic phlogotic signs, so it is important to reach a diagnosis of certainty through an anatomopathological study and to perform a good surgical debridement to ensure the healing of both entities. Conclusions: surgical debridement associated with curettage and filling of the bone defect with bone substitute with antibiotic is a good therapeutic option in the treatment of these lesions.

[Chronic digital wound: epidermoid cyst, osteomyelitis or both? Presentation of two clinical cases and review of the literature]. / Herida crónica digital: ¿quiste epidermoide, osteomielitis o ambos? Presentación de dos casos clínicos y revisión de la literatura.

INTRODUCTION: when faced with a chronic digital injury, the differential diagnosis between osteomyelitis or primary tumor is raised. Coexistence between osteomyelitis and epidermoid bone cyst is not uncommon. MATERIAL AND METHODS: in this article, we describe two cases of epidermoid cysts in distal phalanx of the hand associated with osteomyelitis and a review of the literature is presented. RESULTS: both osteomyelitis and epidermoid bone cyst have been related to the presence of previous trauma at the site of the lesion, nail alterations and chronic phlogotic signs, so it is important to reach a diagnosis of certainty through an anatomopathological study and to perform a good surgical debridement to ensure the healing of both entities. CONCLUSIONS: surgical debridement associated with curettage and filling of the bone defect with bone substitute with antibiotic is a good therapeutic option in the treatment of these lesions.

INTRODUCCIÓN: ante una herida crónica a nivel digital se plantea el diagnóstico diferencial entre osteomielitis o tumor primario. No es infrecuente la coexistencia entre osteomielitis y quiste óseo epidermoide. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: en este artículo describimos dos casos de quistes epidermoides en falange distal de la mano asociados a osteomielitis y se presenta una revisión de la literatura. RESULTADOS: tanto la osteomielitis como el quiste óseo epidermoide se han relacionado con la presencia de un traumatismo previo en el sitio de la lesión, alteraciones ungueales y signos flogóticos crónicos, por lo que es importante llegar a un diagnóstico certero mediante un estudio anatomopatológico y realizar un buen desbridamiento quirúrgico que asegure la curación de ambas entidades. CONCLUSIONES: el desbridamiento quirúrgico asociado a curetaje y relleno del defecto óseo con sustituto óseo por medio de antibiótico es una buena opción terapéutica en el tratamiento de estas lesiones.

"Recommendations for periprosthetic joint infections (PJI) prevention: the European Knee Associates (EKA)-International Committee American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons (AAHKS)-Arthroplasty Society in Asia (ASIA) survey of members".

PURPOSE: Periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) represent a devastating consequence of total joint arthroplasty. The European Knee Associates (EKA), the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons (AAHKS) International Committee, and the Arthroplasty Society in Asia (ASIA) board members were interested in quantifying differences in arthroplasty surgeons' use of various PJI prevention measures to provide clinical recommendations to reduce PJI incidence. METHODS: A prospective Microsoft Forms online survey was distributed among EKA, AAHKS International Committee, and ASIA members and their affiliated arthroplasty surgeons. The survey consisted of 20 single and multiple response questions focused on PJI prevention strategies at three perioperative periods: preoperatively, intraoperatively, and postoperatively. RESULTS: Three hundred and ninety-four arthroplasty surgeons from 6 different continents completed the survey. Preoperative: (A) PJI Risk Stratification: 40.6% routinely set thresholds (e.g., BMI, HgbA1C) to be met to qualify for surgery, 36.5% only review past medical history; 9.1% use machine learning to personalize PJI risk; (B) BMI limit: 36% no limit; 15.4% BMI < 35; 30.9% BMI < 40; 17.2% BMI < 45; (C) Nutritional status: 55.3% do not screen; among those who screen their patients (44.7%), albumin is the single most used marker (86.3%); (D) Hyperglycemia/Diabetes: 83.3% check this comorbidity; 88.1% use HgbA1C as single best screening test; (E) MRSA nasal colonization: 63.7% do not test; 28.9% test all patients; 7.4% test selectively. Intraoperative: (A) Antibiotic prophylaxis in high-risk patients: 43.4% use single antibiotic for 24 h; 21.3% use double antibiotic for 24 h; 14.2% use single/double antibiotic for 7 days postoperatively; (B) Skin-cleansing: 68.7% at home (45.6% chlorhexidine sponge; 11.9% clippers); (C) Intraoperative skin disinfection: 46.9% single chlorhexidine; 25% double chlorhexidine-povidone-iodine;15.4% single povidone-iodine; (D) Tranexamic acid (TXA) to reduce bleeding/SSI: 96% yes (51% double IV dose, 35.2% single IV dose, 23.6% intra-articular injection); (E) Surgical suction drain: 52% do not use drains; 19.7% use a drain < 24 h; (F) Intra-articular lavage: 64.9% use only saline; 28.1% use dilute povidone-iodine; (G) Antibiotic local delivery to prevent PJI: 82.4% use antibiotic-added cement. Postoperative: (A) Routine monitoring of PJI serologic markers: 42% only in symptomatic patients; 34.2% do not; 20.8% in all patients; (B) Serologic markers to rule in/out PJI: 95.9% CRP; 71% SEDRATE; 60.6% WBC; (C) Synovial fluid test to rule in/out PJI: 79.6% culture/sensitivity; 69.5% WBC count; 31.4% CRP. CONCLUSIONS: This survey demonstrated that notable differences still exist in the application of PJI preventive measures across different geographic areas: Optimizing the patient preoperatively and applying multimodal intraoperative strategies represent newer, clinically relevant steps in the effort to reduce the burden of PJI. More uniform guidelines still need to be produced from international scientific societies in order facilitate a more comprehensive approach to this devastating complication. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

[Symptomatic osteosynthesis in calcaneal fracture: implant colonization as a cause of pain]. / Osteosíntesis sintomática en fractura de calcáneo: colonización de implante como causa del dolor.

Calcaneal fracture is unusual and carries high costs at long term because its associated morbidity. Surgical treatment of this fracture by extended lateral approach has risks like wound healing up to 20%. One of the causes of chronic pain is subtalar arthropathy, but it is important to rule out other causes as implant associated infection. The aim of this study is to demonstrate the presence of germs in the implant through extraction, sonication and culture. Cases with evident infection, subtalar arthropathy, non union or subtalar fusion concomitant surgery were excluded. The data includes open fracture history, wound healing complication, time between surgeries, cause to implant extraction and cultures results. A positive culture rate of 33.3% was obtained. We consider it is important to have in mind the implant associated infection as a cause of pain in these patients, with the aim to study microbiologically each case and choose the right strategy of treatment.

La fractura de calcáneo es poco frecuente y tiene altos costos asociados a largo plazo por su morbilidad asociada. El tratamiento quirúrgico de estas fracturas mediante la vía de abordaje lateral extendido tiene riesgos de complicación de herida quirúrgica que pueden superar 20%. Dentro de las causas del dolor secuelar, la más frecuente es la artropatía subtalar, pero se deben descartar otras como la infección asociada al implante. El objetivo de este estudio es determinar la presencia de gérmenes en el implante mediante su extracción, sonicación y cultivo. Se excluyeron los casos con clínica de infección, artropatía subtalar, seudoartrosis y cirugía de artrodesis subastragalina concomitante. Se registró antecedente de fractura expuesta, complicación de herida operatoria, tiempo entre cirugías, motivo de la ablación del implante y resultados de cultivos con los gérmenes identificados. Se obtuvo una tasa de cultivos positivos de 33.3%. Consideramos que es importante tener en cuenta la infección asociada al implante como causa del dolor en este tipo de pacientes, con el fin de estudiar microbiológicamente los casos y entregar el tratamiento adecuado cuando corresponda.

Osteosíntesis sintomática en fractura de calcáneo: colonización de implante como causa del dolor / Symptomatic osteosynthesis in calcaneal fracture: implant colonization as a cause of pain

Resumen: La fractura de calcáneo es poco frecuente y tiene altos costos asociados a largo plazo por su morbilidad asociada. El tratamiento quirúrgico de estas fracturas mediante la vía de abordaje lateral extendido tiene riesgos de complicación de herida quirúrgica que pueden superar 20%. Dentro de las causas del dolor secuelar, la más frecuente es la artropatía subtalar, pero se deben descartar otras como la infección asociada al implante. El objetivo de este estudio es determinar la presencia de gérmenes en el implante mediante su extracción, sonicación y cultivo. Se excluyeron los casos con clínica de infección, artropatía subtalar, seudoartrosis y cirugía de artrodesis subastragalina concomitante. Se registró antecedente de fractura expuesta, complicación de herida operatoria, tiempo entre cirugías, motivo de la ablación del implante y resultados de cultivos con los gérmenes identificados. Se obtuvo una tasa de cultivos positivos de 33.3%. Consideramos que es importante tener en cuenta la infección asociada al implante como causa del dolor en este tipo de pacientes, con el fin de estudiar microbiológicamente los casos y entregar el tratamiento adecuado cuando corresponda.

Abstract: Calcaneal fracture is unusual and carries high costs at long term because its associated morbidity. Surgical treatment of this fracture by extended lateral approach has risks like wound healing up to 20%. One of the causes of chronic pain is subtalar arthropathy, but it is important to rule out other causes as implant associated infection. The aim of this study is to demonstrate the presence of germs in the implant through extraction, sonication and culture. Cases with evident infection, subtalar arthropathy, non union or subtalar fusion concomitant surgery were excluded. The data includes open fracture history, wound healing complication, time between surgeries, cause to implant extraction and cultures results. A positive culture rate of 33.3% was obtained. We consider it is important to have in mind the implant associated infection as a cause of pain in these patients, with the aim to study microbiologically each case and choose the right strategy of treatment.

Ensayo clínico fase III para evaluar la eficacia y seguridad del uso de plasma rico en plaquetas frente a ácido hialurónico en coxartrosis / Randomized, double-blind, controlled trial, phase III, to evaluate the use of platelet-rich plasma versus hyaluronic acid in hip coxarthrosis

OBJETIVOS: Comparar la eficacia y seguridad de la infiltración de plasma rico en plaquetas preparado respecto a ácido hialurónico en pacientes con coxartrosis refractaria a tratamiento conservador. Así como correlacionar el impacto clínico entre las diferentes concentraciones celulares. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Ensayo clínico fase III, doble-ciego, controlado, en el que se aleatorizaron a los pacientes en dos grupos de tratamiento (PRP o AH) con una única infiltración de cadera ecoguiada. El seguimiento fue de 12 meses, registrando escala de dolor (EVA) y escalas funcionales (HHS y WOMAC), analgesia consumida, respondedores (criterios OARSI) y efectos adversos. Se analizaron, en el grupo experimental, las concentraciones celulares en sangre periférica y en el PRP infiltrado. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron un total de 74 pacientes. Ambos grupos de tratamiento presentaron mejoría en las escalas EVA, WOMAC, HHS y reducción del consumo de analgesia en el tiempo (p < 0,05). Únicamente encontramos diferencias significativas entre grupos al año de tratamiento en los valores de HHS (Grupo PRP 70,9 [3,7-58] grupo AH 60,2[43-74,2] p < 0,05). No se registraton efectos adversos en ninguno de los grupos. Encontramos correlación entre la concentración de plaquetas en pacientes respondedores (un mes postratamiento; no respondedores 449[438-578] x103 plaquetas/μl, respondedores 565 [481-666] x103 plaquetas/μl, p < 0,044). Se correlaciona la concentración de leucocitos con las escalas clínico-funcionales (EVA 6 meses, r=0,748, p < 0,013, subescala rigidez WOMAC 6 meses, r=0,748, p < 0,013). Los pacientes con estadios de coxartrosis iniciales (KL 1 y 2) tienen mayor probabilidad de responder al tratamiento con plasma rico en plaquetas (11,51 OR, IC 95% 2,34-50,65, p < 0,03). CONCLUSIONES: La infiltración única de PRP es eficaz en términos de mejoría funcional, reducción del dolor y disminución del consumo de analgesia en coxartrosis. Los sistemas de preparación abiertos, son un procedimiento seguro para la obtención de PRP. Se deben indicar las infiltraciones de cadera en estadios evolutivos iniciales. Se debe tener en cuenta la composición celular para garantizar una repuesta clínica positiva

AIMS OF THE STUDY: To compare efficacy and safety of a home-made platelet-rich plasma (PRP) solution versus hyaluronic acid in patients with hip osteoarthritis not responding to conservative treatment and to correlate cellular composition of PRP to clinical outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a phase III clinical trial, double-blinded, controlled and randomised into two treatment groups (PRP and hyaluronic acid). Patients received one hip ultrasound-guided injection. Follow up was 12 months. Pain was assessed using VAS score, HHS and WOMAC were used as functional scores, analgesia, adverse events, cellular components (PRP group) in peripheral blood and in PRP were recorded. Clinical response was assessed using OARSI criteria. RESULTS: Seventy-four patients were included. Both groups improved in VAS, WOMAC and HHS score and reduced the amount of analgesia (p<.05). Significant differences were seen at 1 year post-treatment in HHS score (PRP 70.9 [3.7-58], hyaluronic acid 60.2[43-74.2] p<.05). No adverse events were observed in none of the groups. Platelet concentration was different between responders and non-responders (at 1 month, non-responders 449[438-578] x103 platelets/μl versus responders 565 [481-666] x103 platelets/μl, p<.044). There was a correlation between leukocytes concentration and clinical scores (VAS at six months, r=0.748, p<.013, WOMAC at 6 months r=0.748, p <.013). Patients with early stage hip OA showed higher response rate to PRP compared with late stage (11.51 OR, 95%CI 2.34-50.65, p<.03). CONCLUSIONS: Platelet-rich plasma injection improved hip function, reduced pain and the use of analgesia. It is important to bear in mind the cellular composition in order to achieve a better clinical response

Nature more than nurture affects the growth rate of mussels.

We tested the hypothesis that environmental trophic conditions prominent during the growing period (nurture conditions) can modify the differing physiological profiles between fast (F)- and slow (S)-growing juveniles of the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis. Approximately 200 individuals were fed a high organic content diet dosed below the pseudofaeces threshold (BP), whereas another 200 were fed a low organic content diet dosed above the pseudofaeces threshold (AP), forcing them to maintain a continuous production of pseudofaeces. After 3 months, F and S individuals in each rearing condition were selected and used in feeding experiments. We measured the physiological parameters of the energy balance of selected F and S mussels fed on 4 different diets and tested the effects of the rearing condition (BP vs AP) and growth condition (F vs S) upon the physiological variables. Irrespective of the rearing condition, F-mussels attained higher values of scope for growth with the four experimental diets due to their capacity to display higher clearance rates and preingestive selection efficiencies. F-individuals also had higher gill-surface areas than S individuals. We discussed the role of the gills in determining inter-individual growth rate differences in the mussel.

Randomized, double-blind, controlled trial, phase III, to evaluate the use of platelet-rich plasma versus hyaluronic acid in hip coxarthrosis. / Ensayo clínico fase III para evaluar la eficacia y seguridad del uso de plasma rico en plaquetas frente a ácido hialurónico en coxartrosis.

AIMS OF THE STUDY: To compare efficacy and safety of a home-made platelet-rich plasma (PRP) solution versus hyaluronic acid in patients with hip osteoarthritis not responding to conservative treatment and to correlate cellular composition of PRP to clinical outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a phase III clinical trial, double-blinded, controlled and randomised into two treatment groups (PRP and hyaluronic acid). Patients received one hip ultrasound-guided injection. Follow up was 12 months. Pain was assessed using VAS score, HHS and WOMAC were used as functional scores, analgesia, adverse events, cellular components (PRP group) in peripheral blood and in PRP were recorded. Clinical response was assessed using OARSI criteria. RESULTS: Seventy-four patients were included. Both groups improved in VAS, WOMAC and HHS score and reduced the amount of analgesia (p<.05). Significant differences were seen at 1 year post-treatment in HHS score (PRP 70.9 [3.7-58], hyaluronic acid 60.2[43-74.2] p<.05). No adverse events were observed in none of the groups. Platelet concentration was different between responders and non-responders (at 1 month, non-responders 449[438-578] x103 platelets/µl versus responders 565 [481-666] x103 platelets/µl, p<.044). There was a correlation between leukocytes concentration and clinical scores (VAS at six months, r=0.748, p<.013, WOMAC at 6 months r=0.748, p <.013). Patients with early stage hip OA showed higher response rate to PRP compared with late stage (11.51 OR, 95%CI 2.34-50.65, p<.03). CONCLUSIONS: Platelet-rich plasma injection improved hip function, reduced pain and the use of analgesia. It is important to bear in mind the cellular composition in order to achieve a better clinical response.

Nox1-derived oxidative stress as a common pathogenic link between obesity and hyperoxaluria-related kidney injury.

Specific relationships among reactive oxygen species, activation pathways, and inflammatory mechanisms involved in kidney injury were assessed in a combined model of obesity and hyperoxaluria. Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: Control, HFD (high fat diet), OX (0.75% ethylene glycol), and HFD + OX (combined model) Changes in basal O2- levels were evaluated by chemiluminescence in renal interlobar arteries and renal cortex. Furthermore, the effect of different inhibitors on NADPH-stimulated O2- generation was assessed in renal cortex. Oxidative stress sources, and local inflammatory mediators, were also determined, in parallel, by RT-PCR, and correlated with measures of renal function, urinary biochemistry, and renal structure. Rats from the HFD group developed overweight without lipid profile alteration. Tubular deposits of crystals were seen in OX and severely enhanced in HFD + OX groups along with a significantly higher impairment of renal function. Basal oxidative stress was increased in renal cortex of OX rats and in renal arteries of HFD rats, while animals from the combined HFD + OX group exhibited the highest levels of oxidative stress in renal cortex, derived from xanthine oxidase and COX-2. NADPH oxidase-dependent O2- generation was elevated in renal cortex of the OX group and markedly enhanced in the HFD + OX rats, and associated to an up-regulation of Nox1 and a down-regulation of Nox4 expression. High levels of oxidative stress in the kidney, of OX and HFD + OX groups were also associated to an inflammatory response mediated by an elevation of TNFα, COX-2, NFκB1 MCP-1, and OPN. Oxidative stress is a key pathogenic factor in renal disease associated to hyperoxaluria and a common link underlying the exacerbated inflammatory response and kidney injury found under conditions of both obesity and hyperoxaluria. Nox1 pathway must be considered as a potential therapeutic target.

Mytilus galloprovincialis fast growing phenotypes under different restrictive feeding conditions: Fast feeders and energy savers.

The present study aims to test if the environmental conditions prevailing during the growing period can determine the physiological profiles of specimens differentiated as fast (F) or slow (S) growers in the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis. We reared mussel spats in the laboratory under two different conditions. In Treatment I (continuous feeding during discontinuous immersion), two mussel groups were submitted to a daily air exposure of 8 h and fed continuously during immersion-time, with either high-quality food dosed below the pseudofaeces threshold (BP group) or low organic content food dosed above the pseudofaeces threshold (AP group). In Treatment II (discontinuous feeding during continuous immersion), mussels were continuously immersed but fed only 1 day per week (RC group). Mussels were reared for 7 and 11 months (time required for size-differentiation) in Treatments I and II, respectively, and the smallest and largest individuals from each group were selected as S and F specimens. A series of feeding experiments (with different food quality, food ration and under continuous food supply) were performed to analyse the physiological performance of selected F and S mussels. In Treatment I, no significant differences were found in the metabolic rates between F and S mussels, and the faster growth rate of F-mussels resulted from their capacity to display higher clearance-ingestion rates and pre-ingestive selections. The physiological basis of growth rate differences between F and S mussels were found to be the same in mussels reared with diets below or above a pseudofaeces threshold (FBP, FAP, SBP and SAP). In contrast, the mussels from Treatment II had no significant differences in the feeding rates between FRC and SRC mussels. However, F individuals were found to have a 33% lower standard metabolic rate, indicating that fast growth under severe feeding restriction stemmed from a higher capacity of F-mussels to save energy during long periods of starvation. Despite the differences in the physiological basis explaining fast growth between the two treatments, F-mussels were found to possess significantly higher gill-surface area in both cases. It is thus concluded that endogenous factors affecting the gill-surface area play a major role in determining inter-individual growth rate differences in the mussel, Mytilus galloprovincialis.

Controversias en fracturas de tobillo: ¿es diferente la visión del especialista en pie y tobillo? / Ankle fracture controversies: do the foot and ankle specialists have a different vision?

Objetivo. Analizar las diferencias en el manejo de las fracturas de tobillo entre cirujanos ortopédicos/traumatólogos y especialistas en enfermedad de pie y tobillo. Material y método. Se realizó una encuesta vía correo electrónico que planteaba cuestiones controvertidas a propósito del análisis de 5 casos clínicos de diferentes fracturas de tobillo a cirujanos ortopédicos del país. Resultados. Setenta y dos cirujanos respondieron la encuesta (tasa de respuesta del 24,2%): 37 especialistas en pie y tobillo y 35 cirujanos ortopédicos no especialistas. En el caso de la fractura trimaleolar, el 40,5% de los especialistas solicitarían una tomografía computarizada frente al 14% de los no especialistas (p=0,01). El 94% de todos los que respondieron sintetizaría el maléolo posterior; el 91% de los no especialistas, con tornillos vía anteroposterior, mientras que el 43% de los especialistas utilizarían la vía posteroanterior, bien con placa o con tornillos (p=0,006). No se hallaron diferencias entre grupos en el tratamiento de las lesiones sindesmales (p>0,05). En las fracturas transindesmales (B de Weber) con signos de inestabilidad medial, el 54% de los no especialistas revisarían el ligamento lateral interno frente a solo el 32% de los especialistas (p=0,06). Conclusiones. Los especialistas en pie y tobillo solicitan más pruebas complementarias para el diagnóstico de las fracturas de tobillo. A su vez, utilizan una mayor diversidad de técnicas quirúrgicas en la síntesis de los maléolos posterior (vía posterior-placas) y medial (cerclajes). Por último, indican una menor tasa de revisión del ligamento lateral interno (AU)

Objective. To analyse the differences in the management of ankle fractures between orthopaedic/trauma surgeons and foot and ankle specialists. Material and method. An e-mail survey was performed asking some of the country's orthopaedic surgeons controversial questions regarding the analysis of 5 clinical cases of different ankle fractures. Results. Seventy-two surgeons responded to the questionnaire (response rate of 24.2%): 37 foot and ankle specialists and 35 non-specialist orthopaedic surgeons. For trimalleolar fracture, 40.5% of the specialists would request a computed tomography scan compared to 14% of the non-specialists (P=.01). Ninety-four percent of all the respondents would synthesise the posterior malleolus; 91% of the non-specialists would use an antero-posterior approach, either with a plate or with screws (P=.006). No differences were found between groups in the treatment of syndesmotic injuries (P>.05). For trans-syndesmotic fracture (Weber B) with signs of medial instability, 54% of the non-specialists would revise the internal lateral ligament compared to only 32% of the specialists (P=.06). Conclusions. The foot and ankle specialists ask for more complementary tests to diagnose ankle fractures. In turn, they use a greater diversity of surgical techniques in synthesis of the posterior malleolus (posterior plate) and the medial malleolus (cerclage wires). Finally, they indicated a lower revision rate of the internal lateral ligament (AU)

Metabolic syndrome contributes to renal injury mediated by hyperoxaluria in a murine model of nephrolithiasis.

Metabolic syndrome (MS) individuals have a higher risk of developing chronic kidney disease through unclear pathogenic mechanisms. MS has been also related with higher nephrolithiasis prevalence. To establish the influence of MS on renal function, we designed a murine model of combined metabolic syndrome and hyperoxaluria. Four groups of male Sprague-Dawley rats were established: (1) control group (n = 10) fed with standard chow; (2) stone former group (SF) (n = 10) fed with standard chow plus 0.75% ethylene glycol administered in the drinking water; (3) metabolic syndrome group (MS) (n = 10), fed with 60% fructose diet; (4) metabolic syndrome + stone former group (MS + SF) (n = 10), 60% fructose diet and 0.75% EG in the drinking water. MS group showed a significant injury to renal function when hyperoxaluria was induced. It was demonstrated by a significant decrease of creatinine clearance (p < 0.001), with higher tubular damage (34.3%, CI 95% 23.9-44.7, p < 0.001), produced by deposition of crystals, and increased tubular synthesis of osteopontin as a response to tubular damage. Induction of hyperoxaluria in rats with MS causes severe morphological alterations with a significant impairment of renal function. This impairment is not produced in rats without MS. Therefore, this model can be useful for the study of the influence of MS in stone formation.

Ankle fracture controversies: Do the foot and ankle specialists have a different vision? / Controversias en fracturas de tobillo: ¿es diferente la visión del especialista en pie y tobillo?

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the differences in the management of ankle fractures between orthopaedic/trauma surgeons and foot and ankle specialists. MATERIAL AND METHOD: An e-mail survey was performed asking some of the country's orthopaedic surgeons controversial questions regarding the analysis of 5 clinical cases of different ankle fractures. RESULTS: Seventy-two surgeons responded to the questionnaire (response rate of 24.2%): 37 foot and ankle specialists and 35 non-specialist orthopaedic surgeons. For trimalleolar fracture, 40.5% of the specialists would request a computed tomography scan compared to 14% of the non-specialists (P=.01). Ninety-four percent of all the respondents would synthesise the posterior malleolus; 91% of the non-specialists would use an antero-posterior approach, either with a plate or with screws (P=.006). No differences were found between groups in the treatment of syndesmotic injuries (P>.05). For trans-syndesmotic fracture (Weber B) with signs of medial instability, 54% of the non-specialists would revise the internal lateral ligament compared to only 32% of the specialists (P=.06). CONCLUSIONS: The foot and ankle specialists ask for more complementary tests to diagnose ankle fractures. In turn, they use a greater diversity of surgical techniques in synthesis of the posterior malleolus (posterior plate) and the medial malleolus (cerclage wires). Finally, they indicated a lower revision rate of the internal lateral ligament.

Impacto del hundimiento en vástagos de revisión rectos y curvos modulares en cirugía de revisión de cadera / The impact of subsidence on straight and curved modular cementless revision stems in hip revision surgery

El hundimiento protésico es una de las potenciales complicaciones de los vástagos femorales de anclaje diafisario no cementado en las cirugías de revisión protésica, lo cual puede afectar a la estabilidad y a la osteointegración del componente. En este estudio retrospectivo evaluamos los resultados al año y a los 5 años (especialmente el hundimiento y la relevancia clínica) de 40 revisiones de vástago femoral consecutivas, comparando 2 vástagos de revisión modulares no cementados rectos vs. curvos, con 20 pacientes en cada grupo. No se observó ningún fracaso mecánico y se obtuvo una mejoría en cuanto a resultados funcionales en la totalidad de los casos. El hundimiento radiológico medio fue de 9,9±4,9mm (p=0,076); 14 pacientes (35%) tuvieron ≥10mm de hundimiento, con un máximo de 22mm en un caso. Nuestros resultados son similares a las series publicadas en la literatura, sin manifestaciones clínicas a corto-medio plazo ni incremento del número de complicaciones o aflojamiento del vástago en ninguno de los 2 grupos. No se observaron diferencias en cuanto al hundimiento protésico al año y a los 5 años posteriores a la cirugía entre los 2 tipos de vástagos (AU)

Subsidence is one of the potential complications in femoral stem revision total hip arthroplasty surgery, and can affect stability and osseointegration. A retrospective study was conducted on the outcomes at one year and 5 years (specifically subsidence and clinical relevance) of 40 consecutive femoral total hip arthroplasty revisions, comparing two modular cementless revision stems, Straight vs. Curved, with 20 patients in each group. No mechanical failure was observed, and there was an improvement in functional outcomes. Mean radiological subsidence was 9.9±4.9mm (straight=10.75mm vs. curved=9.03mm), with no statistically significant difference between groups (p=0,076). Fourteen patients (35%) had ≥10mm of subsidence, up to a maximum of 22mm. The subsidence found in this study is similar to published series, with no short-term clinical manifestations, or an increased number of complications or stem loosening in either the Straight or Curved group. No differences in subsidence were observed at one year and 5 years after surgery between the 2 types of stems (AU)

The impact of subsidence on straight and curved modular cementless revision stems in hip revision surgery. / Impacto del hundimiento en vástagos de revisión rectos y curvos modulares en cirugía de revisión de cadera.

Subsidence is one of the potential complications in femoral stem revision total hip arthroplasty surgery, and can affect stability and osseointegration. A retrospective study was conducted on the outcomes at one year and 5 years (specifically subsidence and clinical relevance) of 40 consecutive femoral total hip arthroplasty revisions, comparing two modular cementless revision stems, Straight vs. Curved, with 20 patients in each group. No mechanical failure was observed, and there was an improvement in functional outcomes. Mean radiological subsidence was 9.9±4.9mm (straight=10.75mm vs. curved=9.03mm), with no statistically significant difference between groups (p=0,076). Fourteen patients (35%) had ≥10mm of subsidence, up to a maximum of 22mm. The subsidence found in this study is similar to published series, with no short-term clinical manifestations, or an increased number of complications or stem loosening in either the Straight or Curved group. No differences in subsidence were observed at one year and 5 years after surgery between the 2 types of stems.

An operational epidemiological model for calibrating agent-based simulations of pandemic influenza outbreaks.

Uncertainty of pandemic influenza viruses continue to cause major preparedness challenges for public health policymakers. Decisions to mitigate influenza outbreaks often involve tradeoff between the social costs of interventions (e.g., school closure) and the cost of uncontrolled spread of the virus. To achieve a balance, policymakers must assess the impact of mitigation strategies once an outbreak begins and the virus characteristics are known. Agent-based (AB) simulation is a useful tool for building highly granular disease spread models incorporating the epidemiological features of the virus as well as the demographic and social behavioral attributes of tens of millions of affected people. Such disease spread models provide excellent basis on which various mitigation strategies can be tested, before they are adopted and implemented by the policymakers. However, to serve as a testbed for the mitigation strategies, the AB simulation models must be operational. A critical requirement for operational AB models is that they are amenable for quick and simple calibration. The calibration process works as follows: the AB model accepts information available from the field and uses those to update its parameters such that some of its outputs in turn replicate the field data. In this paper, we present our epidemiological model based calibration methodology that has a low computational complexity and is easy to interpret. Our model accepts a field estimate of the basic reproduction number, and then uses it to update (calibrate) the infection probabilities in a way that its effect combined with the effects of the given virus epidemiology, demographics, and social behavior results in an infection pattern yielding a similar value of the basic reproduction number. We evaluate the accuracy of the calibration methodology by applying it for an AB simulation model mimicking a regional outbreak in the US. The calibrated model is shown to yield infection patterns closely replicating the input estimates of the basic reproduction number. The calibration method is also tested to replicate an initial infection incidence trend for a H1N1 outbreak like that of 2009.

Activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway by microRNA-22 results in CLL B-cell proliferation.

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is characterized by accumulation of clonal B cells arrested in G0/G1 stages that coexist, in different proportions, with proliferative B cells. Understanding the crosstalk between the proliferative subsets and their milieu could provide clues on CLL biology. We previously identified one of these subpopulations in the peripheral blood from unmutated patients that appears to be a hallmark of a progressive disease. Aiming to characterize the molecular mechanism underlying this proliferative behavior, we performed gene expression analysis comparing the global mRNA and microRNA expression of this leukemic subpopulation, and compared it with their quiescent counterparts. Our results suggest that proliferation of this fraction depend on microRNA-22 overexpression that induces phosphatase and tensin homolog downregulation and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT pathway activation. Transfection experiments demonstrated that miR-22 overexpression in CLL B cells switches on PI3K/AKT, leading to downregulation of p27(-Kip1) and overexpression of Survivin and Ki-67 proteins. We also demonstrated that this pathway could be triggered by microenvironment signals like CD40 ligand/interleukin-4 and, more importantly, that this regulatory loop is also present in lymph nodes from progressive unmutated patients. Altogether, these results underline the key role of PI3K/AKT pathway in the generation of the CLL proliferative pool and provide additional rationale for the usage of PI3K inhibitors.