[Translated article] Mechanical properties variations of immature bone in the earliest stages of development. / [Artículo traducido] Variación de las propiedades mecánicas del hueso inmaduro en las etapas más tempranas del desarrollo.

Introduction Bone as a material varies its composition and mechanical properties throughout life. Although these variations are better understood in adulthood, there is little experimental information on the variation of these properties in early stages of development. The objective of this study is to analyze the mechanical behavior and chemical properties of cortical bone tissue from two animal species in these earliest stages. Material and methodology Twenty specimens of cortical bone were manufactured from bovine and ovine species that were in different stages of development (feeding exclusively on breast milk, in the transition period to feed or pasture, and young animals but on a solid food diet). The specimens were subjected to tensile tests, recorded with a high-speed camera to obtain deformation maps. Measurements of the tensile force until the specimen broke were also carried out. A fractographic study was carried out with a scanning electron microscope to analyze the fracture surface and an analysis of the amount of calcium in each of the specimens using X-ray dispersion spectroscopy. Results A statistically significant and positive correlation was found between the elastic modulus of the specimens and their calcium content. A trend towards more rigid behavior with age was observed. Conclusions Young bone tissue tends to stiffen with age as the calcium content increases with an increase in elastic modulus.

Efecto de la resección de la grasa del paquete infrapatelar de la rodilla en el desarrollo de la artrosis. Estudio experimental en ovejas / Infrapatellar Fat Pad resection effect on the osteoarthritis development: Experimental study in sheep

Introducción: La grasa de las articulaciones sinoviales puede servir para el mantenimiento de la estructura articular. Nuestro objetivo es analizar la evolución de la degeneración articular en rodillas con y sin paquete adiposo. Material y metodología: En 6 ovejas se efectuó la sección del ligamento cruzado anterior en ambas rodillas, para provocar una artrosis. En un grupo se preservó el paquete adiposo y en otro grupo se extirpó completamente. Realizamos un estudio histológico y de biología molecular analizando la expresión, en la membrana sinovial, el hueso subcondral, cartílago, grasa, menisco y líquido sinovial, de RUNX2, PTHrP, catepsina-K y MCP1. Resultados: No encontramos diferencias morfológicas. Encontramos aumento de la expresión de RUNX2 en membrana sinovial, PTHrP y Catepsina K en líquido sinovial en el grupo sin grasa y aumento de la expresión RUNX2 en el menisco y MCP1 en líquido sinovial en el grupo con grasa. Conclusión: La grasa infrapatelar participa en el proceso inflamatorio que acompaña en la artrosis, pues la resección de la grasa de Hoffa altera los marcadores proinflamatorios, mientras que el modelo con la grasa intacta incrementa el marcador proinflamatorio MCP1 en líquido sinovial.(AU)

Introduction: The fat of the synovial joints can be used to maintain the joint structure. Our objective is to analyze the evolution of joint degeneration in knees with and without adipose pack. Material and methodology: In six sheep, the anterior cruciate ligament was sectioned in both knees, to cause osteoarthritis. In one group the fat pack was preserved and in another group it was completely removed. We performed a histological and molecular biology study analyzing the expression, in the synovial membrane, subchondral bone, cartilage, fat, meniscus, and synovial fluid, of RUNX2, PTHrP, cathepsin-K, and MCP1. Results: We did not find morphological differences. We found increased expression of RUNX2 in synovial membrane, PTHrP and Cathepsin K in synovial fluid in the group without fat, and increased expression of RUNX2 in the meniscus and MCP1 in synovial fluid in the group with fat. Conclusion: Infrapatellar fat participates in the inflammatory process that accompanies osteoarthritis, since Hoffa fat pad resection alters pro-inflammatory markers, while the model with intact fat increases the pro-inflammatory marker MCP1 in synovial fluid.(AU)

[Translated article] Infrapatellar fat pad resection effect on the osteoarthritis development: Experimental study in sheep / Efecto de la resección de la grasa del paquete infrapatelar de la rodilla en el desarrollo de la artrosis. Estudio experimental en ovejas

Introducción: La grasa de las articulaciones sinoviales puede servir para el mantenimiento de la estructura articular. Nuestro objetivo es analizar la evolución de la degeneración articular en rodillas con y sin paquete adiposo. Material y metodología: En 6 ovejas se efectuó la sección del ligamento cruzado anterior en ambas rodillas, para provocar una artrosis. En un grupo se preservó el paquete adiposo y en otro grupo se extirpó completamente. Realizamos un estudio histológico y de biología molecular analizando la expresión, en la membrana sinovial, el hueso subcondral, cartílago, grasa, menisco y líquido sinovial, de RUNX2, PTHrP, catepsina-K y MCP1. Resultados: No encontramos diferencias morfológicas. Encontramos aumento de la expresión de RUNX2 en membrana sinovial, PTHrP y Catepsina K en líquido sinovial en el grupo sin grasa y aumento de la expresión RUNX2 en el menisco y MCP1 en líquido sinovial en el grupo con grasa. Conclusión: La grasa infrapatelar participa en el proceso inflamatorio que acompaña en la artrosis, pues la resección de la grasa de Hoffa altera los marcadores proinflamatorios, mientras que el modelo con la grasa intacta incrementa el marcador proinflamatorio MCP1 en líquido sinovial.(AU)

Introduction: The fat of the synovial joints can be used to maintain the joint structure. Our objective is to analyze the evolution of joint degeneration in knees with and without adipose pack. Material and methodology: In six sheep, the anterior cruciate ligament was sectioned in both knees, to cause osteoarthritis. In one group the fat pack was preserved and in another group it was completely removed. We performed a histological and molecular biology study analyzing the expression, in the synovial membrane, subchondral bone, cartilage, fat, meniscus, and synovial fluid, of RUNX2, PTHrP, cathepsin-K, and MCP1. Results: We did not find morphological differences. We found increased expression of RUNX2 in synovial membrane, PTHrP and Cathepsin K in synovial fluid in the group without fat, and increased expression of RUNX2 in the meniscus and MCP1 in synovial fluid in the group with fat. Conclusion: Infrapatellar fat participates in the inflammatory process that accompanies osteoarthritis, since Hoffa fat pad resection alters pro-inflammatory markers, while the model with intact fat increases the pro-inflammatory marker MCP1 in synovial fluid.(AU)

Mechanical properties variations of immature bone in the earliest stages of development. / Variación de las propiedades mecánicas del hueso inmaduro en las etapas más tempranas del desarrollo.

INTRODUCTION: Bone as a material varies its composition and mechanical properties throughout life. Although these variations are better understood in adulthood, there is little experimental information on the variation of these properties in early stages of development. The objective of this study is to analyze the mechanical behavior and chemical properties of cortical bone tissue from two animal species in these earliest stages. MATERIAL AND METHODOLOGY: Twenty specimens of cortical bone were manufactured from bovine and ovine species that were in different stages of development (feeding exclusively on breast milk, in the transition period to feed or pasture, and young animals but on a solid food diet). The specimens were subjected to tensile tests, recorded with a high-speed camera to obtain deformation maps. Measurements of the tensile force until the specimen broke were also carried out. A fractographic study was carried out with a scanning electron microscope to analyze the fracture surface and an analysis of the amount of calcium in each of the specimens using X-ray dispersion spectroscopy. RESULTS: A statistically significant and positive correlation was found between the elastic modulus of the specimens and their calcium content. A trend towards more rigid behavior with age was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Young bone tissue tends to stiffen with age as the calcium content increases with an increase in elastic modulus.

[Translated article] Infrapatellar fat pad resection effect on the osteoarthritis development: Experimental study in sheep.

INTRODUCTION: The fat of the synovial joints can be used to maintain the joint structure. Our objective is to analyse the evolution of joint degeneration in knees with and without adipose pack. MATERIAL AND METHODOLOGY: In six sheep, the anterior cruciate ligament was sectioned in both knees, to cause osteoarthritis. In one group the fat pack was preserved and in another group it was completely removed. We performed a histological and molecular biology study analyzing the expression, in the synovial membrane, subchondral bone, cartilage, fat, meniscus, and synovial fluid, of RUNX2, PTHrP, cathepsin-K, and MCP1. RESULTS: We did not find morphological differences. We found increased expression of RUNX2 in synovial membrane, PTHrP and Cathepsin K in synovial fluid in the group without fat, and increased expression of RUNX2 in the meniscus and MCP1 in synovial fluid in the group with fat. CONCLUSION: Infrapatellar fat participates in the inflammatory process that accompanies osteoarthritis, since Hoffa fat pad resection alters pro-inflammatory markers, while the model with intact fat increases the pro-inflammatory marker MCP1 in synovial fluid.

Infrapatellar Fat Pad resection effect on the osteoarthritis development: Experimental study in sheep. / Efecto de la resección de la grasa del paquete infrapatelar de la rodilla en el desarrollo de la artrosis. Estudio experimental en ovejas.

INTRODUCTION: The fat of the synovial joints can be used to maintain the joint structure. Our objective is to analyze the evolution of joint degeneration in knees with and without adipose pack. MATERIAL AND METHODOLOGY: In six sheep, the anterior cruciate ligament was sectioned in both knees, to cause osteoarthritis. In one group the fat pack was preserved and in another group it was completely removed. We performed a histological and molecular biology study analyzing the expression, in the synovial membrane, subchondral bone, cartilage, fat, meniscus, and synovial fluid, of RUNX2, PTHrP, cathepsin-K, and MCP1. RESULTS: We did not find morphological differences. We found increased expression of RUNX2 in synovial membrane, PTHrP and Cathepsin K in synovial fluid in the group without fat, and increased expression of RUNX2 in the meniscus and MCP1 in synovial fluid in the group with fat. CONCLUSION: Infrapatellar fat participates in the inflammatory process that accompanies osteoarthritis, since Hoffa fat pad resection alters pro-inflammatory markers, while the model with intact fat increases the pro-inflammatory marker MCP1 in synovial fluid.

MRI study of the cruciate ligaments and menisco-femoral ligaments of the knee.

PURPOSE: It has been argued that the meniscus-femoral ligaments disappear with age. We therefore analyzed the presence of the meniscus-femoral ligaments, in MRI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We measured the PCL, ACL and MFL, noting their presence or absence in 120 Knee MRIs, 51 in women and 69 in men. All knees underwent MRI in the coronal, sagittal and axial planes. T1 and T2 weighted sequences were obtained. A descriptive statistical study of all the variables was carried out, and a comparative study was performed between sexes, sides and age groups. RESULTS: The MFLp was more frequent, found in 67 (55.8%) cases, than the MFLa, in 36 (30%) cases, and both together were present in 27 (22.5%) knees. We found a strong correlation between ACL length and PCL length (p = 0.001), we found no correlation between the presence of the posterior MFL either with age (p = 0.307) or with sex (p = 0.779) or side (p = 0.733). We also found no relationship between the presence of the anterior MFL and age (p = 0.553), or sex (p = 0.913), or laterality (p = 0.082). CONCLUSION: We found a strong correlation between ACL length and PCL length. In our study, the presence of the posterior MFL was more frequent, being present in 55.68%, while the anterior MFL was found in 30% of the knees. We did not observe that the presence of LMF decreases with age.

Two-stage bone and meniscus allograft and autologous chondrocytes implant for unicompartmental osteoarthritis: midterm results.

BACKGROUND: We analyzed the clinical and radiographic evolution of patients with knee unicompartmental osteoarthritis and axis alteration and osteochondral lesions in the femoral condyle, treated with tibial plateau and meniscus allograft and cultured autologous chondrocyte implantation in the femur in two steps. PURPOSE: To analyze the clinical results with the first patients treated with this two-stage technique to avoid knee prosthesis in patients with unicompartmental osteoarthritis. MATERIAL AND METHODOLOGY: Sixteen patients, average age 56 years, were included in a cohort study. We performed an osteotomy with tibia plateau allograft, including the meniscus. In a second surgery, the chondrocyte fibrin scaffold was placed in the femur. Clinical symptoms and function were measured using KSSR and KOOS scores. Wilcoxon's test was performed to compare the results over the 2-year follow-up period. RESULTS: Mean KSSR before surgery was 35.69 (SD: 3.75) points, rising to 67 (SD: 15.42) at 3 months, 95.88 at 12 months (SD: 2.68) and 96.31 at 24 months (SD: 2.24). The KOOS before surgery was 65.14 (SD: 16.34), rising to 72.68 after 3 months (SD: 19.15), 76.68 at 12 months (SD: 18.92) and 64.28 at 24 months (SD: 11.79). Four of 5 patients returned to engaging in the activity that they had stopped practicing. Three patients experienced collapse of the tibia allograft, and they needed later a prosthesis. CONCLUSIONS: Simultaneous tibia plateau allograft and autologous chondrocyte implantation in the femur, after correction of the angular deformity, were performed, restoring the anatomy of the medial compartment and knee function in 82% of the patients 2 years after the operation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Resultados clínicos del tratamiento de la metatarsalgia mecánica sin afectación del primer metatarsiano / Clinical results of treatment of mechanical metatarsalgia without first metatarsal involvement

Resumen: Objetivo: Analizar los resultados clínicos de las metatarsalgias tratadas con osteotomías metafisarias metatarsales distales (DMMO) por vía percutánea. Material y métodos: Estudio prospectivo y continuo de 29 pacientes afectados de metatarsalgia mecánica aislada unilateral, intervenidas con una DMMO, con un seguimiento medio de 38 meses. La edad media de los pacientes fue 58 (rango: 50-67) años y sólo dos hombres. Utilizamos la escala AOFAS, anotamos la fórmula digital y metatarsiana sobre la radiografía. Registramos la valoración subjetiva del cirujano y del paciente al final del tratamiento. Resultados: La mejoría de la puntuación final superó los 80 puntos en todos los metatarsianos (p = 0.000), con una mejoría significativa del dolor (p = 0.000) y de las callosidades (p = 0.000), mejorando la estabilidad articular metatarso-falángica e interfalángica y la alineación de los metatarsianos. El tipo del calzado no cambió después de la cirugía, no encontramos variación de la movilidad, ni en las articulaciones metatarso-falángicas (p = 0.382), ni en las interfalángicas (p = 0.672). Después de la cirugía aumentaron los pies cuadrados (p = 0.027). La fórmula metatarsiana sufrió pocas modificaciones, 96% de los pacientes y de los cirujanos se mostraron «muy satisfechos¼ o «satisfechos¼. Conclusión: La DMMO consigue un alto grado de satisfacción en pacientes y también en el cirujano, elimina el dolor y la hiperqueratosis bajo la cabeza de los metatarsianos dolorosos que mejora significativamente la capacidad funcional de los pacientes.

Abstract: Objective: To analyze the clinical results of metatarsalgia treated with percutaneous distal metatarsal metaphyseal osteotomies (DMMO). Material and methods: Prospective and continuous study of 29 patients with isolated unilateral mechanical metatarsalgia, operated on with DMMO, with a mean follow-up of 38 months. The mean age of the patients was 58 (range: 50-67) years and only two men. We use the AOFAS score, we obtained the digital and metatarsal formulas on the X-rays. We record the subjective assessment of the surgeon and the patient at the end of the treatment. Results: The improvement in the final score exceeded 80 points in all cases (p = 0.000), with a significant improvement in pain (p = 0.000) and calluses (p = 0.000), improving metatarsal-phalangeal joint stability and interphalangeal and metatarsal alignment. The type of footwear did not change after surgery, we found no variation in mobility, neither in the metatarsophalangeal joints (p = 0.382), nor in the interphalangeal joints (p = 0.672). After surgery increased the square foot morphology (p = 0.027) but the metatarsal formula underwent few modifications. Patients and surgeons were in 96% of the cases «very satisfied¼ or «satisfied¼. Conclusion: DMMO achieves a high degree of satisfaction in patients and in the surgeon, pain and hyperkeratosis under the head of the painful metatarsals disappear and that significantly improves the functional capacity of patients.

[Clinical results of treatment of mechanical metatarsalgia without first metatarsal involvement]. / Resultados clínicos del tratamiento de la metatarsalgia mecánica sin afectación del primer metatarsiano.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the clinical results of metatarsalgia treated with percutaneous distal metatarsal metaphyseal osteotomies (DMMO). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective and continuous study of 29 patients with isolated unilateral mechanical metatarsalgia, operated on with DMMO, with a mean follow-up of 38 months. The mean age of the patients was 58 (range: 50-67) years and only two men. We use the AOFAS score, we obtained the digital and metatarsal formulas on the X-rays. We record the subjective assessment of the surgeon and the patient at the end of the treatment. RESULTS: The improvement in the final score exceeded 80 points in all cases (p = 0.000), with a significant improvement in pain (p = 0.000) and calluses (p = 0.000), improving metatarsal-phalangeal joint stability and interphalangeal and metatarsal alignment. The type of footwear did not change after surgery, we found no variation in mobility, neither in the metatarsophalangeal joints (p = 0.382), nor in the interphalangeal joints (p = 0.672). After surgery increased the square foot morphology (p = 0.027) but the metatarsal formula underwent few modifications. Patients and surgeons were in 96% of the cases "very satisfied" or "satisfied". CONCLUSION: DMMO achieves a high degree of satisfaction in patients and in the surgeon, pain and hyperkeratosis under the head of the painful metatarsals disappear and that significantly improves the functional capacity of patients.

OBJETIVO: Analizar los resultados clínicos de las metatarsalgias tratadas con osteotomías metafisarias metatarsales distales (DMMO) por vía percutánea. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio prospectivo y continuo de 29 pacientes afectados de metatarsalgia mecánica aislada unilateral, intervenidas con una DMMO, con un seguimiento medio de 38 meses. La edad media de los pacientes fue 58 (rango: 50-67) años y sólo dos hombres. Utilizamos la escala AOFAS, anotamos la fórmula digital y metatarsiana sobre la radiografía. Registramos la valoración subjetiva del cirujano y del paciente al final del tratamiento. RESULTADOS: La mejoría de la puntuación final superó los 80 puntos en todos los metatarsianos (p = 0.000), con una mejoría significativa del dolor (p = 0.000) y de las callosidades (p = 0.000), mejorando la estabilidad articular metatarso-falángica e interfalángica y la alineación de los metatarsianos. El tipo del calzado no cambió después de la cirugía, no encontramos variación de la movilidad, ni en las articulaciones metatarso-falángicas (p = 0.382), ni en las interfalángicas (p = 0.672). Después de la cirugía aumentaron los pies cuadrados (p = 0.027). La fórmula metatarsiana sufrió pocas modificaciones, 96% de los pacientes y de los cirujanos se mostraron "muy satisfechos" o "satisfechos". CONCLUSIÓN: La DMMO consigue un alto grado de satisfacción en pacientes y también en el cirujano, elimina el dolor y la hiperqueratosis bajo la cabeza de los metatarsianos dolorosos que mejora significativamente la capacidad funcional de los pacientes.

Graphene and graphene oxide functionalisation with silanes for advanced dispersion and reinforcement of PMMA-based bone cements.

The reinforcement of PMMA bone cements using carbon based nanomaterials has demonstrated to be a potential solution to their poor mechanical properties. The achievement of an optimal dispersion of the nanoparticles within the polymeric matrix is a crucial but not easy stage in the production of high-quality reinforced materials. In this work, a useful route for the graphene (G) functionalisation, via silanisation with (3-methacryloxypropyl) trimethoxy silane (MPS), has been developed, providing a remarkable enhancement in dispersibility and mechanical properties. With the purpose to define the critical graphene surface oxidation parameters for an optimal silanisation, different routes were thoroughly analysed using infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that the silanisation significantly improved the G dispersibility: whereas the pristine G dispersion fell down within the first 24 h, the silanised G showed an adequate stability after 5 days. Additionally, this improved dispersibility produced a notable increase in the mechanical properties of the G-reinforced bone cements: in comparison with the pristine G, the compression and bending strength of silanised G increased by 12% and by 13.7% respectively and the fracture toughness by 28%. These results provide very useful information on the relevance that the characteristics of the superficial oxidation of graphene have on the effectiveness of the silanisation process, besides an interesting functionalisation procedure for advanced dispersion and reinforcement of G-PMMA bone cements.

Citoquinas proinflamatorias en la grasa articular y subcutánea del muslo en pacientes artrósicos / Pro-inflammatory cytokines in the knee fat pad and subcutaneous fat of the thigh in osteoarthritic patients

Resumen: Objetivo: Analizar el nivel de citoquinas proinflamatorias en la grasa articular del paquete adiposo en pacientes con gonartrosis, en relación con la grasa subcutánea del muslo. Material y métodos: Efectuamos un estudio de grasa del paquete adiposo articular de la rodilla afectada de artrosis y de la grasa subcutánea del muslo del mismo lado, a la mayor distancia de la articulación en seis pacientes con gonartrosis grave, con una edad media de 68 años (rango: 55-81 años). De las muestras de grasa se obtuvieron las células mesenquimales progenitoras. Los sobrenadantes de células mesenquimales obtenidas se utilizaron para analizar factores inflamatorios (IL-1b, IL6, IL8, IL9, IL1ra, IL12, IL13, IL15) y angiogénicos (VEGF, PDGF bb), así como citoquinas inmunomoduladoras (IP-10 e INF-γ) y se compararon las medias de dos muestras. Resultados: El análisis cuantitativo reveló una disminución significativa (p < 0.05) de IL-1b, IL6, IL8, IL9, IL1ra, IL12, IL13 y un aumento de IL15 en la grasa de Hoffa frente al tejido adiposo subcutáneo. Del mismo modo, el análisis de factores angiógenicos como VEGF y PDGF bb, al igual que los factores IP-10 e INF-γ presentaron una disminución significativa en la grasa de Hoffa (p < 0.05) frente al tejido adiposo subcutáneo. Discusión: Las células mesenquimales del paquete adiposo articular de la rodilla artrósica grave muestran una disminución significativa de citoquinas inflamatorias, aun en el estado crónico, y una disminución significativa de factores angiogénicos y citoquinas inmunomoduladoras (IP10 e INF).

Abstract: Objective: To analyze the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines in osteoarthritis knee joint fat pad in relation to the subcutaneous fat of the thigh. Material and methods: We performed a study of fat of the knee joint adipose affected of osteoarthritis and subcutaneous fat of the thigh of the same side to the greater distance of the joint in six patients with severe gonarthrosis, with a mean age of 68 years (range: 55-81 years). From the fat samples the progenitor mesenchymal cells were obtained. The supernatants of mesenchymal cells obtained to analyze inflammatory factors (IL-1b, IL6, IL9, IL1ra, IL12, IL13, IL15) and angiogenic (VEGF, PDGF bb) and immunomodulatory cytokines (IP-10 and INF-γ) means of two samples. Results: Quantitative analysis revealed a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in IL-1b, IL6, IL8, IL9, IL1ra, IL12, IL13 and increase of IL15 in Hoffa fat pad versus subcutaneous adipose tissue. Likewise, the analysis of angiogenic factors such as VEGF and PDGF, as well as factors IP-10 and INF-γ presented a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in Hoffa fat pad versus subcutaneous adipose tissue. Discussion: Mesenchymal cells from the adipose tissue of the severe osteoarthritic knee show a significant decrease in inflammatory cytokines even in the chronic state and a significant decrease in angiogenic factors and immunomodulatory cytokines (IP10 and INF).

[Pro-inflammatory cytokines in the knee fat pad and subcutaneous fat of the thigh in osteoarthritic patients]. / Citoquinas proinflamatorias en la grasa articular y subcutánea del muslo en pacientes artrósicos.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines in osteoarthritis knee joint fat pad in relation to the subcutaneous fat of the thigh. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a study of fat of the knee joint adipose affected of osteoarthritis and subcutaneous fat of the thigh of the same side to the greater distance of the joint in six patients with severe gonarthrosis, with a mean age of 68 years (range: 55-81 years). From the fat samples the progenitor mesenchymal cells were obtained. The supernatants of mesenchymal cells obtained to analyze inflammatory factors (IL-1b, IL6, IL9, IL1ra, IL12, IL13, IL15) and angiogenic (VEGF, PDGF bb) and immunomodulatory cytokines (IP-10 and INF-) means of two samples. RESULTS: Quantitative analysis revealed a significant (p 0.05) decrease in IL-1b, IL6, IL8, IL9, IL1ra, IL12, IL13 and increase of IL15 in Hoffa fat pad versus subcutaneous adipose tissue. Likewise, the analysis of angiogenic factors such as VEGF and PDGF, as well as factors IP-10 and INF- presented a significant decrease (p 0.05) in Hoffa fat pad versus subcutaneous adipose tissue. DISCUSSION: Mesenchymal cells from the adipose tissue of the severe osteoarthritic knee show a significant decrease in inflammatory cytokines even in the chronic state and a significant decrease in angiogenic factors and immunomodulatory cytokines (IP10 and INF).

OBJETIVO: Analizar el nivel de citoquinas proinflamatorias en la grasa articular del paquete adiposo en pacientes con gonartrosis, en relación con la grasa subcutánea del muslo. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Efectuamos un estudio de grasa del paquete adiposo articular de la rodilla afectada de artrosis y de la grasa subcutánea del muslo del mismo lado, a la mayor distancia de la articulación en seis pacientes con gonartrosis grave, con una edad media de 68 años (rango: 55-81 años). De las muestras de grasa se obtuvieron las células mesenquimales progenitoras. Los sobrenadantes de células mesenquimales obtenidas se utilizaron para analizar factores inflamatorios (IL-1b, IL6, IL8, IL9, IL1ra, IL12, IL13, IL15) y angiogénicos (VEGF, PDGF bb), así como citoquinas inmunomoduladoras (IP-10 e INF-) y se compararon las medias de dos muestras. RESULTADOS: El análisis cuantitativo reveló una disminución significativa (p 0.05) de IL-1b, IL6, IL8, IL9, IL1ra, IL12, IL13 y un aumento de IL15 en la grasa de Hoffa frente al tejido adiposo subcutáneo. Del mismo modo, el análisis de factores angiógenicos como VEGF y PDGF bb, al igual que los factores IP-10 e INF- presentaron una disminución significativa en la grasa de Hoffa (p 0.05) frente al tejido adiposo subcutáneo. DISCUSIÓN: Las células mesenquimales del paquete adiposo articular de la rodilla artrósica grave muestran una disminución significativa de citoquinas inflamatorias, aun en el estado crónico, y una disminución significativa de factores angiogénicos y citoquinas inmunomoduladoras (IP10 e INF).

Graphene oxide versus graphene for optimisation of PMMA bone cement for orthopaedic applications.

Graphene (G) and graphene oxide (GO) nano-sized powders with loadings ranging from 0.1 to 1.0wt% were investigated as reinforced agents for polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) bone cements. The mechanical properties (i.e. bend strength, bend modulus, compression strength, fracture toughness and fatigue performance) and the thermal properties (i.e. maximum temperature, setting time, curing heat and residual monomer) of the resultant nanocomposites were characterised. The mechanical performance of G-PMMA and GO-PMMA bone cements has been improved at low loadings (≤0.25wt%), especially the fracture toughness and fatigue performance. These improvements were attributed to the fact that the G and GO induced deviations in the crack fronts and hampered crack propagation. The high functionalisation of GO compared with G resulted in greater enhancements because it facilitated the creation of a stronger interfacial adhesion between the GO and PMMA. The use of loadings ≥0.25wt% showed a detriment in the mechanical performance as consequence of the formation of agglomerates as well as to an increase in the porosity. The increase in the residual monomer and the decrease in the curing heat, observed with the increase in the level of G and GO added, suggests that such materials retard and inhibit the curing reaction at high levels of loading by interfering in the radical reaction.

Epidemiología de las lesiones sufridas por los jugadores durante el XVI Campeonato Sudamericano Sub-17 de Fútbol / Epidemiology of injuries sustained by players during the 16th Under-17 South American Soccer Championship

Objetivo. Estudio epidemiológico de las lesiones traumáticas producidas durante el XVI Campeonato Sudamericano de Fútbol Sub-17 en 2015. Material y metodología. Estudio observacional de las encuestas enviadas por los servicios médicos de 220 jugadores, de los 10 equipos participantes en el campeonato. Se celebraron 35 partidos y se anotaron 116 goles (3,31 por partido). Resultados. e registraron 103 lesiones, es decir, 2,94 lesiones por partido o 32,7 lesiones por cada 1.000 min de juego. Cincuenta y seis fueron por contacto directo y 66 requirieron tratamiento. El 36% de las lesiones fueron sancionadas con falta y el 26% de las lesiones vieron también tarjeta. Las lesiones fueron más frecuentes en el tobillo (15 casos), problemas del tendón de Aquiles (14 casos) y en el muslo (14 casos) seguidos por traumatismos en la rodilla y en el pie (7 casos cada uno), la cara y la región lumbar (6 casos cada uno), siendo poco habituales en la extremidad superior. Conclusión. Las lesiones durante un campeonato mundial de fútbol son difíciles de prever y de evitar, si bien las lesiones graves son raras es cada vez más necesario establecer protocolos de actuación que consigan una buena asistencia médica a todos los niveles para resolver los problemas que se producen, tanto en los entrenamientos como durante la competición, así como estar preparados para solucionar los problemas graves que puedan surgir (AU)

Objective. We performed an epidemiological study of the traumatic injuries during the XVI South American U-17 Football Championship, 2015. Material and methods. Observational surveys submitted by the 10 teams medical services of 220 players. Thirty-five games were held and 116 goals (3.31 per game) were recorded. Results. 103 lesions, ie, 2.94 per game or 32.7 injuries per 1,000 min were recorded. Fifty-six were from direct contact and 66 requiring treatment. 36% of the injuries were punished by fault and 26% of the injuries also saw card. Injuries were most common in the ankle (15 cases), Achilles tendon (14 cases) and thigh (14 cases), followed by trauma to the knee and foot (7 cases each), face and the lumbar region (6 cases each), being rare in the upper extremity. Conclusion. Injuries during Soccer World Cup are difficult to predict and prevent, but serious injuries are rare. Is necessary to establish protocols that get adequate health care at all levels to solve problems produce, both in training and during the competition, and be prepared to solve the serious problems that may arise (AU)

Mechanical and thermal behaviour of an acrylic bone cement modified with a triblock copolymer.

The basic formulation of an acrylic bone cement has been modified by the addition of a block copolymer, Nanostrength(®) (NS), in order to augment the mechanical properties and particularly the fracture toughness of the bone cement. Two grades of NS at different levels of loading, between 1 and 10 wt.%, have been used. Mechanical tests were conducted to study the behaviour of the modified cements; specific tests measured the bend, compression and fracture toughness properties. The failure mode of the fracture test specimens was analysed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The effect of NS addition on the thermal properties was also determined, and the polymerisation reaction using differential scanning calorimetry. It was observed that the addition of NS produced an improvement in the fracture toughness and ductility of the cement, which could have a positive contribution by reducing the premature fracture of the cement mantle. The residual monomer content was reduced when the NS was added. However this also produced an increase in the maximum temperature and the heat delivered during the polymerisation of the cement.

Epidemiology of injuries sustained by players during the 16th Under-17 South American Soccer Championship. / Epidemiología de las lesiones sufridas por los jugadores durante el XVI Campeonato Sudamericano Sub-17 de Fútbol.

OBJECTIVE: We performed an epidemiological study of the traumatic injuries during the XVI South American U-17 Football Championship, 2015. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Observational surveys submitted by the 10 teams medical services of 220 players. Thirty-five games were held and 116 goals (3.31 per game) were recorded. RESULTS: 103 lesions, ie, 2.94 per game or 32.7 injuries per 1,000 min were recorded. Fifty-six were from direct contact and 66 requiring treatment. 36% of the injuries were punished by fault and 26% of the injuries also saw card. Injuries were most common in the ankle (15 cases), Achilles tendon (14 cases) and thigh (14 cases), followed by trauma to the knee and foot (7 cases each), face and the lumbar region (6 cases each), being rare in the upper extremity. CONCLUSION: Injuries during Soccer World Cup are difficult to predict and prevent, but serious injuries are rare. Is necessary to establish protocols that get adequate health care at all levels to solve problems produce, both in training and during the competition, and be prepared to solve the serious problems that may arise.

El receptor 2 de VEGF (VEGFR2) y el receptor 1 de la PTH (PTH1R) actúan como mediadores de la respuesta antiapoptótica al estímulo mecánico en las células osteocíticas MLO-Y4 / The VEGF (VEGFR2) 2 receptor and PTH (PTH1R) 1 receptor act as mediators in the anti-apoptotic response to mechanical stimulus in MLO-Y4 osteocyte-like cell

La estimulación mecánica juega un papel fundamental en el mantenimiento de la masa ósea. Dicha estimulación previene la apoptosis de los osteocitos por un mecanismo que implica la acumulación de β-catenina y la translocación nuclear de quinasas reguladas por señales extracelulares (ERK). El factor de crecimiento del endotelio vascular (VEGF) y la proteína relacionada con la parathormona (PTHrP) modulan la formación ósea, aunque su interacción con los osteocitos es desconocida. En el presente estudio hemos evaluado el posible papel del receptor 2 del VEGF (VEGFR2) y del receptor tipo 1 de PTH (PTH1R) en la respuesta antiapoptótica a la estimulación mecánica en células osteocíticas MLO-Y4. Las células se sometieron a estrés mecánico por flujo laminar de fluido (10 min, 10 dinas/cm2) o choque hipotónico (240 mOsm, 1h), o estimuladas con VEGF165 o PTHrP (1-36). Además, comparamos los efectos de sobre-expresar VEGFR2 y el estímulo mecánico en estas células. La estimulación mecánica, el VEGF165 o la PTHrP (1-36), de manera similar, estimularon la viabilidad celular y la estabilización de β-catenina, relacionada con su localización en la membrana. Además, la estimulación mecánica aumentó la presencia del PTH1R en la membrana. La inhibición del VEGFR2 así como el antagonista PTHrP (7-34) disminuyeron estos efectos. Por otro lado, la sobre-expresión del VEGFR2 en las células MLO-Y4 mimetizó el efecto del estímulo mecánico sobre la β-catenina y la viabilidad celular. Estos hallazgos apoyan un papel funcional de ambos sistemas, VEGF/VEGFR2 y PTHrP/PTH1R, en la respuesta temprana a la estimulación mecánica para promover la viabilidad osteocítica (AU)

Mechanical stimulation plays a crucial role in bone mineral maintenance. This stimulation prevents osteocyte apoptosis by a mechanism that involves β-catenin accumulation and nuclear translocation of extracellular-signal-regulated kinases (ERKs). The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) modulate bone formation, although their interaction with osteocytes is unknown. In this paper we have considered the possible role of VEGF (VEGFR2) 2 receptor and PTH (PTH1R) type 1 receptor in the anti-apoptotic response to mechanical stimulation of MLO-Y4 osteocyte-like cells. The cells were subjected to mechanical stress by laminar fluid flow (10 min, 10 dinas/cm2 ) or hypotonic shock (240 mOsm, 1h), or stimulated with VEGF165 or PTHrP (1-36). We also compared the effects of overexpressed VEGFR2 and mechanical stimulation of these cells. Mechanical stimulation, VEGF165 or PTHrP (1-36) stimulated cellular viability and β-catenin stabilization in a similar manner, associated with its localization in the membrane. Mechanical stimulation increased PTH1R presence in the membrane. VEGFR2 inhibition as well as the PTHrP (7-34) antagonist reduced these effects. On the other hand, VEGFR2 overexpression in MLO-Y4 cells mimicked the mechanical stimulation effect on β-catenin and cellular viability. Our findings support a functional role for both systems, VEGF/VEGFR2 and PTHrP/PTH1R, in the early response to mechanical stimulation in promoting osteocyte-like viability (AU)

Epidemiología de las lesiones sufridas por los jugadores durante el XXVII campeonato sudamericano de fútbol sub-20 / Injuries epidemiology sustained by players during the soccer XXVII South American U-20 championship

Objetivo: Contabilizar las lesiones que se produjeron en el XXVII campeonato sudamericano de fútbol sub-20. Material y método: Estudio observacional de las encuestas enviadas por los servicios médicos de todos los equipos participantes en el campeonato. Eran jugadores jóvenes, todos ellos por debajo de los 20 años. Las encuestas con los partes de incidencias fueron recogidas y analizadas por la Comisión Médica de la Conmebol. Resultados: Se recogieron un total de 109 lesiones, de las cuales 44 se produjeron por contacto entre los jugadores y 18 fueron causadas por faltas sancionadas, aunque un 39% de las lesiones no fueron sancionadas por los árbitros. Del total de lesiones, 59 requirieron tratamiento médico, encontrando un promedio de 3,11 lesiones por partido. La causa de las lesiones fueron, por orden decreciente, 35 contusiones, 34 lesiones musculares sin interrecurrencias, 10 distensiones musculares, 9 esguinces de tobillo y 4 concusiones sin pérdida de conocimiento. Las más graves fueron dos fracturas y una rotura del LCA sin inestabilidad articular. Conclusión: Un campeonato mundial de fútbol presenta un número elevado de lesiones, la mayoría por contacto, muchas de las cuales quedan sin sancionar por el árbitro de la contienda (AU)

Objective: To account the injuries that occurred in the XXVII South American soccer championship U-20. Material and method: Observational surveys submitted by the medical services of all participating teams in the championship. They were young players, all of them under the age of 20. Surveys with parts of incidents were collected and analyzed by the Medical Commission of Conmebol. Results: A total of 109 injuries were registred, 44 of them were caused by contact between players; 18 were the occasion of fouls but 39% of the injuries were not sanctioned by the referees. Of the total, 59 injuries required medical treatment, finding an average of 3.11 injuries per match. The cause of the injuries were, in descending order, 35 bruises, 34 muscle injuries, 10 muscle strains, 9 ankle sprains and 4 concussion without loss of consciousness. The most serious were two fractures and a torn ACL without joint instability. Conclusion: A football World Cup has a high number of injuries, most of them contacts, many of which remain unpunished by the referee's decisions (AU)