The Effect of the Overexpression or Addition of IGF1 and FGF2 in Human Chondrocytes Included in a Fibrin Matrix and Cultivated in a Dynamic Environment.

Hyaline cartilage is a highly specialized tissue. When injured, its repair capacity is low, which results in the massive destruction of the articular surface. Using tissue engineering and genetic engineering techniques, it is possible to provide a suitable microenvironment providing chondrocyte growth factors involved in the development of hyaline cartilage proteins, as well as cell proliferation and differentiation. Our aim was to stimulate the synthesis of an extracellular matrix via the chondrocytes included in a fibrin matrix through the addition or overexpression of IGF1 and/or FGF2, while maintaining a constant agitation of the culture medium. Collagen type II and glycosaminoglycans increased during the entire incubation time. In contrast, collagen type I decreased its expression under the same culture conditions, transfecting or supplementing growth factors to chondrocytes. However, chondrocytes that were not transfected or supplemented showed a general increase in the proteins analyzed in this study. The presence of IGF1 and FGF2 increased the protein synthesis of the hyaline cartilage, regardless of which one was the source of growth factors. Continuous agitation using the spinner flask allows for the adequate nutrition of chondrocytes included in the fibrin matrix. However, they require growth factors to up-regulate or down-regulate collagenous proteins.

The Effects of the Combination of Rhein and Platelet-Rich Plasma on Human Articular Chondrocytes.

BACKGROUND: The presence of side effects and low bioavailability of rhein has limited its use in the treatment of osteoarthritis. We aimed to evaluate the in vitro response of human articular chondrocytes to the presence of the combination of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and rhein. METHODS: Solutions of rhein were prepared to assess solubility and select a working concentration. A stimulus with interleukin-1ß (IL-ß, 10 ng/mL) was induced for 24 h on human chondrocytes. Five treatment groups were established: control, IL-ß control, PRP, rhein, and PRP + rhein. Cell viability, cell migration, nitric oxide (NO) production, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and gene expression analyses were carried out. RESULTS: A concentration of 50 mg/L was selected after a dose-response curve assay. Both NO and tumor TNF-α production significantly decreased after PRP and PRP + rhein treatments at 24 and 48 h. The wound healing assay revealed a significant stimulation of migration after 72 h with the PRP and PRP + rhein treatments. Expression of IL-1ß, IL-6, MMP-13, and ADAMTS-5 was significantly downregulated, particularly after treatment with the combination of PRP + rhein. CONCLUSIONS: Much of the determinations denoted a better performance of the combination of PRP and rhein in decreasing the levels of the different targets evaluated; however, this was not great enough to detect a significant difference in comparison with the PRP treatment alone.

Barriers to and Outcomes of Initiating Clinical Research at Two Trauma Centers in Mexico.

INTRODUCTION: Despite efforts to advance clinical research through collaboration between Latin and North American partners, there remains persistent barriers to performing investigative work. To overcome these obstacles, a team of over 100 surgeon-leaders from 18 Latin American countries founded the Asociación de Cirujanos Traumatólogos de las Américas (ACTUAR). One of ACTUAR's first major collaborative projects, initiated in 2018, was a prospective, observational, multicenter study evaluating quality of life after open tibia fracture management. The current study identified common barriers experienced during the initiation of this study, as exemplified through two sites in Mexico. The study aims to identify obstacles to proactively overcome these in future collaborative work. METHODS: Two research assistants from University of California, San Francisco and two research coordinators from Mexico were recruited to share their experiences, identify common barriers experienced during site enrollment and on-boarding for the ACTUAR open tibia study, and discuss possible solutions. RESULTS: Barriers were organized into three categories: structural, logistical, and intrapersonal. Structural barriers included differences in patient populations and resources between private and public hospitals. Logistical barriers included ambiguous ethical review processes, internet availability, and low patient follow-up. Primary enrollment as a resident responsibility led to some intrapersonal barriers. Potential solutions were identified for each barrier and agreed upon by all collaborators. CONCLUSIONS: Multiple barriers were identified by research personnel who initiated a prospective surgical clinical research study in Mexico. Through collaborative approaches, many potential solutions may help overcome these barriers and build locally led research capacity in Latin America.

Normal saline injection produces a therapeutic effect in patients with plantar fasciitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Injectable therapies have been increasingly investigated to treat plantar fasciitis in randomized controlled trials (RCT) where normal saline injections are frequently used as placebo. The purpose was to quantify the effect of saline injections and compared against available minimal clinically important difference (MCID) criteria specific for plantar fasciitis to assess if changes were clinically meaningful. METHODS: RCT including a placebo group (normal saline) and reporting changes in pain and functional outcomes in plantar fasciitis were identified through a search in MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus to February 2022. PRISMA guidelines and a registered protocol (PROSPERO: CRD42020214035) were followed to conduct the study. RESULTS: Pooled analysis of 13 RCT (379 subjects) included for analysis revealed a significant improvement on pain (P < .00001) and functional scores (P < .00001) after normal saline injections. These changes exceeded the established MCID criteria. CONCLUSIONS: Normal saline injections in plantar fasciitis showed a therapeutic effect with statistically and clinically meaningful improvement when administered in the setting of an RCT for up to 12 months. The control of potential confounders influencing the effect of saline injections is required for future research.

Double-Row Rotator Cuff Repair Enhanced With Platelet-Rich Therapy Reduces Retear Rate: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

PURPOSE: To assess retear rates in arthroscopic double-row rotator cuff repair (double-row RCR) with and without platelet-rich therapy (PRT). METHODS: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). MEDLINE, Embase, and Scopus databases were searched for RCTs involving use of PRT exclusively in arthroscopic double-row RCR. A random-effects model and the generic inverse variance method were used for quantitative data synthesis. Heterogeneity was tested with the I2 statistic index. RESULTS: The 9 RCTs included in the meta-analysis demonstrated a risk reduction of 49% for retears in patients receiving PRT (risk ratio [RR] 0.51; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.35 to 0.76; P = .0008; I2 = 0%). Divided by tear sizes, retear risk reduction of 47% (RR 0.53; 95% CI 0.30 to 0.95; P = .03; I2 = 0%) was found in small to medium tears and 51% (RR 0.49; 95% CI 0.29 to 0.84; P = .009; I2 = 0%) in large to massive tears. Linked double-row RCR resulted in risk reduction of 51% for retears in comparison with nonlinked repairs. CONCLUSION: Double-row RCR plus PRT significantly reduced retear rates in all sizes of rotator cuff tears. Linked double-row RCR and applying the PRT during the surgical procedure and in the tendon-bone interface reproduced the best outcomes. Clinically, all patients improved, and no statistically significant difference was seen in clinical and functional scores between the intervention groups. All patients achieved optimal values for patient-reported outcomes measures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: I, systematic review and meta-analysis of level I studies.

Effect of Normal Saline Injections on Lateral Epicondylitis Symptoms: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials.

BACKGROUND: Lateral epicondylitis, or tennis elbow, is a painful degenerative disorder that commonly occurs in adults between 40 and 60 years of age. Normal saline (NS) injections have been used as placebo through a large number of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) focused on the treatment of lateral epicondylitis. PURPOSE: This meta-analysis of RCTs aimed to assess the therapeutic effect of NS injections on lateral epicondylitis symptoms and compare results with established minimal clinically important difference criteria. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were searched for clinical trials reporting pain and joint function with the visual analog scale, Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation, and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand in patients with lateral epicondylitis. The meta-analysis was conducted with a random effects model and generic inverse variance method. Heterogeneity was tested with the I2 statistic index. RESULTS: A total of 15 RCTs included in this meta-analysis revealed a significant improvement in pain (mean difference, 3.61 cm [95% CI, 2.29-4.92 cm]; P < .00001; I2 = 88%; visual analog scale) and function (mean difference, 25.65 [95% CI, 13.30-37.99]; P < .0001; I2 = 82%; Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation / Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand) after NS injection (≥6 months). CONCLUSION: NS injections yielded a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in pain and functional outcomes in patients with lateral epicondylitis. New research should focus on better methods to diminish the potential confounders that could lead to this effect because NS injections could mask the real effect of an active therapeutic intervention in RCT. REGISTRATION: CRD42019127547 (PROSPERO).

Anatomía morfométrica de importancia clínica del atlas en relación a la estabilización del complejo atlantoaxial y occipitocervical / Morphometric anatomy of clinical importance of the atlas in relation to the stabilization of the atlantoaxial and occipitocervical complex

RESUMEN: Evaluar de manera integral los parámetros morfométricos de la vértebra atlas (C1) en la población mexicana de relevancia en la realización de procedimientos quirúrgicos de la unión craneocervical con el fin de proveer datos cuantitativos indispensables para su realización. Para este estudio se utilizaron un total de 576 vértebras C1 secas de población mexicana contemporánea. Se realizaron 11 mediciones respecto a la morfología de C1. Las mediciones se efectuaron bilateralmente utilizando un vernier digital milimétrico con una precisión de 0,01 milímetros y se aplicó un análisis estadístico. Un total de 576 vértebras atlas (C1), fueron medidas de manera bilateral, todas nuestras mediciones se reportaron en milímetros. El promedio del ancho de las masas lateral fue de 14,87 mm ± 1,38 mm. El promedio de la altura de las masas laterales fue de 4,05 mm ± 0,93 mm. El promedio del ancho del foramen transverso fue de 5,93 mm ± 0,98 mm. El promedio del largo del foramen transverso fue de 6,96 mm ± 0,98 mm. El promedio de la altura del foramen transverso fue de 5,76 mm ± 1,31 mm. El promedio del ancho del surco de la arteria vertebral fue de 18,87 mm ± 1,3 mm. El promedio de la distancia entre la línea media y el margen medial del surco de la arteria vertebral sobre la superficie anterior del arco posterior de C1 en su cara superior fue de 12,47 mm ± 3,14 mm. El promedio de la distancia entre la línea media y el margen medial del surco de la arteria vertebral sobre la superficie posterior del arco posterior de C1 en su cara superior fue de 18,75 mm ± 3,94 mm. El promedio de la distancia entre la línea media y el margen lateral del surco de la arteria vertebral sobre la superficie anterior del arco posterior de C1 en su cara superior fue de 19,7 mm ± 2,52 mm. El promedio de la distancia entre la línea media y el margen lateral del surco de la arteria vertebral sobre la superficie posterior del arco posterior de C1 en su cara superior fue de 29,52 mm ± 3,23. Nuestro estudio demuestra que las mediciones realizadas en nuestra población presentan diferencias significativas respecto a lo reportado actualmente en la literatura. Es necesario contar con un conocimiento de la morfología vertebral en nuestra población para disminuir la ventana de error al realizar procedimientos quirúrgicos que involucren este segmento.

SUMMARY: To evaluate in an integral way the morphometric parameters of the atlas (C1) vertebra in the Mexican population of relevance in performing surgical procedures of the craniocervical junction in order to provide quantitative and essential data for its realization. For this study, a total of 576 dry C1 vertebrae of contemporary Mexican population were used. Eleven measurements were carried out regarding the morphology of C1. The measurements were made bilaterally using a millimeter digital vernier with an accuracy of 0.01 millimeters and a statistical analysis was applied. A total of 576 atlas vertebrae (C1) were measured bilaterally, all our measurements were reported in millimeters. The average width of the lateral masses was 14.87 mm ± 1.38 mm. The average height of the lateral masses was 4.05 mm ± 0.93 mm. The average width of the transverse foramen was 5.93 mm ± 0.98 mm. The average length of the transverse foramen was 6.96 mm ± 0.98 mm. The average height of the transverse foramen was 5.76 mm ± 1.31 mm. The average width of the groove of the vertebral artery was 18.87 mm ± 1.3 mm. The average distance between the midline and the medial edge of the vertebral artery groove on the anterior surface of the posterior arch of C1 on its superior surface was 12.47 mm ± 3.14 mm. The average distance between the midline and the medial border of the vertebral artery groove on the posterior surface of the posterior arch of C1 on its upper face was 18.75 mm ± 3.94 mm. The average distance between the midline and the lateral border of the vertebral artery groove on the anterior surface of the posterior arch of C1 on its superior surface was 19.7 mm ± 2.52 mm. The average distance between the midline and the lateral border of the vertebral artery groove on the posterior surface of the posterior arch of C1 on its superior surface was 29.52 mm ± 3.23. Our study shows that the measurements made in our population present differences with respect to what is currently reported in the literature. It is necessary to have knowledge of vertebral morphology in our population to reduce the error window when performing surgical procedures involving this segment.

Análisis morfométrico del axis para la fijación atlantoaxial / Morphometric analysis of the axis for atlantoaxial fixation

El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar de manera integral los parámetros morfométricos de la vértebra axis (C2) en la población mexicana involucrados en la realización de procedimientos quirúrgicos con el fin de proveer datos cuantitativos indispensables en su abordaje quirúrgico. Para este estudio se utilizaron un total de 576 vértebras axis (C2) de población mexicana contemporánea. Las mediciones de las vértebras se efectuaron bilateralmente utilizando un vernier digital milimétrico con una precisión de 0.01 mm (Mitutoyo Digimatic w/Absolute Encoders- Series 500). Un total de 576 vértebras axis (C2), fueron medidas de manera bilateral, todas nuestras mediciones se reportaron en mm. El promedio del ancho del pedículo fue de 8,96 mm con una DE ± 2,11 mm. El promedio de la altura del pedículo fue de 10,82 mm con una DE de ± 1,89 mm. El promedio de la altura del proceso odontoideo fue de 16,90 mm con una DE de ± 2,99 mm. El promedio del ancho del proceso odontoideo fue de 9,99 mm con una de DE de ± 0,80 mm. El promedio del diámetro de la faceta articular fue de 8,44 mm con una DE de ± 1,04 mm. El promedio del diámetro AP del cuerpo vertebral fue de 15,11 mm con una DE de ± 1,88 mm. El promedio del diámetro trasverso del cuerpo vertebral fue de 17,93 mm con una DE de ± 2,22 mm. El promedio de la altura del cuerpo vertebral fue de 18,54 mm con una DE de 2,38 mm. El promedio de la altura de las láminas fue de 11,53 mm con una DE de ± 1,39 mm. El promedio del ancho de las láminas fue de 6,10 mm con una DE de ± 1,44 mm. Los resultados obtenidos en nuestras mediciones demuestran una variación con los resultados de otros autores en diferentes estudios de piezas osteológicas y de estudios de imagen del axis (C2), lo que sugiere, con el fin de reducir los riesgo de daño a estructuras neurovasculares, utilizar técnicas y medidas especiales para la estabilización atlantoaxial de la población mexicana.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the morphometric parameters of the axis vértebra (C2) in the Mexican population involved in the performance of surgical procedures in order to provide essential quantitative data in their surgical approach. A total of 576 axis vertebrae (C2) of contemporary Mexican population were used for this study. The measurements of the vertebrae were made bilaterally using a millimeter digital vernier with an accuracy of 0.01 millimeters (Mitutoyo Digimatic w / Absolute Encoders - Series 500). A total of 576 axis vertebrae (C2) were measured bilaterally, all our measurements were reported in millimeters. The average width of the pedicle was 8.96 mm with a SD ± 2.11 mm. The average height of the pedicle was 10.82 mm with a SD of ± 1.89 mm. The average height of the odontoid process was 16.90 mm with a SD of ± 2.99 mm. The average width of the odontoid process was 9.99 mm with a SD of ± 0.80 mm. The average diameter of the articular facet was 8.44 mm with a SD of ± 1.04 mm. The average diameter of the AP of the vertebral body was 15.11 mm with a SD of ± 1.88 mm. The average transverse diameter of the vertebral body was 17.93 mm with a SD of ± 2.22 mm. The average height of the vertebral body was 18.54 mm with a SD of 2.38 mm. The average height of the lamina was 11.53 mm with a SD of ± 1.39 mm. The average width of the lamina was 6.10 mm with a SD of ± 1.44 mm. The results obtained in our measurements show a variation with the results of other authors in different studies of osteological pieces and studies of the axis image (C2), which suggests the use of techniques and special measures for the atlantoaxial stabilization of the Mexican population in order to reduce the risk of damage to neurovascular structures.

Variations in the Torg-Pavlov cervical ratio with regard to age and sex: a comprehensive anatomical and morphometric study on contemporary cadaveric specimens / Variaciones en el índice de Torg-Pavlov cervical respecto a edad y sexo: un exhaustivo estudio anatómico en una población contemporánea

The Torg-Pavlov ratio is a method used to detect cervical stenosis. A Torg-Pavlov ratio ≤0.80 suggests significant stenosis. This ratio is obtained by dividing the anteroposterior diameter of the cervical canal by the anteroposterior diameter of the vertebral body. The aim of this study was to evaluate these parameters and determine if there are significant differences with respect to sex and age. This is an anatomical and comparative study in which 1020 cervical vertebrae from C2-C7 from an osteological collection were evaluated. We determined the anteroposterior diameter from the vertebral body, the anteroposterior diameter from the vertebral canal and the Torg-Pavlov ratio. The pieces studied were divided into groups according to sex and age, resulting in six groups of study. A statistical analysis was made to determine the significance of the differences between sex and age groups. The size of the vertebral body diminished form C2-C3 and increased from C4-C7. The canal diminished form C2-C4 and increased from C5-C7. The Torg-Pavlov ratio decreased from C2-C7. The body and the canal were higher in men, while the Torg-Pavlov ratio was higher in women. With age, in men, the size of the body increased, the canal maintained its size, and the Torg-Pavlov ratio diminished significantly. In the group of women ≥60 years, the size of the body decreased, and the canal and the Torg-Pavlov ratio increased. In men, the Torg-Pavlov ratio is determined by the vertebral body and canal, because these did not show differences in most of the age groups. While in women, it is determined mostly by the spinal canal because it presented more variability between the age groups.

El Índice de Torg-Pavlov se utiliza para la detección de estenosis del canal cervical. Un resultado ≤0.80 indica estenosis significativa. Se obtiene dividiendo el diámetro anteroposterior del canal cervical entre el diámetro anteroposterior del cuerpo. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar estos parámetros y determinar si existen diferencias significativas en relación con el sexo y la edad. Se realizó un estudio anatómico y comparativo, en el que se incluyeron 1020 vértebras cervicales de C2-C7 tomadas de una colección osteológica. Se determinó el diámetro anteroposterior del cuerpo vertebral, el diámetro anteroposterior del canal vertebral y el Índice de Torg-Pavlov. Las piezas evaluadas se dividieron en grupos de acuerdo al sexo y la edad, resultando en seis grupos de estudio. Se realizó un análisis estadístico para determinar si existían diferencias significativas entre estos grupos. El tamaño del cuerpo vertebral disminuyó de C2-C3 y aumentó de C4-C7. El canal disminuyó de C2-C4 y aumentó de C5-C7. El Índice de Torg-Pavlov disminuyó de C2-C7. El cuerpo y el canal vertebral fueron mayores en los hombres, mientras que el Índice de Torg-Pavlov fue mayor en las mujeres. Con la edad, en los hombres, el tamaño del cuerpo vertebral aumentó, el canal mantuvo su tamaño y el Índice de Torg-Pavlov disminuyo significativamente. En el grupo de mujeres ≥60 años, el tamaño del cuerpo disminuyó y el canal y el Índice de Torg-Pavlov aumentaron. En los hombres, el tamaño del cuerpo y el canal vertebral determinan el Índice de Torg-Pavlov, ya que estos no mostraron diferencias en la mayoría de los grupos de edad. Mientras que, en las mujeres, este está determinado principalmente, por el canal vertebral, porque este parámetro presento más variabilidad entre los grupos de edad.