Meyer was graduated from Kent State University and earned his medical degree from Northeastern Ohio University College of Medicine. He completed his internship and residency at the Akron General Medical Center, in Ohio, and completed a fellowship in Musculoskeletal Pathology at the University of Florida. Meyer's professional expertise is the treatment of tumors of the bone and soft tissue as well as robot assisted joint replacement surgery. He currently serves as Department Head of Orthopaedic Oncology at Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans Louisiana. He has published multiple articles in reputed journals.

Background: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) outcomes can depend upon patient related factors such as body mass index (BMI), and surgical related factors such as component alignment. Current literature comparing BMI and TKA component alignment is inconclusive. Some studies find limited differences in outcomes and others demonstrate inferior results. Malpositioning of the tibial or femoral component is associated with early failure. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between BMI and TKA component alignment.
Methods: 320 primary cemented posterior cruciate-substituting TKAs were performed by three surgeons over 12 months beginning in January 2009. 69 TKAs were excluded due to inadequate radiographs. 149 knees were placed in the obese group (BMI>30) and 102 knees were placed in the non obese group (BMI<30). Postsurgical radiographs were reviewed by a PGY-5 orthopaedic surgery resident blinded to the individual’s BMI. Five radiographic measurements were included: coronal tibiofemoral angle (CTFA), coronal femoral component angle (CFCA), coronal tíbial component angle (CTCA), sagittal femoral component angle (SFCA), and sagittal tibial component angle (STCA).
Pre-surgical BMI was calculated through medical records. Chi square test was used to compare the groups with regard to sex and operative side. Student T test was used to compare the groups with regard to age, CTFA, CFCA, CTCA, SFCA, and STCA. Statistical significance was set for P=0.05.
Results: No statistically significant differences were found between the two groups with regard to sex or operative side. The mean patient age for the non obese group was significantly higher than the obese group (71.4 and 63.9, respectively P=0.001). No significant difference was found between the mean values for CTFA, CFCA, CTCA, SFCA, and STCA between the non obese and obese group (P=0.0556, P=0.2246, P=0.7264 P=0.5223 and P=0.7059, respectively).
Discussion: Malpositioning of TKA components is associated with early failure. Current literature questions if BMI is directly related to component malpositioning. We found no statistically significant relationship between obesity and TKA alignment.

Nicolas Bowers is an internal medicine resident at Sunnybrook Hospital, and the University of Toronto. He was active in medical education research throughout medical school at the University of Toronto under the supervision of Dr. Tulin Cil, surgical oncologist, and continues to do so as an Internal Medicine resident. He plans to continue his medical education research as a resident, focusing on innovative technologies that can be useful in medical education. He plans to specialize in cardiology following his internal medicine training.

Purpose: It has been demonstrated that physicians are at risk for the development of musculoskeletal disorders (MSKD) due to the ergonomic stresses of their work environments. The impact of these disorders can translate to loss of work time and productivity, as well as decreased physical and psychosocial health. However, little work has been done investigating the prevalence of MSKD in surgical or medical trainees. The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence and patterns of MSKD in orthopaedic surgery and internal medicine residents. Methods: A modified version of the Physical Discomfort Survey was developed and distributed to all orthopaedic surgery and internal medicine residents at a single institution. The prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms in specific anatomical regions was compared between the two groups. Results: Both internal medicine and orthopaedic residents reported a high prevalence of upper extremity, back and lower extremity MSKD (ranging from 47% to 69%). Internal medicine residents had a higher prevalence of neck symptoms (53% vs. 28%, p=0.01) and upper back symptoms (31% vs. 9%, p=0.01) than orthopaedic surgery trainees. 40% of orthopaedic surgery and 29% of internal medicine residents perceived that their clinical activities contributed to MSKD. Conclusions: This data suggests that both orthopaedic surgery and internal medicine residents have MSKD, which may be due to factors within their diverse training environments. Thus, the impact of residency training on MSKD should be acknowledged for both groups. This is particularly important for programs when considering overall resident health issues. The implementation of early interventions, even at the residency level, may be beneficial in the prevention of future significant MSKD in physicians.

Celiana Figueiredo Viana has done M.S (Master in Science). Celiana Figueiredo Viana is a researcher at the department of neuromuscular diseases since 2001. Celiana Figueiredo Viana is an expert in exercise physiology and cardiology.

Objective: It was to evaluate the degree of fatigue in patients with paralytic poliomyelitis (PP) and with post-polio syndrome (PPS), and correlate it with parameters of sleep and the circadian cycle.
Methods: Thirty patients, 17 female (56.7%), participated in the study: they answered the Revised Piper Fatigue Scale and performed a nocturnal polysomnographic study. Eleven had PP (mean age±standard deviation of 47.9 ± 6.4 years), and 19 had PPS (mean age±standard deviation of 46.4 ± 5.6 years).
Results: Our study showed that fatigue was worse in the afternoon in the PP Group and had a progressive increase throughout the day in the PPS Group. We also observed compromised quality of sleep in both groups, but no statically significant difference was found in the sleep parameters measured by polysomnography.
Conclusion: Fatigue has a well-defined circadian variation, especially in PPS Group. Poor sleep quality is associated with fatigue and, therefore, sleep disturbances should be evaluated and treated in this group of PPS.

Reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), also known as complex regional pain syndrome is a complex syndrome of pain and stiffness with vasomotor instability that can affect any part of the body but, more common in the hand and the leg (2). It is a well-known complication to hand surgeons. The clinical features of this syndrome were described in a paper by Bruscas, Beltran and Jimenez in 2010 where they prospectively followed up 171 patients diagnosed with RSD. They noted that trauma was the commonest trigger in most cases (1). In a paper prospectively analysing 101 carpal tunnel decompressions (CTD) de Costa, de Oliveira et al noted an incidence of 2.1% following CTD. Both our patients were following volar locking plating of distal radial fractures. These photographs illustrate a rare association of RSD/CRPS where it is accompanied with abnormal growth of hair confined to the distribution of a nerve and in these two cases it was the sensory distribution of the radial nerve. Clear photographs of this phenomenon are not encountered in the literature. Using the key word combinations of reflex sympathetic dystrophy causing abnormal hair growth in the hand; RSD, abnormal growth of hair in hand; we were not able to find any articles in the literature in a PUBMED search. We are unaware as to whether this association would have any impact on the eventual prognosis of our patients. We are following them up and at the moment they are in their third month of follow up and the stiffness and pain have settled well with reasonable functional improvement noted of the hand.

In this study, we observed improvement in hydrarthrosis associated with osteoarthritis of the knee (OA) with celecoxib, a specific cycloxygenase (COX)-2 inhibitor therapy and also reduction of the production of cytokines in serum and in synovial fluid. Concentrations of interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in serum and synovial fluid obtained from patients with knee OA were determined by chemiluminescense-ELISA (CL-ELISA) method, the sensitivity of which is 100 - 1,000 times greater than that of the conventional ELISA method. The degree of improvement in knee hydroarthrosis with celecoxib therapy could be graded into 3 groups: Group A, patients in whom hydroarthrosis disappeared following within a month with celecoxib; Group B: patients in whom hydroarthrosis disappeared after treatment with celecoxib had been performed within 2 months; and Group C, where the amount of fluid was unchanged. Significant changes in serum levels of IL-6 and TNF-α before and after celecoxib therapy were seen only in Group A. In addition, significant changes in synovial fluid levels of IL-6 and TNF-α before and after celecoxib therapy were seen in Group A and Group B, but not in Group C. Evaluation of X-ray findings revealed that there was a tendency for mean IL-6 and TNF-α to decrease as the grade rated on the basis of X-ray findings became higher, and a tendency for mean IL-6 and TNF-α to increase as the grade became lower.

Arrotegui has received his M.D. from Saragossa University (Spain) and his Ph.D. (Scoliosis) at Karolinska University (Sweden) and postdoctoral training (Neurosurgery) from University of Saragossa, Karolonska; Wales, Newcastle General Hospital. He is currently a faculty at the Division of spine at Valencia General Hospital. (Spain). He focuses on developing novel therapies for Spine Surgery and his major research interests include Develop a new device to avoid Lumbar Instability after lumbar surgery (U-Force) and a Fysical Barrier to avoid scar tissue after disc surgery (Aura).

Introduction: Adherence of the flexor tendons and severe scar of the median nerve can be reduced using the Chitosan Matrix as an adhesion barrier following mini open carpal tunnel release. The objective was to investigate the potential benefits for complications (Adherence of the flexor tendons and severing scarring involving the median nerve).
Patient samples: The study cohort (Ch matrix group) consisted of consecutive patients (250 patients) who were treated with CH matrix. Patients in the standard procedure group (250 patients in all) were operated on prior to the adoption of matrix use by the surgeon.
Outcome measures: Patients underwent carpal tunnel surgery same technique in both groups and completed follow-up evaluations at no less than 12 months post-operation.
Methods: All patients complained of numbness and/or sensory or weakness disturbance in the median nerve distribution of the hand Tinel and phalen sign tests were positive in approximately two – thirds of the patients. EMG studies were performed in all patients and were positive between mild to severe.
Results: Numbness and Paresthesias were relieved in 89% DG group and 86% in Control Group; pain was relieved in 89% DG and 86% CG. Motoric Weakness was relieved in 95% DG and 92% CG. Normal grip strength was found in 93% DG and 91% had normal pinch strength.
Control group: • Adhesion of the flexor tendons in 3 patients • 5 patients had scarring of the median nerve • CH group
Recurrent pain: 1 patient for incomplete division of transverse carpal ligament. The difference in re-operation rate between the collagen matrix group and the standard procedure group is statistically significant (P<0.01).
Conclusion: Findings in this study (reduced pain and lower incidence of adhesions) are consistent with the Ch Matrix acting as an effective adhesion barrier. A thorough knowledge of the anatomy of the carpal tunnel is essential in order to avoid complication and to ensure optimal patient outcome. There are many strong arguments for open (Short Incision 2.5 cm) vs conservative treatment. Dural matrix is a good physical barrier in order to avoid complications.

It is a study conducted in Curitiba, Parana, Brazil, at Federal Technological University of Parana (UTFPR). The UTFPR has a biochemical and densitometry laboratory, where are conducted studies about postmenopausal women, these women participate in the Specific Exercise Program of Osteoporosis. From this program were analyzed fifty one women, in the aged between 57 and 81 years old, diagnosed with osteopenia or osteoporosis. The data was obtained by dual-energy X-Ray absorptiometry (DXA) using Hologic Discovery appliance model A. For measurement of body mass, we used a digital scale Bioland, with 0.1 kg with the barefoot and with the least amount of clothing possible evaluated. Height was measured using a tape measure, mark WCS. Through the measurements of body mass and height calculated the body mass index (BMI = weight / height ²), adopting the classification of the World Health Organization (WHO): not obese (< 30.0 kg / m²) and obese (> or equal to 30.0 kg / m²). These data indicate that the average age and postmenopausal time (66.7 and 19.2 years, respectively) indicate a change in body components, which in this study reflected a percentage of total fat (39.4%), which classify the study group as obese (> 37%).In postmenopausal phase the women had large muscle loss. However occurs a replacement of muscle mass for body fat which ends up hiding when analyzed BMI, this fact is potentiated by time after menopausal and by decreasing body’s metabolism.

In recent decades there was a distinct increase of interest in the cardiovascular system in autoimmune diseases and their related complications. Correlation of arterial hypertension (AH) with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is particularly topical. Objective of study: To evaluate the morphofunctional changes of myocardium in patients with rheumatoid arthritis associated with arterial hypertension. Information and methods: main group comprised 40 patients (with average age of 39,6 ± 41) with rheumatoid arthritis by reliable diagnosis of ACR criteria (1987). The average duration of disease is 4,3 years, systolic blood pressure level>160 mm Hg, diastolic blood pressure level>100 mm Hg; first group consisted of 20 patients with rheumatoid arthritis associated with arterial hypertension, second group consisted of 20 patients with rheumatoid arthritis not associated with arterial hypertension and third one, the control group consisted of 20 practically healthy persons. It was revealed that in the examined patients left ventricular end-diastolic dimensions (LVEDD), the relative thickness of posterior wall and interventricular septum at diastole were significantly different from those of control group (p<0,001), where the end-diastolic volume was higher in patients of 1st group (p<0,05). Myocardial mass index (MMI) in patients of the 1st group was higher than that of 2nd and control groups (p<0,05). Whereupon, in patients of 2nd group LVMI was associated with the maximum activity of rheumatoid arthritis (DAS28>6,3). Stroke and minute volume in Group I were higher compared with 2nd and control groups (p<0.05), where cardiac index increased, but not significantly different from control and 2nd groups (p<0,05). In patients of 1st group, who had high degree of activity of rheumatoid arthritis (DAS28>5.2), disorder of LV diastolic function was revealed. At the same time, systolic myocardial function in patients included in the study was not malfunctioned. Thus, the performed analysis shows that the development of LV diastolic dysfunction in rheumatoid arthritis has multi-focal characteristics and associated factors can make some contribution.

Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) is a determinant of bone mass and is inversely associated with vertebral fractures (VFs). Sclerostin regulates bone formation by inhibiting Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Currently, there is little information on circulating sclerostin levels among postmenopausal women with type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with VFs in relation to serum IGF-1 (s-IGF-1). We investigated the relationships between serum sclerostin, s-IGF-1, and VFs in postmenopausal women with T2DM. We assessed cross-sectionally 482 postmenopausal women with T2DM and 482 age-matched postmenopausal women without T2DM who were recruited at diabetic clinics and primary health care centers for inclusion in a bone health survey. The main outcome measures were serum sclerostin, s-IGF-1, bone mineral density (BMD), and bone turnover markers. Lateral X-rays of the thoracic and lumbar spine were taken to diagnose VFs. Serum sclerostin levels were increased, whereas s-IGF-1 levels were decreased when T2DM women were stratified by the number of VFs (P<0.0001). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that serum sclerostin levels were positively associated with 1 VF (odds ratio [OR]=1.27, (95% CI:1.01-2.03), P=0.016), 2 VFs (OR=1.41, (95% CI:1.03-2.36), P=0.006), and ≥3 VFs (OR=1.54, (95% CI:1.12-2.44) P=0.005). s-IGF-1 levels were inversely associated with 1 VF (OR=0.58, (95% CI:0.39-0.88), P=0.041), 2 VFs (OR=0.42, (95% CI:0.21-0.90), P=0.012), and ≥3 VFs (OR=0.19, (95% CI: 0.14-0.27), P<0.001). Increased serum sclerostin and decreased s-IGF-1 were associated with VFs among postmenopausal women with T2DM, suggesting that sclerostin and/or IGF-1 may be involved in increased bone fragility in T2DM and could be potential markers of VF severity.

Thomas Gelsing Carlsen has completed his master degree in Biology at Ã…rhus University in 2011 and is now close to fisnishing his PhD at Aalborg University under the guidance of Professor Svend Birkelund. Recently he has published papers in reputed journals on the molecular pathogenesis of the spondyloarthropathies. At the moment he is situated at the La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology in California where he hopes to learn more about cellular immunology under the guidance of Professor Amnon Altman.

Interleukin 1α (IL-1α) is a proinflammatory cytokine that belongs to the IL-1 family. It is produced mainly by macrophages at sites of infection and regarded as an essential regulator of acute inflammation. IL-1α is synthesized as a 33 kDa precursor peptide that is cleaved by a calpain-like protease to a nuclear -associated 16 kDa propiece and a secreted 17 kDa mature IL-1α peptide. However, the full understanding of its dual function is missing. Recently, SNPs in the gene for IL-1α was also associated with the risk of developing ankylosing spondylitis (AS), a subgroup of the spondyloarthropathies. These findings lead us to produce antibodies towards the N- and C-terminal region of IL-1α to investigate IL-1α kinetics in human macrophages. This would eventually be used to asses any correlation between a defect in the production of the cytokine and a disease related SNP found in the IL-1α gene in patients suffering from AS. In the present study we generated human macrophages (Mf) from blood monocytes, stimulated the cells with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and analysed the production and localization of IL-1α by use of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) generated against recombinant precursor IL-1α. We obtained a MAb specific for the N-terminal propiece and for the C-terminal mature form of IL-1α, respectively. Assays, including DNA sequencing, immunofluorescence microscopy, qPCR and FACS are now available for the analysis of IL-1α kinetics in blood samples from AS patients.

He was graduated as a Physiotherapist from International Institute of Health Sciences, Sri Lanka. At the moment he is following an Ayurvedic Therapy (Massage) course at Ayuruveda International Medical services and Training Institute (IMSIT) which is recognized by Ministry of Indigenous Medicine, Department of Ayurveda.

Background: Teenagers in Negombo, Sri Lanka play football on their school ground, on the beach, narrow roads orsub-standard settings such as indoor locations and gardens. They spend most of their time playing rather than training. So there are many chances to sustain injuries.
Method: A descriptive cross sectional study was carried out and data was gathered from 256 from 6 leading schools In Negombo, Western province, Sri Lanka. Data was gathered by way of an interviewer administered questionnaire.
Results: Out of 256 footballers and 88(34%) were affected with ankle sprain in the last six months. Among them 73(82.95%) didn’t do stretching properly. 17-18 age group had the highest injury rate (52.23%) and the lowest injury rate(26.44%) was among 13-14 age group. Most players were injured during actual matches (61%) opposed to practice sessions. 40(45.45%) were sustained while running or attempting to run, and all of those sprained their front foot. While ‘only Playing in a ground’ recorded the lowest injury rate (29.94%). The higher rates were seen while “playing in ground + on beach’”(51.72%) and “playing in ground + on narrow roads” (66.66%). Injury rates among those wearing soccer boots and sports shoes, 34% and 14.28% respectively. Among those wearing soccer boots, plastic screw nut soles were associated with the highest injury rate (85.71%). Normal flat sole, rubber normal studs, plastic normal studs and plastic normal blades showed low injury rates of around 30%. Among older boys, the awareness on stretching was less. Those who didn’t have knowledge of the influence of stretching, inappropriate surfaces and proper footwear on injuries; had more ankle sprains. 51(58%) players had re-current injuries. This rate was 60% among (17-18) age group.
Conclusion: It was clearly shown that factors such as age, lack of stretching, previous injury, bad playing technique, Improper playing location, unsuitable footwear, unsuitable soles of footwear, and lack of awareness and knowledge increased ankle sprains among teenage football players.

Objective: This study investigated the effect of far infrared emitted by ceramic materials on skin temperature, paw mechanical hypersensitivity and knee edema in a rat model of monoiodoacetate (MIA)-induced osteoarthritis. Methods: Experiments were conducted with male Winsar rats (200-250 g) anesthetized with a mixture of ketamine and xylazine (50 and 10 mg/kg, respectively, i.p.). Joint damage was induced by a single intra-articular injection of MIA (1 mg/50 μl; Sigma UK - which disrupts glycolysis resulting in chondrocyte death) through the infrapatellar ligament of the right knee. Control animals received a single injection of saline (50 μl). Three separate measures were assessed: (1) thermal analyses of the central areas of the front paws of the animals (with a portable ThermaCAM® E320 infrared camera - Flir, Sweden - with a 320×240 pixels resolution, thermal sensitivity of <0.10°C at 25°C and accuracy of ± 2°C - positioned 0.5 m away from the animals paws. The infrared images were analyzed with the FLIR QuickReport 1.2 software); (2) hind paw mechanical withdrawal thresholds (using von Frey monofilaments - Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments of bending forces 1-15 g), which provide an index of central sensitisation; and (3) edema formation (measured with a digital caliper - Pantec, Brazil), which is directly associated with the localized inflammatory response. For treatment a BiopowerTM ceramics Pad (80% BioCorn PVC - 20% ceramic materials) was placed inside the animals box; control animals were placed on a Sham Pad (100% BioCorn PVC without ceramics) and underwent the same experimental protocol. Results: On day 3 post-MIA injection acute exposure (2 hours) to the BioPowerTM ceramics Pad increased paw temperature (± 4ºC), although only chronic exposure to the treatment (Day 7 and 10 post-MIA) reduced mechanical hypersensitivity (p<0.001) and knee edema (p<0.001). Conclusion: Far Infrared emitted by ceramic materials increased paw temperature (after acute exposure) whereas only prolonged treatment reduced mechanical hypersensitivity and knee edema in a rat model of MIA-induced osteoarthritis.

Joey Tabula, 25, is presently on his second year of residency on Internal Medicine at the University of the Philippines - Philippine General Hospital.

We describe a 59-year old male with chronic tophaceous gout and pulmonary tuberculosis who have concomitant tuberculous and bacterial arthritis who presented with a four-month history of bilateral knee swelling with the right knee being worse. Left knee improved while right knee increased in swelling and eventually started draining non-foul smelling yellowish fluid with chalky material. Blood cultures were negative. Synovial fluid grew methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and tested positive for acid fast bacilli. Endotracheal aspirates tested positive for acid fast bacilli and grew Mycobacterium tuberculosis. He was treated with clindamycin, anti-Koch’s, colchicine, low-dose prednisone, febuxostat and tramadol but failed to undergo surgery. Patient demised from acute coronary syndrome. In a systematic review of literature, this is the first report on concomitant tuberculous and bacterial arthritis in gout. This case highlights the need to explore other causes of joint swelling in a diagnosed case of chronic tophaceous gout. Concomitant TB and/or bacterial arthritis can complicate these patients. Hence, the need for microbiologic and crystal analysis of synovial fluid cannot be overly emphasized to tailor the specific management for these patients.

Background: Osteoarthritis is a degenerative non-inflammatory disorder of movable joints manifesting deterioration and abrasion of articular cartilage. Worldwide, 151 million individuals suffer from OA. In the Philippines, there are about 11 million OA individuals in 2008 and will be doubled by 2025. Depression may be a reaction to pain in OA and the experience of pain may be aggravated by depression. Due to increasing incidence, awareness of factors affecting depression among OA clients is needed. Objective: To determine prevalence of depression among OA clients in Baguio City by determining degree of depression and significant difference in depression of OA clients according to age, gender, BMI, co-morbidity, genetics, occupation, history of bone injury, history of joint injury, congenital deformities. Methods: Purposive, convenience, and quota sampling were used. 3 respondents were taken per barangay of 129 barangays in Baguio City. Responses were tallied and subjected to percentage, t-test and f-test. Results: Degree of depression of OA clients is normal ups and downs with 191/351(54.42%) respondents. Results show significant differences with genetics and history of bone injury to depression of OA clients and no significant differences in degree of depression as to age, sex, BMI, co-morbidity, occupation, history of joint injury and congenital deformities. Conclusions: Degree of depression of OA clients in Baguio City is normal ups and downs. Genetics and history of bone injury influence occurrence of depression in OA clients. While results show most respondents have normal ups and downs, there are individuals classified as “clinically depressed”, implying that although results are statistically insignificant, it is clinically significant. Recommendations: In nursing education, discussions on management of OA should be holistic and integrated into the curriculum. In nursing practice, nurses should individualize care for OA clients because of its different biopsychosocial effects. In nursing research, factors such as socioeconomic status can be considered.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common degenerative joint disorder, resulting in significant mobility and health care expenses. It affects more than 60% of Western World adults over the age of 65 years. Moreover; it causes pain and dysfunction in 20% of elderly persons. Objective: To assess the efficacy of the court-type Thai traditional massage on knee pain relief in patients with osteoarthritis. Materials and methods: This study was a phase II clinical research at Applied Thai Traditional Medical Service Center, Phon Hospital, Khon Kaen province. Thirty patients with osteoarthritis of the knee, aged 50-65 years, voluntary participated in the study. Each of them was treated with the court-type Thai traditional massage once a week for twelve weeks at the hospital. The treatment was assessed before the first week and after the twelfth week using VAS, timed up – and – go test, active knee range of motion. Dependent samples t-test was used as statistical analysis. Results: Knee pain of the patients was reduced significantly after twelve weeks of the treatment. The patients were able to walk faster after the treatment with having better quality of life. There was no side effect found within the study period. Conclusion: The court-type Thai traditional massage could be effective and useful for the treatment of the osteoarthritis patients. This method could be an effective alternative treatment for the osteoarthritis patients. Therefore, this local wisdom should be conserved for the next generation.

Jignesh patel is doing his MPT (master of physiotherapy) in Srinivas College of physiotherapy and research centre, Mangalore which is affiliated by Rajiv Gandhi University of health science, Bangalore, India.

Objectives: To determine the short-term effectiveness of kinesio taping (KT) on dynamic knee valgus in asymptomatic collegiate athletes. Methods: Subjects were screened for inclusion and exclusion criteria using drop j ump test, Hip Drop Test and 2 D video analysis. Before intervention subjects were randomized into experimental group (group 1) and sham control group (group 2) by block randomization method. Study was conducted among 18-25 years 40 collegiate athletes 28 Male and 12 female were selected. DKV and HDT were checked before, immediate (1st day) and 3rd day after the treatment by 2-D video analysis. Results: Dynamic Knee Valgus of athletes between group was analyzed using Friedman’s test and that shows there was a high significance difference found in 1st day after (immediate effect) the Kinesio taping group. DKV mean, mean difference and CI within group in male and female in both Kinesio and control group before the treatment (p=0.001), immediate after the treatment and after 3rd day of treatment. At immediate effect, mean of male and female mean difference of male and female CI in male and female of taping is better than 3rd day and CI in male and CI in female in both groups. Conclusion: We concluded that short term effect of Kinesio taping showed reduction in dynamic knee valgus angle as well as improving muscle strength which is beneficial for athlete’s regular rehabilitation to prevent the injuries. Immediate effect of Kinesio taping is better than long term effect.

Background and Aim: Rheumatoid arthritis is the most prevalent chronic inflammatory disease of the joints. It is correlated with periodontal disease due to similar factors that exist in both diseases. This study assessed the relationship of periodontal disease with rheumatoid (RA) and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Materials and Methods: In this case-control study, 30 RA and 30 JIA patients along with their matched controls were selected. Periodontal parameters including pocket depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), Plaque index (PI) and bleeding on probing (BOP) were determined in cases and controls. ESR, number of painful/inflamed joints and arthritis severity were evaluated. Relationships of periodontal parameters with RA and JIA findings were statistically assessed by Mann Whitney U, Student t-test and Spearman and Pearson’s correlation coefficients with an alpha error less than 0.05. Results: PD (4.17 mm vs. 3.6 mm), CAL (4.89 mm vs. 4.18 mm), percentage of sites with PD>4 mm (58.83% vs. 44.33%), percentage of sites with CAL>3 mm (74.13% vs. 64.4%), percentage of sites with bleeding on probing (9.67% vs. 6.87%) and PI index (85.73% vs. 80.63%) were significantly higher in RA patients than controls. In this group, significant direct correlations were found between serologic findings, disease severity and number of painful/inflamed joints with periodontal factors. In JIA patients, no significant relationships were found between JIA findings and periodontal parameters. Conclusion: Severity of periodontal disease increases in patients with rheumatoid arthritis while no increased risk of periodontal disease or its severity was observed among JIA patients. Thus, periodontal disease can be more severe in RA.

Objective: Microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 (mPGES-1) catalyzes the terminal step in the biosynthesis of PGE2, a critical mediator in the pathophysiology of osteoarthritis (OA). Histone methylation plays an important role in epigenetic gene regulation. In this study, we investigated the roles of histone H3 (H3K9) methylation in interleukin-1β (IL-1)-induced mPGES-1 expression in human chondrocytes. Methods: Chondrocytes were stimulated with IL-1 and the expression of mPGES-1 mRNA was evaluated using real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). H3K9 methylation and the recruitment of the histone demethylase LSD1 to the mPGES-1 promoter were evaluated using chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays. The role of LSD1 was further evaluated using the pharmacological inhibitors, tranylcypromine and pargyline, and siRNA-mediated gene silencing. The LSD1 level in cartilage was determined using RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. Results: The induction of mPGES-1 expression by IL-1 correlated with decreased levels of mono- and dimethylated H3K9 at the mPGES-1 promoter. These changes were concomitant with the recruitment of the histone demethylase LSD1. Treatment with tranylcypromine and pargyline, potent inhibitors of LSD1, prevented IL-1-induced H3K9 demethylation at the mPGES-1 promoter and mPGES-1 expression. Consistently, LSD1 gene silencing with siRNA prevented IL-1-induced H3K9 demethylation and mPGES-1 expression, suggesting that LSD1 mediates IL-1-induced mPGES-1 expression via H3K9 demethylation. Finally, we showed that the level of LSD1 was elevated in OA compared to normal cartilage. Conclusion: These results indicate that H3K9 demethylation by LSD1 contributes to IL-1-induced mPGES-1 expression and suggest that this pathway could be a potential target for pharmacological intervention in the treatment of OA and possibly other arthritic conditions.