Microbial Sterility Testing for Mesenchymal Progenitor Cells Derived from Human Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis Cartilage.

Background: The goal is to evaluate the microbial sterility of mesenchymal progenitor cells (MPCs)-derived from osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) articular cartilages.

Methods: Contaminants, including bacteria and fungi in MPC cultures were initially evaluated by inoculation culture methods and then affirmed through the amplification of 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) and internally transcribed spacer (ITS) regions, respectively, using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Further, the mollicutes, if any, were identified by genus-specific 16S rDNA, and the positive samples were reamplified using species-specific primers.

Molecular Characterization and Differentiation of Mesenchymal Progenitor Cells from Human Rheumatoid Arthritis Cartilage.

The presence of mesenchymal progenitor cells (MPCs) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) articular cartilage is sparsely investigated largely owing to the persistent pathogenic disease condition and lack of specific biomarkers. Considering the recent advancements for potential cell-based therapies in immunomodulatory diseases, such as RA, this in vitro study was aimed at investigating the cellular, molecular, and differentiation characteristics of human RA cartilage-derived MPCs. Articular cartilage fragments from RA patients were obtained for the isolation of MPCs and characterization of their cellular and biological properties, cytogenetic stability, pluripotency, and plasticity.

A Prospective Study on Functional Outcome of Internal Fixation of Tibial Pilon Fractures with Locking Plate using Minimally Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis Technique.

Introduction: Managing pilon fractures is still a great challenge for surgeons in terms of reduction and fixation. The soft tissue anatomy and the bony configuration, results in angular and rotational instability and other bony and soft tissue complications.

Aim: To evaluate the results of minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis using locking plates in management of fractures of tibial pilon in terms of radiological fracture union, restoration of ankle function and complications.

Juvenile spondyloarthritis with microscopic colitis.

We report an adolescent girl with long standing spondyloarthritis and chronic diarrhea. Colonoscopy and biopsy revealed microscopic colitis. All serology and HLA-B27 were negative.