In the last decades, the treatment of primary and secondary bone tumors has faced a slow-down in its development, being mainly based on chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgical interventions. However, these conventional therapeutic strategies present a series of disadvantages (e.g., multidrug resistance, tumor recurrence, severe side effects, formation of large bone defects), which limit their application and efficacy. In recent years, these procedures were combined with several adjuvant therapies, with different degrees of success. To overcome the drawbacks of current therapies and improve treatment outcomes, other strategies started being investigated, like carrier-mediated drug delivery, bone substitutes for repairing bone defects, and multifunctional scaffolds with bone tissue regeneration and antitumor properties. Thus, this paper aims to present the types of bone tumors and their current treatment approaches, further focusing on the recent advances in new therapeutic alternatives.

Summary. Background: Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) results when the veins in the legs no longer pump blood back to the heart effectively. Microparticles (MPs) are small membrane vesicles released by several circulating and vascular cells upon activation or apoptosis. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess the subpopulations of circulating endothelial (EMPs) and platelet microparticles (PMPs) in CVI, and to disclose their contribution in mediating dysfunction of human peripheral venules. Patients and methods: Human peripheral venules were explanted during leg surgery on patients with CVI and on control subjects (C); concurrently, blood samples were collected and circulating MPs isolated. The techniques used were: flow cytometry, fluorescence and electron microscopy, myograph technique and western-blotting technique. Results: The results showed that compared with controls, patients with CVI had: (i) a marked elevation of circulating EMPs and PMPs; (ii) a structural modification of the venous wall consisting of activation of endothelial and smooth muscle cells, an abundance of intermediary filaments and synthesis of hyperplasic-multilayered basal lamina; (iii) a significantly altered reactivity of the venous wall, closely associated with EMPs and PMPs adherence; (iv) altered contractile response to noradrenaline, acetylcholine, 5-hydroxytryptamine and KCl, and an impeded relaxation in response to sodium nitroprusside; and (iv) a substantially increased protein expression of tissue factor (TF) and of P-Selectin both in the venular vascular wall and on the surface of EMPs and PMPs. Conclusions: The findings indicate that CVI is accompanied by an enhanced release of EMPs and PMPs that contribute to altered dysfunctional response of the venous wall.

Bone tissue engineering is a complex domain that requires further investigation and benefits from data obtained over past decades. The models are increasing in complexity as they reveal new data from co-culturing and microfluidics applications. The in vitro models now focus on the 3D medium co-culturing of osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and osteocytes utilizing collagen for separation; this type of research allows for controlled medium and in-depth data analysis. Oxidative stress takes a toll on the domain, being beneficial as well as destructive. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are molecules that influence the differentiation of osteoclasts, but over time their increasing presence can affect patients and aid the appearance of diseases such as osteoporosis. Oxidative stress can be limited by using antioxidants such as vitamin K and N‑acetyl cysteine (NAC). Scaffolds and biocompatible coatings such as hydroxyapatite and bioactive glass are required to isolate the implant, protect the zone from the metallic, ionic exchange, and enhance the bone regeneration by mimicking the composition and structure of the body, thus enhancing cell proliferation. The materials can be further functionalized with growth factors that create a better response and higher chances of success for clinical use. This review highlights the vast majority of newly obtained information regarding bone tissue engineering, such as new co-culturing models, implant coatings, scaffolds, biomolecules, and the techniques utilized to obtain them.

Introduction. Chondrosarcoma is a malignant tumor of cartilaginous origin representing approximately 20-30% of all bone malignant tumors and occupying the second place in terms of their incidence. It usually affects adults between 40 and 60 years old, but can be encountered at older ages as well. Materials and methods. We report the case of a 55-year-old male patient who presented to our department with 2 weeks-long right hip pain and partial loss of functionality in right limb. We performed X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, bone scintigraphy, and angiography, which established the diagnosis of pelvic tumor. Biopsy of the tumor was performed by iliofemoral approach and its result showed moderately differentiated chondrosarcoma. Orthopaedic surgery was performed, with tumoral removal within oncological limits, pelvic reconstruction using acrylic bone cement impregnated with Vancomycin and total hip arthroplasty. Results were assessed using the Musculoskeletal Tumor Rating Scale and a score of 23 out of 35 was obtained (the higher the better). Postoperative complications consisted in flap-skin necrosis that resolved within 2 months after surgery. Conclusion. Bone defects repair using antibiotic impregnated cement drastically reduced the rate of postoperative infections, thus decreasing both morbidity and mortality. In spite of technological advancement, long-term prognosis remains reserved in chondrosarcoma, due to its specific aggressivity, resistance to chemo-and radiotherapy and high rate of recurrence.

Objective The aim of this study was to test whether fractionated irradiation in photobiomodulation therapy enhances short-term recovery in patients with moderate severity ankle sprain. Design Nineteen patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups: one group receiving photobiomodulation therapy combined with the standard rest, icing, compression, and elevation treatment, or a group receiving only standard treatment. Group 1 patients were irradiated using a laser system (635 nm, 15 mW) according to a double-fractionated irradiation scheme consisting of two sessions (4.5 and 9 J/cm2) separated by a 30-min time interval. Short-term outcomes (reflectance, pain, and clinical outcomes) were assessed at baseline, 10 days, and 6 wks after treatment. Results Reflectance data analysis showed significant changes in group 1 (P = 0.027). There was also an ankle function score improvement more in group 1 than in group 2, with a significant short-term effect (P = 0.011) but without significant long-term effects (P = 0.178). Compared with group 2, group 1 had an immediate effect on pain reduction, but no long-term effect (P = 0.074). Conclusions Combined with standard treatment, fractionated irradiation photobiomodulation therapy has been shown to have favorable short-term effects on the recovery of patients with ankle sprains, but its long-term effects should be improved.

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Aim: To assess the clinical results after osteosynthesis with locked intramedullary nail in metastasis of the long bones. Material and methods. We designed a prospective study in which we included all the patients with metastasis of the long bones admitted and surgically treated in our department between 2013 and 2015. Data for 64 were available at the final check-up. Our cohort totalized a number of 69 fractures (2 long bones required surgical treatment in 5 patients). The mean follow-up for survivors was 37 months (limits: 18-49 months). The primary tumor was known in 51 patients (79,69%). For the remaining 13 cases (20,31%), the primary tumor was not known and the pathological fracture was the first sign of the malignant disease. In the last group, the tumor could be identified by imagistic methods in 6 cases, while in other 3 cases, a biopsy and histological examination (which were performed in all the remaining 7 cases) determined the source organ. Clinical and radiological check-ups were performed at every 3 months in the first year and at every 6 months after that. Results. Pain amelioration and mobilization of the involved limb were achieved in all the cases. In 3 patients, the osteosynthesis could not compensate the progressive bone loss and the permanent use of an external orthosis was mandatory. The survival rate was 82,81% at 6 months and 67,19% at 12 months. Conclusions. All patients could be mobilized. Two thirds of the patients will survive more than a year. The goals of osteosynthesis are the same, regardless the location of the fracture and implant used: pain amelioration, stability for immediate full weight bearing, durability for patient’s life expectancy.