bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A model invalidation-based approach for elucidating biological signalling pathways, applied to the chemotaxis pathway in R. sphaeroides
Authors: Roberts Mark AJ , August Elias , Hamadeh Abdullah , Maini Philip K , McSharry Patrick E , Armitage Judith P , Papachristodoulou Antonis
Published: October 2009

Background

Developing methods for understanding the connectivity of signalling pathways is a major challenge in biological research. For this purpose, mathematical models are routinely developed based on experimental observations, which also allow the prediction of the system behaviour under different experimental conditions. Often, however, the same experimental data can be represented by several competing network models.

Results

In this paper, we developed a novel mathematical model/experiment design cycle to help determine the probable network connectivity by iteratively invalidating models corresponding to competing signalling pathways. To do this, we systematically design experiments in silico that discriminate best between models of the competing signalling pathways. The method determines the inputs and parameter perturbations that will differentiate best between model outputs, corresponding to what can be measured/observed experimentally. We applied our method to the unknown connectivities in the chemotaxis pathway of the bacterium Rhodobacter sphaeroides. We first developed several models of R. sphaeroides chemotaxis corresponding to different signalling networks, all of which are biologically plausible. Parameters in these models were fitted so that they all represented wild type data equally well. The models were then compared to current mutant data and some were invalidated. To discriminate between the remaining models we used ideas from control systems theory to determine efficiently in silico an input profile that would result in the biggest difference in model outputs. However, when we applied this input to the models, we found it to be insufficient for discrimination in silico. Thus, to achieve better discrimination, we determined the best change in initial conditions (total protein concentrations) as well as the best change in the input profile. The designed experiments were then performed on live cells and the resulting data used to invalidate all but one of the remaining candidate models.

Conclusion

We successfully applied our method to chemotaxis in R. sphaeroides and the results from the experiments designed using this methodology allowed us to invalidate all but one of the proposed network models. The methodology we present is general and can be applied to a range of other biological networks.
Polycythemia vera as a presentation of renal angiomyolipoma: a case report
Authors: Lin Ming-Shyan , Hung Yu-Shin , Wu Hsueh-Hua , Kuo Ming-Chung , Shiu Tzu-Fang , Chuang Cheng-Keng , Shih Lee-Yung , Chu Pao-Hsien
Published: October 2009

Introduction

Angiomyolipoma is a common benign renal tumor composed of thick-walled blood vessels, smooth muscle, and adipose tissue. It may be found incidentally during workup for suspected renal disease. Although angiomyolipoma may present as a palpable, tender renal mass with flank pain and gross or microscopic hematuria, many patients are asymptomatic. Erythrocytosis is an unusual presentation, and malignant transformation may be suspected. This report describes a rare case of a woman diagnosed with renal angiomyolipoma and polycythemia vera. The report discusses the differential diagnosis using erythropoietin, erythropoietin-receptor and Janus kinase 2.

Case presentation

A 79-year-old Chinese woman was diagnosed with erythrocytosis according to World Health Organization criteria. An upper left renal pole angiomyolipoma was successfully ablated after multiple phlebotomy treatments. Red cell count immediately returned to normal, but gradually increased after 4 months. Polycythemia vera was finally diagnosed by positive mutation of Janus kinase 2 and negative erythropoietin protein expression. Her clinical symptoms improved with regular phlebotomy and hydroxyurea treatment.

Conclusion

Concurrent occurence of angiomyolipoma and polycythemia vera is rare. Polycythemia vera can be easily missed. Polycythemia vera can be confirmed with high specificity and sensitivity by the acquired somatic mutation. Surgical intervention for this renal tumor should be avoided unless malignancy or renal cell carcinoma is suspected or to prevent spontaneous rupture of larger tumors.
The original ‘magic bullet’ is 100 years old
Authors: Heynick Frank
Published: October 2009

Today, even long-retired psychiatrists are unlikely to recall having seen more than some occasional cases of syphilis-induced paralytic dementia. But not many generations earlier, ‘general paresis of the insane’ accounted for some 10% – even as much as a third – of the admissions to mental hospitals in Europe and the USA. All that began to change on the day in August of 1909 when Paul Ehrlich fired the first ‘magic bullet’.
Antipsychotic long-acting injections in clinical practice: Medication management and patient choice
Authors: Gray Richard , Spilling Rosalyn , Burgess David , Newey Tim
Published: October 2009

Background

A patient-centred approach to care, focusing on recovery, demands a reconsideration of how choices are made about treatment, how this affects medication adherence, and the role of long-acting antipsychotics (LAIs) in this process.

Aims

To explore the role of the mental health professional (particularly nurses) in helping patients manage their medication, with a specific focus of the use and administration of LAIs.

Method

A pragmatic review of the literature.

Results

Patients (by experience) and mental health professionals (by training and clinical practice) are experts in the care and treatment of psychosis. When patients and clinicians make a joint decision both are more likely to adhere to the treatment plan. In this paper we consider good practice in the administration of LAIs that focuses on where and when they should be given and administration techniques. Skills for talking with patients about their medication that include exchanging information, monitoring the effects of medication and making advance choices about treatment in the event of a crisis are also discussed.

Conclusions

Mental health professionals require a range of competences to help patients manage their medication effectively.
Clinical guideline recommendations for antipsychotic long-acting injections
Authors: Kane John M. , Garcia-Ribera Carlos
Published: October 2009

Background

Long-acting injections (LAIs) of antipsychotic drugs were developed over 40 years ago in an attempt to improve the long-term treatment of schizophrenia.

Aims

To review existing guidelines concerning antipsychotic use generally, and LAIs in particular, and how patients might be identified as potential candidates for LAI treatment.

Method

Literature review.

Results

Currently several first-generation and one second-generation antipsychotic LAIs are available, with others under development. Although the use of LAIs is widespread around the world, patterns of use vary widely. Important considerations regarding the use of LAIs include the indications for long-term pharmacotherapy in schizophrenia in general, the indications for LAIs, the risks associated with LAIs, the need to update guidelines and the issue of cost.

Conclusions

The use of these injections in first-episode psychosis and treatment-refractory schizophrenia is not currently a focus of recommendations, but should be considered. Long-acting injections remain an underutilised option in many countries despite frequent non-adherence with oral medication and subsequent relapse.
Historical perspective on antipsychotic long-acting injections
Authors: Johnson D. A. W.
Published: October 2009

Background

Clinical experience has shown considerable potential benefits from long-term continuous medication for chronic or relapsing forms of schizophrenia. These benefits have not always been realised.

Aims

To review the research literature in order to understand the problems of long-term medication and use of antipsychotic oral medication and long-acting injections (LAIs), and to place these in an historical context.

Method

Review of literature.

Results

Research showed that the potential success of LAI therapy depends on the quality of the follow-up service.

Conclusions

Following the advent of second-generation oral antipsychotics confidence in the use of LAIs has eroded and that mistakes made in LAI use during the past century may be repeated.
Analysis of trauma exposure, symptomatology and functioning in Jewish Israeli and Palestinian adolescents
Authors: Al-Krenawi Alean , Graham John R. , Kanat-Maymon Yaniv
Published: October 2009

Background

There has been no reported research comparing Jewish Israeli and Palestinian adolescents regarding the effect of ongoing political violence on adolescent psychosocial, family, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and aggression problems.

Aims

To compare Israeli and Palestinian responses regarding the relationship between exposure to traumatic events and psychosocial, behavioural, emotional and family problems.

Method

A cluster sample of youths aged 14–18 years, including 442 Jewish Israeli adolescents in Ariel, Haifa and Tel-Aviv, and 450 Palestinian adolescents in Gaza cities, villages and refugee camps were surveyed in 2006 using our Traumatic Events Questionnaire (TEV), the Brief Symptoms Inventory (BSI), the PTSD Symptom Scale – Interview (PSS–I), the Index of Peer Relations scale (IPR), Buss–Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ) and the MacMaster Family Assessment Device (FAD).

Results

Palestinian respondents had higher scores in the TEV, BSI, PSS–I and BPAQ questionnaires, and greater problems in functioning as revealed in the IPR and FAD. The social functioning of the adolescents with their peers predicted mental health symptoms and PTSD symptoms. Lower socioeconomic status predicted mental health symptoms, PTSD, pathology of participants' family functioning and the social functioning of the adolescents with their peers. Parents' education positively effected the FAD score and the avoidance item on the PSS–I, and religiosity improved the score on the FAD. Females reported more symptoms on the BSI and PSS–I than males, and males more symptoms on the FAD and IPR than females.

Conclusions

Both respondent groups had significant emotional and behavioural problems. Individual and community treatment, and community and social development, are likely to be useful for both populations, particularly Palestinians.
Guided and unguided self-help for social anxiety disorder: randomised controlled trial
Authors: Furmark Tomas , Carlbring Per , Hedman Erik , Sonnenstein Annika , Clevberger Peder , Bohman Benjamin , Eriksson Anneli , Hållén Agneta , Frykman Mandus , Holmström Annelie , Sparthan Elisabeth , Tillfors Maria , Ihrfelt Elisabeth Nilsson , Spak Maria , Eriksson Anna , Ekselius Lisa , Andersson Gerhard
Published: October 2009

Background

Internet-delivered self-help programmes with added therapist guidance have shown efficacy in social anxiety disorder, but unguided self-help has been insufficiently studied.

Aims

To evaluate the efficacy of guided and unguided self-help for social anxiety disorder.

Method

Participants followed a cognitive–behavioural self-help programme in the form of either pure bibliotherapy or an internet-based treatment with therapist guidance and online group discussions. A subsequent trial was conducted to evaluate treatment specificity. Participants (n = 235) were randomised to one of three conditions in the first trial, or one of four conditions in the second.

Results

Pure bibliotherapy and the internet-based treatment were better than waiting list on measures of social anxiety, general anxiety, depression and quality of life. The internet-based therapy had the highest effect sizes, but directly comparable effects were noted for bibliotherapy augmented with online group discussions. Gains were well maintained a year later.

Conclusions

Unguided self-help through bibliotherapy can produce enduring improvement for individuals with social anxiety disorder.
Towards ICD–11 and DSM–V: issues beyond ‘harmonisation’
Authors: Jablensky Assen
Published: October 2009

In the revision process leading up to DSM–V and ICD–11, it is important to highlight both similarities and differences between the two classifications. Where irreconcilable conceptual differences are involved, these should be stated in a manner inviting future research to elucidate the advantages and disadvantages of alternative concepts or definitions. Eventually, both DSM–V and ICD–11 will need to be assessed against a set of benchmarks of validity and utility.
ASCE-41 and FEMA-351 Evaluation of E-Defense Collapse Test
Authors: Maison Bruce F. , Kasai Kazuhiko , Deierlein Gregory
Published: October 2009

A welded steel moment-frame building is used to assess performance-based engineering guidelines. The full-scale four-story building was shaken to collapse on the E-Defense shake table in Japan. The collapse mode was a side-sway mechanism in the first story, which occurred in spite of a strong-column and weak-beam design. Computer analyses were conducted to simulate the building response during the experiment. The building was then evaluated using the Seismic Rehabilitation of Existing Buildings (ASCE-41) and Seismic Evaluation and Upgrade Criteria for Existing Welded Steel Moment-Frame Buildings (FEMA-351) for the collapse prevention performance level via linear and nonlinear procedures. The guidelines had mixed results regarding the characterization of collapse, and no single approach was superior. They mostly erred on the safe side by predicting collapse at shaking intensities less than that in the experiment. Recommendations are made for guideline improvements.
Seismic Hazard Epistemic Uncertainty in the San Francisco Bay Area and Its Role in Performance-Based Assessment
Authors: Bradley Brendon A.
Published: October 2009

This paper investigates epistemic uncertainty in the results of seismic hazard analyses for the San Francisco Bay Area and their role in the broader picture of seismic performance assessment. Using the 2002 Working Group on California Earthquake Probabilities earthquake rupture forecast, epistemic uncertainty in the seismic hazard for several different intensity measures and sites in the San Francisco Bay Area is investigated. Normalization of the epistemic uncertainty for various sites and intensity measures illustrates that the uncertainty magnitude can be approximately estimated as a function of the mean exceedance probability. The distribution of the epistemic uncertainty is found to be dependent on the set of alternative ground-motion prediction equations used but is frequently well approximated by the lognormal distribution. The correlation in the hazard uncertainty is observed to be a function of the separation between the two different intensity levels, and a simple predictive equation is proposed based on the data analyzed. Three methods for the propagation of seismic hazard epistemic uncertainty are compared and contrasted using an example of the 30-year collapse probability of a structure. It is observed that, for this example, epistemic uncertainty in the collapse capacity is more influential than that in the seismic hazard.
Estimation of Lifeline Resilience Factors Based on Surveys of Japanese Industries
Authors: Kajitani Yoshio , Tatano Hirokazu
Published: October 2009

This paper discusses the resilience factors of industrial sectors under lifeline (electricity, water, and gas) system disruptions. The resilience factor is one of the quantitative measurements of lifeline impacts, which focuses on the production output of some industrial sectors during lifeline disruptions. Recent studies have provided the detailed structure of business resilience that includes multiple resilience options, such as production rescheduling, inventories, and back-up generators. However, the impacts of these options on resilience factor are not thoroughly investigated due to the lack of data. In addition, resilience factor in previous study is assumed to be applied only to the single-lifeline disruption case, which is a limited case in large-scale disasters. In this study, the resilience factors for 27 industrial sectors are estimated based on the empirical surveys conducted in the Aichi and Shizuoka Prefectures, Japan, focusing on more rigorous characteristics of resilience. One particular contribution of this paper is introducing the resilience factor that considers individual and compound effects of available resilience options along with multiple lifeline disruptions.
Geoengineering and Seismological Aspects of the Niigata-Ken Chuetsu-Oki Earthquake of 16 July 2007
Authors: Kayen Robert , Brandenberg Scott J. , Collins Brian D. , Dickenson Stephen , Ashford Scott , Kawamata Yohsuke , Tanaka Yasuo , Koumoto Hidetaka , Abrahamson Norm , Cluff Lloyd , Tokimatsu Kohji
Published: October 2009

The M6.6 Niigata-Ken Chuetsu-Oki earthquake of 16 July 2007 occurred off the west coast of Japan with a focal depth of 10 km, immediately west of Kashiwazaki City and Kariwa Village in southern Niigata Prefecture. Peak horizontal ground accelerations of 0.68 g were measured in Kashiwazaki City, as well as at the reactor floor level of the world’s largest nuclear reactor, located on the coast at Kariwa Village. Liquefaction of historic and modern river deposits, aeolian dune sand, and manmade fill was widespread in the coastal region nearest the epicenter and caused ground deformations that damaged bridges, embankments, roadways, buildings, ports, railways and utilities. Landslides along the coast of southern Niigata Prefecture and in mountainous regions inland of Kashiwazaki were also widespread affecting transportation infrastructure. Liquefaction and a landslide also damaged the nuclear power plant sites. This paper, along with a companion digital map database available at http://walrus.wr.usgs.gov/infobank/n/nii07jp/html/n-ii-07-jp.sites.kmz, describes the seismological and geo-engineering aspects of the event.
Kisspeptin Increases γ-Aminobutyric Acidergic and Glutamatergic Transmission Directly to Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Neurons in an Estradiol-Dependent Manner
Authors: Pielecka-Fortuna Justyna , Moenter Suzanne M.
Published: October 2009

GnRH neurons are the final central pathway controlling fertility. Kisspeptin potently activates GnRH release via G protein-coupled receptor 54 (GPR54). GnRH neurons express GPR54, and kisspeptin can act directly; however, GPR54 is broadly expressed, suggesting indirect actions are possible. Transsynaptic mechanisms are involved in estradiol-induced potentiation of GnRH neuron response to kisspeptin. To investigate these mechanisms, separate whole-cell voltage-clamp recordings were performed of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-ergic and glutamatergic transmission to GnRH neurons in brain slices before and during kisspeptin treatment. To determine whether estradiol alters the effect of kisspeptin on synaptic transmission, mice were ovariectomized and either left with no further treatment (OVX) or treated with estradiol implants (OVX+E). Cells were first studied in the morning when estradiol exerts negative feedback. Kisspeptin increased frequency and amplitude of GABAergic postsynaptic currents (PSCs) in GnRH neurons from OVX+E mice. Blocking action potentials eliminated the effect on frequency, indicating presynaptic actions. Amplitude changes were due to postsynaptic actions. Kisspeptin also increased frequency of glutamatergic excitatory PSCs in cells from OVX+E animals. Kisspeptin did not affect either GABAergic or glutamatergic transmission to GnRH neurons in cells from OVX mice, indicating effects on transmission are estradiol dependent. In contrast to stimulatory effects on GABAergic PSC frequency during negative feedback, kisspeptin had no effect during positive feedback. These data suggest estradiol enables kisspeptin-mediated increases in GABA and glutamate transmission to GnRH neurons. Furthermore, the occlusion of the response during positive feedback implies one consequence of estradiol positive feedback is an increase in transmission to GnRH neurons mediated by endogenous kisspeptin.
Minireview: Physiological and Pathological Actions of RAS in the Ovary
Authors: Fan Heng-Yu , Richards JoAnne S.
Published: October 2009

The small G proteins of the RAS superfamily act as molecular switches in the transduction of cellular signals critical for a wide range of normal developmental events as well as pathological processes. However, the functions of Ras genes in ovarian cells have only started to be unveiled. RAS, most likely KRAS that is highly expressed in granulosa cells of growing follicles, appears crucial for mediating the gonadotropin-induced events associated with the unique physiological process of ovulation. By contrast, conditional expression of a constitutively active KrasG12D mutant in granulosa cells results in ovulation defects due to the complete disruption of normal follicular growth, cessation of granulosa cell proliferation, and blockage of granulosa cell apoptosis and differentiation. When the tumor suppressor Pten is disrupted conditionally in the KrasG12D-expressing granulosa cells, granulosa cell tumors fail to develop. However, ovarian surface epithelial cells expressing the same Pten;KrasG12D mutations rapidly become ovarian surface epithelial serous cystadenocarcinomas. In this minireview, we summarize some of the physiological as well as pathological functions of RAS in the rodent ovary, discuss the implications of the KrasG12D mutant mouse models for understanding human diseases such as premature ovarian failure and ovarian cancers, and highlight new questions raised by the results of recent studies.
An automatic video instillator for intratracheal instillation in the rat
Authors: Kim Jin-Sung , Lee Bae , Hwang In-Chul , Yang Young-Su , Yang Mi-Jin , Song Chang-Woo
Published: October 2009

Intratracheal instillation (ITI) of a test compound is an alternative method to inhalation methods that require complex aerosol generation, exposure chambers and airflow monitoring instruments for exposing the lungs of animals to a test compound. For ITI in the rat, a laryngoscope is generally used for endotracheal intubation, and the procedure is difficult to perform. Therefore, we designed and constructed an automatic video instillator (AVI) for the accurate delivery of a dose of a test compound into the trachea of rats. The device has a videocamera probe for image guidance, and a liquid-crystal display for image display. These two items are used to visualize the larynx and trachea for intratracheal insertion of the tubing, and for placing the tip of the instillation tubing beyond the vocal cords for ITI of the test compound. After a 2 h training session on the use of the AVI in an anaesthetized rat, we assessed the utility of the device by ITI of 0.25% (w/v) solution of Evans Blue dye into the lungs of 30 isoflurane-anaesthetized rats. Necropsy examinations were performed on 20 rats immediately after the completion of the procedure, and on 10 rats three days after the procedure. Based on the results of these examinations, we concluded that the device could be used for rapid, reproducible and successful ITI of a test compound into the lungs of a rat by one operator.
An Empirical Examination of Goals and Performance-to-Goal Following the Introduction of an Incentive Bonus Plan with Participative Goal Setting
Authors: Anderson Shannon W. , Dekker Henri C. , Sedatole Karen L.
Published: October 2009

Prior research documents performance improvements following the implementation of pay-for-performance (PFP) bonus plans. However, bonus plans typically pay for performance relative to a goal, and the manager whose performance is to be evaluated often participates in setting the goal. In these settings, PFP affects managers' incentive to influence goal levels in addition to affecting performance effort. Prior field research is silent on the effect of PFP on goals, the focus of this paper. Using sales and sales goal data from 61 stores of a U.S. retail firm over 10 quarters, we find that the introduction of a performance-based bonus plan with participative goal setting is accompanied by lower goals that are more accurate predictors of subsequent sales performance. Statistical tests indicate that increased goal accuracy is attributable to managers “meeting but not beating” goals and to new information being impounded in goals. We further investigate how differences among managers are associated with goal levels. We find significant “manager effects” but no “supervisor effects.” In additional tests we find that cross-sectional differences among managers are related to differing marginal returns to slack-building effort. Turning to the role of new information on goals, we find that prior period performance has incremental power to explain goal levels in the postplan period. Our results provide field-based evidence that PFP and participative goal setting affect the level and accuracy of goals, effects that are associated with both information exchange and with managers' incentives to influence goals.
Conditional Monte Carlo Estimation of Quantile Sensitivities
Authors: Fu Michael C. , Hong L. Jeff , Hu Jian-Qiang
Published: October 2009

Estimating quantile sensitivities is important in many optimization applications, from hedging in financial engineering to service-level constraints in inventory control to more general chance constraints in stochastic programming. Recently, Hong (Hong, L. J. 2009. Estimating quantile sensitivities. Oper. Res. 57 118–130) derived a batched infinitesimal perturbation analysis estimator for quantile sensitivities, and Liu and Hong (Liu, G., L. J. Hong. 2009. Kernel estimation of quantile sensitivities. Naval Res. Logist. 56 511–525) derived a kernel estimator. Both of these estimators are consistent with convergence rates bounded by n−1/3 and n−2/5, respectively. In this paper, we use conditional Monte Carlo to derive a consistent quantile sensitivity estimator that improves upon these convergence rates and requires no batching or binning. We illustrate the new estimator using a simple but realistic portfolio credit risk example, for which the previous work is inapplicable.
Periacetabular osteotomy reduces the dynamic instability of dysplastic hips
Authors: Maeyama A. , Naito M. , Moriyama S. , Yoshimura I.
Published: October 2009

We compared the dynamic instability of 25 dysplastic hips in 25 patients using triaxial accelerometry before and one year after periacetabular osteotomy. We also evaluated the hips clinically using the Harris hip score and assessed acetabular orientation by radiography before surgery and after one year. The mean overall magnitude of acceleration was significantly reduced from 2.30 m/s 2 (sd 0.57) before operation to 1.55 m/s 2 (sd 0.31) afterwards. The mean Harris hip score improved from 78.08 (47 to 96) to 95.36 points (88 to 100). The radiographic parameters all showed significant improvements.

This study suggests that periacetabular osteotomy provides pain relief, improves acetabular cover and reduces the dynamic instability in patients with dysplastic hips.
Mason type IV fractures of the elbow
Authors: Herbertsson P. , Hasserius R. , Josefsson P. O. , Besjakov J. , Nyquist F. , Nordqvist A. , Karlsson M. K.
Published: October 2009

A total of 14 women and seven men with a mean age of 43 years (18 to 68) who sustained a Mason type IV fracture of the elbow, without an additional type II or III coronoid fracture, were evaluated after a mean of 21 years (14 to 46). Primary treatment included closed elbow reduction followed by immobilisation in a plaster in all cases, with an additional excision of the radial head in 11, partial resection in two and suturing of the annular ligament in two. Delayed radial head excision was performed in two patients and an ulnar nerve transposition in one. The uninjured elbows served as controls. Nine patients had no symptoms, 11 reported slight impairment, and one severe impairment of the elbow. Elbow flexion was impaired by a mean of 3° (sd 4) and extension by a mean of 9° (sd 4) (p < 0.01). None experienced chronic elbow instability or recurrent dislocation. There were more degenerative changes in the formerly injured elbows, but none had developed a reduction in joint space.

We conclude that most patients with a Mason type IV fracture of the elbow report a good long-term outcome.
Total femoral endoprosthetic replacement following excision of bone tumours
Authors: Sewell M. D. , Spiegelberg B. G. I. , Hanna S. A. , Aston W. J. S. , Bartlett W. , Blunn G. W. , David L. A. , Cannon S. R. , Briggs T. W. R.
Published: October 2009

We undertook a retrospective review of 33 patients who underwent total femoral endoprosthetic replacement as limb salvage following excision of a malignant bone tumour. In 22 patients this was performed as a primary procedure following total femoral resection for malignant disease. Revision to a total femoral replacement was required in 11 patients following failed segmental endoprosthetic or allograft reconstruction. There were 33 patients with primary malignant tumours, and three had metastatic lesions. The mean age of the patients was 31 years (5 to 68). The mean follow-up was 4.2 years (9 months to 16.4 years). At five years the survival of the implants was 100%, with removal as the endpoint and 56% where the endpoint was another surgical intervention. At five years the patient survival was 32%. Complications included dislocation of the hip in six patients (18%), local recurrence in three (9%), peri-prosthetic fracture in two and infection in one. One patient subsequently developed pulmonary metastases. There were no cases of aseptic loosening or amputation. Four patients required a change of bushings. The mean Musculoskeletal Tumour Society functional outcome score was 67%, the mean Harris Hip Score was 70, and the mean Oxford Knee Score was 34.

Total femoral endoprosthetic replacement can provide good functional outcome without compromising patient survival, and in selected cases provides an effective alternative to amputation.
Ceramic-on-ceramic bearing surface and risk of revision due to dislocation after primary total hip replacement
Authors: Sexton S. A. , Walter W. L. , Jackson M. P. , De Steiger R. , Stanford T.
Published: October 2009

Dislocation is a common reason for revision following total hip replacement. This study investigated the relationship between the bearing surface and the risk of revision due to dislocation. It was based on 110 239 primary total hip replacements with a diagnosis of osteoarthritis collected by the Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry between September 1999 and December 2007. A total of 862 (0.78%) were revised because of dislocation. Ceramic-on-ceramic bearing surfaces had a lower risk of requiring revision due to dislocation than did metal-on-polyethylene and ceramic-on-polyethylene surfaces, with a follow-up of up to seven years. However, ceramic-on-ceramic implants were more likely to have larger prosthetic heads and to have been implanted in younger patients. The size of the head of the femoral component and age are known to be independent predictors of dislocation. Therefore, the outcomes were stratified by the size of the head and age.

There is a significantly higher rate of revision for dislocation in ceramic-on-ceramic bearing surfaces than in metal-on-polyethylene implants when smaller sizes (≤ 28 mm) of the head were used in younger patients (< 65 years) (hazard ratio = 1.53, p = 0.041) and also with larger (> 28 mm) and in older patients (≥ 65 years) (hazard ratio = 1.73, p = 0.016).
Lengthening of fourth brachymetatarsia by three different surgical techniques
Authors: Lee W.-C. , Yoo J. H. , Moon J.-S.
Published: October 2009

We carried out a retrospective study to assess the clinical results of lengthening the fourth metatarsal in brachymetatarsia in 153 feet of 106 patients (100 female, six males) using three different surgical techniques. In one group lengthening was performed by one-stage intercalary bone grafting secured by an intramedullary Kirschner-wire (45 feet, 35 patients). In the second group lengthening was obtained gradually using a mini-external fixator after performing an osteotomy with a saw (59 feet, 39 patients) and in the third group lengthening was achieved in a gradual manner using a mini-external fixator after undertaking an osteotomy using osteotome through pre-drilled holes (49 feet, 32 patients). The mean age of the patients was 26.3 years (13 to 48). Pre-operatively, the fourth ray of the bone-graft group was longer than that of other two groups (p < 0.000). The clinical outcome was compared in the three groups. The mean follow-up was 22 months (7 to 55).

At final follow-up, the mean lengthening in the bone-graft group was 13.9 mm (3.5 to 23.0, 27.1%) which was less than that obtained in the saw group with a mean of 17.8 mm (7.0 to 33.0, 29.9%) and in the pre-drilled osteotome group with a mean of 16.8 mm (6.5 to 28.0, 29.4%, p = 0.001). However, the mean time required for retention of the fixation in the bone-graft group was the shortest of the three groups. Patients were dissatisfied with the result for five feet (11.1%) in the bone-graft group, eight (13.6%) in the saw group and none in the pre-drilled osteotomy group (p < 0.000). The saw group included eight feet with failure of bone formation after surgery. Additional operations were performed in 20 feet because of stiffness (n = 7, all groups), failure of bone formation (n = 4, saw group), skin maceration (n = 4, bone-graft group), malunion (n = 4, bone-graft and saw groups) and breakage of the external fixator (n = 1, saw group).

We conclude that the gradual lengthening by distraction osteogenesis after osteotomy using an osteotome produces the most reliable results for the treatment of fourth brachymetatarsia.
Potential risk of thermal damage to cervical nerve roots by a high-speed drill
Authors: Hosono N. , Miwa T. , Mukai Y. , Takenaka S. , Makino T. , Fuji T.
Published: October 2009

Using the transverse processes of fresh porcine lumbar spines as an experimental model we evaluated the heat generated by a rotating burr of a high-speed drill in cutting the bone. The temperature at the drilled site reached 174°C with a diamond burr and 77°C with a steel burr. With water irrigation at a flow rate of 540 ml/hr an effective reduction in the temperature was achieved whereas irrigation with water at 180 ml/hr was much less effective. There was a significant negative correlation between the thickness of the residual bone and the temperature measured at its undersurface adjacent to the drilling site (p < 0.001).

Our data suggest that tissues neighbouring the drilled bone, especially nerve roots, can be damaged by the heat generated from the tip of a high-speed drill. Nerve-root palsy, one of the most common complications of cervical spinal surgery, may be caused by thermal damage to nerve roots arising in this manner.
Mid- to long-term results of irradiated allograft in acetabular reconstruction
Authors: Emms N. W. , Buckley S. C. , Stockley I. , Hamer A. J. , Kerry R. M.
Published: October 2009

Between 1990 and 2000, 123 hips in 110 patients were reconstructed for aseptic loosening using impaction bone grafting with frozen, irradiated, morsellised femoral heads and cemented acetabular components. This series was reported previously at a mean follow-up of five years. We have extended this follow-up and now describe the outcome of 86 hips in 74 patients at a mean of ten years. There have been 19 revisions, comprising nine for infection, seven for aseptic loosening and three for dislocation. In surviving acetabular reconstructions, union of the graft had occurred in 64 of 67 hips (95.5%).

Survival analysis for all indications at ten years was 83.3% (95% confidence interval (CI) 68 to 89) and 71.3% (95% CI 58 to 84) at 15 years.

Acetabular reconstruction using irradiated allograft and a cemented acetabular component is an effective method of reconstruction, providing results in the medium- to long-term comparable with those of reported series where non-irradiated freshly-frozen bone was used.
An algorithm for the surgical treatment of periprosthetic fractures of the femur around a well-fixed femoral component
Authors: Corten K. , Vanrykel F. , Bellemans J. , Frederix P. Reynders , Simon J.-P. , Broos P. L. O.
Published: October 2009

The use of plate-and-cable constructs to treat periprosthetic fractures around a well-fixed femoral component in total hip replacements has been reported to have high rates of failure. Our aim was to evaluate the results of a surgical treatment algorithm to use these lateral constructs reliably in Vancouver type-B1 and type-C fractures. The joint was dislocated and the stability of the femoral component was meticulously evaluated in 45 type-B1 fractures. This led to the identification of nine (20%) unstable components. The fracture was considered to be suitable for single plate-and-cable fixation by a direct reduction technique if the integrity of the medial cortex could be restored.

Union was achieved in 29 of 30 fractures (97%) at a mean of 6.4 months (3 to 30) in 29 type-B1 and five type-C fractures. Three patients developed an infection and one construct failed.

Using this algorithm plate-and-cable constructs can be used safely, but indirect reduction with minimal soft-tissue damage could lead to shorter times to union and lower rates of complications.
Impact of late surgical intervention on heterotopic ossification of the hip after traumatic neurological injury
Authors: Genet F. , Marmorat J.-L. , Lautridou C. , Schnitzler A. , Mailhan L. , Denormandie P.
Published: October 2009

Heterotopic ossification (HO) of the hip after injury to the central nervous system can lead to joint ankylosis. Surgery is usually delayed to avoid recurrence, even if the functional status is affected. We report a consecutive series of patients with HO of the hip after injury to the central nervous system who required surgery in a single, specialised tertiary referral unit. As was usual practice, they all underwent CT to determine the location of the HO and to evaluate the density of the femoral head and articular surface. The outcome of surgery was correlated with the pre-, peri- and post-operative findings.

In all, 183 hips (143 patients) were included of which 70 were ankylosed. A total of 25 peri-operative fractures of the femoral neck occurred, all of which arose in patients with ankylosed hips and were associated with intra-articular lesions in 18 and severe osteopenia of the femoral head in seven. All the intra-articular lesions were predicted by CT and strongly associated with post-operative complications.

The loss of the range of movement before ankylosis is a more important factor than the maturity of the HO in deciding the timing of surgery. Early surgical intervention minimises the development of intra-articular pathology, osteoporosis and the resultant complications without increasing the risk of recurrence of HO.
Two extension block Kirschner wire technique for mallet finger fractures
Authors: Lee Y. H. , Kim J. Y. , Chung M. S. , Baek G. H. , Gong H. S. , Lee S. K.
Published: October 2009

We treated 32 displaced mallet finger fractures by a two extension block Kirschner-wire technique. The clinical and radiological outcomes were evaluated at a mean follow-up of 49 months (25 to 84). The mean joint surface involvement was 38.4% (33% to 50%) and 18 patients (56%) had accompanying joint subluxation.

All 32 fractures united with a mean time to union of 6.2 weeks (5.1 to 8.2). Congruent joint surfaces and anatomical reduction were seen in all cases. The mean flexion of the distal interphalangeal joints was 83.1° (75° to 90°) and the mean extension loss was 0.9° (0° to 7°). No digit had a prominent dorsal bump or a recurrent mallet deformity.

We believe that this technique, when properly applied, produces satisfactory results both clinically and radiologically.
Total knee replacement with rotational proximal tibial osteotomy for osteoarthritis with severe external tibial torsion and patellar instability
Authors: Ramaswamy R. , Kosashvili Y. , Cameron H. U. , Cameron J. C.
Published: October 2009

The management of osteoarthritis of the knee associated with patellar instability secondary to external tibial torsion > 45° is challenging. Patellofemoral biomechanics in these patients cannot be achieved by intra-articular correction using standard techniques of total knee replacement.

We reviewed seven patients (eight knees) with recurrent patellar dislocation and one with bilateral irreducible lateral dislocation who had undergone simultaneous total knee replacement and internal tibial derotational osteotomy. All had osteoarthritis and severe external tibial torsion. The mean follow-up was for 47.2 months (24 to 120).

The mean objective and functional Knee Society scores improved significantly (p = 0.0001) from 29.7 and 41.5 pre-operatively to 71.4 and 73.5 post-operatively, respectively. In all patients the osteotomies healed and patellar stability was restored.

Excessive external tibial torsion should be identified and corrected in patients with osteoarthritis and patellar instability. Simultaneous internal rotation osteotomy of the tibia and total knee replacement is a technically demanding but effective treatment for such patients.
Survival of ceramic bearings in total hip replacement after high-energy trauma and periprosthetic acetabular fracture
Authors: Salih S. , Currall V. A. , Ward A. J. , Chesser T. J. S.
Published: October 2009

Surgeons remain concerned that ceramic hip prostheses may fail catastrophically if either the head or the liner is fractured. We report two patients, each with a ceramic-on-ceramic total hip replacement who sustained high-energy trauma sufficient to cause a displaced periprosthetic acetabular fracture in whom the ceramic bearings survived intact. Simultaneous fixation of the acetabular fracture, revision of the cementless acetabular prosthesis and exchange of the ceramic bearings were performed successfully in both patients. Improved methods of manufacture of new types of alumina ceramic with a smaller grain size, and lower porosity, have produced much stronger bearings. Whether patients should be advised to restrict high-impact activities in order to protect these modern ceramic bearings from fracture remains controversial.
The 2009 British Orthopaedic Research Society/Orthopaedic Research Society Travelling Fellowship
Authors: Khan W. S. , Dunne N. J. , Huntley J. S. , Joyce T. , Reichert I. L. H. , Snelling S. , Scammell B. E.
Published: October 2009

This paper outlines the recent development of an exchange Travelling Fellowship scheme between the British and American Orthopaedic Research Societies.
The use of ultrasound in the assessment and treatment of Achilles tendinosis
Authors: Mitchell A. W. M. , Lee J. C. , Healy J. C.
Published: October 2009

The use of ultrasound in the diagnosis and management of disorders of the tendo Achillis is discussed. Some of the pathological processes which occur in Achilles tendinopathy can be identified by ultrasound, which may also be used to direct local treatment.
The pink, pulseless hand after supracondylar fracture of the humerus in children
Authors: Robb J. E.
Published: October 2009

This annotation discusses the findings of two papers in the current issue describing the management of the neurovascular complications of supracondylar fractures of the humerus in childhood, with particular reference to the indications for and the timing of exploration of the brachial artery and the affected nerves.
Delignification of softwood by ozonation
Authors: Mamleeva Nadezhda A. , Autlov Stanislav A. , Bazarnova Natal’ya G. , Lunin Valery V.
Published: October 2009

Ozonation of aspen sawdust of various moisture content (MC) values was investigated. Ozone consumption corresponding to the completion of the ozonation process was shown to be governed by the wood MC. Cellulose-containing material of a low (1–3 %) residual lignin content (LC) was produced under ozonation. It is proposed that ozone dissolved in water is responsible for delignification. The conversion of lignin during softwood ozonation was investigated by UV and Fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The pathways of lignin transformations are influenced by wood MC value.
Onium-tagged Ru complexes as universal catalysts for olefin metathesis reactions in various media
Authors: Gułajski Łukasz , Mauduit Marc , Grela Karol
Published: October 2009

Polar olefin metathesis catalysts bearing a pendant electron-withdrawing (EWG) onium group are reviewed. The presence of this group not only activates the catalysts electronically, but renders them more hydrophilic. Catalysts can, therefore, be efficiently used not only in traditional media such as methylene chloride and toluene, but also in technical-grade alcohols, alcohol–water mixtures, and in neat water. In addition, some onium-tagged catalysts can act as inisurfs (initiator + surfactant molecules), promoting metathesis under heterogeneous aqueous conditions. Finally, some of these catalysts can be used in ionic liquids. Various ring-closing-, cross- and enyne metathesis reactions were conducted with these catalysts.
Gas adsorption applications of porous metal–organic frameworks
Authors: Ma Shengqian
Published: October 2009

Porous metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) represent a new type of functional materials and have recently become a hot research field due to their great potential in various applications. In this review, recent progress of gas adsorption applications of porous MOFs, mainly including hydrogen storage, methane storage, and selective gas adsorption will be briefly summarized.
Spermatogonial stem cells in higher primates: are there differences from those in rodents?
Authors: Hermann Brian P , Sukhwani Meena , Hansel Marc C , Orwig Kyle E
Published: October 2009

Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) maintain spermatogenesis throughout the reproductive life of mammals. While Asinglespermatogonia comprise the rodent SSC pool, the identity of the stem cell pool in the primate spermatogenic lineage is not well established. The prevailing model is that primate spermatogenesis arises from Adarkand Apalespermatogonia, which are considered to represent reserve and active stem cells respectively. However, there is limited information about how the Adarkand Apaledescriptions of nuclear morphology correlate with the clonal (Asingle, Apaired, and Aaligned), molecular (e.g. GFRα1 (GFRA1) and PLZF), and functional (SSC transplantation) descriptions of rodent SSCs. Thus, there is a need to investigate primate SSCs using criteria, tools, and approaches that have been used to investigate rodent SSCs over the past two decades. SSCs have potential clinical application for treating some cases of male infertility, providing impetus for characterizing and learning to manipulate these adult tissue stem cells in primates (nonhuman and human). This review recounts the development of a xenotransplant assay for functional identification of primate SSCs and progress dissecting the molecular and clonal characteristics of the primate spermatogenic lineage. These observations highlight the similarities and potential differences between rodents and primates regarding the SSC pool and the kinetics of spermatogonial self-renewal and clonal expansion. With new tools and reagents for studying primate spermatogonia, the field is poised to develop and test new hypotheses about the biology and regenerative capacity of primate SSCs.