bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surface electrical capacitance as an index of epidermal barrier properties of composite skin substitutes and skin autografts
Authors: Goretsky Michael J. , Supp Andrew P. , Greenhalgh David G. , Warden Glenn D. , Boyce Steven T.
Published: September 2002

Restoration of the epidermal barrier is a requirement for burn wound closure. A rapid, reliable, and noninvasive measure of the rate of restoration of the epidermal barrier is not readily available. To monitor the reformation of the epidermal barrier, we measured surface electrical capacitance on cultured skin substitutes (human keratinocytes and fibroblasts attached to collagen‐glycosaminoglycan substrates) and split‐thickness skin autografts grafted to patients. Data were collected from four patients with burns and one pediatric patient with a congenital hairy nevus comprising > 60% total body surface area. Capacitance measurements were performed at days 7, 10, 12, 14, and 28 by direct contact of the capacitance probe for 10 seconds to the cultured skin substitutes or split‐thickness autograft. On postoperative days 7, 10, 12, 14, 21, and 28, the surface electrical capacitance of cultured skin substitutes after 10 seconds of sampling was 2468 ± 268, 1443 ± 439, 129 ± 43, 200 ± 44, 88 ± 20, and 74 ± 19 picofarads (mean ± standard error of the mean), respectively. Surface electrical capacitance for split‐thickness autograft on the same days was 1699 ± 371, 1914 ± 433, 125 ± 16, 175 ± 63, 110 ± 26, 271 ± 77 picofarads, respectively. Surface electrical capacitance in all of the grafts decreased with time. Cultured skin substitutes had approximately the same 10‐second capacitance values as split‐thickness autograft during 3 weeks of healing and approached values for uninjured skin (32 ± 5 picofarads) by 12 days. Measurement of surface electrical capacitance is a direct, inexpensive, and convenient index for noninvasive monitoring of epidermal barrier formation.
Inhibition of tissue transglutaminase and ɛ (γ‐glutamyl) lysine cross‐linking in human hypertrophic scar
Authors: Dolynchuk Kenneth N.
Published: September 2002

Immunohistochemical staining with monoclonal antibody to tissue transglutaminase was used to study cryostat sections of human skin wounds. The enzyme was found in acute wounds and chronic hypertrophic scars but not in normal mature scars. Because tissue transglutaminase is responsible for the formation of isopeptide cross‐links, a two‐stage high‐performance liquid chromatographic analysis was used to quantitate the ɛ (γ‐glutamyl) lysine cross‐link produced by various types of wound tissues. Eighteen patients with hypertrophic scars between 6 months' and 10 years' duration after injury underwent a double‐blind trial with putrescine 50 mmol/L in a eutectic vehicle for 2 months under nonocclusive dressings (Biofill). For the control portion of the same or different scar, sham vehicle and non‐occlusive dressing were simultaneously applied. Both scars were harvested at biopsy or elective revision surgery 2 months later. After homo‐genization and exhaustive proteolysis, digests were studied with the use of high‐performance liquid chromatography analysis. The results of treatment were a significant decrease in the levels of isopeptide cross‐link formation from 0.018 ± .006 nmol/µmol amino acids in untreated scars to 0.008 ± .001 nmol/µmol amino acid in the treated group (p < 0.05). The isopeptide cross‐link content in treated scars was nearly as low as that in normal mature scars (0.003 ± 0.001 nmol/µmol amino acid). These results show that cross‐link formation by tissue transglutaminase activity is inhibited during treatment of hypertrophic scar by putrescine. These results support the possible therapeutic use of topical putrescine in the treatment of hypertrophic scar formation.
Progression of cellular repopulation and collagen synthesis in fresh‐frozen allograft tendons
Authors: Nakamura Norimasa , Horibe Shuji , Maeda Akira , Toritsuka Yukiyoshi , Matsumoto Norinao , Adachi Eijiro , Shino Konsei , Ochi Takahiro
Published: September 2002

The progression of cellular repopulation and collagen synthesis in fresh‐frozen rat patellar tendon allografts was investigated by means of indirect immunofluorescence histologic analysis and electron microscopic techniques for 8 weeks after transplantation. In each of 10 procedures, the medial half of the patellar tendon with a tibial bone block was harvested from a Wistar rat and transplanted into a corresponding defect in the medial patellar tendon of a Lewis rat. Actin filaments in the repopulating cells and newly synthesized collagen fibrils in the graft were identified with rhodamine‐phalloidin stain and with a polyclonal antibody against type III collagen aminopro‐peptide. On the first day after transplantation, no specific fluorescence was detected in the graft. One week later, specific labeling for fibrillar‐actin (F‐actin) and type III collagen aminopropeptide was detected in an area extending from the adjacent granulation tissue into the proximal end of the graft. F‐actin and type III collagen aminopropeptide were aligned along the longitudinal axis of the graft and extended from the proximal suture site toward the distal portion. Two weeks after transplantation, fibrillar labeling for F‐actin and type III collagen amino‐propeptide showed that remodeling had extended to the midportion of the graft. Labeling throughout the entire graft was detected 4 weeks after transplantation. During the entire remodeling process, the repopulated fibroblasts consistently retained their elongated shape and their alignment with the longitudinal axis of the graft. The cells developed well‐organized actin bundles at their peripheries, which identified them as having a myofibroblast phenotype. Immunofluorescence detection for type III collagen aminopropeptide also showed consistent alignment parallel to the longitudinal axis of the graft and a fibrillar arrangement. Electron microscopy revealed thinner collagen fibrils in the vicinity of the fibroblasts, which were aligned in the direction of the actin bundles. These results indicate that, during the early remodeling phase, collagen synthesis and deposition in the graft proceeds while the original alignment of the graft matrix is preserved. The close association between the alignment of actin bundles in repopulated “myofibroblastic” cells and that of newly synthesized collagen fibrils along the lines of the graft matrix may represent evidence of force transmission between the actin cytoskeleton and the linking extracellular matrix in vivo.
Recurrence rate of diabetic neurotrophic foot ulcers healed using topical application of growth factors released from platelets
Authors: Steed David L. , Edington Howard D. , Webster Marshall W.
Published: September 2002

The purpose of this study was to determine the recurrence rate of diabetic neurotrophic foot ulcers that had healed in a treatment protocol using topically applied growth factors released from platelets. Thirty‐six patients with diabetic neurotrophic foot ulcers were entered into a randomized prospective double‐blind 20‐week trial of topically applied platelet growth factors or buffered saline dressings. Ulcers had been present for 15.5 months (mean, range 2 to 60 months). Sixteen patients (44%) healed and were followed up for as many as 30 months to determine the rate of ulcer recurrence. Eleven patients (68.8%) had ulcers that recurred, including 10 treated with platelet growth factors and one treated with buffered saline solution. These ulcers had been present for 20 months (range 5 to 60 months) before healing. Average time to ulcer recurrence was 2.2 months (range 0.25 to 7 months). Five ulcers (31.2%) remained healed, including four treated with platelet growth factors and one treated with buffered saline solution. These healed, nonrecurring ulcers had been present for 5 months (range 2 to 6 months) before healing. Average follow up was 25 months (range 24 to 30 months). Ulcers were more likely to recur if they had been present longer before healing. If patients were not compliant in wearing footwear to protect the healed ulcer, the ulcers were prone to early recurrence. These data indicate that ulcers healed by using growth factors in the form of a platelet growth factors did not have more durable skin over the ulcer and were prone to early ulcer recurrence.
Biochemical analysis of acute and chronic wound environments
Authors: Tarnuzzer Roy W. , Schultz Gregory S.
Published: September 2002

The process of wound healing involves a complex interaction between numerous cell types, extracellular matrix molecules, and soluble mediators including growth factors and cytokines. This complex milieu is under active investigation for the purposes of beginning to understand how this environment regulates tissue repair. Quantitation of growth factors, cytokines, and matrix metalloproteinases within surgical wound fluids may help to elucidate this regulatory network, not only in noncomplicated wound healing but also in pathologic lesions such as chronic ulcers.
Alterations of angiotensin II receptor levels in full‐thickness excisional wounds in rat skin
Authors: Abiko Masami , Rodgers Kathleen E. , Campeau Joseph D. , Nakamura Robert M. , Dizerega Gere S.
Published: September 2002

Angiotensin II was recently shown to have a growth‐promoting role after vascular injury and in the development of cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis. In addition, angiotensin II may play a role in dermal wound repair. In this article, alterations in angiotensin II receptor levels in tissue harvested from full‐thickness excisional dermal wounds in adult Sprague‐Dawley rats were examined. A 2.25 cm2 full‐thickness excision of the dorsal skin was made under general anesthesia, and the tissue was harvested on days 1, 3, 5, 7, and 10 after wounding. The level of 125I‐Sar1.IIe8‐angiotensin II bound to membrane preparations of both granulation tissue and wound edge increased from day 1, peaked on day 5, and returned to nonsurgical levels by day 10. In both granulation and wound edge segments of the injured skin, the maximum binding on postoperative day 5 was about twice that of postoperative day 1 tissue or control skin. Competitive binding studies with angiotensin II type 1 receptor or type 2 receptor antagonists (DuP 753 and CGP 42112B, respectively) showed that the receptors present in the healing dermal tissue from the adult rat were almost entirely of the type 1 receptor form.
Negatively charged beads and transforming growth factor‐β1 stimulate bone repair in rabbits
Authors: Lyle W. Glenn , Simmons David J. , Phillips Linda G. , Robson Martin C.
Published: September 2002

Previous studies have shown the osteogenic potential of negatively charged Sephadex beads when used to heal osseous defects in an animal model. The present study examined the effect of adding the growth factors transforming growth factor‐β1 and basic fibroblast growth factor to negatively charged Sephadex beads and neutral (non‐osteogenic) Sephadex beads in a critical size calvarial defect in rabbits. New Zealand White rabbits were divided into six groups of five rabbits; 15 mm parietal defects were created and filled with either negatively charged Sephadex beads (three groups) or neutral Sephadex beads (three groups). Each group received either 2 µg of transforming growth factor‐β1, 1 µg of basic fibroblast growth factor, or buffer (control). Animals were killed at 5 weeks, and their calvaria were submitted to plain radiographic and histomorphometric analyses. Defects treated with negatively charged Sephadex beads produced significantly more new trabecular bone than neutral Sephadex beads (p < 0.01), whereas the neutral beads treated with transforming growth factor‐β1 formed significantly more bone than controls. The addition of transforming growth factor‐β1 to negatively charged beads resulted in near closure of the craniotomy defect. The application of transforming growth factor‐β1 to this model resulted in significantly more ectopic bone (p < 0.01) outside the defect on the dural and periosteal surfaces. Basic fibroblast growth factor, in the dose used, appeared to have an inhibitory effect on new bone formation fostered by negatively charged Sephadex beads. This study suggests that the addition of transforming growth factor‐β1 to the known osteoconductive matrix of negatively charged Sephadex beads may be therapeutically useful in nonhealing bony defects.
Hereditary disorders of connective tissue: a review
Authors: Klett Carrie C. , Diegelmann Robert F.
Published: September 2002

Extracellular matrix is a very complex assemblage of specialized molecules including collagen, elastin, proteoglycans, and attachment glycoproteins such as fibronectin and laminin. Collagen is an unusual protein because it requires multiple processing steps both within and outside the cell beginning with transcription and refinement of its messenger RNA, translation of the mature mRNA, extensive post‐translational modifications, and further alterations in the extracellular compartments. If errors are made at any one of the multiple steps in this complex pathway, a defective molecule will be formed that could result in connective tissue abnormalities. Similarly, alterations in other components of the extracellular matrix can also result in clinical pathologies. Some of these clinical phenotypes have been classified as Ehlers‐Danlos syndrome, Marfan syndrome, osteogenesis imperfecta, and epidermolysis bullosa. This article reviews these various connective tissue disorders, describes the underlying biochemical defects, and describes their impact on tissue repair.
Ability of chronic wound fluids to degrade peptide growth factors is associated with increased levels of elastase activity and diminished levels of proteinase inhibitors
Authors: Yager Dorne R. , Chen Stephen M. , Ward Susan I. , Olutoye Oluyinka O. , Diegelmann Robert F. , Kelman Cohen I.
Published: September 2002

The stability of peptide growth factors exposed to fluids from healing surgical wounds and from nonhealing chronic wounds was examined in vitro. 125I‐Labeled transforming growth factor‐β1 or platelet‐derived growth factor‐BB was incubated with fluids from healing surgical wounds and fluids from venous stasis or pressure ulcers. Fluids from healing surgical wounds had no appreciable effect on the level of 125I corresponding to intact growth factor. In contrast, incubation with fluids from several venous stasis or pressure ulcers resulted in significant degradation of these growth factors. Degradation was blocked by broad‐spectrum serine proteinase inhibitors and by specific inhibitors of neutrophil elastase. Levels of elastase activity in wound fluids correlated with the ability to degrade peptide growth factors. Further comparisons showed qualitative and quantitative differences in the endogenous proteinase inhibitors, α2‐macroglobulin and α1‐antiproteinase. These results could explain, in part, the variable growth factor levels which have been found in chronic wounds. More importantly, the ability of some chronic nonhealing wounds to rapidly degrade exogenously added growth factors has important implications with regard to past and future clinical attempts to use peptide growth factors to treat these types of problem wounds.
Mammalian wound repair environment does not permit skeletal muscle regeneration
Authors: Sicard Raymond E. , Nguyen Linh M. P. , Witzke Jonathan D.
Published: September 2002

Repair and regeneration are mutually exclusive responses to injury. Previous studies have shown that wound fluids promote proliferation, but not differentiation, of myoblasts in vitro. This study explored the ability of the repair environment within polyvinyl alcohol sponges to support cellular events of skeletal muscle regeneration in vivo. Neonatal rat L8 myoblasts were modified to express β‐galactosidase then inoculated into plain sponges or sponges containing minced muscle. Labeled myoblasts were found in myotubes within minced muscle. In contrast, myoblasts inoculated into sponges lacking muscle remained mononucleate. Occurrence of labeled myoblasts within myotubes, which required fusion, represents differentiation of inoculated myoblasts to participate in regeneration. Failure of myoblasts to form myotubes in sponges lacking muscle suggests that this wound repair environment cannot support morphologic differentiation of myoblasts. Although this repair environment can support the survival of myoblasts, it did not support myogenesis, an event necessary to complete skeletal muscle regeneration. Data from this study reinforce earlier studies in vitro and suggest that the properties attributed to wound fluids are inherent in the wound environment. Whether the inability of this environment to support myogenesis is the consequence of the absence of essential factors or the presence of inhibitors remains to be determined.
Transition from fetal to adult repair occurring in mouse forelimbs maintained in organ culture
Authors: Chopra Vikas , Blewett Christopher J. , Ehrlich H. Paul , Krummel Thomas M.
Published: September 2002

In previous wound healing experiments with the use of midgestation murine fetal forelimb explants, wounds were made before or immediately after amputation from the fetus. This experimental technique allows one to ask the question: Do circulatory elements initiate or sustain the repair process in vitro? The hypotheses tested in the current study were that repair occurs in organ culture in the absence of systemic influences and that the in vivo transition from fetal‐like to adult‐type repair persists in an unperfused in vitro system. Gestational day‐14 mouse forelimbs were harvested and placed in serum‐free culture medium. Before amputation, control forelimbs received linear full‐incision microscalpel wounds that were closed primarily. The animals in the other group were not immediately wounded but cultured for 4 days and then wounded with primary wound closure. All limbs were cultured for 7 days after wounding and then processed for histologic analysis. In the immediately wounded limbs, scarless healing occurred with collagen fibers deposited in a reticular form. In contrast, the delay‐wounded limbs had collagen organized in parallel arrays (disordered), constituting repair by scarring. Wound repair proceeded as a local phenomenon in the absence of systemic mediators. We conclude that day‐14 gestation forelimbs undergo maturation in culture, causing a transition from scarless to adult scar repair.
Rate of tendon gap closure in an in vitro collagen gel matrix
Authors: Dombi George W. , Yu Pingyang , Ledgerwood Anna M. , Lucas Charles E.
Published: September 2002

Tendon gap closure was examined in a tissue culture model and found to have a similar time course as skin wound closure. Foot tendons from White Rock chickens were mounted in a collagen gel matrix and maintained with the use of Dulbecco's modified Eagle medium, containing fetal calf serum and antibiotics, for 4 weeks at 37° C in an incubator. Gap distances between tendons were measured every 1 to 3 days and plotted against time as the contraction curve. After an initial lag period of 4 to 8 days, gap distance showed a progressive decrease. Gap closure rate was defined as the slope of the contraction curve, and it was found to be a function of initial gap distance (r = 0.643, p 0.045). The time necessary to reduce the initial gap distance by half had a significant correlation with the initial gap distance (r = 0.986, p < 0.001). Fibroblast migration began on days 2 to 3 after a 1‐ to 2‐day lag period. Fibroblasts were visible in the tendon gap region before the start of collagen gel contraction. At this time, the fibroblast migration rate was 0.33 mm/day. A critical density of fibroblasts was necessary to start collagen gel contraction. Once the gap distance began to diminish, fibroblast migration measurements were hampered because the measurable area was decreasing. Collagen gel contraction reduced the measurable fibroblast migration rate by nearly half to 0.18 mm/day. A linear correlation was found between fibroblast distance traveled and time in culture during both the gel lag and gel contraction time periods. This tendon culture model may be potentially useful for wound healing studies because it allows for studies of fibroblast activity in the early lag phase when the cells populate the collagen lattice but before contraction of the gel occurs.
In vitro analysis of adhesion molecule expression and gel contraction of human granulation fibroblasts
Authors: Petri J. Bernhard , Saalbach Anja , Haupt Bettina , Pierer Matthias , Haustein Uwe‐Frithjof , Herrmann Konrad
Published: September 2002

The objective of this study was to determine whether human fibroblasts obtained at different times from normally healing wounds were phenotypically distinct with respect to cell‐matrix interactions. We cultured human granulation fibroblasts obtained from repeated biopsies from the same punch area. On days 3, 6, 9, and 14 the expression of key adhesion molecules and extracellular matrix components at the protein level by flow cytometry analysis were compared with quiescent fibroblasts. Intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 levels were significantly elevated only around day 3, which implies a phenotypic change during the early phase of wound healing. Homing cell adhesion molecule, as well as the α4 integrin subunit (CD49d), were essentially unaltered. The α5 integrin subunit (CD49e), which imparts the specificity of the fibronectin receptor and αv (CD51), a vitronectin receptor component, are upregulated around days 3 and 6; the α2 and 3 integrin subunits (CD49b/c) were only increased on day 6. In granulation fibroblasts, at days 3 and 14, the level of the β1 integrin subunit was enhanced. In addition, collagen gel contraction with granulation fibroblasts increases constantly from day 3 to day 14. These results show that human granulation fibroblasts differentially express cell surface adhesion molecules depending on the age of the healing wound. Further, changes in the ability of these cells to contract collagen gels indicate a synchronicity between wound bed contraction and different stages of wound healing.
Classification of Impairment of Shoulder Abduction in Obstetric Brachial Plexus Palsy and its Clinical Significance
Authors: GU Y-D. , CHEN L. , SHEN L-Y.
Published: September 2002

Shoulder abduction was studied in 25 cases of obstetric brachial plexus palsy (OBPP). According to muscle function, electromyographic features and X-ray examination, impairment of shoulder abduction could be classified into dynamic, resistant or combined types. Five cases were the dynamic type, which was characterized by paralysis of the shoulder abductors. Fifteen cases were categorized as the resistant type, with contracture of the subscapularis muscle, co-contraction of latissimus dorsi and teres major muscles and secondary disorders of the shoulder joint. Five cases were classified as the combined type in which there were both dynamic and resistant factors. Appropriate management and surgical procedures in the shoulder affected by OBPP depend on the pathological classification.
Similarities between a Conjoined Nail and the Palmar Nail Syndrome
Authors: AL-QATTAN M. M. , AL-RABEEAH A.
Published: September 2002

The congenital palmar nail syndrome consists of a triad of palmar nail, absent finger flexion and abnormalities of the distal phalanx. There are two main theories about the pathogenesis of this syndrome: the ancestral reversion theory and the duplication theory. In this paper, similarities between a conjoined nail in conjoined twins and the palmar nail syndrome are described to support the duplication theory.
Developmental and Behavioural Outcome in Obstetric Brachial Plexus Palsy
Authors: BELLEW M. , KAY S. P. J. , WEBB F. , WARD A.
Published: September 2002

Forty-four children with obstetric brachial plexus palsy were assessed for both developmental attainment and behavioural problems. Analysis of the resulting data revealed developmental and behavioural problems previously not identified, particularly in those with more severe injuries. These effects were independent of the general condition of the child at birth, as indicated by their Apgar scores. Further studies are required to provide clarification of these children’s difficulties, the mechanisms by which they occur and effective strategies to address them.
Retrospective Outcome Analysis of Staged Flexor Tendon Reconstruction
Authors: FRAKKING T. G. , DEPUYDT K. P. , KON M. , WERKER P. M. N.
Published: September 2002

Forty staged flexor tendon reconstructions were done in 38 patients between 1991 and 1997. Results were assessed by clinical examination and questionnaire. At follow-up (mean, 35 months) a tenolysis had already been done in 12 cases. In the long fingers there was a significant difference between total active motion (187°) and total passive motion (237°). There was also a significant difference between active (24°) and passive (58°) IP motion in the thumbs. The mean power grip was 82%, pinch grip 74% and key grip 63% of the contralateral hand. None of the ten FPL reconstructions could be graded as excellent; four were good, using the criteria of Buck-Gramcko et al. (1976) . Twenty-eight of the FDP reconstructions had excellent or good results. These results were better than the subjective scores given by the patients, 24 of whom complained of functional problems in daily life at follow-up.
The Prognostic Value of Concurrent Horner’s Syndrome in Total Obstetric Brachial Plexus Injury
Authors: AL-QATTAN M. M. , CLARKE H. M. , CURTIS C. G.
Published: September 2002

The prognostic value of concurrent Horner’s syndrome in infants with total birth palsy was investigated. The records of 48 cases with total palsy were reviewed. Poor spontaneous return of the motor function of the limb was found for both with and without concurrent Horner’s syndrome. Fisher’s exact test ( P=0.02) indicated that the presence of concurrent Horner’s syndrome is a significant prognostic factor for poor spontaneous recovery of the limb.
Reduction in Pain Associated with Open Carpal Tunnel Decompression
Authors: AVRAMIDIS K. , LEWIS J. C. , GALLAGHER P.
Published: September 2002

Patients treated by open carpal tunnel decompression under local anaesthetic experience significant pain with the introduction of local anaesthetic before operation. A prospective double-blind randomized placebo controlled trial was carried out to assess whether this pain could be reduced with the pre-application of a topical lignocaine-prilocaine anaesthetic cream. Nineteen patients undergoing simultaneous bilateral operations were studied. Pain, measured with a visual analogue scale, was significantly reduced on the sides treated with anaesthetic cream. On a four point verbal scale the rating on the placebo side was “moderate” or “severe”, compared to “mild” on the anaesthetic cream side. The reduction in pain was greater in women, possibly due to a relatively thinner dermis. There were no adverse effects.
The Use of an in situ Curing Hydroxyapatite Cement as an Alternative to Bone Graft Following Removal of Enchondroma of the Hand
Authors: JOOSTEN U. , JOIST A. , FREBEL T. , WALTER M. , LANGER M.
Published: September 2002

Following curettage of enchondromata of the phalanges we filled the resultant bone cavity with hydroxyapatite cement in eight patients to avoid cancellous bone grafting. This material differs significantly from the ceramic hydroxyapatite commonly used in clinical practice. It is produced by the combination of two calcium phosphates which, in the presence of water, form a paste that cures to a solid implant with a microporous structure. Like ceramic hydroxyapatite, this cement is highly biocompatible and does not provoke a foreign body giant cell reaction, a sustained inflammatory response or a toxic reaction. We performed a prospective study with X-rays and clinical assessment up to 1 year after the operation. There were no complications, and all patients regained full function of the hand.
Theoretical Stress Analysis in Wrist Joint – Neutral Position and Functional Position
Authors: GENDA E. , HORII E.
Published: September 2002

A three-dimensional rigid body spring model (3D-RBSM) was used to analyse force distribution through the wrist joint. In the neutral position, 48% of the force was transmitted through the radioscaphoid fossa, 40% through the radiolunate fossa, and 12% through the triangular fibrocartilage complex. In the functional position, the wrist joint was slightly extended, resulting in significantly increased force through the lunate (53%). The lunate appears to bear more load than has been reported previously.
Cervical Outlet Syndrome Due to an Accessory Part of the Trapezius Muscle in the Posterior Triangle of the Neck
Authors: HUG U. , BURG D. , MEYER V. E.
Published: September 2002

A 48-year-old man presented with pain and sensory impairment radiating from the neck to the thumb and forefinger of the right hand when lifting weights and turning or tilting the head. The symptoms were due to an anomalous accessory part of the trapezius muscle crossing the upper part of the brachial plexus. Excision of the anomalous muscle and release of the clavicular part of the sternocleidomastoid muscle abolished the complaints.
Reverse Segmental Pedicled Ulna Transfer as a Salvage Procedure in Wrist Fusion
Authors: GERMANN G. , SAUERBIER M. , STEINAU H. U. , WOOD M. B.
Published: September 2002

A new technique for wrist fusion using vascularized bone graft is described. A distally based, pedicled segment of the distal ulna, nourished by the ulnar artery or the distally based palmar-ulnar branch of the anterior interosseus artery was used in three patients to restore carpal height after infection ( n = 2) or tumour resection ( n = 1). The forearm is converted to a situation similar to a wide ulnar resection. All three wrist fusions healed uneventfully. This new technique is suitable in cases where a vascularized bone graft is required, but microsurgical techniques are not appropriate or are rejected by the patient.
Unstable Scaphoid Fracture Nonunion: A Medium-Term Study of Anterior Wedge Grafting Procedures
Authors: EGGLI S. , FERNANDEZ D. L. , BECK T.
Published: September 2002

A retrospective review of 37 patients with scaphoid fracture nonunions treated by interpositional bone grafting and internal fixation was conducted at an average follow-up of 5.7 years. Solid radiographic union was achieved in 35 cases. Preexisting avascular necrosis was a major adverse factor for achievement of union and satisfactory outcome. Based on the modified Mayo wrist-scoring system, 15 patients had an excellent result, 11 had a good result, four had a fair result and seven had a poor result. Patients with preexisting degenerative changes had a significantly worse clinical outcome. The vast majority of the patients had satisfactory correction of scaphoid length and the associated dorsal intercalated segment instability (DISI). Although 30 patients showed radiographic evidence of mild or moderate degenerative changes at their latest follow-up, there was no significant progression of arthrosis and the scaphoid nonunion advanced carpal collapse deformity did not progress after healing of the fracture nonunion.
Dupuytren’s Contracture and Sarcoma
Authors: WILBRAND S. , EKBOM A. , GERDIN B.
Published: September 2002

In order to study possible connections between Dupuytren’s contracture and sarcoma we analysed the records of 18 patients who developed sarcoma 5 years or more after surgery for Dupuytren’s contracture. We found an increased frequency of fibrosarcoma and malignant fibrous histiocytoma, but these patients did not differ from the other patients in the study group. Our analysis suggests that neither smoking, diabetes nor cancer syndromes can explain why patients with Dupuytren’s contracture have a higher incidence of sarcoma.
The Arterial System of the First Intermetatarsal Space and its Influence in Toe-To-Hand Transfer: A Report of 53 Long-Pedicle Transfers
Authors: VILLÉN G. MARTÍNEZ , JULVE G. GARCÍA
Published: September 2002

A study of the arterial system in the first intermetatarsal space was performed during 53 toe-to-hand or vascularized tissue of the toe transfers with long arterial pedicles. The first dorsal metatarsal artery was used as a single pedicle in 25 transfers and the first plantar metatarsal artery in 21: both arteries were taken simultaneously in seven transfers. In 11 transfers, the dorsalis pedis artery and the perforating branch were absent, although this did not exclude the presence of a first dorsal metatarsal artery which arose from the plantar system by means of an ascending vascular branch in seven cases
Surgical Correction of Extensor Tendon Subluxation and Ulnar Drift in the Rheumatoid Hand: Long-Term Results
Authors: DELL P. C. , RENFREE K. J. , DELL R. BELOW
Published: September 2002

Subluxation of the extensor digitorum communis tendons in the rheumatoid hand causes ulnar digital drift. If passively correctable, the digit may be realigned by soft tissue rebalancing and extensor centralization, which may preserve a more functional arc of motion than achieved with arthroplasty. A total of 71 centralization procedures were done in 15 rheumatoid patients with a mean age of 55 years and an average follow-up of 9 years. A distally based central-third strip of extensor tendon was used. Correction of ulnar drift deformity was from an average of 47° preoperatively to 7.9° postoperatively, and correction of active range of motion of the metacarpophalangeal joints was from an average of 38° to 56.2°. Reoperation and complication rates were low. This technique corrects and maintains ulnar drift in the rheumatoid hand. Range of motion at the metacarpophalangeal joint level is improved and converted to a more functional one by decreasing the extensor lag.
The Carpal Detachment Injury of the Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex
Authors: NISHIKAWA S. , TOH S. , MIURA H. , ARAI K.
Published: September 2002

Triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) injuries were suspected clinically in 22 wrists of 21 patients, but arthrography and MRI assessments of this structure were normal. As conservative therapy for 2 months did not improve their symptoms, wrist arthroscopy was then performed. Although no abnormalities of the TFCC and ligaments were observed, meniscus homologue-like tissue which arose from TFCC was riding on the articular surface of the triquetrum. After resection of this soft tissue with a shaver and a punch, the symptoms disappeared in all cases. The arthroscopic findings suggested that a portion of TFCC that was originally attached to the ulnar side of the triquetrum had become detached.
The Treatment of Dorsal Fracture-Dislocation of the Proximal Interphalangeal Joint by Closed Reduction and Kirschner Wire Fixation: A 16-Year Follow Up
Authors: NEWINGTON D. P. , DAVIS T. R. C. , BARTON N. J.
Published: September 2002

Ten patients who had sustained 11 unstable dorsal fracture-dislocations of finger proximal interphalangeal joints were reviewed at a mean follow-up of 16 years. All had been treated acutely by closed reduction and transarticular Kirschner wire fixation of the proximal interphalangeal joint, without any attempt at reduction of the fracture of the base of the middle phalanx, which probably involved 30–60% of the articular surface. Seven of the ten patients complained of no finger pain or stiffness, and none complained of severe pain. There was a mean fixed flexion deformity of 81 at the proximal interphalangeal joint, which had a mean arc of movement of 851. Although subchondral sclerosis and mild joint space narrowing were observed in some instances, there were no severe degenerative changes. These results confirm that this technique is a reliable treatment method for these injuries, and produces satisfactory long-term results.
Characterization of an Arabidopsis thaliana Homologue of the Nuclear Export Receptor CAS by its Interaction with Importinα
Authors: Haasen D. , Merkle T.
Published: September 2002

Abstract: We have previously described four genes encoding different Importin α‐like proteins from Arabidopsis thaliana. Here we describe the putative nuclear export receptor for Importin α. Using protein interaction assays in the yeast two‐hybrid system, we characterized an Arabidopsis protein showing high similarity to human CAS, the nuclear export receptor for Importin α. Arabidopsis CAS specifically bound to four different plant Importin α proteins but not to proteins containing leucine‐rich nuclear export signals (NESs) that are recognized by Exportin 1 (XPO1/CRM1). Like all members of the Importin β family, Arabidopsis CAS also interacted with the regulatory GTPase Ran. Deletion of 15 amino acid residues from the amino terminus of CAS abolished binding of Importin α, but did not influence the interaction with the GTPase Ran. We found two regions of Importin α1 that profoundly influence the binding to CAS: the amino terminal Importin beta‐binding (IBB) domain and the carboxy terminus. Whereas the IBB domain did not directly bind to CAS, but might rather affect the interaction through conformational changes within the Importin α protein, the carboxy terminal domain strongly interacted with CAS.
Leaf Biomechanics and Biomass Investment in Support in Relation to Long‐Term Irradiance in Fagus
Authors: Niinemets Ü. , Fleck S.
Published: September 2002

Abstract: We investigated biomass investment in support and assimilative leaf biomass in Fagus orientalis Lipsky and F. sylvatica L., and foliar biomechanical characteristics in F. orientalis to gain mechanistic insight into the determinants of leaf inclination in Fagus along the canopy light gradient. Because the leaf laminas of Fagus are elliptical, with petioles comprising only ca. 8 % of total leaf length, a leaf was approximated as a continuous sine load. Lamina load increased with increasing seasonal integrated quantum flux density in the canopy (Qint), but leaf length was independent of irradiance. Despite greater load, leaf deflection under leaf own weight was lower for leaves at higher Qint, indicating that foliage flexural stiffness (EI), that is a variable characterizing the resistance of beam‐like structures to bending, scaled positively with irradiance. The components of EI ‐ the leaf apparent Young's modulus of elasticity (E), which is a measure of leaf material properties, and lamina second moment of area (I), which characterizes the distribution of mass around the axis of bending ‐ were also related to irradiance, with E decreasing, but I increasing with Qint. The positive scaling of I with Qint was associated with increases in leaf thickness and, in particular, with increases in the degree of leaf rolling, allowing the distribution of leaf mass further away from the neutral axis. Decreases in E were correlated with decreased leaf biomass investments in the midrib at higher irradiance. Both lamina and midrib nitrogen concentrations decreased with increasing Qint, suggesting that foliage dry mass based physiological activity was lower at higher irradiance, possibly because of an interaction of Qint with water stress in the canopy. Given that the veins also provide a pathway for water and nutrient transport to the leaf cells, as well as for carbon translocation from the leaf, lower leaf physiological activity in high light may provide an explanation for the lower biomass investment in major veins in high light. We conclude that foliage biomechanical characteristics and leaf inclination in the canopy are significantly affected by irradiance, and that the light effects may be modified by the reverse correlation between light and water availabilities in the canopy.
Applications of Nambu mechanics to systems of hydrodynamical type
Authors: Guha Partha
Published: September 2002

We show that the reduced Dubrovin–Novikov hydrodynamic type models are integrable Nambu mechanical systems admitting Lax triples.
A density functional study of carbon monoxide adsorption on small cationic, neutral, and anionic gold clusters
Authors: Wu X. , Senapati L. , Nayak S. K. , Selloni A. , Hajaligol M.
Published: September 2002

CO adsorption on small cationic, neutral, and anionic Aun (n=1–6) clusters has been investigated using density functional theory in the generalized gradient approximation. Among various possible CO adsorption sites, the on-top (one-fold coordinated) is found to be the most favorable one, irrespective of the charge state of the cluster. In addition, planar structures are preferred by both the bare and the CO-adsorbed clusters. The adsorption energies of CO on the cationic clusters are generally greater than those on the neutral and anionic complexes, and decrease with size. The adsorption energies on the anions, instead, increase with cluster size and reach a local maximum at Au5CO−, in agreement with recent experiment. The differences in adsorption energies for the different charge states decrease with increasing cluster size.
Vortex formation from a cylinder in shallow water
Authors: Akilli H. , Rockwell D.
Published: September 2002

The near wake of a vertical, circular cylinder in shallow water is investigated using a combination of visualization marker and a technique of high-image-density particle image velocimetry. The formation of a large-scale Kármán vortex involves upward ejection of fluid through its center, which eventual leads to a horizontal vortex that induces significant distortion of the free surface. The strength of this secondary vortex is, however, an order of magnitude smaller than that of the large-scale Kármán vortex. Using global, instantaneous imaging, the relationship between patterns of streamline topology and vorticity is established for successive phases of the oscillation cycle, and in horizontal planes at and above the bed. The sequence of phase-referenced states shows that it is possible to identify topological characteristics, including the location of a specific critical (saddle) point that are consistent at elevations on and above the bed. In turn, the sequential development of topological streamline and vorticity patterns is related to time-averaged representations. At the bed, the time-averaged streamline topology downstream of the base of the cylinder takes on a form known as an owl face of the first kind, which was originally defined for a completely different exterior flow. Immediately adjacent to the base of the cylinder, an additional system of saddle points is located at either end of a nodal line. At locations above the bed, one of the two principal saddle points of the owl face of the first kind disappears and the principal foci are transformed from a stable to an unstable state. Furthermore, at progressive elevations above the bed, the degree of concentration of vorticity of the major, large-scale vortex successively decreases. In turn, the foregoing features are related to the patterns of Reynolds stress and velocity fluctuation at and above the bed.
Electroluminescence from heterojunctions of nanocrystalline CdS and ZnS with porous silicon
Authors: Gokarna Anisha , Pavaskar N. R. , Sathaye S. D. , Ganesan V. , Bhoraskar S. V.
Published: September 2002

Electroluminescence from heterojunctions fabricated by depositing ultrathin films of nanocrystalline CdS and ZnS on porous silicon by the liquid–liquid interface reaction technique is reported. Junction current–voltage characteristics were studied for different thicknesses of the deposited films. Large forward currents on the order of 180 mA/cm2 and a rectification ratio on the order of 103 were characteristic of the diode. The reverse breakdown voltage on the order of 150 V indicated the stability of these diodes. Electroluminescence was observed to arise at around 625 nm, which was blueshifted as compared to the photoluminescence peak and showed much smaller full width at half maximum (∼40 nm).
The Dirac operator in a fermion bag background in 1+1 dimensions and generalized supersymmetric quantum mechanics
Authors: Feinberg Joshua
Published: September 2002

We show that the spectral theory of the Dirac operator D=i∂/−σ(x)−iπ(x)γ5, in a static background (σ(x),π(x)) in 1+1 space–time dimensions, is underlined by a certain novel generalization of supersymmetric quantum mechanics, and we explore some of its mathematical and physical consequences.
A theoretical study of protonated argon clusters: ArnH+ (n=1–7)
Authors: Giju Kalathingal T. , Roszak Szczepan , Leszczynski Jerzy
Published: September 2002

Molecular geometries and vibrational frequencies of argon shellvated proton clusters obtained at the MP2(full) level of theory using 6-311++G(3df,3pd) basis set are reported. Successive dissociation energies (De) and D0) are calculated at the CCSD(T,full)/6-311++G(3df,3pd)//MP2 (full)/6-311++G(3df,3pd) level. A new minimum structure for Ar2H+ with bent geometry has been revealed in addition to the known global minimum of the linear isomer. The geometries of the ArnH+ clusters (n>3) provided by the present study are different from those reported in literature. The nature of bonding of Ar–H interactions are discussed based on natural population analysis and physical components of the interaction energy decomposition. The consecutive coordination of argon atoms to Ar–H–Ar+ leads to the weakly increasing consecutive dissociation energies. An analysis of interaction energy component clearly illustrates this anomalous behavior. We notice that a new pattern of argon interaction around proton has emerged on going from Ar3H+(C2v) to Ar7H+(D5h) complexes.
Bohm criterion failure in nonstationary plasmas
Authors: Bliokh Yu. P. , Felsteiner J. , Slutsker Ya. Z. , Vaisberg P. M.
Published: September 2002

The Bohm criterion, generally used as a boundary condition at the plasma-sheath edge, is not compatible with the time evolution of the voltage fall across the collisionless cathode sheath in a pulsed hollow-cathode discharge. Similarly this criterion is not valid for the interpretation of probe measurements of the plasma in this discharge. The discrepancy disappears only when the discharge reaches its steady state. The duration of this invalidity is much longer than the time needed to fill the device with plasma and than the time needed for the formation of the plasma sheath. The sheath evolution in nonstationary plasmas is described quantitatively by assuming at the sheath edge a temporary growth of the ion speed from an initial low value up to the ion sound velocity, i.e., up to the Bohm criterion requirement.
Instability in a non-ohmic/ohmic fluid interface under a perpendicular electric field and unipolar injection
Authors: Vega F. , Pérez A. T.
Published: September 2002

We set the equations for the linear electrohydrodynamic instability of an interface between two fluids, subjected to a perpendicular field and a unipolar charge injection. One of the fluids is modeled as being in non-ohmic regime (insulating), whereas the other is ohmic. A new interfacial instability mechanism is described, which may account for the Rose-window instability. The equations are analytically solved in the limit of long wavelength and neglecting the fluid motion. We show that this limit applies well to the case of an air–ohmic liquid interface. The applicability to a liquid–liquid interface is also analyzed.
Ultrahigh vacuum-compatible fluorescence x-ray absorption fine structure detector
Authors: Gordon R. A. , Crozier E. D. , Shoults J. , Jiang D.-T.
Published: September 2002

The design and operation of an ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) compatible ionization chamber for fluorescent x-ray detection in the hard-x-ray regime is described. The detector is comprised of two main components: an UHV compatible, bakeable housing and multiple, 90% transparent, nickel wire-mesh internal collectors. The detector has been used successfully to study molecular beam epitaxy prepared metal thin films in situ.