bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Theoretical Perspectives on European Policy-Making: An Empirical Study of Financial Services
Authors: Howell Kerry E.
Published: July 2017

How are we to understand European integration? There are a number of theories that attempt to shed-light on the integration process each considering that a particular political explanation provides the best means of interpretation. Intergovernmentalism proposes that the only way to understand European integration is through the actions of nation-states. Neo functionalism emphasises the extent to which sub-national interests and a supranational authority provides economic benefit and political acceptance of the process. Through a study of life insurance this paper investigates the extent of sector involvement in EU policy making and analyses the utilisation of sub-national actors, supranationality and spillover in the process of European integration.
The Information Content of Econometric and Implied Forecasts
Authors: Chong James
Published: July 2017

This study examines the information content of various econometric and implied correlation models applied to over-the-counter currency options. To gain insight into the incremental information contribution of each forecast, a regression-based approach is undertaken, that suggests a lack of optimal data employment by the individual forecasts and that value is added when various forecasts are combined. In addition, we also examine which forecast error – correlation or volatility – contributes more to the covariance forecast error by assuming perfect foresight for either correlation or volatility forecast. In this regard, it appears that volatility forecasting has a more accurate methodology than correlation forecasting.
Prefrontal Cortex Dysfunction and Income: A Study in Neuroeconomics
Authors: Spinella Marcello , Yang Bijou , Lester David
Published: July 2017

In a sample of 235 community residents, income was found to be negatively associated with a measure of prefrontal cortex dysfunction (FrSBe), even after controls for age, sex and education. The results provide support for a neuroeconomic approach to the study of microeconomic variables.
The Medicinal Plants Economy of South Africa: Profile and Future Perspectives
Authors: Tewari Sheela
Published: July 2017

South Africa is ranked as the third most biologically diverse country in the world and its forests contain a wide range of traditional medicinal plants. It is estimated that the country’s 200,000 traditional healers use approximately 3000 plant species as their materia medica for various diseases. The trade in medicinal plants is growing rapidly and is valued at between R750 million and R1 billion per annum. There are prospects for greater connections between the traditional and allopathic medicine systems which would increase the demand for medicinal plants. The industry faces several challenges in meeting an increasing demand.
The Socioeconomic Costs of Road Traffic Accidents in Ethekwini (Durban) Municipality, South Africa
Authors: Olukoga Abiodun
Published: July 2017

There were 51,880 road traffic accidents recorded in Durban Municipality in 1998, 46.4% being same direction accidents. Most of the casualties (38.8%) were from the vehicle/ pedestrian accidents. Casualties per 100 accidents were highest with vehicle/pedestrian accidents (97.5) and only 9.5 in same direction accidents. Fatalities occurred in 1% of the road traffic accidents and made up 5.1% of all casualties.

The total costs of road traffic accidents in 1998 were US$151 million, which was 13.1% of the budget of the municipality for 2002/2003. Damage only accidents cost about US$83.6 million and comprised 55.4% of the total accident costs. Fatal accidents cost US$25.9 million and 17.2% of the total costs. Serious and slight accidents cost about US$42 million and 27.4% of the total costs. Slight accidents cost about US$20.16 million and 13.3% of the total costs.

There is an urgent need for measures to reduce the number of pedestrian casualties and fatalities of road traffic accidents.
Closure of a Landfill Site in Ethekwini (Durban) Municipality: A Test for Strategic Bias in Contingent Valuation
Authors: Harinath Varsha , Rhodes Bruce
Published: July 2017

The Contingent Valuation Method (CVM) is used to estimate the benefits of hypothetically closing a landfill site known to be generating considerable negative health and amenity externalities to nearby residents. Within this framework, a test for strategic bias is undertaken. Standard consumer theory explains that subjects have incentives to deliberately misstate their valuations when paying for public goods and open-ended responses used in CVM for valuing non-marketed goods and services are thought to be vulnerable to such strategic behaviour. Evidence for strategic bias was found and the willingness to pay (WTP) to close down the site and construct a new landfill site outside the city was estimated to be R60.45 per household per month with age and income significantly influencing the WTP bid. Aggregate WTP was R12 090 per month.
Taking Moral Motivations into Consideration: An Internalist Point of View
Authors: Ballet Jérôme , Barillot Sébastien , Bazin Damien , Mahieu François-Régis
Published: July 2017

Economic theory has of late begun to include moral and social factors into the analysis of human behaviour. A key factor in this process of integration is the role of motivations. This role is discussed in the field of moral philosophy through the opposition of internalism and externalism. The first part of the present article deals with this issue. Economic theory, insofar as standard developments are concerned, does not take the internalist point of view seriously into account. This is illustrated in the second section through the discussion of models which integrate the sense of guilt. We then conclude on the weaknesses of these models. The internalist position is defended in the third part. We highlight the effects that such a position could have on economic reasoning. Amongst these effects, special importance is given to demonstrate that rationality regarding economic calculation is subordinate to individual responsibility.

JEL classification: B40.
Book Review: Ethics, Economics and Politics: Principles of Public Policy, 2002
Authors: Berka Martin
Published: July 2017

Ethics, Economics and Politics: Principles of Public Policy, 2002 (2003 in paperback) 162 pp. Oxford University Press

ISBN 0-19-925704-3 (hbk)

ISBN 0-19-926872-X (pbk)
New Ventures and Economic Evolution
Authors: Pinfold John F.
Published: July 2017

This paper provides an alternate view of how new firms contribute to the evolution of the economy. Entrepreneurs, buoyed by over-optimistic expectations of financial rewards and over confidence of success, start new firms at a rate far higher than any economy can sustain. Inevitably, failure rates are high, as new firms must be capable of driving a more established rival out of business in order to establish a position for themselves. New firms, if they are to overcome the inherent disadvantages of newness, are better equipped to survive if they innovate rather than imitating existing firms. The sheer volume of new firms is such that business founders’ enthusiastic attempts at finding new ways to fill consumer needs provide a wide variety of formulas for success, whose success can only be determined by doing battle with existing firms in the market place. This process of survival of the fittest results in a process of continual economic change where new firms play a far larger role than has generally been recognized.
Book Review: Growth: The Celtic Cancer, why the global economy damages our health andsociety
Authors: Hannafin Kevin
Published: July 2017

Richard Douthwaite and John Jopling (Eds.), Growth: The Celtic Cancer, whythe global economy damages our health andsociety, Feasta Review No. 2, 2004, 207 pages, Dublin: Feasta; The Foundation for the Economics of Sustainability; available online at http://www.feasta. org/documents/review2/index.htm
Business as Usual? Ambitions of Profit Maximization and the Theory of the Firm
Authors: Crossan Kenny , Lange Thomas
Published: July 2017

What constitutes the ultimate aim of managers of businesses remains a contestable question that has been debated by both economists and management scholars for several decades. We collected and analyzed survey data from 159 managers of UK based companies and explored the latter’s overriding ambitions for their businesses. We combined our survey data with detailed financial information contained in the FAME (Financial Analysis Made Easy) database, which allowed us to verify and complement the reported survey results. Irrespective of possible constraints in the market in which they operate, we conclude that managers act “as if” they were the perfectly informed agents of neoclassical economic theory who aim for profit maximization as their overriding business objective, even though – in real life or ex post – their objectives may not necessarily move from this ambition into a reality.
On Economics as a World View*
Authors: Hsiung Bingyuan
Published: July 2017

Stigler (1965) argued that economists can provide policy-makers with sound policy recommendations, so that the efficiency of resource utilization can be improved. But a more fundamental way to improve the efficiency of resource utilization is to enable the general public to think like an economist. To achieve this aim, however, the way of thinking as implied by economics must be identified first; this paper discusses the particular perspective of economics. The idea of a spectrum is used to discuss various ways of defining economics. Then, it is argued that the concept of cost and a benchmark constitute a basic perspective of economics, or the economic world view. Finally, practical steps to relate this world view to the general public are suggested.

JEL classification: All, A20, B20, B41.
Book Review: Doing Business with Poland; Doing Business with Lithuania
Authors: Taplin Ruth
Published: July 2017

Doing Business with Poland; Doing Business with Lithuania Published by Global Market Briefings in 2003 (the former updated in 2005), London
Entrepreneurship, Institutions, and National Policy: Achieving Growth with Justice in Emerging Nations
Authors: Arogyaswamy Bernard , Rodsutti Michita Champathes
Published: July 2017

Entrepreneurship has been a powerful source of economic growth and technological vitality in many parts of the world. We discuss the impact contextual factors (e.g. government policies and culture) have on entrepreneurial activity, as well as the critical role played by institutions. The need for trust and the acceptance of the legitimacy of new ideas are expanded upon. Entrepreneurship is also seen as a potent force for moderating the inequities created by globalization, and for fostering social (and technological) justice. Special attention is paid to entrepreneurship in emerging nations, particularly China and India.
Book Review: The Left in the Shaping of Japanese Democracy: Essays in honour of J.A.A. Stockwin
Authors: Cortazzi Sir Hugh
Published: July 2017

The Left in the Shaping of Japanese Democracy: Essays in honour of J.A.A. Stockwin. Edited by Rikki Kersten and David Williams. Routledge, 2006, soft back ISBN10: 0-415-334345-7 and hardback ISBN10: 0-415-33434-9.
Irrelevant Externality Angst
Authors: Haddock David D.
Published: July 2017

Public goods are perplexing because insuperable transaction costs are encountered when optimization requires comprehensive negotiation among large populations of beneficiaries. Though scrutiny is certainly warranted, private internalization of public goods externalities is common. Even when many parties can freely utilize the good, if most experience a real but marginally irrelevant external effect, private interactions among the few who experience relevant impacts can suitably balance marginal costs and benefits across entire populations. It is impossible to ascertain the desirability or form of government intervention if empirical tasks are neglected on the basis of inconclusive theoretical conjectures.

Journal of Economic Literature Classification: D23, D62, D78, H41, K32, P16, Q28
Book Review: Intellectual Property Rights and the EC Competition Rules
Authors: Wakui Masako
Published: July 2017

Intellectual Property Rights and the EC Competition Rules by Prof. Valentine Korah, Hardcover: 322 pages, Publisher: Hart Publishing (16 Feb 2006). ISBN-10: 184113614X
Beyond Economic Efficiency in Biodiversity Conservation
Authors: Gatzweiler Franz W.
Published: July 2017

This paper aims at explaining the importance of the democracy stance as compared to the efficiency stance in order to achieve the conservation of biodiversity. While the efficiency stance only refers to the realm of relatively simple systems, individual rationality, and instrumental values, the complexity stance transcends these boundaries into the realm of complex systems, social rationality and intrinsic values. I argue that if biodiversity is not only regarded as a resource but also a systemic condition, the task of biodiversity conservation is impossible to achieve in economically efficient ways only, because (a) it is impossible to come to a (fully informed) complete account of all values, (b) intrinsic values are involved which exclude themselves from being accounted for in economically efficient terms, and (c) biodiversity conservation can be regarded as an end in itself instead of only a means towards the end of human well-being. The point I raise is, that in order to cope with biodiversity conservation in its entirity we need to choose value articulating institutions which take better account of intrinsic values or even feelings of people who are ultimately part of the same system and may feel that their existence should not be justified on the grounds of economic efficiency. It is how we choose to perceive people and biodiversity that determines choices of how to conserve biodiversity and invest in peoples conservation capabilities.

JEL-Codes: B52, Q51, Q57
The Future of United States and Latin American Economic Relations
Authors: Steagall Jeffrey W. , Loh Chung-Ping A. , Martin Sarah
Published: July 2017

Economic relations between the United States and Latin America remain strong and should continue to be vital for the coming decades. While both the US and Latin American countries are beginning to adjust to the rising economic power and evolving role of Asian nations in the global economy, the rumors of the demise of this long-standing partnership have been greatly exaggerated. This paper demonstrates the continuing importance of economic ties and discusses the reasons that both parties should focus on enhancing relationships now.
The Evolution of Turkey’s Accounting and Auditing System on the way Towards the European Union
Authors: Öker Figen , Demir Volkan , Perek Seda
Published: July 2017

Turkey has a relatively short history of accounting in the modern sense. However, it has been rapidly developing since the 1980s in reference to accounting education, laws and institutions. Following the establishment of the Turkish Republic in 1923, a state oriented policy was initially implemented, followed by the experimentation of a mixed economic model after the mid-1940s and the imposition of a more liberal economic policy after the 1980s. The latter alterations have naturally increased the amount of international capital movements into Turkey and thus the portion of foreign capital has increased. As a result of these developments, reliable, accurate and comparable financial information has gained importance. Today, Turkey needs to prepare the required institutional and legislature system in order to better maintain the growing international financial relationships. Besides needing to integrate within the world, Turkey being in the process of gaining EU membership has brought about significant progress for convergence in the fields of international financial reporting standards and auditing standards. This study intends to assess the legislative arrangements, related institutions and professional education in the fields of accounting and auditing, in order to determine the point that Turkey achieved international convergence in the fields of accounting and auditing.
Key Corporate Governance Indicators and their Relation to the Decision to Profit Maximize
Authors: Crossan Kenny
Published: July 2017

The paper identifies a number of key indicators that have been suggested in recent reports to encourage good governance within firms. These variables (the separation of CEO and Chairperson, committee structures and board structures) are used in a binary probit model to test for a link between good governance and a firm aiming for a maximum level of profit. The findings from this study suggest that there is a statistically significant relationship between a firm being classified as a profit maximzer and that firm having a majority of independent directors on the main board.
Tracing the Evolution of Wealth Measurement Approaches: Illustrating the Nature of Knowledge Production
Authors: Natoli Riccardo , Zuhair Segu
Published: July 2017

The purpose of this paper is to briefly trace the main protagonists who have contributed to defining and measuring wealth, starting from the Stone Age up until the present day. It illustrates the changing nature of knowledge production in forming crucial concepts, where different economic theorists utilised different definitions and evaluations. These different economic theories, while defining economies, highlight a more important issue of recognising that the neoclassical concept that exists today is not an incontestable concept reflective of the present day economy, but a theoretical proposition that can be subject to change and alternative formulation. This continues to this very day with the onset of the knowledge revolution, and issues of environmental sustainability and social development. These all form an important part of wealth measurement but do not avail themselves to a study under the traditional economic theory. This limitation needs to be set against the pattern exhibited throughout this paper, namely, that wealth measurements were transformed in response to a need, to make them more appropriate to the actual facts of a changing, complex economic situation. It is no different now. The awareness of this factor is what makes an historical narrative of wealth and its measurement so important. By demonstrating this, it permits approaches to economics from a standpoint other than neoclassical.
Book Review: Mental Health Challenges Facing Contemporary Japanese Society, The ‘Lonely People’
Authors: Lawman Sandra
Published: July 2017

Mental Health Challenges Facing Contemporary Japanese Society, The ‘Lonely People’ by Yuko Kawanishi, pp. 175 including index and bibliography, ISBN 978-1-906876-00-5, Global Oriental, 2009.
Causes of a Growing Judicial Litigation: Empirical Analysis of a Case
Authors: Roig-Alonso Miguel
Published: July 2017

In Spain, judicial litigation has grown considerably since 1959 to 1987, both in absolute and relative dimensions. This trend is especially accentuated in the criminal and in the contentious-administrative jurisdictional areas. By applying an interdisciplinary (economic, juridical, sociological political …) approach, the characteristics of this phenomenon are summarized in this paper, and their numerous and complex causes are analysed. Some of these causes can be considered socially positive, as they seem connected with a greater economic and social development in the country that allows citizens to appeal more frequently and directly to justice courts; but others show a worsening in the social relationship due to old and new serious problems which are present now in the Spanish society. By means of econometric techniques, two pioneering basic models are selected, showing general litigation as a function of time and two other variables (cultural change and “per capita” G.D.P.), respectively. A theoretical model is also offered to try to estimate in future the influence of absolute and relative poverty on criminal litigation. Such models can be adapted, applied, and improved for other developing countries in order to compare similar problems and to find common solutions to prevent the causes and to face the consequences of a growing judicial litigation.
The Application of the Combination Modes Approach to a Cross-Cultural Comparison of 19th Century Britain and 20th Century Malaya and China
Authors: Taplin Ruth
Published: July 2017

Mainstream economics and development economics lacks a neutral cross-cultural model that may be applied to changing socioeconomic circumstances spanning historical periods at numerous levels. A combination modes theoretical model with a neutral methodology is suggested that may be used to assess socioeconomic change from all three major levels of analysis used in economics, the world economic order, the nation state and the family/household, cross-culturally and over differing historical periods. The combination modes analysis is used in this context to assess how the uniting factor of British Imperialism at the level of the world economic order caused women, against the tradition of their cultures, to become the main, independent breadwinners of their families causing resentment among their menfolk. It is also argued that the connection to the British Empire tended to make women the foundation of nascent capitalist industrialisation processes.
Sentenced to treatment? Criminal justice orders and the health service
Authors: Barton Adrian
Published: July 2017

There can be little doubt that the long-term effects of the Crime and Disorder Act (1998) will occupy the minds of many academics and policy implementers for some time to come. Like many others, this article is influenced by this recent piece of legislation, and reflects on one element of the Act, namely the possible outcomes of Part IV, sections 61–64, the drug treatment and testing orders. Specifically, the article discusses the potential consequences of ‘coerced treatment’ for those charged with implementing the new scheme and the tensions between health and the criminal justice system such orders may bring.
The third way for pensions (by way of Thatcherism and avoiding today's pensioners)
Authors: Walker Alan
Published: July 2017

This article consists of a critique of New Labour's pension policies as set out in the Green Paper Partnership in Pensions. It outlines the key developments in pensions policy over the last 20 years and describes the review process that Labour started in Opposition. It ends by showing the extent to which New Labour's policies in this field continue those of the previous Conservative governments.
Networked intimacy: Algorithmic friendship and scalable sociality
Authors: Chambers Deborah
Published: July 2017

This article asks whether a crisis of intimacy exists in the digital era to provoke an enquiry into the extent to which social media are transforming or transformed by personal relationships. I address the nature of late modern intimacy through the lens of ‘friendship’ and consider why Facebook embraces this affiliation. I then ask whether contemporary forms of public intimacy pre-date or are configured by social media. Software-centred approaches including algorithmically engineered friendship are considered to cast light on public intimacy, privacy and trust. The implications of cross-cultural ethnographic research by Miller et al. are then considered to highlight user agency. Messaging apps such as WhatsApp have the potential to liberate certain users by controlling group size and degree of privacy, as ‘scalable sociality’ in a polymedia environment. I conclude by arguing for a synthesis of political economic perspectives and cross-cultural studies to emphasise user agency in future research.
Classification of Headaches
Authors: Göbel H
Published: July 2017

It was not until 1962 that the Ad-Hoc Committee of the National Institute of Health first published a classification of headache syndromes by brief glossary definitions. The general disadvantage of such glossary definitions is that they require subjective interpretation. Therefore under the chairmanship of Prof. Jes Olesen, Copenhagen, the International Headache Society published in 1988 on the basis of empirical findings a first ever headache classification using operationalized criteria. The headache classification of the International Headache Society was immediately translated into the world's major languages and was adopted by all national headache societies represented in the International Headache Society, the World Health Organisation and the World Federation of Neurology. The new classification proved so successful and enjoyed such rapid international acceptance that no revision was undertaken until 1999. The second edition, again under the chairmanship of Prof. Jes Olesen, will probably be completed in 2002. The classification produced such a high degree of inspiration and motivation of pathophysiological and epidemiological research work that knowledge in the field of headache has displayed growth unparalleled in any other field of neurological research. This development was made possible by the determined work of the Chairman of the Headache Classification Committee, Prof. Jes Olesen. He succeeded in bringing together international researchers, motivating them and jointly turning the current fund of knowledge into a evidence-based classification. Prof. Jes Olesen thus performed the decisive pioneering work for all those who have to do with headaches-patients, doctors and scientists. The IHS classification is the most frequently cited text and one of the most important milestones in the history of the scientific study of headaches.
Genetics of Migraine without Aura, Migraine with Aura, Migrainous Disorder, Head Trauma Migraine without Aura and Tension-Type Headache
Authors: Russell MB
Published: July 2017

This review is a tribute to Professor Jes Olesen involvement in the genetics of migraine and tension-type headache as it is coming up to his 60th birthday.
Human Migraine Models
Authors: Iversen HK
Published: July 2017

The need for experimental models is obvious. In animal models it is possible to study vascular responses, neurogenic inflammation, c-fos expression etc. However, the pathophysiology of migraine remains unsolved, why results from animal studies not directly can be related to the migraine attack, which is a human experience. A set-up for investigations of experimental headache and migraine in humans, has been evaluated and headache mechanisms explored by using nitroglycerin and other headache-inducing agents. Nitric oxide (NO) or other parts of the NO activated cascade seems to be responsible for the induced headache and migraine. Perspectives are discussed.
Structural Properties of the Intact and the Reconstructed Coracoclavicular Ligament Complex
Authors: Harris Richard I. , Wallace Andrew L. , Harper Gareth D. , Goldberg Jerome A. , Sonnabend David H. , Walsh William R.
Published: July 2017

Numerous procedures have been described for the operative management of acromioclavicular joint injuries, but surprisingly little information is available on the ultimate mechanical behavior of the native coracoclavicular ligament complex or on the various methods of reconstruction. We tested 19 fresh-frozen cadaveric bone-ligament-bone preparations of the coracoclavicular ligament in uniaxial tension at 25 mm/min until failure. Seven specimens were left intact, six had the trapezoid ligament sectioned, and six had the conoid ligament sectioned. Reconstruction of the coracoclavicular ligament was achieved using coracoacromial ligament transfers, woven polyester slings, suture anchors, and Bosworth screws; all reconstructions were also tested to failure. The intact coracoclavicular ligament failed by avulsion or midsubstance tear at 500 (134) N, with a stiffness of 103 (30) N/mm and elongation to failure of 7.7 (1.9) mm. There was no significant difference between the contributions of the conoid or trapezoid ligaments in this loading configuration. Coracoclavicular slings and suture anchors provided strength similar to that of the coracoclavicular ligament, but with significantly greater deformations (14 to 26 mm). Screw fixation resulted in comparable stiffness and superior strength to the coracoclavicular ligament, but only if bicortical purchase was obtained. Coracoacromial ligament transfers were the weakest and least stiff, and augmentation with another form of coracoclavicular fixation is recommended. These results provide a useful baseline for comparison of the initial performance of reconstructive techniques with the performance of the native coracoclavicular ligament.
The Prevalence of Spondylolysis in the Spanish Elite Athlete
Authors: Soler Tomás , Calderón Carmen
Published: July 2017

The diagnosis of spondylolysis is a major cause of concern for patients and their families, especially when the patients are young athletes with promising futures in their sports. In this study, 3152 case histories of high-level athletes were evaluated to determine which sports had a higher prevalence of spondylolysis. The overall percentage of spondylolysis among athletes in this study (8.02%) was not very much higher than that among the general population, which varies between 3% and 7%. However, when each sport was considered separately we found much higher values for some sports, with the highest percentages occurring in throwing sports (26.67%), artistic gymnastics (16.96%), and rowing (16.88%). The analysis of the biomechanical movements involved in the sports with greater prevalence of spondylolysis has led us to include the element of torsion against resistance as another possible causative factor for spondylolysis that should be added to the already known causative mechanisms, lumbar hyperextension and rotation. We have divided the sports into three risk groups according to the prevalence of spondylolysis shown and the characteristics of the sample, and we recommend systematic radiological examination of the lumbar spine in athletes considered to be at greater risk of developing spondylolysis.
The Anterior Intermeniscal Ligament of the Knee
Authors: Nelson Eric W. , LaPrade Robert F.
Published: July 2017

The purpose of this study was to identify the presence of the anterior intermeniscal ligament of the knee and to study its attachment patterns and relationships to other anatomic structures within the knee. Fifty unpaired cadaveric knees were dissected. An identifiably distinct anterior intermeniscal ligament was found in 47 specimens (94%). The average length was 33 mm and the average midsubstance width was 3.3 mm. The average perpendicular distance from the anterior intermeniscal ligament to the anterior margin of the tibial insertion of the anterior cruciate ligament was 7.8 mm (range, 2.0 to 13.5). The anterior intermeniscal ligament was the primary attachment for the anterior horn of the medial meniscus in 12 knees (24%); 7 knees (14%) had no tibial insertion and 5 knees (10%) had only a fine fascial tibial connection. Successful arthroscopic evaluation, surgical repair, and meniscal allograft reconstruction can be enhanced by a precise knowledge of the anterior intermeniscal ligament anatomy, especially when identifying the various insertion patterns of the anterior horn of the medial meniscus. A correct understanding of these patterns is helpful for avoiding patient injury during surgical procedures (particularly arthroscopic ACL reconstructions) performed in close proximity to the anterior intermeniscal ligament of the knee.
The Effects of Hyaluronan on Tissue Healing after Meniscus Injury and Repair in a Rabbit Model
Authors: Sonoda Masaki , Harwood Frederick L. , Amiel Michael E. , Moriya Hideshige , Temple Michele , Chang Douglas G. , Lottman Lisa M. , Sah Robert L. , Amiel David
Published: July 2017

To assess the effect of hyaluronan on meniscus injury and repair, we had 35 mature New Zealand White rabbits undergo bilateral meniscus injury and repair (19 in the peripheral region, and 16 in the inner region). A longitudinal tear was created in the medial meniscus and repaired with horizontally placed nylon sutures. The left knee joint received intraarticular injections of hyaluronan 1 week after surgery and once a week for 5 weeks. The right knees were injected with phosphate-buffered saline (the carrier vehicle of the hyaluronan). Twelve weeks after repair, tears in the peripheral region showed gross and histologic evidence of healing, with no difference between the vehicle- and hyaluronan-treated menisci. Biochemically, the ratio of reducible collagen cross-links in the hyaluronan-treated menisci was significantly higher than in the vehicle-treated menisci, indicating greater level of collagen remodeling. Biomechanically the vehicle- and hyaluronan-treated menisci demonstrated similarly high tearing load and fracture toughness. In the inner region, poor healing response was observed grossly and histologically in both treatment groups. Water content in the hyaluronan-treated menisci was significantly lower than in the vehicle-treated menisci, indicating a lower level of swelling. Hyaluronan treatment stimulated collagen remodeling in the peripheral region and inhibited swelling of the meniscus repaired in the inner region.
Injury Profile in Ice Hockey from the 1970s through the 1990s in Finland
Authors: Mölsä Jouko , Kujala Urho , Näsman Ove , Lehtipuu Timo-Pekka , Airaksinen Olavi
Published: July 2017

The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence, types, and mechanisms of injury in Finnish ice hockey players at the highest competition level in different decades. Several teams were observed prospectively during the seasons between 1976 and 1979, and in the 1988 to 1989 and 1992 to 1993 seasons. An injury was defined as any sudden trauma requiring examination and treatment by a physician. The inclusion criteria were the same during the entire study. A total of 641 injuries were recorded. The injury rate per game increased significantly from 54 per 1000 player-hours in the 1970s to 83 per 1000 player-hours in the 1990s. The injury profile in the 1980s and 1990s differed from that in the 1970s. Per 1000 player-years, the rate of contusions as well as of sprains or strains increased significantly with each decade. Checking and unintentional collision with an opponent were common mechanisms of injury throughout the study, and the rate of injury by these mechanisms has continually increased. In conclusion, we suggest that there has been an increase in rough body contact between players, causing an alarming increase in the rate of ice hockey injuries.
Catastrophic Injuries in Pole-Vaulters
Authors: Boden Barry P. , Pasquina Paul , Johnson Jan , Mueller Frederick O.
Published: July 2017

Pole vaulting is a unique sport in that athletes often land from heights ranging from 10 to 20 feet. We retrospectively reviewed 32 catastrophic pole-vault injuries that were reported to the National Center for Catastrophic Sports Injury Research between 1982 and 1998. The purpose of this study was to determine the mechanisms of injury so that preventive strategies can be implemented. Information was obtained by means of a telephone interview with someone familiar with the accident. All injuries occurred in male athletes at an average age of 17.5 years; 31 were catastrophic head injuries and 1 was a thoracic spine fracture that resulted in paraplegia. Three common mechanisms were identified: 17 (53%) athletes landed with their body on the landing pad and their head on the surrounding hard ground, 8 (25%) landed in the vault box after being stranded at the height of the jump, and 5 (16%) completely missed the landing pad. The mechanism of injury in the remaining two athletes was unknown. The accident resulted in death in 16 (50%) athletes and in permanent disability in 6 (19%). Increasing the minimum landing pad size and enforcing the rule requiring soft surfaces adjacent to the landing pads are the primary recommendations for preventing injuries. The authors discuss other rule and equipment changes that may help reduce the occurrence of future injuries.
Correlation of Anthropometric Measurements, Strength, Anterior Cruciate Ligament Size, and Intercondylar Notch Characteristics to Sex Differences in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tear Rates
Authors: Anderson Allen F. , Dome David C. , Gautam Shiva , Awh Mark H. , Rennirt Gregory W.
Published: July 2017

We performed a prospective study based on the hypothesis that physiologic differences exist between men and women in strength after adjustments for body weight; that the size of the anterior cruciate ligament is proportionate to the strength of its antagonists, the quadriceps muscles; and that women have a relatively small anterior cruciate ligament, thus predisposing them to a disproportionate number of anterior cruciate ligament injuries. One hundred matched high school basketball players, 50 male and 50 female, were evaluated with anthropometric measurements, body fat analysis, muscle strength evaluation, and magnetic resonance imaging measurements of the intercondylar notch and cross-sectional area of the anterior cruciate ligament at the outlet. The male players were taller and heavier than their female counterparts, although they had 11% less body fat. Male players had statistically greater quadriceps and hamstring muscle strength than female players, even when adjustments were made for body weight. With adjustments for body weight, the size of the anterior cruciate ligament in girls was found to be statistically smaller than in boys. There was no statistically significant difference in the notch width index between the sexes. The study data support our hypothesis that sex differences in anterior cruciate ligament tear rates are caused primarily by several interrelated intrinsic factors. Most importantly, stiffness and muscular strength increase stress on the anterior cruciate ligament in female athletes. The anterior cruciate ligament, when adjustments have been made for body weight, is smaller in female athletes, and therefore, probably does not compensate for the lack of stiffness and strength.
Mechanical Evaluation of a Soft Tissue Interference Screw in Free Tendon Anterior Cruciate Ligament Graft Fixation
Authors: Nagarkatti Durgesh G. , McKeon Brian P. , Donahue Brian S. , Fulkerson John P.
Published: July 2017

In this study of bioabsorbable screw fixation of free tendon grafts used in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, we performed load-to-failure and cyclic loading of tendon fixation in porcine bone. Bone density measurements from dual photon absorptometry scans were obtained to correlate bone density with fixation failure. The average density of porcine bone (1.42 g/cm2) was similar to that of young human bone (1.30 g/cm2) and significantly higher than that of elderly human cadaveric bone specimens (0.30 g/cm2). Cyclic loading was performed on free tendon grafts fixed with a bioabsorbable screw alone and on grafts fixed with a bioabsorbable screw and an anchor (polylactic acid ball or cortical bone disk). Stiffness of fixation increased substantially with the addition of a cortical bone disk anchor or polylactic acid ball compared with the interference screw alone. Tensile fixation strength of central quadriceps free tendon and hamstring tendon grafts were significantly superior in porcine bone of density similar to young human bone than in elderly human cadaveric bone. The bioabsorbable interference screw yielded loads at failure comparable with traditional bone-tendon-bone and hamstring tendon fixation when controlled for bone density. The addition of a cortical bone disk anchor provided the most optimal fixation of free tendon with the bioabsorbable screw and reduced slippage with cyclic loading to a very low level.
Direct Evidence of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament-Hamstring Reflex Arc in Humans
Authors: Tsuda Eiichi , Okamura Yoshihisa , Otsuka Hironori , Komatsu Takashi , Tokuya Satoshi
Published: July 2017

It has been emphasized that the anterior cruciate ligament plays an important role in the proprioceptive feedback system. The anterior cruciate ligament-hamstring reflex has been revealed in animal experiments, but it has not been established in humans. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate direct evidence of the anterior cruciate ligament-hamstring reflex arc. Nine knees in nine healthy subjects were investigated. The anterior cruciate ligament was stimulated by the use of wire electrodes inserted using an arthroscopic technique. Electromyographic signals from the biceps femoris and the semitendinosus muscles were recorded with surface electrodes. The change in electromyographic activity was analyzed after electrical stimulation in the normal knee condition, and again after intraarticular sensation had been interrupted with a local anesthetic. After electrical stimulation, subjects demonstrated increased electromyographic activity of the hamstring muscles in the normal knee condition. This response indicates the existence of an anterior cruciate ligament-hamstring reflex arc. Conversely, there was no change in activity for the hamstring muscle in the anesthetized knee because the afferent impulse from the neural elements of the anterior cruciate ligament had been removed.
The Association of Hip Strength and Flexibility with the Incidence of Adductor Muscle Strains in Professional Ice Hockey Players
Authors: Tyler Timothy F. , Nicholas Stephen J. , Campbell Richard J. , McHugh Malachy P.
Published: July 2017

This prospective study was conducted to determine whether hip muscle strength and flexibility play a role in the incidence of adductor and hip flexor strains in National Hockey League ice hockey team players. Hip flexion, abduction, and adduction strength were measured in 81 players before two consecutive seasons. Thirty-four players were cut, traded, or sent to the minor league before the beginning of the season. Injury and individual exposure data were recorded for the remaining 47 players. Eight players experienced 11 adductor muscle strains, and there were 4 hip flexor strains. Preseason hip adduction strength was 18% lower in the players who subsequently sustained an adductor muscle strain compared with that of uninjured players. Adduction strength was 95% of abduction strength in the uninjured players but only 78% of abduction strength in the injured players. Preseason hip adductor flexibility was not different between players who sustained adductor muscle strains and those who did not. These results indicate that preseason hip strength testing of professional ice hockey players can identify players at risk of developing adductor muscle strains. A player was 17 times more likely to sustain an adductor muscle strain if his adductor strength was less than 80% of his abductor strength.
Tissue-Engineered Rotator Cuff Tendon Using Porcine Small Intestine Submucosa
Authors: Dejardin Loic M. , Arnoczky Steven P. , Ewers Benjamin J. , Haut Roger C. , Clarke Rhonda B.
Published: July 2017

To determine its efficacy in stimulating the regeneration of a rotator cuff tendon, an implant of 10-ply porcine small intestinal submucosa was used to replace a completely resected infraspinatus tendon in 21 adult mongrel dogs. The contralateral infraspinatus tendon was elevated and then reattached to the greater tubercle with sutures to mimic conventional repair (sham operation). Mechanical evaluations were performed at 0, 3, and 6 months (five specimens at each time period). Histologic comparisons were made at 3 and 6 months (three specimens). At both times, the gross appearance, histologic continuity, and failure mode of the constructs mimicked those of sham-operated and native infraspinatus tendons, thus suggesting host tissue ingrowth and implant remodeling with solid integration of the regenerated tissue to muscular and bony interfaces. Tissue ingrowth occurred without histologic evidence of foreign body or immune-mediated reactions or adhesions to peripheral tissues. Sham operations simulated tendon mobilization and reimplantation procedures routinely performed to treat chronic rotator cuff tendon injuries. Although the ultimate strength of small intestinal submucosa-regenerated tendons was significantly less than that of native infraspinatus tendons (P<0.001), it was similar to that of reimplanted tendons at 3 (P<0.05) and 6 months (P<0.05).
Intrinsic Risk Factors for the Development of Patellar Tendinitis in an Athletic Population
Authors: Witvrouw Erik , Bellemans Johan , Lysens Roeland , Danneels Lieven , Cambier Dirk
Published: July 2017

Retrospective studies have suggested various factors that might cause a disposition to develop patellar tendinitis, but no prospective data exist to determine any relationships. The purpose of this study was to determine the intrinsic risk factors for the development of patellar tendinitis in an athletic population. Before the study, 138 male and female students of physical education were evaluated for anthropometric variables, leg alignment characteristics, and muscle tightness and strength parameters. During the 2-year study, 19 of the 138 students developed patellar tendinitis. In all cases the diagnosis was confirmed by the presence of a hypoechogenic nodular lesion in the proximal region of the patellar tendon. Univariate and stepwise discriminant function analyses were performed comparing the various measurements. These analyses revealed that the only significant determining factor was muscular flexibility, with the patellar tendinitis patients being less flexible in the quadriceps and hamstring muscles (P<0.05). The results of this study demonstrate that lower flexibility of the quadriceps and hamstring muscles may contribute to the development of patellar tendinitis in an athletic population. Therefore, the prevention of this condition in athletes should be focused on screening for and treating poor quadriceps and hamstring muscle flexibility.
Topographic Matching of Selected Donor and Recipient Sites for Osteochondral Autografting of the Articular Surface of the Femoral Condyles
Authors: Bartz Reed L. , Kamaric Emir , Noble Philip C. , Lintner David , Bocell James
Published: July 2017

The purpose of this study was to define the topography of the articular surface of the femoral condyles and to develop a method for computerized topographic matching of donor and recipient sites for osteochondral transplantation. The condyles of seven fresh cadaveric femurs were mounted on the rotating stage of a laser-based coordinate measuring machine. An anatomic coordinate system defining the articular surface of the condyles was created. Customized software was developed to allow selection and topographic matching of osteochondral graft donor and recipient sites from any location on the surface of the condyles. For cartilage defects within the weightbearing portions of the medial or lateral femoral condyles, grafts taken from sites from the most medial or lateral portions of the patellar groove provided a significantly better topographic match than did grafts taken from the central intercondylar notch.