bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Adolescent Painful Flexible Flatfoot
Authors: Wong Margaret W. N. , Griffith James F. 
Published: April 2009

Background: The cause of navicular tuberosity pain in adolescents with flexible flatfeet is not well understood. We hypothesized that some of the navicular tuberosity pain may be related to insertional enthesopathy of the posterior tibial tendon at the navicular. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed to look for abnormal signal changes in a series of patients. Material and Method: Consecutive adolescent patients presenting with flexible flatfeet and navicular tuberosity pain were prospectively recruited. A detailed foot examination and body fat analysis was performed. Standing radiographs and Tekscan pedobarograph of both feet were obtained. Magnetic resonance examinations were performed on a 1.5-T whole-body magnetic resonance imaging system utilizing a standard extremity coil. Results: MRI abnormality was detected in 15 of the 36 feet in 18 adolescents examined. Abnormalities detected included thickening of the posterior tibial tendon insertion, marrow edema in the accessory navicular, marrow edema in the navicular tuberosity, and contrast enhancement at the posterior tibial tendon insertion site. Patients with MRI abnormalities were significantly taller, had a lower body mass index and a lower body fat percentage than those without MRI abnormality. Forward stepwise logistic regression analysis identified low body fat percentage and presence of an accessory navicular as independent predictors for abnormality on MRI. Conclusion: MRI abnormality was frequently detected in adolescents with painful flexible flatfeet. The MRI signal changes indicated an enthesopathy like process occurring at the posterior tibial tendon insertion to the navicular which could explain the origin of pain in flexible flatfeet patients without an accessory navicular. Early identification and appropriate treatment to prevent progression may be helpful. Level of Evidence: IV, Case Series
Posterolateral Approach to the Displaced Posterior Malleolus: Functional Outcome and Local Morbidity
Authors: Forberger Jens , Sabandal Philipp V. , Dietrich Michael , Gralla Jan , Lattmann Thomas , Platz Andreas 
Published: April 2009

Background: Stable anatomical reconstruction of the joint surface in ankle fractures is essential to successful recovery. However, the functional outcome of fractures involving the posterior tibial plafond is often poor. We describe the morbidity and functional outcome for plate fixation of the displaced posterior malleolus using a posterolateral approach. Materials and Methods: The posterolateral approach was used for osteosynthesis of the posterior malleolus in 45 consecutive patients (median age 54 years) with AO/Muller-classification type 44-A3 ( n = 1), 44-B3 ( n = 35), 44-C1 ( n = 7), and 44-C2 ( n = 2) ankle fractures. Thirty-three of the patients suffered complete fracture dislocation. Functional outcome at followup was measured using the modified Weber protocol and the standardized AAOS foot and ankle questionnaire. Radiological evaluation employed standardized anterior-posterior and lateral views. Results: The fragment comprised a median of 24% (range, 10% to 48%) of the articular surface. Postoperative soft tissue problems were encountered in five patients (11%), one of whom required revision surgery. Two patients (4%) developed Stage I complex regional pain syndrome. Clinical and radiological followup at 25 months disclosed no secondary displacement of the fixed fragment. The median foot and ankle score was 93 (range, 58 to 100), shoe comfort score was 77 (range, 0 to 100). A median score of 7 (range, 5 to 16) was documented using the modified Weber protocol. Conclusion: The posterolateral approach allowed good exposure and stable fixation of a displaced posterior malleolar fragment with few local complications. The anatomical repositioning and stable fixation led to good functional and subjective outcome. Level of Evidence: IV, Retrospective Case Series
The Development of an Intraoperative Plantar Pressure Assessment Device
Authors: Ellis Scott J. , Hillstrom Howard , Cheng Richard , Lipman Joe , Garrison Glen , Deland Jonathan T. 
Published: April 2009

Background: The goal of this study was to develop an accurate and reliable supine plantar pressure measurement apparatus that could potentially be used in the operating room to guide operative decision making. It was hypothesized that plantar pressures would be similar in supine and vertical posture trials. Materials and Methods: A supine plantar pressure system was developed using the Pliance 32 sensor array (Novel, Munich, Germany). Accuracy was tested with a standardized manometer and the Trublu calibration system (Novel). Next, bilateral feet of 10 healthy, asymptomatic patients were tested in the apparatus by two separate investigators. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were calculated to determine intrarater and interrater reliability for parameters of average mean pressure (AMP), peak pressure (PP) and percentage of total force (PF). Finally, plantar pressures were tested in vertical posture and compared to supine parameters. Results: The sensor was both linear and accurate. The ICC values demonstrated that the sensor was reliable for AMP (0.66 to 0.93), PP (0.75 to 0.94), and PF (0.69 to 0.97). In general, AMP, PP, and PF values were significantly different at most anatomical regions for supine and vertical posture trials ( p < 0.0001). Conclusion: This intraoperative pressure measurement system provided an accurate, linear, and reliable method to measure plantar pressure parameters in the supine subject. These measures were similar in magnitude to vertical posture, but were statistically different. Clinical Relevance: This intraoperative plantar pressure system could guide operative reconstruction of foot deformities whose outcome depends on the distribution of pressures across the plantar foot.
Arthrodesis of the First Metatarsocuneiform Joint: A Comparative Study of Fixation Methods
Authors: Scranton Pierce E. , Coetzee J. Chris , Carreira Dominic 
Published: April 2009

Background: The Lapidus bunionectomy is a popular procedure for severe bunion deformity where metatarsus primus varus is equal to or exceeds 15 degrees. We evaluated a new locking compression plate which may improve outcomes with the Lapidus procedure. Methods: Ten matched pairs of cadaver feet were used to compare the standard crossed 4.0-mm compression screw method of fixation to the LPS Lapidus plate. After performing the matched operations the cadaver constructs were stressed to failure using the INSTRON and Wavemaker software. Results: The LPS Lapidus plate load to failure was 108 Nm with a bending moment of 6.0 Nm. The crossed screw technique was inferior at 78 Nm with a bending moment of 4.4 Nm ( p = 0.02) Conclusion: Unlike other H-plates or locking plates, load to failure was higher with the Lapidus plate constructs. Clinical Relevance: The increased rigidity provided by these plates may help to minimize the risk of nonunion or malunion.
Suture-Button versus Screw Fixation in a Syndesmosis Rupture Model: A Biomechanical Comparison
Authors: Soin Sandeep P. , Knight Trevor A. , Dinah A. Feroz , Mears Simon C. , Swierstra Bart A. , Belkoff Stephen M. 
Published: April 2009

Background: Flexible suture-button devices are used to stabilize the distal tibiofibular joint after syndesmotic rupture, but little is known about how they affect fibular motion during cyclic physiological loading. This study examined how much fibular motion occurs during cyclic loading of ankles repaired with suture-buttons or screws relative to one with intact ligaments. Materials and Methods: Ten pairs of cadaveric legs with intact ligaments were tested in axial compression (750 N), external rotational torque (7.5 Nm), and a combination thereof. Fibular rotation and translation in the sagittal and frontal planes were measured with linear variable displacement transducers. Then we sectioned the anterior tibiofibular, posterior tibiofibular, deltoid, and interosseous ligaments. Ankles were repaired with suture-buttons or a 3.5-mm screw through four-cortices. The ankles were tested for 10,000 cycles using the same loading protocol. Surviving ankles were brought to failure by increasing external rotation (1 degree/sec). Data from the linear variable differential transducers were used to calculate fibular motion at 100, 1,000, 5,000, and 10,000 cycles. Results: There was no significant difference in the effect of the suture-button or screw for translation in the sagittal or coronal plane or for rotation about the fibular axis. The screw repair had a significantly greater ( p = 0.02) failure torque (median, 26.5 Nm; inner quartile range, 25.7 to 35.2 Nm) than did the suture-button repair (median, 23.6 Nm; inner quartile range, 16.5 to 25.6 Nm). Conclusion: The fibular motion that occurs during cyclic loading appears to be similar for the suture-button and syndesmotic screw. Motion in both constructs was similar, but neither restored native ankle motion. Clinical Relevance: It appears the suture-button behaves similarly to the syndesmotic screw in the syndesmotic rupture injury model tested. Clinical trials are needed to determine how the device performs in vivo.
External Ring Fixation versus Screw Fixation for Ankle Arthrodesis: A Biomechanical Comparison
Authors: Ogut Tahir , Glisson Richard R. , Chuckpaiwong Bavornrit , Le Ian L.D. , Easley Mark E. 
Published: April 2009

Background: The use of external ring fixation for ankle arthrodesis offers an alternative to internal screw fixation when bone quality is suboptimal, when complex ankle pathology is present, and as a salvage procedure for complicated cases. Additionally, it permits earlier weightbearing and postoperative adjustment of bone alignment and joint compression. This study was designed to determine whether there are differences in initial ankle joint fixation integrity between these two techniques. Materials and Methods: Ten fresh-frozen cadaveric lower extremities underwent ankle arthrodesis with a hybrid ring fixator, and the bending and torsional stiffness of each arthrodesed joint was quantified. Stiffness was calculated from angulation measured at the tibiotalar joint using electronic clinometers attached to those bones. The external fixators were then removed and ankle arthrodesis performed using 6.5-mm cannulated screws: three across the ankle joint, one fixing the fibula to the tibia, and one fixing the fibula to the talus. Stiffness testing was then repeated. Results: No statistically significant difference in bending stiffness, torsional stiffness, or joint rotation under torsional load was demonstrable between the two techniques. Conclusion: The similarity in ankle fusion site stability achieved with external ring fixation and an optimized screw fixation technique under the described testing conditions indicates that, in cases in which suboptimal bone quality or complex ankle pathology preclude the use of internal fixation, an external fixator is a viable option. Clinical Relevance: Establishing that the primary stability of external ring fixation is comparable to that of screw fixation provides a basis for its use in cases in which screw fixation may be problematic.
Effects of Hindfoot Constraint on Syndesmotic Displacement
Authors: Witkowski Gregory P. , Bilkhu Sukhinder K. , Siskosky Matthew J. , Gates Megan E. , Demetropoulos Constantine K. , Fortin Paul T. 
Published: April 2009

Background: The effects of altered hindfoot kinematics on the syndesmosis have not been previously studied. Our purpose was to test how the magnitude of displacement across the syndesmosis changes under simulated subtalar (ST) and/or talonavicular (TN) fusion and with altered hindfoot position in a cadaveric model. Materials and Methods: Six cadaveric specimens (three matched pairs) age 33 to 43 years were disarticulated at the knee and mounted into a custom six-degree-of-freedom testing frame with a simulated ground reaction force of 700 N and a tensile Achilles load of 500 N. Specimens were then tested through four cycles of internal and external rotation under four conditions: simulated combined ST + TN fusion, ST fusion alone, TN fusion alone and no fusion. Each condition was tested in the neutral coronal position and 9 degrees of inversion and eversion. Infrared light emitting diode (irLED) marker arrays were used to track displacement across the anterior tibiofibular ligament (ATiFL) in order to assess displacement across the syndesmosis. Results: Without fusion, displacement across the ATiFL in inversion is greater than that in neutral ( p = 0.015). With ST, the measured ATiFL displacement in inversion is greater than that in neutral ( p = 0.042). In neutral, the combined ST + TN significantly increased ATiFL displacement when compared to no fusion ( p = 0.0043). Increased displacement was seen in inversion compared to eversion in all testing conditions. Conclusion: Simulated ST and TN fusion increases displacement across the ATiFL during simulated physiologic loading. Hindfoot inversion also increases displacement of the ATiFL. Clinical Relevance: These observations may have clinical implications with respect to syndesmotic injury and total ankle arthroplasty.
Cowpea
Authors: Murdock Larry L. , Coulibaly Ousmane , Higgins T.J.V. , Huesing Joseph E. , Ishiyaku Mohammad , Sithole‐Niang Idah 
Published: April 2009

AbstractCowpea (Vigna unguiculatavar.unguiculata) ((L.) Walp.), a crop native to Africa, is the most important legume grown on the continent, at least in terms of economics. It is a highly nutritious crop, consumed in many forms, including seeds as well as foliage; it provides excellent fodder for livestock as well. Well‐adapted to the semi‐arid tropics, it thrives even on relatively poor soils and low rainfall. Numerous viruses and diseases attack cowpea, but the limiting constraint is insects. Cowpea breeders have had some success in improving cowpea for insect resistance using methods described here, but certain insect pests, including the legume pod borer (Maruca vitrata), thrips and pod‐sucking bugs, have proven impervious to conventional breeding to improve resistance. Recently a methodology for genetically transforming cowpea has been developed and is being used to introduceBtgenes into cowpea for resistance against the legume pod borer. The transformation methodology is described, and there is given an overview of biosafety‐related and regulatory matters related to the introduction ofBtcowpea into Africa.
Clovers
Authors: Tesfaye Mesfin , Williams Warren M. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThere are several important annual and perennial clovers, including berseem (T. alexandrinumL.), Persian clover (T. resupinatumL.), subterranean clover (T. subterraneumL.), red clover (T. pratenseL.), and white clover (T. repensL.), which are used as cool season forage crops in many countries around the world. Genetic transformation is routine for a number of clover species, and traits of interest to producers have been demonstrated to be effective. To date, only white, red, and subterranean clovers have been the main targets of forage biotechnology. Published reports demonstrated the stable expression and inheritance of transgenes in white clovers. White clover has many of the characteristics of a successful weed plant, but the chances of transgenic white clover transferring genes to other organisms were found to be negligible because it does not naturally hybridize with any other plant species. Nevertheless, the current highly segmented clover seed production industry and high cost of commercialization of plant biotechnology traits do not favor the commercialization of transgenic clovers in the near future.
Plums
Authors: Callahan Ann M. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractPlums arose in three distinct regions, European plums (Prunus domesticaand others) from southern Europe and Asia Minor, Japanese plums (Prunus salicinaand others) from China, and the American plums (Prunus Americanaand others) from North America. The two major commercial species of plum areP. domestica(primarily for the dried fruit industry) andP. salicina(primarily for the fresh fruit industry). Breeding efforts have resulted in many high quality fruit cultivars that have been adapted for various local environmental and disease pressures. At present though, there have been few successes in breeding for resistance to plum pox potyvirus, a virus that not only affects the marketability of the fruit crop but the health of the tree. A number of research groups have begun to develop the techniques necessary to introduce resistance to plum pox virus through genetic engineering. These efforts have resulted in “HoneySweet”, a prune plum (P. domestica) that has been found to be highly resistant to plum pox virus in field trials. Work is continuing on improving the techniques used to engineer a plum pox virus‐resistant plum as well as producing more cultivars of plum with the resistance.
Berry Crops
Authors: Hancock James F. , Song Guo‐Qing , Sink Ken C. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractConsiderable genetic improvement has been achieved in the berry crops, mostly through conventional breeding. Strawberry breeders have focused on improving local adaptations, fruit quality, productivity, and disease resistance, and many are interested in developing day‐neutral cultivars. Transgenic strawberries have been produced with herbicide and pest resistances. A number of genes from strawberry have also been characterized that are associated with fruit ripening and maturation, and an effective marker‐free transformation process has been developed. The major objectives of blueberry breeders have centered on high plant vigor, improved disease resistance, flavor, longer fruit storage, and expanded harvest dates. Transgenic blueberries have been produced with herbicide resistance. Cranberry breeders have focused on early maturing fruit, uniform large size, intense color, keeping quality, high productivity, disease resistance, and plant vigor. TheBtgene (Bacillus thuringiensis) has been incorporated into cranberry through transformation. Raspberry breeders have been most interested in improving fruit quality and increasing the efficiency of fruit production. The development of primocane fruiting types has also been a high priority in many programs. Transformation was used to develop a red raspberry cultivar with resistance toRaspberry bushy dwarfvirus. Blackberry breeders have been interested in increasing the climatic zone, improving harvest efficiency, reducing chilling requirements, improving fruit quality, and generating primocane fruiting types. Little transformation work has been done on blackberry.
Kiwifruit
Authors: Gutiérrez‐Pesce Patricia , Rugini Eddo 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThe wide genetic variation among the different species belonging to the genusActinidiaprovides the opportunity for developing new cultivars in order to increase the kiwifruit world market variability, which has been limited to few types. The main expected characteristics for new cultivars are the improvement of fruit quality characteristics, abiotic and biotic stress tolerance, regulation of fruit ripening, the production of hermaphrodite plants, parthenocarpic fruits, and the alteration of vegetative habit. Genetic improvement programs are focused on modifying the expression of the endogenous genes, or on transferring foreign genes through both direct and indirect gene transfer methods. Efficientin vitroregeneration systems are indispensable for the recovery of transgenic plants. Optimal results have been obtained in three species of theActinidia genusbecause kiwifruit has demonstrated relative amenability toin vitromultiplication; protoplast culture, somatic hybridization, embryo rescue, and the creation of dihaploids lines have also been developed as methods for genetic improvement. Transgenic plants of A. deliciosa have been recovered with some foreign genes of interest:rolABC,rolB, whole T‐DNA,osmotin,human epidermal growth factor, soybeanβ‐1,3‐endoglucanase, andOSH1. Some of these transgenic plants are under field evaluation for biotic stress resistance and growth habit.
Turfgrass
Authors: Qu Rongda , Luo Hong , Meier Virgil D. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractTurfgrasses are important crops widely used for lawns, sports fields, and roadside ground coverage. Turfgrasses can be divided into two major groups: cool‐ and warm‐season grasses. This chapter provides basic biological information of over a dozen turfgrass species, and a historical view on the approaches and accomplishments of turfgrass tissue culture research in the past nearly three decades. The chapter reviews the methodology of genetic transformation of each turfgrass species reported so far, and then focuses on the attempts using genetic transformation to improve agronomic traits in turfgrasses. The chapter also discusses regulatory issues regarding release of genetically modified turfgrasses to the environment. At the end, the chapter provides future perspectives on turfgrass improvement through biotechnology. An updated, detailed reference list in the field is provided at the end of the chapter to help the readers for their further study on the issue.
Birches
Authors: Lemmetyinen Juha , Järvinen Pia , Keinonen Kaija , Lännenpää Mika , Keinänen Markku , Pasonen Hanna‐Leena 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThe birches are common trees and shrubs of the northern hemisphere. Economically, the most important species is the silver birch (Betula pendula), and its breeding started already in 1940s. To speed up breeding, new biotechnological approaches have been introduced, including marker‐assisted breeding, micropropagation, and gene transfer. Possibilities to improve wood quality and stress tolerance are now being studied by using these technologies. Several genes regulating flower development in birch have been isolated, and utilized in development of nonflowering and early‐flowering birches. The only biotechnological applications related to herbivore and fungal resistance so far appear to be the transformation of spider insecticidal peptide gene intoBetula platyphylla, and of chitinase IV gene from sugar beet into silver birch. Attempts to modify lignin amount and composition have been made with two genes, but neither of these lead to expected alterations in lignin composition. Birch is quite tolerant to some toxic compounds found in contaminated soil, but so far no transgenic applications for phytoremediation have been reported. The recently established large expressed sequence tag (EST) library and birch oligonucleotide microarray chips will undoubtedly enable further genomic studies on birch and enhance its potential as a deciduous woody model plant.