ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The calcaneal osteotomies is often performed to correct asymptomatic hindfoot deformities. More recently minimally invasive techniques have been described with promising clinical outcomes. In a prospective study we compared the intraoperative parameters of the open and minimalinvasive (MICO) techniques, which has not previously been reported. METHODS: 60 consecutive with calcaneal osteotomy (33 open and 27 MICO) and a minimum follow up of 12 weeks were included. We recorded the following intraoperative parameters: operation time for the osteotomy [min], the fluoroscopy time, the fluoroscopy dose and the skin incision. The clinical (FAOS) and radiological outcome were examined 6 and 12 weeks postoperatively. The Wilcoxon test and the continuity correction were used with alpha=5% value for the statistical significance. RESULTS: The minimally invasive group showed a significantly shorter operation time. There was no significant difference between the radiation time and dose in the two groups. The length of the incision in the minimally invasive group was significantly shorter. We found no difference in clinical outcome and radiological follow up. CONCLUSIONS: This study reports a significantly shorter operating time and a shorter incision in the MICO group. The radiation exposition was not significantly different between the two groups. A clinical difference could not be shown in our study. However, we see the shorter operating time of the minimally invasive calcaneal osteotomy being beneficial.
Subject(s)
Calcaneus/surgery , Foot Deformities/surgery , Osteotomy/methods , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Female , Foot Deformities/diagnostic imaging , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures , Operative Time , Prospective Studies , Treatment Outcome , Young AdultABSTRACT
Nano-sized powders of iron oxides have been synthesized electrochemically at temperatures in the range of 295-361 K, and current densities in the range of 200-1000 mA dm(-2). The structure and morphology of the powders were investigated by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron and transmission electron microscopy techniques. Their infrared absorption spectra, specific heat C(p)(T) and magnetic susceptibility chi(T) temperature dependences are also determined. The obtained powders consist of two phases, each possessing distinguished characteristics: the one formed of large plates and the other of whiskers. By appropriate adjustment of the synthesis conditions, it is possible to change features and relative abundances of the two phases, and that way to control morphology and other powder properties. Relaxation and transformation of the phases under external influences was also investigated, and the optimal procedure for preparation and stabilization of iron oxide nano-sized powders with desired characteristics was established.
ABSTRACT
In this study, we have developed a sensitive, rapid and simple procedure for the energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) spectrometry measurement of tungsten in tobacco plant parts. Only 0.1g of dried plant material is needed instead of the usual 1g. EDXRF spectrometry is used for quantitative measurement, after the foliar application of solutions of tungstophosphoric acid (WPA), its magnesium salt and compounds with glycine (Gly) and alanine (Ala), in exact quantities. After that, the leaves, trunks and summits were collected and prepared separately. Tungsten is determined directly in raw dried material, and the overlap of the tungsten peak with zinc's that is present is avoided by the spectral deconvolution to obtain quantitative results. The prepared dry tablets weighed 100mg, and measurement time was 2000s. The radioisotope excitation source used was (109)Cd and tungsten was identified and quantified at the L(alpha1) and L(alpha2) lines at the energies of 8397.6eV and 8335.2eV, respectively. EDXRF spectrometry was applied in a wide range of concentrations (up to 2000mg/kg), with an estimated detection concentration limit of 15mg/kg, calculated on dried material. Quantitative analysis of different parts of the treated plant plus the washings gave 94.47% recovery of the applied tungsten in different compound forms. After the foliar application of investigated WPA compounds, there were noticed both vertical and horizontal distributions of tungsten through out the tobacco plants, according to the EDXRF spectrometry results. This conclusion is also in agreement with the positive effects of WPA on Tobacco mosaic tobamovirus (TMV) infection of Nicotiana tabacum (Solanaceae).
ABSTRACT
The 103 serum samples have been examined for the presence of the specific antibodies against Epstein-Barr virus (EBV): IgG and IgM antibodies to viral capsid antigen (VCA), antibodies to nuclear antigen (EBNA) and antibodies to early antigen (EA). Sixty nine studied sera belonged to patients with suspected infective mononucleosis (IM) while other sera were sent with the diagnosis which could be associated with EBV infections. The results obtained have suggested the necessity of examinations of EBV markers in all states suspected of EBV infection.
