PMMA-cement anterior column reconstruction in surgical treatment of spondylodiscitis.

Introduction and research question: This paper explains how antibiotic loaded cement can be used in surgical treatment of spondylodiscitis to reconstruct the anterior column of the spine. Material and methods: 35 consecutive surgical procedures performed for spondylodiscitis were collected over a 11-year period and charts were reviewed. Most infections were caused mainly by staphylococcus spp (n = 16), streptococcus spp (n = 8) and pseudomonas spp (n = 4). Most patients had long standing but unsuccessful antibiotic therapy (median 42 days). Other indications included instability, neurologic deficit, abscess, and patients were generally in very poor medical condition. Results: Anterior debridement was followed by a partial cavity filling with surgical high viscosity PMMA cement in all cases. Cement was a high viscosity gentamycin loaded cement, that was placed in the cavity created by debridement under the direct eye control. In 25 cases, a part of the cavity was filled with freeze dried cancellous bone allograft rehydrated in rifampicin. Spine was further stabilized with an anterior plate in 15 cases, with short (+1/+1) posterior instrumentation in 5 cases, and a long (≥ +2/+2) posterior instrumentation in 11 cases. In four patients, spine was left un-instrumented. Immediate, unrestricted mobilization was always authorized after surgery. None of the patients were reoperated neither for mechanical failure nor for infection relapse. Conclusion: This report supports the idea that surgical bone cement is an efficient gap filler when used through anterior approach. For small as well as for large defects, it can help to reconstruct the anterior column and locally control the infection in combination with additional stabilization and optimal intravenous and oral antibiotic treatment.

Irreducible ankle fracture dislocation due to posterior tibialis tendon interposition: Diagnostic and clues for early management - A case report.

Irreducible fracture dislocation of the ankle is a rare condition. Multiple cases have been described throughout the literature. Different known etiologies involve the distal fibula, deltoïd ligament and tendons of the posteromedial malleolar region. More specifically, trapping of the Posterior tibialis tendon has been described at several levels from the inside of the ankle joint, through the syndesmosis and in some cases in the fibula tibial interosseous space depending on the energy of trauma. We hereafter propose a case report and a review of previous cases of posterior tibialis tendon dislocation proximally in the interosseous space of the lower leg. The aim of this review is to point out common features and clues for early management in order to avoid overlooking these rare lesions as they may lead to major functional impairment of the ankle joint.

Total knee arthroplasty in patients with substantial deformities using primary knee components.

PURPOSE: Although advocated for severe varus and valgus deformities, constrained implant designs are associated with a number of disadvantages in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Combining a minimally invasive surgical approach with an interchangeable posterior stabilized (PS) implant design may allow adequate soft tissue balancing with a minimal amount of constraint and without residual instability. METHODS: Retrospectively 51 patients operated with the minimally invasive far medial subvastus approach for severe varus or valgus deformity, who underwent primary TKA with a fully interchangeable PS implant (Vanguard, Biomet Inc., Warsaw IN, USA) between 2009 and 2013 were examined. Soft tissue releases was performed using a piecrust needling technique. Preoperative alignment and surgical parameters were collected for all patients. All patients underwent preoperative and follow-up radiographic assessment and completed a battery of clinical assessments. RESULTS: All procedures were performed successfully, with alignment improving from a preoperative mean (SD) varus deformity of 165° (3°) and a mean (SD) valgus deformity of 196° (4.5°) to an overall mean (SD) postoperative mechanical alignment of 179.5° (3.0°). Nine patients had postoperative varus, while three patients had a postoperative valgus deviation from neutral alignment >3°. The mean change in joint line position in extension was -0.0 ± 0.6 mm. Clinical scores at final follow-up were excellent for both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Good TKA outcomes can be achieved in patients with substantial varus or valgus deformities using a combination of a minimally invasive far medial subvastus approach, interchangeable PS implants and soft tissue releases with a piecrust needling technique. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Paulogramma hydarnis (n. comb.) (Nymphalidae: Biblidinae): Distribution, Systematic Position, and Conservation Status of a Rare and Endangered Butterfly.

The nymphalid Paulogramma hydarnis (Godart) (n. comb., previously in the genus Callicore) is an endangered butterfly present in a few montane sites in the Atlantic Forest in the Southeastern Brazil. The precise systematic position of P. hydarnis was previously unknown. Based on molecular data, we find that it is sister to Paulogramma pygas (Godart) (n. comb., also previously in Callicore), a common and widespread species in the Neotropics. In addition, we find that Callicore is not monophyletic and that "Callicore" hydarnis (along with other species) is more related to the genus Paulogramma, and should thus be placed in that genus. The genus Paulogramma is now composed by the following species: Paulogramma pyracmon (Godart), Paulogramma eunomia (Hewitson) n. comb., Paulogramma hydarnis (Godart) n. comb., Paulogramma hystaspes (Fabricius) n. comb., Paulogramma pygas (Godart) n. comb., and Paulogramma tolima (Hewitson, 1852) n. comb. Museum specimens and field data report P. hydarnis in four sites in Southeastern Brazil. Recently, P. hydarnis was recorded for the first time at Parque Nacional do Caparaó, states of Espírito Santo and Minas Gerais, expanding its distribution about 200 km northward of the previously known limit. Although regularly recorded in some sites, most records are historic, before the 1960s, and the current conservation situation of this species is delicate, deserving attention.

Immature stages of the Brazilian crescent butterfly Ortilia liriope (Cramer) (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae).

We provide the first information on the morphology of the immature stages (egg, larva, and pupa), oviposition and larval behavior, and host plant, for the Brazilian crescent butterfly Ortilia liriope (Cramer), based on material from Santarém Municipality, Pará State, Northern Brazil. Females of O. liriope lay eggs in clusters. After hatching, larvae eat the exochorion and remain gregarious in all but the final instar. The host plant recorded in the study site is Justicia sp. (Acanthaceae). Despite the scarcity of data on the immature stages of Neotropical Melitaeini, we can already say that some morphological and behavioral traits observed in the immature stages of O. liriope are also present in all known genera in this tribe.

The endangered butterfly Charonias theano (Boisduval) (Lepidoptera: Pieridae): current status, threats and its rediscovery in the state of São Paulo, southeastern Brazil.

The pierid Charonias theano (Boisduval), an endangered butterfly species, has been rarely observed in nature, and has not been recorded in the state of São Paulo in the last 50 years despite numerous efforts to locate extant colonies. Based on museum specimens and personal information, C. theano was known from 26 sites in southeastern and southern Brazil. Recently, an apparently viable population was recorded in a new locality, at Serra do Japi, Jundiaí, São Paulo, with several individuals observed during two weeks in April, 2011. The existence of this population at Serra do Japi is an important finding, since this site represents one of the few large forested protected areas where the species could potentially persist not only in the state of São Paulo, but within its entire historical distribution.

Analytical method transfer using equivalence tests with reasonable acceptance criteria and appropriate effort: extension of the ISPE concept.

A method development process is commonly finalized by a method transfer from the developing to the routine laboratory. Statistical tests are performed in order to survey if a transfer succeeded or failed. However, using the classic two-sample t-test can lead to misjudgments and unsatisfying transfer results due to its test characteristics. Therefore the International Society of Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE) employed a fixed method transfer design using equivalence tests in their Guide for Technology Transfer. Although it was well received by analytical laboratories worldwide this fixed design can easily bring about high beta-errors (rejection of successful transfers) or high workload (many analysts employed during transfer) if sigma(AN) (error due to different analysts) exceeds 0.6%. Hence this work introduces an extended concept which will help to circumvent this disadvantage by providing guidance to select a personalized and more appropriate experimental design. First of all it demonstrates that former t-test related acceptance criteria can be scaled by a factor of 1.15, which allows for a broader tolerance without a loss of decision certainty. Furthermore a decision guidance to choose the proper number of analysts or series at given percentage acceptance limits (%AL) is presented.

Sex pheromone of orange wheat blossom midge, Sitodiplosis mosellana.

Pheromone extract of the female orange wheat blossom midge, Sitodiplosis mosellana (Géhin) (SM) (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), was analyzed by coupled gas chromatographic-electroantennographic detection (GC-EAD) and GC-mass spectrometry (MS), employing fused silica columns coated with DB-5, DB-210, DB-23 or SP-1000. These analyses revealed a single, EAD-active candidate pheromone which was identified as 2,7-nonanediyl dibutyrate. In experiments in wheat fields in Saskatchewan, traps baited with (2S,7S)-2,7-nonanediyl dibutyrate attracted significant numbers of male SM. The presence of other stereoisomers did not adversely affect trap captures. Facile synthesis of stereoisomeric 2,7-nonanediyl dibutyrate will facilitate the development of pheromone-based monitoring or even control of SM populations.

Young women's food preferences and taste responsiveness to 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP).

This study examined links between taste responsiveness to 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP), a heritable trait, and sensory responses to six common foods. Sixty-three young women subjects were divided into PROP tasters (n = 25) and nontasters (n = 25), based on their responses to PROP-impregnated filter paper and mean bitterness intensity ratings for seven PROP solutions. Thirteen subjects were excluded as unclassifiable. The 50 subjects sampled Brussels sprouts, broccoli, spinach, black coffee, soy milk, and soybean tofu. Sensory ratings for bitter intensity; pleasantness of taste, odor, and texture, and overall food acceptability scores were obtained using nine-point category scales. All subjects completed a food-preference checklist and a modified food-frequency questionnaire. PROP tasters rated Brussels sprouts as more bitter than did nontasters (p<0.05). Subjects who perceived the foods as more bitter also rated them as less pleasant and less acceptable. Taste preferences and food preferences were linked. Self-reported food preferences and self-reported frequencies of consumption for the same foods were also linked. Taste factors and food preferences may impact dietary choices and the frequency of food consumption.

Water purification by sulfide-containing activated carbon.

We investigated a new kind of activated carbon named gaiasafe-Formstoff as an agent for powerful heavy metal reduction. This activated carbon contains highly dispersed sulfide compounds. Our investigations with lead containing wastewaters showed an outstanding metal sulfide precipitation power of the new agent. The lead reduction rates are independent of wastewater parameters like lead concentration and complexing agent concentration. Contacted as powder or as a fixed bed with wastewater gaiasafe-Formstoff showed the best cleaning capacity in comparison to all other agents tested. Investigations with gaiasafe-Formstoff about its ability to reduce the contents of further heavy metals in wastewater are under way. The gaiasafe-Formstoff reaction products with wastewater represent an energy-rich and raw material-rich resource when fed to metallurgical processes.

[Evaluation of some vision components after implantation of bifocal and monocular intraocular lenses]. / Ocena niektórych skladników widzenia po wszczepieniu soczewek dwuogniskowych i jednoogniskowych.

Short and long distance vision as well as vision in twilight conditions and dazzle sensitivity in 2 groups of 30 persons have been compared. In one group Corneal-Dual bifocal intraocular lenses and in the other group monocular lenses were implanted. In the former group 0.75 or nearer vision acuity was obtained without any additional correction, while in the latter group obtention of such vision required additional correction to +/- +2 4.0 D sph. Vision in twilight conditions and dazzle sensitivity were similar in both groups, though clearly lower than normal. The study also presents indications and contraindications for implantation of bifocal lenses.

Bioremediation of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene-contaminated soils by two different aerated compost systems.

Two composting systems were compared on a laboratory scale as a bioremediation technology for degradation or immobilization of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) in contaminated soils. The first compost was aerated from the beginning whereas the second compost was only aerated after an anaerobic prephase of 65 days. In the first compost system the TNT concentration declined rapidly by 92% but, at the end, TNT could be partially recovered. During the anaerobic prephase of the second compost system, TNT was almost completely converted to aminodinitrotoluenes, which during the subsequent aeration almost entirely disappeared. In addition, the second compost generated less toxic material than the first one as confirmed by inhibition of bioluminescence of Vibrio fischeri. These data show that microbiological TNT-degradation systems can be successfully designed which are prerequisite for an efficient bioremediation of contaminated soils.

Pharmacokinetics and effects of repeated administration of phenylbutazone in neonatal calves.

Age, species, and disease state may substantially alter the disposition and clearance of pharmacologic agents. This is particularly important when drugs with low therapeutic index are used in ill neonates. Pharmacokinetic variables for phenylbutazone were determined in 24- to 32-hour-old healthy and endotoxemic calves after i.v administration of a single dose (5 mg/kg of body weight, i.v.). Elimination half-life was 207 and 168 hours, and clearance was 0.708 and 0.828 ml/kg/h in healthy and endotoxemic calves, respectively. Intravenous infusion of endotoxin at the dose (2 micrograms/kg over 4 hours) given did not significantly alter any of the calculated pharmacokinetic variables. Serum thromboxane B2 concentration was significantly (P = 0.05) suppressed for 3 hours after phenylbutazone administration in healthy calves and for 4 hours in endotoxin-challenged calves. Daily administration of phenylbutazone (10 mg/kg loading, then 5 mg/kg for 9 days) to healthy and endotoxemic calves failed to induce any lesions consistent with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug toxicosis.

The effect of collagen shields on rabbit corneal reepithelialization after chemical debridement.

We evaluated the effect of precarved collagen lenses on the kinetics of epithelial wound healing in an experimental model of corneal erosions. After induction of anesthesia, central corneal erosions of 5-mm diameter were created in New Zealand white rabbits using n-heptanol. Animals were randomly assigned either to the treatment group or to one of three control groups. Each animal in the treatment group received a precarved collagen shield made from porcine sclera. Immediately after creation of the corneal epithelial defects, topical fluorescein sodium was applied, and the corneas were photographed. Similar follow-up examinations were conducted at 5, 24, 30, 48, 72, and 96 hr after defect creation. Epithelial defect areas were calculated by projecting the photographic slides onto a computerized digitizing pad. Reepithelialization kinetics were compared for the four treatment groups. When initial wound size was taken into account, no significant difference between mean reepithelialization rates was noted. These results indicate that collagen lenses do not adversely affect the speed of corneal reepithelialization, and may, because of their documented biodegradibility and drug delivery capability, be useful in the clinical management of corneal epithelial erosions.

Honeybee response to queen mandibular pheromone in laboratory bioassays.

Quantitative laboratory biosassays measuring short-range attraction of worker honeybees to pheromone-treated pipets or glass pseudo-queens are described. Each replicate involves only 15 workers, allowing a single colony to provide sufficient individuals for a complete study as well as for between-colony comparisons. The more sensitive pseudo-queen bioassay provides a measurable response at levels of queen mandibular extract of 10(-7) than that of an average individual mated queen. Formation and maintenance of the pseudo-queen's retinue, as well as more detailed behavior, can be evaluated by following the actions of individual workers replayed on video tape. Using this sensitive bioassay, the response of workers to queen mandibular pheromone has been shown to be sensitive to daily variation and colony source of the workers, but independent of worker age.

Semiochemicals of the honeybee queen mandibular glands.

The ontogeny of the five queen mandibular gland semiochemicals that initiate and maintain the retinue behavior of worker honeybees was investigated by quantitative splitless capillary gas chromatography. No detectable pheromone is present at the time of eclosion, but decenoic acid levels build up rapidly during the first week of the queen's life. Two aromatic components attain detectable levels later, with the more plentiful methylp-hydroxybenzoate preceding the 4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenylethanol. Pheromone levels are maximal in mature, mated, laying queens. The ratio of (R,E)-(-)-9-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid to the (S,E)-(+) enantiomer increases with the age of the queen. Pheromone levels in queen mandibular glands are largely unaffected by queen banking, restraint with workers in mailing cages, and limited storage on dry ice. All major body parts of typical queens, especially the head and legs, have sufficient mandibular exudate to be highly attractive to worker bees.