Comparison of specificity and sensitivity of immunochemical and molecular techniques for determination of Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis.

Detection of Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis (Cmm), causing bacterial canker of tomato, was verified using PTA-ELISA and IFAS with PAbs of Neogen Europe Ltd. (UK), and with published and also laboratory-generated PCR primers from the Cmm tomatinase gene. The specificity of this technique was determined with 15 plant-pathogenic and 4 common, saprophytic bacteria. With IFAS, crossreactions were found for Pantoea dispersa, P. agglomerans and Rahnella aquatilis, and with PTA-ELISA for Curtobacterium flaccumfaciens, Pectobacterium atrosepticum and Dickeya sp. Cross-reactions with subspecies other than michiganensis were also found using both methods. Molecular methods were optimized by verification of annealing temperatures and times for both primers. Conditions were finally adjusted to 30 s at 65 degrees C for Dreier's and 10 s at 69 degrees C for our primer set. After this optimization, both primer pairs produced positive reaction only with Cmm. By means of PTA-ELISA and IFAS, Cmm strains were detected at a concentration up to 10(5) CFU/mL and 10(3) CFU/mL, respectively. The PCR test with bacterial cell suspensions reached a sensitivity of 10(3) CFU/mL with our designed primers and 104 CFU/mL with Dreier's primer pair.

A microarray for screening the variability of 16S-23S rRNA internal transcribed spacer in Pseudomonas syringae.

The 16S-23S ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS1) is often used as a subspecies or strain-specific molecular marker for various kinds of bacteria. However, the presence of different copies of ITS1 within a single genome has been reported. Such mosaicism may influence correct typing of many bacteria and therefore knowledge about exact configuration of this region in a particular genome is essential. In order to screen the variability of ITS1 among and within Pseudomonas syringae genomes, an oligonucleotide microarray targeting different configurations of ITS1 was developed. The microarray revealed seven distinct variants in 13 pathovars tested and detected mosaicism within the genomes of P. syringae pv. coronafaciens, pisi, syringae and tabaci. In addition, the findings presented here challenge the using of rRNA analysis for pathovar and strain determination.

[Plate osteosynthesis in vancouver type b1 and b2 periprosthetic fractures]. / Dlahová osteosyntéza u periprotetických zlomenin typu Vancouver B1 a B2.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: In a retrospective study we evaluated the results of plate osteosynthesis for treatment of periprosthetic femoral fractures classified as Vancouver types B1 and B2. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The group comprised 19 patients with post-operative periprosthetic fractures treated by open reduction and internal fixation with plate osteosynthesis at our department between the beginning of 2004 and June 2007. Perioperative fractures were not included. The average age of the patients was 72.0 (range, 53 to 88) years. A locking compression plate (PCL) was used in 16 patients. The average follow-up was 21 months, with 6 months at least.We evaluated radiographs of the fracture and, in the majority of cases, also those before a periprosthetic fracture occurred. We focussed on the signs of potential femoral component loosening and the course of fracture line; fractures were classified according to the Vancouver classification system. Follow-up included both clinical and radiographic examination. RESULTS: Thirteen patients showed bone union and a good functional outcome. One patient was present at follow-up only once and was not included in the final evaluation. Non-union was recorded in five patients (27.7 %), marked implant migration occurred in three (all had type B2 fracture) and osteosynthesis failed in two patients. DISCUSSION: We consider the Vancouver classification to be the most suitable classification system. The relatively high proportion of non-union fractures can be accounted for by an inappropriate indication for osteosynthesis in fractures with stem loosening.The assessment of stem stability based on a radiograph only may, in some cases, be questionable; therefore, if doubtful, we prefer an intra-operative evaluation of implant stability.We also discuss a contribution of angle-stable plates to the osteosynthesis of periprosthetic fractures as well as their bone fixation technique. CONCLUSIONS: Plate osteosynthesis is a suitable method for treatment of periprosthetic fractures if there is a stable femoral component. LPC implants are not discriminative enough in the range of indications for plate osteosynthesis.The use of plate osteosynthesis in a total hip arthroplasty with signs of loosening is bound to lead to acceleration of loosening and stem migration, and may even result in plate breakage or its expulsion. This implies that, in such THAs, plate osteosynthesis can only be carried out as a palliative procedure in immobile and severely ill old patients. Key words: periprosthetic fractures, total hip arthroplasty, revision total hip arthroplasty, plate fixation, LCP, Vancouver classification.

[Total hip arthroplasty in post-dysplastic hip arthritis. Can type and position of the acetabular component influence longevity of the prosthesis?]. / Totální endoprotéza kycelního kloubu u postdysplastické koxartrózy: Má typ jamky a její umístení vliv na zivotnost endoprotézy?

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The aim of the study was a retrospective evaluation of our patients with post-dysplastic hips treated by cemented or non-cemented total hip arthroplasty (THA) in order to ascertain which type and position of the acetabular component was most effective. MATERIAL: In the years 1999-2002, 111 THA procedures were performed in 93 patients, 76 women and 17 men, with post-dysplastic hip arthritis. The average age of the patients at the time of implantation was 52.6 years. On the basis of pre-operative radiographic findings, the patients' conditions were evaluated using the Hartofilakidis classification into three disease categories: dysplasia, low dislocation and high dislocation, and the patients were placed in two groups. Group 1 included 78 patients, and group 2 comprised 26 patients. None of our patients was classified as having high dislocation. Thirty-nine of these patients had previously undergone surgery for dysplastic hips. METHODS: A total of 104 THAs were evaluated, because radiographic data was incomplete in seven cases. In addition to X-ray findings, the prosthesis type (cemented, hybrid, non-cemented), post-operative complications and signs of loosening were included in the evaluation. Clinical outcomes were assessed by the Harris score. The follow-up terminating on 31st December 2005 was 67 months on the average. RESULTS: In group 1 patients, the average Harris score increased from 38.6 to 80.3 points and in group 2 patients from 35.5 to 84.9 points, mostly with excellent and good results. In 72.1 % of the hips, a press-fit acetabular component was implanted. In 55.8 % of the cases, the acetabular component was implanted off the anatomical center of rotation, into the high hip center, with the range from 9 to 20 mm and an average of 15 mm. The average limb lengthening was 2.5 cm, ranging from 1.0 to 3.5 cm. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that it is more effective to use non-cemented THA for post-dysplastic hips. The implantation of a noncemented acetabular component into the high center provides better covering of the cup with solid bone, without the necessity of cotyloplasty or structural graft use. Also, it does not markedly affect hip function or patients' subjective feelings.

Oblong cup in the management of aseptic loosening of the acetabular component in total hip replacement.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: At present, revision surgery of a total hip replacement is a major problem that must be dealt with by all orthopedic facilities. Aseptic loosening of the acetabular component is often associated with destruction of the original spherical shape of the acetabulum and the formation of bone defects. An orthopedist faces the challenge of acetabular revision and stable fixation of the new acetabular component in an effort to re-establish the functioning of the hip replacement. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The authors evaluated a group of 74 patients in whom they implanted an oblong revision cup due to aseptic loosening of the acetabular component from August 2000 until December 2003. The mean duration of the follow-up period was 63 months (ranging from 38 to 78 months). RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The authors reported very good results from the use of this implant, where osteointegration and good functional outcome evaluated according to the Harris Hip Score (HHS) were achieved in 95% of cases. The long-term outcome should be the subject of further investigation.

[Management of pseudoarthrosis of the navicular bone of the wrist using the Synthes 3.0 screw]. / Osetrení pakloubu clunkové kosti zápestí sroubem Synthes 3,0.

The authors compare their results of the management of the pseudoarthrosis of the navicular bone of the wrist with those reported in the literature. The study group included 21 patients and the Synthes 3.0 mm was applied. The authors concentrate on both technical and biological aspects of the therapy, mainly on an appropriate choice of the procedure, quality of the management of the surfaces of the pseudoarthrosis and significance of correct introduction of the device. The rate of the healed pseudoarthroses reached 85.7% in their patient trial group. They conclude that the main prerequisites for a successful outcome are the biological status of the pseudoarthrosis and a thorough management of the pseudoarthrosis surfaces, rather than a type of the implant.

Determination of genetic differences between fluid and nonfluid variants of Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. sepedonicus using rep-PCR technique.

Testing of 23 isolates of Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. sepedonicus for analysis by rep-PCR (using BOX, ERIC, REP primer sets) was used for the purpose of localization of genetic markers for fluid and/or nonfluid strains. None of the primer sets was successful in detecting genetic differences between the isolates and no polymorphism was generated.

Comparison of genetic variability between Czech and foreign isolates of phytopathogenic bacteria Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. sepedonicus by Rep-PCR technique.

Repetitive-sequence-based polymerase chain reaction (Rep-PCR) method was used for analysis of genetic variability among bacterial populations from different world locations. Collection of 26 Czech and 13 foreign strains of Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. sepedonicus was amplified using BOX primer targeting to repetitive motif occurring in eubacterial genomes. Genetic fingerprints were visually compared and statistically evaluated by cluster analysis. Genetic similarity was estimated to be approximately 80% among all tested strains. Populations of these bacteria seem to be highly homogeneous; potential influence of geographic origin was not confirmed.

[Analysis of complications in the treatment of fracture leg fractures with unreamed intramedullary nailing]. / Analýza komplikací pri lécení zlomenin bérce nepredvrtaným nitrodrenovým hrebem.

Based on their group of 52 patients the authors analyze the complications they encountered in the treatment of crural fractures by a not predrilled intramedullary nail. Consistent with the literature they found that this method is successful in the treatment of closed and open fractures of the crural diaphysis. They mention, however, a relatively high percentage of complications which in the long run are not a impediment for healing of the fracture but influence it. In the discussion these complications are analyzed in detail in an attempt to find a solution and to avoid them in future patients. They conclude that even this relatively simple and effective method of fractures of the crural diaphysis has its pitfalls and its indication and implementation call for much attention.

Higher order ferroic switching induced by scanning force microscopy.

We present the observation of ferroelastoelectric switching in a ferroelectric material. It is achieved in barium titanate thin film by simultaneously applying electric field and compressive stress with the tip of a scanning force microscope. For low compressive stresses, the presented measurements reveal classical ferroelectric domain reversal, i.e., the spontaneous polarization is aligned parallel to the applied electric field. However, for high compressive stresses the direction of polarization after switching is antiparallel to the poling field, demonstrating ferroelastoelectric switching.

[The Sauvé-Kapandji operation in the treatment of traumatic disorder of the distal radioulnar joint]. / Sauvé-Kapandjiho operace pri resení posttraumatického postizení distálního radioulnárního kloubu.

The authors describe in a group of 22 patients their experience with Sauvé-Kapandji's operation in posttraumatic damage of the distal radioulnar joint. They analyze the causes of affection of the distal radioulnar joint, discuss the functional anatomy of this joint and describe the technique of operation. In the discussion they deal with possible complications and analyze in detail their results. They suggest a pattern of evaluation of the results of surgery based on objective and subjective findings. In the conclusion they mention the satisfactory results of this operation if the correct surgical technique is used and careful indication of the operation is made.

[The First Results of 360 degrees Fusion and Video-assisted Minimally Invasive Retroperitoneal Approach to the Lumbar Spine.]. / První výsledky se 360 degrees spondylodézou a video-asistovaným, minimálne invazivním retroperitoneálním prístupem k bederní páteri.

The authors present short-term results of a 360 degrees fusion together with the experience in their own modification of minimally invasive retroperitoneal approach to the lumbar spine. In the course of 1998 and 1999 they operated on the total number of 21 patients using this approach. The anterior approach was considered as part of the combined operation on the lumbar spine which was indicated for degenerative, traumatic, tumorous and iatrogenic instability of the lumbar spine. They evaluated blood loss, duration of the surgery, duration of image intensifier exposure, restoration of the peristalsis, satisfaction of the patient with the operation by means of Visual Analog Scale and in 12 patients who exceeded a twelvemonth of the follow-up also healing of the fusion on dynamic radiographs of the lumbar spine. The results are very optimistic. As compared to a classical approach they achieved low blood loss, short duration of the surgery, a quick restoration of peristalsis and a reduction of postoperative morbidity. An undoubted advantage of the presented technique is the economic thriftiness as concerns special endoscopic devices, retraction frames, microscope, special instruments or expansion devices. During the evaluation of the fusion no development of a nonunion or migration of grafts or cages was recorded. Also the satisfaction of patients after the operation was high and in the following period it even increased. Key words: lumbar spine fusion, retroperitoneal approach, minimally invasive surgery.

[The Matti-Russe method of treatment of ununited fractures of the scaphoid bone]. / Lécení pakloubu clunkové kosti podle Matti-Russeho.

The authors present their experience with treatment of scaphoid non-unions by the operation according to Matti-Russe. They compare their results with those of other authors and present a relatively high number of successfully treated patients with stable non-unions localized in the midline of the scaphoid bone as well as a high patient satisfaction rate with this method of treatment. The disadvantage of this treatment is long-term cast immobilization of the wrist and poor results in treatment of unstable non-unions and those localized in the proximal portion of the scaphoid bone. They conclude, that at present, it is more effective to support the surgery by osteosynthesis with an adequate implant and thus shorten the immobilization period in a cast.

British-Czech co-operation in a mass casualty incident, Sipovo. From aeromedical evacuation from Bosnia to discharge from Central Military Hospital, Prague.

On Thursday 8 January 1998, a Czech Hip helicopter with 21 personnel on board crashed in Bos Krupa, northwest Bosnia, resulting in one of the largest mass casualty incidents involving peacekeepers in Bosnia since conflict broke out there in 1992. Seventeen patients were airlifted from the scene to the British Hospital Squadron in Sipovo, central Bosnia for resuscitation and initial treatment. The next day, six severely injured patients underwent aeromedical evacuation to the Central Military Hospital in Prague. The role of the British Defence Medical Services in this incident was documented in the first article of this two part series. This second article highlights the role of the Czech medical services following aeromedical evacuation of these six patients, and closes the audit trial by documenting the patients' progress and final outcome in Prague.

[Surgical technique of anterior cervical instrumented fusion.]. / Technika instrumentované prední spondylodézy krcní pátere.

Authors are presenting their results of anterior cervical instrumented fusion technique on group of 39 patients who were operated on in traumatic and degenerative indications.They present a 97 % fusion rate with minimal complications. Decompression of neural tissues, meticulous shaping of the tricortical autologous bone graft and respecting the physiological alignment of the cervical spine are presented as the most important steps. Application of the Morscher cervical plate is helpful, since it decreases postoperative neck immobilization in orthosis and increases the fusion rate. Key words: anterior instrumented cervical fusion, autologous bone graft, cervical plate.

[External fixation in fractures of distal radius.]. / Pouzití zevní fixace pri lécbe zlomenin distálního konce radia.

On a group of 30 patients authors present the results they have achieved in the treatment of fractures of distal radius by external fixation. They deal with indications to the treatment of this injury by external fixation and describe in detail the method of such treatment. They discuss the pitfalls of this treatment, potential complications and adequacy of individual types of external fixators. They point out the discrepancy in the evaluation of objective achievements and subjective evaluation of patients. In total they evaluate the results as good and recommend a more consistent diagnostic and therapeutic connsidera-tion of the treatment of these injuries in out-patient departments. Key words: fracture of distal radius, external fixator.

[Initial experience with implantation of a cemented endoprosthesis.]. / První zkusenosti s implantací cementované endoprotézy kycelního kloubu Saphir I.

The authors present their experience with the use of a cemented endoprosthesis of the hip joint Saphir I. During a three-year period they implanted at the Orthopaedic department of the Central Military Hospital in Prague 82 of these endoprostheses with very good mediumterm results. In the first part of the paper they deal with the description of the implant and the range of sizes. They emphasize the satisfactory technical solution of the implant and instruments and the easy technique of implantation. In view of the minimal number of complications and the reasonable price they envisage the use this endoprosthesis in elderly but perspective patients where with regard to osteoporosis and other factors the use of non-cemented endoprosthesis of the hip joint is not indicated. Key words: cemented endoprosthesis of the hip joint, complications of endoprostheses, bone cement.

[Fractures of the distal end of the radius.]. / Zlomeniny distálního konce radia.

The authors evaluate in a group of 92 patients the results of conservative treatment of fractures of the distal radius. They draw attention to terminological inaccuracies in the evaluation of these fractures. This leads to a relatively high percentage of poor results in their patients, though their results are comparable with those of other authors. As a guideline for treatment they suggest the AO classification and on its basis they propose a more active approach to the treatment of these fractures. Key words: fracture of the distal end of the radius, reposition, redislocation.

[Spontaneously healed pseudoarthrosis of the navicular bone?]. / Spontánne zhojený pakloub clunkové kosti?

The authors demonstrate a relatively rare case of spontaneous healing of the navicular bone almost four years after the injury. They draw attention to diagnostic difficulties in acute injuries of the wrist and in the diagnosis of a pseudoarthrosis of the navicular bone. Key words: navicular bone of the wrist, pseudoarthrosis of the navicular bone.