A focus on melorheostosis disease: a literature review and case report of femoral-acetabular impingement due to melorheostosis treated with surgical hip osteoplasty

OBJECTIVE

Melorheostosis is a rare, non-hereditary, benign bone disease characterized by abnormal bone growth. Generally, melorheostosis develops during childhood or adolescence and progresses gradually over time. This disease represents a true challenge to the physician because of its variability due to location, extension of the affected bone, and involvement of associated soft tissue. Pain management, physical therapy, and surgery may be recommended, depending on the individual case. This review aims to get an overview of the latest evidence relating to epidemiology, clinical and radiographic characteristics, diagnosis, and possible therapeutic strategies for melorheostosis and describe our experience through a clinical case.

METHODS

We designed a comprehensive literature search on melorheostosis in MEDLINE (via Pubmed) up to April 2023 and reviewed reports published in international journals.

RESULTS

The purpose is to highlight the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in the management of a rare disease such as melorheostosis. We discuss the role of different physicians, including genetists, rheumatologists, physiatrists, physical therapists, and orthopedic surgeons, in providing accurate diagnoses and effective treatments. We conducted a comprehensive review of the literature on the treatment of melorheostosis to support these findings. In addition, the article presents a case study of a patient suffering from melorheostosis, focusing on difficulties in reaching a correct diagnosis and attempts towards conservative and surgical interventions. The patient underwent hip arthroplasty, and the final result was an improvement in function and a reduction in pain.

CONCLUSIONS

Managing melorheostosis can be challenging, and there is no standardized treatment for this condition at the moment.

Coupling ZnO with CuO for efficient organic pollutant removal

Fabrication of heterojunction semiconductors for the photodegradation of toxic organic dyes under sunlight exposure has earned significant recognition from researchers nowadays. On that account, we have synthesized and explored a comparative photodegradation study of ZnO/CuO nanocomposite with ZnO and CuO nanoparticles. ZnO and CuO nanoparticles have been synthesized by biosynthesis methods using Ficus benghalensis leaf extract. As-synthesized ZnO and CuO nanoparticles have been further utilized for the synthesis of ZnO/CuO nanocomposite by the mortar pestle crushing/milling method. Both biosynthesis methods and mortar pestle crushing/milling methods are simple, low-cost, and environmentally friendly. Structural, optical, and morphological analysis of all the synthesized nanomaterials have been done by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and UV-visible spectroscopy. PXRD data reveal that synthesized ZnO nanoparticles are in the hexagonal wurtzite phase, CuO nanoparticles in the monoclinic phase, and ZnO/CuO nanocomposite in the hexagonal wurtzite as well as in monoclinic phase. FE-SEM and TEM images of ZnO/CuO nanocomposite reveal the nanorod-shaped morphology along with micro-sized and nano-sized flakes. The BET analysis shows the surface areas 18.128 m²/g for ZnO nanoparticles, 16.653 m²/g for CuO nanoparticles, and 19.580 m²/g for ZnO/CuO nanocomposite, respectively. The energy band gap values of ZnO/CuO nanocomposite are obtained 3.13 eV for ZnO and 2.76 eV for CuO, respectively. The photocatalytic behaviors of all the synthesized nanomaterials are examined against aqueous dye solutions of methylene blue (MB), rhodamine B (RhB), and methyl orange (MO) under sunlight irradiation. The results reveal that the photocatalytic degradation efficiency of ZnO/CuO nanocomposite has been found higher than with ZnO and CuO nanoparticles for all the dyes. Also, all the synthesized nanomaterials indicate higher photocatalytic degradation efficiency for methylene blue dye among all three dyes. The kinetics of photodegradation of all the dye solutions has also been investigated in the presence of ZnO, CuO, and ZnO/CuO photocatalysts separately. The results exhibit that rate constant values for all the dyes are higher with ZnO/CuO nanocomposite than with ZnO and CuO nanoparticles. ZnO/CuO nanocomposite demonstrates degradation efficiency for MB dye 99.13%, for RhB 80.21%, and for MO 67.22% after 180 min of sunlight exposure. ZnO/CuO nanocomposite and ZnO and CuO nanoparticles also show the best reusability and stability up to three cycles for photocatalytic degradation of MB dyes among all the dyes. Therefore, green synthesized ZnO/CuO nanocomposite could be used as an efficient photocatalyst for the degradation of various toxic dyes. The mineralization of different dyes using ZnO/CuO nanocomposite has been examined by FTIR analysis. Furthermore, the mineralization of MB dye has been done by total organic carbon (TOC) measurements.

A review on degradation of organic dyes by using metal oxide semiconductors

The discharge of organic dye pollutants in natural water bodies has put forward a big challenge of providing clean water to a large part of the population. As the population is increasing with time, only underground water is not sufficient to complete the water requirements of everyone everywhere. Purification of wastewater and its reuse is the only way to fulfill the water needs. Nanotechnology has been used very efficiently for wastewater treatment via photocatalytic degradation of dye molecules. In the past few years, a lot of investigations have been done to enhance the photocatalytic activity of metal oxide semiconductors for water purification. In this review, we have discussed the different methods of synthesis of various metal oxide semiconductor nanoparticles, energy band gap, their role as efficient photocatalysts, radiations used for photocatalytic reactions, and their degradation efficiency to degrade the dye pollutants. We have also discussed the nanocomposites of metal oxide with graphene. These nanocomposites have been utilized as the efficient photocatalyst due to unique characteristics of graphene such as extended range of light absorption, separation of charges, and high capacity of adsorption of the dye pollutants.

Synthesis and characterization of NiO/Cr2O3 nanocomposite with effective sunlight driven photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes

In this paper, nanocomposite NiO/Cr₂O₃ has been synthesized by a simple chemical reduction method to study its photocatalytic activity under sunlight irradiation. Various advanced analytical techniques including powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), elemental mapping, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and UV-visible spectroscopy have been utilized to characterize the synthesized NiO/Cr₂O₃ nanocomposite. SEM images show the sheet-shaped morphology of NiO/Cr₂O₃ nanocomposite. These sheets have a rough surface with nano to micro size cracks. These cracks play important role in the enhancement of photocatalytic activity by increasing surface active sites for the adsorption of dye molecules on the surface of the photocatalyst. The organic dyes crystal violet (CV) and methylene blue (MB) have been chosen to study the photocatalytic behavior of NiO/Cr₂O₃ nanocomposite under sunlight irradiation. The photocatalytic efficiency of NiO/Cr₂O₃ nanocomposite has been obtained 88.47% and 93.63% against crystal violet and methylene blue respectively. The results of the photocatalytic kinetics exhibit that degradation rate constant value for crystal violet dye is higher as compared to methylene blue dye. Obtained kinetic results indicate that synthesized nanocomposite acts as an efficient photocatalyst for the degradation of both crystal violet dye and methylene blue dye. NiO/Cr₂O₃ nanocomposite also exhibited reusability and stability for photocatalytic degradation of both organic dyes. Photoelectrochemical measurements as photocurrent, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and Mott-Schottky plot were also performed for synthesized NiO/Cr₂O₃ nanocomposite. Consequently, this synthesized NiO/Cr₂O₃ nanocomposite can be utilized for environmental remediation of harmful dyes.

Comparative In Vitro Anticancer Study of Cisplatin Drug with Green Synthesized ZnO Nanoparticles on Cervical Squamous Carcinoma (SiHa) Cell Lines

In this article, we aimed to develop a unique treatment approach to cure cervical cancer without harming healthy normal cells and overcome the limitations of currently available therapies/treatments. Recently, chemotherapeutics based on metal oxides have gained attention as a promising approach for treating cancer. Herein, ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized with the leaf extract of Azadirachta indica. These green synthesized ZnO nanoparticles were used for a cytotoxic study on the cervical squamous carcinoma cell line SiHa and murine macrophage cell line RAW 264.7. Moreover, a hemolytic assay was performed to check the biocompatibility of ZnO nanoparticles. The biosynthesized ZnO nanoparticles were labeled as L1, L2, L5, and L10 nanoparticles. Various assays like crystal violet, MTT assay, and AO/PI dual staining method were performed to assess the anticancer potential of ZnO. The concentration of ZnO nanoparticles was taken in the range of 100-250 μg/mL in the in vitro anticancer study on SiHa cancer cell lines. The findings of the MTT assay revealed that biosynthesized ZnO nanoparticles exhibited significant cytotoxicity against SiHa cancer cell lines dose-dependently at two incubation times (24 and 48 h). Also, a decrease in cell viability was observed with an increased concentration of ZnO. The IC₅₀ values obtained were 141 μg/mL for L1, 132 μg/mL for L2, 127 μg/mL for L5, and 115 μg/mL for L10 nanoparticles. In addition, cisplatin drug (10 μg/mL) was also used to compare the anticancer activity with the biosynthesized L1, L2, L5, and L10 nanoparticles. The results of the crystal violet assay and AO/PI dual staining method revealed that morphological changes like cell shrinkage, poor cell adhesion, and induction of apoptosis occurred in the SiHa cancer cell lines. Furthermore, the stability of the ZnO nanoparticles at physiological pH has been assessed by recording the UV-visible spectrum at various pH values. Hence, the overall findings suggested that biosynthesized ZnO nanoparticles can be utilized for cervical squamous cancer treatment in addition to the current treatment strategies/techniques.

Neuromuscular variations in the gluteal region - Embryological basis and clinical significance

ABSTRACT

Piriformis, is a key muscle in the gluteal region. Under its lower border sciatic nerve and inferior gluteal nerves exit. During routine educational dissection of the lower limb, bilateral gluteal regions in fifteen cadavers (30 gluteal regions) focusing on the variations of inferior gluteal nerve and sciatic nerve with respect to piriformis muscle were observed in the department of anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India. In one of the left sided specimens, inferior gluteal nerve had an abnormal course, piercing superior belly of piriformis muscle instead of emerging through the lower border of it along with variation of the sciatic nerve. The common peroneal component of the sciatic nerve was coming out between the two anomalous tendinous slips of the piriformis muscle, whereas the tibial component, emerged along lower border of the piriformis muscle bilaterally in the same cadaver. In the remaining cadavers, there were no variations of the inferior gluteal nerve with respect to the piriformis muscle. But in another cadaver, there was a similar variation of the sciatic nerve bilaterally. Inferior gluteal and sciatic nerves, when compressed by muscle belly or tendinous slips of the piriformis muscle, may cause lurching gait and sciatica respectively. Knowledge of the different variations of these peripheral nerves with respect to the piriformis muscle is important to clinicians and surgeons for the accurate diagnosis and intervention.

Morphology of enteric glia in colorectal carcinoma: A comparative study of tumor site and its proximal normal margin

OBJECTIVE

Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is the third most common cancer in the world and fifth most common cancer in India. To understand the extent of perineural invasion (PNI) in CRC it is essential to study the morphology of enteric glial cells (EGCs). The aim of the study was to analyze the numerical density of EGCs and area of myenteric ganglia (MG) in the colonic tissue samples collected from CRC patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Fifteen intraoperative tissue specimens were collected from the tumor site and 2cm proximal to the upper extent of tumor. The samples were divided into four groups: group 1 (n=15): proximal tumor free colonic tissue; group 2 (n=3): well-differentiated; group 3 (n=8): moderately differentiated; group 4 (n=4): poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma. After processing the tissues were subjected to hematoxylin and eosin staining. The anti-S100β and anti-GFAP antibodies were used to observe the EGCs.

RESULTS

In the H&E stained sections the number of myenteric ganglia appeared to be decreasing with increasing grade of adenocarcinoma. Immunostaining showed significant decreasing pattern in the numerical density of EGCs per myenteric ganglion and mean area of myenteric ganglia in relation to the thickness of circular muscle, corresponding to the increasing grades of adenocarcinoma. The morphology of the EGCs remained unaltered in the colonic tissue adjacent to the tumor site.

CONCLUSION

Significant loss of EGCs and neurodegeneration corresponded with the grade of tumor emphasizing on its prognostic value. The PNI was not seen in the clear margin proximal to the tumor site.

The impact of tick-borne pathogen infection in Indian bovines is determined by host type but not the genotype of Theileria annulata

Tick-borne pathogens (TBP) are a major source of production loss and a welfare concern in livestock across the globe. Consequently, there is a trade-off between keeping animals that are tolerant to TBP infection, but are less productive than more susceptible breeds. Theileria annulata is a major TBP of bovines, with different host types (i.e. exotic and native cattle breeds, and buffalo) displaying demonstrable differences in clinical susceptibility to infection. However, the extent to which these differences are driven by genetic/physiological differences between hosts, or by different parasite populations/genotypes preferentially establishing infection in different host breeds and species is unclear. In this study, three different bovine host types in India were blood sampled to test for the presence of various TBP, including Theileria annulata, to determine whether native cattle (Bos indicus breeds), crossbreed cattle (Bos taurus x Bos indicus breeds) or water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) differ in the physiological consequences of infection. Population genetic analyses of T. annulata isolated from the three different host types was also performed, using a panel of mini- and micro-satellite markers, to test for sub-structuring of the parasite population among host types. We discovered that compared to other host types, “carrier” crossbreed cattle showed a higher level of haematological pathology when infected with T. annulata. Despite this finding, we found no evidence for differences in the genotypes of T. annulata infecting different host types, although buffalo appeared to harbour fewer mixed parasite genotype infections, indicating they are not the major reservoir of parasite diversity. The apparent tolerance/resistance of native breed cattle and buffalo to the impacts of T. annulata infection is thus most likely to be driven by host genotype, rather than differences in the parasite population. Our results suggest that an improved understanding of the genetic factors that underpin disease resistance could help to ameliorate future economic loss due to TBP or tropical theileriosis.

•

Theileria annulata infection has different consequences in crossbreed cattle, native cattle and water buffalo in India

•

Crossbreed Bos taurus x Bos indicus cattle showed reductions in haematological parameters when infected with T. annulata

•

We found no evidence for infection-mediated physiological change in native cattle breeds or water buffalo

•

We found no sub-structuring of the T. annulata population between different host types using microsatellite analysis

•

Buffalo were not a major reservoir of genetically diverse T. annulata infecting cattle, contrasting the epidemiology of T. parva

Lumbar sympathetic chain: anatomical variation and clinical perspectives

The sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems constitute the autonomic nervous system which controls the entropy of the body and maintain the equilibrium. The sympathetic chain forms a definitive anatomic entity which is quite variable with respect to its position and the number of ganglia. The sympathetic nervous system causes vasoconstriction and thus forms the basis of Lumbar sympathetic surgeries being performed in patients with peripheral vascular diseases. The anatomic variations in this region hence gains immense importance for the operating surgeons and consulting radiologists. In the present study, the rami communicantes of either side of lumbar sympathetic chain crossed the common iliac arteries from lateral to medial side and united in front of first piece of sacrum. These rami communicantes encircled the right gonadal artery and could be a threat to the gonadal vascularity causing infertility. This was an unusual feature of the lumbar sympathetic chain and its rami communicantes that were noted in this particular case.

Unilateral Variation in Extensor digitorum longus muscle

During a routine dissection of an adult embalmed male cadaver for educational purpose in the department of anatomy at AIIMS, New Delhi, India, a rare unilateral variation of extensor digitorum longus (EDL) was found which is a muscle of anterior compartment of the leg. There was a split tendon of EDL muscle in the anterior compartment of left leg which became a common tendon in front of the ankle joint. This common tendon of EDL muscle again divided into four slips and were inserted in to the lateral four toes. In the upper part of the leg, the anterior tibial vessel and deep fibular nerve lie between the EDL and tibialis anterior. Knowledge of this type of anomaly is useful in diagnosis and treatment of compartmental syndrome. One of the tendon from the split tendon of EDL muscle can be used as a graft in tendon replacement surgeries. The split tendon may also be capable for some precise movements of the toes.

Radiological assessment of the PRF/BMSC efficacy in the treatment of aseptic nonunions: A retrospective study on 90 subjects

BACKGROUND

Nonunion is a major orthopaedic concern because of treatment difficulty, high costs and devastating effects on the patients' life quality. Therefore, there is interest in the use of bone substitutes and cell-based strategies to augment fracture repair. We aimed to verify if Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF) added with bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC) was able to improve the reparative process in the aseptic nonunion, and to establish whether it was worthwhile with atrophic nonunion. The primary outcome was radiological union. As secondary endpoint, the healing time was assessed, and the radiological consolidation grade at each follow-up.

METHODS

We identified 113 subjects with tibia or femur nonunion and retrospectively created two groups. Group A was constituted by 56 subjects who underwent the standard procedure, i.e. Judet decortication with/out internal fixation devices, and opposite cortical homoplastic stick. In 57 patients, the standard procedure was modified by adding PRF and BMSC carried by homologous lyophilised bone chips (group B). The same surgeon performed all the operations. To our knowledge, no data are reported in the literature about such application. Since a "gold standard" for healing quantification does not exist, a new scoring radiological system was applied, at 1.5, 3, 6, 12 and 24 months after treatment.

RESULTS

At the final 24-month follow-up, the radiological union percentage was 94,12 in group B and 95,12% in group A. A decreased healing time was demonstrated in the presence of PRF/BMSC in comparison with the standard procedure. When we compared the radiological scores at each follow-up, we found that the PRF/BMSC combination significantly improved the consolidation grade at 1.5-, 3- and 6-month follow-up in femurs and at 1.5-month follow-up in tibiae. Furthermore, an improved consolidation grade was demonstrated in the atrophic subjects treated with adjuvants compared to atrophic patients treated with the standard procedure at 1.5-month follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

This study supports the concept that the use of PRF/BMSC, during the standard procedure, is effective in shortening nonunion healing time. It could allow an early mobilization of patients, minimizing suffering, and could be an effective tool to reduce the health-care costs resulting from this issue.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic level III.

Prevalence of intestinal and haemoprotozoan parasites of small ruminants in Tamil Nadu, India

Aim:

The aim of the present study is to assess the prevalence of intestinal and haemoprotozoan parasites of small ruminants (Sheep and Goats) in North Western part of Tamil Nadu, India.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 630 faecal samples (251-sheep, 379-goats) and 554 blood smears (242-sheep, 312-goats) were examined, for the presence of eggs of intestinal and haemoprotozoan parasites, respectively. The samples were received from the Veterinary college hospital and Veterinary dispensaries in North Western part of Tamil Nadu. Faecal samples were processed by sedimentation technique and examined under low power objective (×10), and blood smears were stained using Giemsa’s technique and examined under oil immersion (×100).

Result:

The analysis of data on the prevalence of intestinal and haemoprotozoan parasites of sheep and goats in North Western part of Tamil Nadu for the period from 2004 to 2013, showed an overall prevalence of intestinal parasites was found to be 67% and 35% in sheep and goats, respectively, whereas only 11% of sheep and 3% of goats had the haemoprotozoan parasitic infection. Highly, significant difference (p<0.01) in the prevalence of intestinal (χ²=65), and hemoprotozoan (χ²=15.4) parasitism was observed between sheep and goats. Intestinal parasites such as strongyles, Trichuris, Moniezia, amphistome, and coccidia were identified in which the highest prevalence was observed with coccidia, followed by strongyles, Monezia, Trichuris, and least with amphistome in both the sheep and goats. The haemoprotozoan parasites recorded were Theileria and Anaplasma species, of which, Anaplasma spp. being the highest and Theileria spp. the least prevalent in both the sheep and goats. The seasonal prevalence of intestinal parasites showed highest in rainy season, followed by moderate in winter and least with summer in both the sheep and goats, whereas the haemoprotozoan parasites recorded were the highest in summer followed by winter and least with rainy season.

Conclusion:

The present study suggests that North Western part of Tamil Nadu is highly endemic for intestinal parasites such as coccidia and strongyles and haemoprotozoans such as Anaplasma and Theileria species in small ruminants.

Biology and pathology of caecal nematode Subulura brumpti in Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

The occurrence of caecal nematode, Subulura brumpti has become more common in quails being maintained in commercial farms in Tamil Nadu, India. Two trials were carried out to study the biology and pathology of S. brumpti in quails. In the first trial, eight grower quails were divided into two groups (T1 and T2) comprising of four birds each. The birds belonged to the group T1 was infected with 20 cysts collected from beetle and birds of T2 group were kept as control. The beetle was identified as Tenebrionid species. Prevalence of S. brumpti in beetle was 89 per cent and intensity ranged from 1-27 cysts. The eggs of S. brumpti were observed in droppings on 30 - 32 DPI. In the second trial, 16 birds were divided to four groups viz., T1, T2, T3 and T4. The birds of T1, T2, and T3 were infected by gelatin capsule method. All the birds were sacrificed on 30 DPI. The caeca from infected group did not show any gross and histopathological changes.

Clear cell sarcoma of soft tissue: a retrospective review and analysis of 31 cases treated at Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli

INTRODUCTION

Clear cell sarcoma (CCS) of soft tissue is a rare melanocytic soft tissue sarcoma with different cytogenetic and natural history than that of melanoma. Objective of this study was to determine outcome predictors in patients treated in our Institute. This objective included the effectiveness of surgical intervention and disease progression after surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-one patients were diagnosed at our institute with clear cell sarcoma through tissue pathology and immunohistochemistry. Patients received multimodality treatment (surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy). Five-year survival rates and prognostic predictors were determined.

RESULTS

Sixteen patients were males and 15 females with a median age of 37 years (8-72-years). Twenty-eight tumors were located in extremities and 3 in the trunk area. Eight patients had metastases at their first presentation (6 local lymph nodes and 2 pulmonary metastases). Five and ten-year disease-specific survival rates were 56% and 41%. Two-year disease-specific survival rates for lymph node and pulmonary metastasis groups were 40% and 0%. All metastatic patients died within 5 years follow-up. Five and ten-year disease-specific survival rates for localized tumor cases were 72% and 53%. Male gender, less than 30-years of age, trunk tumor location and size greater than 5 cm were poor prognostic factors according to univariate analysis. Tumor location in the trunk was the only negative prognostic determinant in multivariate model.

CONCLUSIONS

Although surgical treatment may be beneficial for tumors without systemic involvement, new chemotherapeutic agents and molecular targeted therapy should be implemented to improve the oncologic outcome in both early and late stage disease.

Keratoacanthoma centrifugam marginatum: an atypical presentation

Keratoacanthoma centrifugam marginatum (KCM) is a rare variant of keratoacanthoma characterized by a progressive peripheral growth with concomitant central healing. We report a case of a 50-year-old female who presented with multiple, veracious non-tender papules coalescing to form multiple plaques of varied diameter perioral, which was gradually progressive. On the basis of history, clinical presentation and histopathology, diagnosis of KCM was confirmed. We report this case because of atypical presentation and clinical rarity.

Chronic expanding hematoma might be a potential insidious challenge for orthopedic surgeon

Chronic expanding hematomas can cause alarm both to the physician and to the patient because they simulate the growth of a malignant tumor. It is not always possible to bring back the cause to a specific traumatic event that the patient can remember. At this purpose, it is important to have a precise diagnosis when dealing with a growing mass and to exclude any malignancy before processing any treatment. In this article, we report the case of a young patient admitted to our department with a suspected soft tissue sarcoma, but imaging study and histological examination revealed to be hematoma. The authors want to emphasize the necessity of performing a complete clinical and instrumental study when surgeon has to deal with a growing mass. From accurate analysis of imaging, it is often possible to discriminate between malignancy and other benign forms.

Gap balancing versus measured resection technique using a mobile-bearing prosthesis in computer-assisted surgery

Navigation has been developed to help surgeons install implants more accurately and reproducibly; at the same time, this tool is able to record quantitative information such as joint range of motion, laxity and kinematics intra-operatively. As for standard surgery, two strategies are possible to achieve either femoral component rotation or overall prosthetic alignment: a measured gap resection approach, in which bone landmarks are used to guide resections equal to the distal and posterior thickness of the femoral component, or a gap-balancing technique, in which equal collateral ligament tension in flexion and extension is tried to find before as a guide to final bone cuts. The purpose of this paper is to compare the two different methods in a 67 patients group submitted to the same procedure using mobile-bearing (MB) prosthesis in order to analyse the effect of both techniques on joint line maintenance, axial limb restoration and components position. The gap group (GG) consists of 31 patients in whom the arthroplasty was performed using a navigated gap-balancing technique. The measured group (MG) consists of 36 patients in whom a computer-assisted measured resection technique was used. The results of imaging and the number of outliers were not statistically different (P = 0.56) for the mechanical axis and prosthetic positioning between the two groups. The gap technique showed a statistically significant alteration of the post-operative value when compared with the measured resection technique, (P = 0.036). The mean elevation of the joint line was 4.09 mm for the GG and 3.50 mm in the MG.

Comparison between two computer-assisted total knee arthroplasty: gap-balancing versus measured resection technique

Two surgical strategies are possible in total knee arthroplasty (TKA): a measured resection technique, in which bone landmarks are used to guide resections equal to the distal and posterior thickness of the femoral component, or a gap-balancing approach, in which equal collateral ligament tension in flexion and extension is sought before and as a guide to final bone cuts. In this study performed with computer assisted system, we compared the 2 different methods in 126 patients followed prospectively in order to analyze the effect of both the techniques on joint-line (JL) maintenance, axial limb restoration and components position. The gap technique showed a statistical increase in the post-operative value when compared with the measured resection technique, (P = 0.008). When comparing the two groups regarding to the pre-operative deformity, we have found a statistical difference (P = 0.001) in case of moderate pre-operative deformity (less than 10 degrees), and the measured resection technique showed a slight superiority in preserving a joint line more faithful to the pre-operative. We found an ideal alignment for the mechanical axis (180 degrees ± 3 degrees) (95% of cases). In six cases (5%), the mean post-operative value exceeded (varus or valgus) the ideal value by more than 3 degrees. In the frontal plane, a good alignment was observed for both femoral and tibial components without a significant difference between the two techniques. In the sagittal plane was found more alignment variability due to the different implants used and their ideal starting slope, from 7 degrees to 3 degrees. Finally, the surgeon can use the approach with which he has more confidence; however, as the measured resection technique causes less reduction in the post-operative joint-line position, in case of shortening of patellar tendon or patella infera, this technique is preferable.

Removal of Cr (VI) from aqueous solutions by Acacia nilotica bark

Removal of hexavalent Cr from aqueous solutions by bark of Acacia nilotica L. was studied in batch process. Different parameters of adsorption viz. effect of pH, effect of dose and effect of contact time were studied. The percentage removal of Cr (VI) from synthetic sample was found to be 89.0 and 93.1% for 1.0 mm and 0.3 mm Acacia bark carbon (ABC) respectively and 60.9% and 68.1% for 1.0 mm and 0.3 mm Acacia bark untreated (ABU) respectively, in 30 min contact time. The optimum pH for both adsorbents was found to be 2.0 and adsorption equilibrium was found to be 30 min. for both adsorbents. The adsorption process was found to follow first order rate mechanism as well as Freundlich isotherm.

alpha-thiocyanation of carbonyl and beta-dicarbonyl compounds using (dichloroiodo)benzene-lead(II) thiocyanate

The combination reagent (dichloroiodo)benzene and lead(II) thiocyanate in dichloromethane effects oxidation of various enol silyl ethers, ketene silyl acetals, and beta-dicarbonyl compounds, thereby providing an efficient and convenient method for alpha-thiocyanation of carbonyl and beta-dicarbonyl compounds.

Increase in ovarian blood volume during ovulation in adult cyclic rats

Ovarian blood volume was quantified by measuring optical density (414 nm) of haemoglobin in ovarian extracts and comparing it with that of known amounts of whole blood in the cyclic mature female rats during estrous cycle and periovulatory period. Haemoglobin in ovarian extracts had the same peak absorbance of 414 nm characteristic of oxyhaemoglobin in whole blood taken by cardiac puncture of the rats. There was a linear relationship between the absorbance and volume of whole blood in the sample. The ovarian blood volume was lowest on the day of metestrus and slightly increased on the day of diestrus. On the night of proestrus, the blood volume significantly increased and showed a gradual increase during preovulatory period from 0030 hrs to 0230 hrs and then started decreasing and reached a preovulatory level on the morning of estrus. Ovulation had occurred only in the rats sacrificed after 0230 hrs. Treatment of rats with indomethacin and propranolol significantly reduced the ovarian blood volume observed during the ovulatory period. Epinephrine and norepinephrine did not affect the ovarian blood volume. The results show that the ovarian blood volume changes significantly during the estrous cycle and reaches at maximum level at the time of ovulation which perhaps reflect vasodilatation and hyperemia associated with this process.

Radiation induced blood pathology in chick-erythrocytes and related parameters

White leghorn male chicks at 15 days post-hatching were subjected to acute (2.10 Gy and 6.60 Gy) and fractionated (2 x 2.10 Gy) whole body gamma radiation exposure at the high dose rate of 0.60 Gy/sec to study the nature of haematological changes induced in the animals which were maintained for a maximum period of 60 days post irradiation. The investigated parameters include total red blood cell counts, haemoglobin content, haematocrit value, mean corpuscular volume and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration values. The results show that the haematological changes induced with 2.10 Gy and 2 x 2.10 Gy fractionated dosage are reversible and do not cause permanent damage to the erythroid characteristics. However, the system failed to recover with 6.60 Gy whole body acute exposure.