Croizat's form-making, RNA networks, and biogeography.

Advances in technology have increased our knowledge of the processes that effect genomic changes and of the roles of RNA networks in biocommunication, functionality, and evolution of genomes. Natural genetic engineering and genomic inscription occur at all levels of life: cell cycles, development, and evolution. This has implications for phylogenetic studies and for biogeography, particularly given the general acceptance of using molecular clocks as arbiters between vicariance and dispersal explanations in biogeography.

Comparison of a minimally invasive procedure versus standard microscopic discotomy: a prospective randomised controlled clinical trial.

A Prospective randomised controlled study was done to determine statistical difference between the standard microsurgical discotomy (MC) and a minimally invasive microscopic procedure for disc prolapse surgery by comparing operation duration and clinical outcome. Additionally, the transferability of the results was determined by a bicentric design. The microscopic assisted percutaneous nucleotomy (MAPN) has been advocated as a minimally invasive tubular technique.

[Concepts of in-patient gradual diagnostics for patients with lumbar back-pain].

Concepts for treating back pain by considering recent advancements in understanding chronic pain have been increasingly discussed over the last years. In general, any kind of therapy requires a most accurate diagnosis; however, in cases of lumbar back pain matching clinical observations with known structural pathologies is not always straight forward. Here, we suggest a concept of in-patient gradual diagnosis of patients with back pain that includes stepwise structural and functional components.

[Dislocation as a rare complication of resurfacing of the hip joint. Case report and meta-analysis].

Resurfacing of the hip joint experienced a revival in the 1990s. Today metal-on-metal bearing is a therapy option especially for younger, active patients. In comparison to stemmed total hip replacements resurfacing offers advantages, in particular in view of the femoral bone loss.

Partial rupture of the proximal Achilles tendon: a differential diagnostic problem in ultrasound imaging.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine whether ultrasound can correctly visualise partial ruptures of the proximal Achilles tendon.

Method: This was a prospective study in which all chronic Achilles tendon injury patients seen at three centres in Germany from 1998 to 2003 were screened. All patients with clinical and/or sonographic signs of abnormalities in the region of the proximal third of the Achilles tendon and tendomuscular junction were included in the analysis.