The LOV-domain blue-light receptor LreA of the fungus Alternaria alternata binds predominantly FAD as chromophore and acts as a light and temperature sensor.

Light and temperature sensing are important features of many organisms. Light may provide energy but may also be used by non-photosynthetic organisms for orientation in the environment. Recent evidence suggests that plant and fungal phytochrome and plant phototropin serve dual functions as light and temperature sensors.

[Osteoporotic bone fractures: intramedullary augmentation and hybrid osteosynthesis].

The increasing number of people who are living longer and have a far more active lifestyle is inevitably associated with greater numbers of fractures. Stabilization of these fractures in older patients with plates and screws is complicated by fragile bone substance, especially in osteoporotic bone, since osteosynthesis with a conventional plate depends exclusively on the holding power of the screws. Therefore, treatment requires new stabilization technologies designed for these specific tasks.

Effective Management of Bone Fractures with the Illuminoss® Photodynamic Bone Stabilization System: Initial Clinical Experience from the European Union Registry.

The IlluminOss system (IS) uses a light-curable polymer contained within an inflatable balloon catheter, forming a patient customized intramedullary implant. A registry was established in Germany and The Netherlands to prospectively collect technical and clinical outcomes in patients treated with IS for fractures of the phalange, metacarpal, radius, ulna, distal radius, fibula, clavicle and/or olecranon. Humeral, femoral, tibial and pelvic fractures were included under compassionate use.

Reconstruction of a Bryan and Morrey type I capitellar fracture in a sawbone model with four different fixation devices: an experimental study.

Background: We evaluated 4 different fixation devices for the reconstruction of a standardised Bryan and Morrey capitellar shear fracture in a sawbone model. Outcome measurements were the quality of reduction, time for reconstruction and stability.

Methods: 80 standardised Bryan and Morrey type I fractures were created for 5 different orthopaedic surgeons in 80 sawbones.

Reconstruction of radial capitellar fractures using fine-threaded implants (FFS).

Fractures of the capitulum humeri are rare and challenging injuries to the elbow and outcome results are limited to case series, often with different fixation devices. This article aims to present 15 patients with a fracture of the capitulum humeri treated with the same implant, fine-threaded Kirschner wires (FFS). Besides range of motion and grip strength, outcome measurements include the following scores: the Mayo Elbow Performance index (MEPI); the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons' Elbow Assessment (ASES) Form; the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire; and the Broberg-Morrey score.

[Distraction arthrodiatasis in elbow stiffness].

Objective: Loss of motion of the elbow is not uncommon after trauma, burns, or coma and severely impairs upper limb function. Loss of motion may be difficult to avoid and is challenging to treat. Detailed analysis of the etiology and diagnostic evaluation are of utmost importance for planning any surgical intervention for elbow stiffness.

Treatment of displaced proximal fifth metatarsal fractures using a new one-step fixation technique.

Background: Fractures of the tuberosity of the fifth metatarsal are common after foot twisting injuries, and operative treatment is recommended in cases of displacement. The purpose of this study was to report the radiologic outcome and clinical results of displaced fractures of the tuberosity of the fifth metatarsal treated using fine-threaded K-wires (FFS).

Methods: In 3 years' time, in a total of 35 cases, patients had an initial fracture displacement of more than 2 mm for isolated extraarticular fractures and an involvement of the cuboidal joint surface of more than 30%.