The design features of cemented femoral hip implants.

We undertook a review of the literature relating to the two basic stem designs in use in cemented hip replacement, namely loaded tapers or force-closed femoral stems, and the composite beam or shape-closed designs. The associated stem fixation theory as understood from in vitro studies and finite element modelling were examined with reference to the survivorship results for each of the concepts of fixation. It is clear that both design principles are capable of producing successful long-term results, providing that their specific requirements of stem metallurgy, shape and surface finish, preparation of the bone and handling of the cement are observed.

Aromatase inhibitors in ovarian stimulation for IVF/ICSI: a pilot study.

This prospective randomized pilot study was aimed at investigating the effect of the novel addition of aromatase inhibitors to an ovarian stimulation protocol for IVF or intracytoplasmic sperm injection, on endocrine parameters including serum androgen, oestrogen, progesterone, LH and FSH concentrations. The patients were randomized to receiving letrozole (group A; n = 10), versus no letrozole (group B; n = 10) in an ovarian stimulation protocol with recombinant FSH 150 IU/day starting on day 2 of the cycle, and gonadotrophin-releasing hormone antagonist 0.25 mg/day starting on day 6 of the cycle.

CT analysis of defects of the cement mantle and alignment of the stem: in vitro comparison of Charnley-Kerboul femoral hip implants inserted line-to-line and undersized in paired femora.

Using a modern cementing technique, we implanted 22 stereolithographic polymeric replicas of the Charnley-Kerboul stem in 11 pairs of human cadaver femora. On one side, the replicas were cemented line-to-line with the largest broach. On the other, one-size undersized replicas were used (radial difference, 0.

Primitive neuroectodermal tumours (PNETs) located in the spinal canal; the relevance of classification as central or peripheral PNET : case report of a primary spinal PNET occurrence with a critical literature review.

Intraspinal location of central PNET (cPNET) is very rare. We present a case, critically review all publications of primary intraspinal cPNET occurrence and discuss tendencies in clinical presentation. In several previous attempts to summarise, authors often confused cPNET with peripheral PNET (pPNET).

In vitro analysis of the cement mantle of femoral hip implants: development and validation of a CT-scan based measurement tool.

We developed, validated and assessed inter- and intraobserver reliability of a CT-scan based measurement tool to evaluate morphological characteristics of the bone-cement-stem complex of hip implants in cadaver femurs. Two different models were investigated: the stem-cavity model using a double tapered polished femoral-stem that is removed after cement curing and the plastic-replica model using a stereolithographic stem replica that is left in place during CT-scanning. Software was developed to segment and analyze connective CT-images and identify the contours of bone, cement, and stem based on their respective gray values.

The use of primary total hip arthroplasty in university hospitals of the European Union.

Current practice in primary total hip replacement was investigated by postal survey in 125 university hospitals of the European Union (EU). Most hospitals (78.4%) use a hip register and implant cemented as well as uncemented stems (72.

Increased oxidative stress in the mouse adriamycin model of glomerulosclerosis is accompanied by deposition of ferric iron and altered GGT activity in renal cortex.

Chronic renal failure evolves inevitable towards glomerular and tubulo-interstitial sclerosis. This pathological process involves a disturbed redox status of the kidney tissue, leading to irreversible damage. In this study we investigate in an adriamycin model of chronic renal failure in mice the evolution of in vivo hydrogen peroxide production, and the possible role of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase and ferric iron in the process.

Bipolar versus total hip arthroplasty in the treatment of avascular necrosis of the femoral head in young patients.

The authors evaluate medium-term results of bipolar and total hip arthroplasty as a treatment for avascular necrosis of the femoral head. Between 1990 and 2000, 57 hips (45 patients) were treated with a bipolar (BHA: 37 hips) or total hip arthroplasty (THA: 20 hips) depending on the radiographic and macroscopic aspect of the acetabulum. At surgery, all patients were under 65 years of age (average: 45.

Phase II study of vincristine, bleomycin, mitomycin C and cisplatin (VBMP) in disseminated squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix.

The objective of this study was to study the antitumor activity of the vincristine, bleomycin, mitomycin C and cisplatin (VBMP) scheme in patients with disseminated squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix and to document its toxicity. VBMP consisted of vincristine 1.4 mg/m2 (max.

Altered antioxidant defence in a mouse adriamycin model of glomerulosclerosis.

Background: Antioxidant enzyme status changes in experimental models of chronic renal disease with glomerulosclerosis. Most of the studies are performed in rats. We now investigate whether a mouse model with more rapid development of glomerulosclerosis is suitable for the study of radical-associated renal disease.

Visualizing brain activation during planning: the tower of London test adapted for functional MR imaging.

Background And Purpose: Recent positron emission tomography and single-photon emission CT studies using the Tower of London test have shown that brain activation during planning activities primarily resides in the prefrontal cortex. In this study, we adapted the Tower of London test for functional MR imaging.

Methods: For use with functional MR imaging, a block design of the test was created, in which planning stages were contrasted with counting of colored balls.

Functional lymphatic anatomy for sentinel node biopsy in breast cancer: echoes from the past and the periareolar blue method.

Objective: To simplify and improve the technique of axillary sentinel node biopsy, based on a concept of functional lymphatic anatomy of the breast.

Summary Background Data: Because of their common origin, the mammary gland and its skin envelope share the same lymph drainage pathways. The breast is essentially a single unit and has a specialized lymphatic system with preferential drainage, through select channels, to designated (sentinel) lymph nodes in the lower axilla.

Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging as a marker for multiple sclerosis.

Since the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) may not be clear on clinical grounds or from other paraclinical tests, and due to the necessary assessment of new pharmacological therapeutical agents which demand objective outcome parameters for relatively short trials, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is not only used to diagnose MS, but is also broadly used to monitor disease progression. In exploratory trials, where MRI is used as a primary outcome measure, serial scans are used to detect disease activity as the number of active lesions showing signal enhancement after gadolinium administration. When the results is positive, the drug has to be tested further in a phase III study, using clinical endpoints as primary outcome measurements.

Interobserver agreement for diagnostic MRI criteria in suspected multiple sclerosis.

MRI is the paraclinical test most widely used to support the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS). We evaluated interobserver agreement in applying diagnostic criteria to MRI obtained at first presentation. Five experienced observers scored 25 sets of images consisting of unenhanced T2- and gadolinium-enhanced T1-weighted images (approximately half the sets were normal).

Differentiation and cell-type-restricted expression of HOXC4, HOXC5 and HOXC6 in myeloid leukemias and normal myeloid cells.

HOX genes have shown a lineage-specific expression in hematopoiesis and are suggested as being involved in the expression of certain adhesion molecules. Recently, we have demonstrated that HOXC4 and HOXC6, but not HOXC5, are expressed during lymphoid differentiation. Reports on the expression of these genes in myeloid leukemias and normal myeloid cells are still scarce.

Imaging in sports-medicine--knee.

Since the last decade, the introduction of Magnetic Resonance Imaging has provided a powerful new tool for the clinician to diagnose sports-related knee injuries. The main objective of this paper is to familiarise the relevant specialists with the proven clinical indications and semiology of MRI of the knee. At the present time, the knee joint is the area in which the advantages of MRI are most spectacularly apparent.

Improving interobserver variation in reporting gadolinium-enhanced MRI lesions in multiple sclerosis.

Gadolinium-enhanced MRI is a sensitive and objective means to monitor disease activity in multiple sclerosis (MS). We evaluated the interobserver agreement and the value of observer training in reporting enhancing lesions from serial MRI. Scans of 16 MS patients were evaluated by five inexperienced and five experienced observers before and after consensus formation and training.

A novel bone marrow frozen section assay for studying hematopoietic interactions in situ: the role of stromal bone marrow macrophages in erythroblast binding.

Bone marrow macrophages are found in intimate contact with erythroblasts. Exact mechanisms and functions of this interaction are unclear. New insights into erythroblast binding were obtained using a newly developed bone marrow frozen section assay.

Immunogold-silver staining of cells recovered by bronchoalveolar lavage. A report of three cases demonstrating its value in the diagnosis of pulmonary involvement in hematologic malignancies.

Background: The diagnosis of pulmonary involvement in hematologic malignancies (PHM) has traditionally necessitated large specimens (usually invasive or surgically obtained biopsies). The development of reliable immunocytologic identification techniques allows diagnosis on noninvasively obtained cellular material, including bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid. Since 1985, 12 such cases have been reported.

Distraction for ankle arthroscopy.

Distraction has proven to be usefull for arthroscopic visualisation and instrumental access to some ankle pathology. A distraction technique using a single calcaneal pin combined with the installation of the patient on a fracture table is described. The method has already been used by the authors in more than 100 ankle arthroscopy procedures without distraction-related complications.

Induction of multiple follicular growth by pulsatile gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) treatment in women with normal cycles: the role of the route of administration.

In a prospective study, seven patients with normal menstrual cycles were treated with pulsatile gonadotrophin-releasing hormone. They received one cycle of intravenous (i.v.

Multiple follicular development in women with normal menstrual cycles treated with pulsatile gonadotrophin-releasing hormone.

In a prospective study, 15 patients with normal menstrual cycles were treated with pulsatile gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) for one to four cycles. These cycles were compared to unstimulated cycles of 14 volunteers. There was a surprisingly stable number of large (greater than or equal to 14 mm diameter) follicles per patient.

Evidence for existence of immunoglobulins that block ovarian granulosa cell growth in vitro. A putative role in resistant ovary syndrome?

The sera of 26 patients with premature ovarian failure were examined in order to detect immunoglobulin-G (IgGs) that can block FSH-induced in vitro granulosa cell DNA synthesis via, a Feulgen cytochemical bioassay system. The IgGs of four patients with polycystic ovary-like disease, five postmenopausal women, and four eumenorrheic women served as controls. Ovarian growth blocking IgGs were found in 21 of the 26 premature ovarian failure (POF) cases.

Growth hormone secretion patterns in relation to LH and testosterone secretion throughout normal male puberty.

Pulsatile growth hormone secretion patterns were studied in relation to LH and testosterone release in 30 healthy prepubertal boys and 2 adult men. Plasma GH was measured every 10 min, plasma LH and testosterone every hour. Night-time GH secretion parameters were 2-3 times higher than daytime values.

Deoxyribonucleic acid cytophometry on rat ovarian follicles kept in organ culture: the effects of gonadotropins and plasma from normal, hypergonadotropic menopausal, and hypogonadotropic women.

Pituitary FSH as well as urinary FSH were found to be potent stimulators of in vitro granulosa cell DNA synthesis in Wistar rat ovarian segments kept in organ culture. Optimal responses were reached at the highest concentration used (pituitary FSH, 5 mU/mL: urinary FSH, 50 mU/mL). hCG also appeared to be a potent stimulator (optimal response, 5 mU/mL).