Configuration of anchorage holes affects fixation of the acetabular component in cemented total hip replacement—a finite element study

Our survey of current practice among UK orthopaedic surgeons shows wide variations in fixation techniques. The aim of this study, is to investigate the effect of drilling different configurations of anchorage holes in the acetabulum on implant stability. To avoid variables that could incur during in vitro testing, we used commercially available COSMOS finite element analysis package to investigate the stress distributions, deformations, and strains on the cement mantle when drilling three large anchorage holes and six smaller ones, with straight and rounded cement pegs. The results, which are in line with our in vitro studies on simulated reconstructed acetabulae, indicate better stability of the acetabular component when three larger holes than six smaller holes are drilled and when the necks of the anchorage holes are rounded. The longevity of total hip replacements could be improved by drilling three large anchorage holes, rather than many smaller ones, as initially proposed by Charnley.     

Morphology and ultrastructure of trichomes of intact and in vitro plants of stevia rebaudiana Bertoni with reference to biosynthesis and accumulation of steviol glycosides

The ultrastructure of trichomes of intact and in vitro plants of stevia were investigated under scanning and transmission electronic microscopy. Three types of trichomes were found on both the upper and lower surfaces of the leaf: viz. rounded glands and large and small trichome. The density of trichomes on the surface of upper leaves is higher than on lower leaves, while in vitro plants are characterized with lower density of trichomes than intact ones. The positive correlation between number of trichomes on leaves and content of steviol glycosides (SGs) in them was found. Three basic stages of ontogeny of gland cells were revealed which reflect the sequence of secrete accumulation.     

Power-law rheology analysis of cells undergoing micropipette aspiration

Accurate quantification of the mechanical properties of living cells requires the combined use of experimental techniques and theoretical models. In this paper, we investigate the viscoelastic response of suspended NIH 3T3 fibroblasts undergoing micropipette aspiration using power-law rheology model. As an important first step, we examine the pipette size effect on cell deformation and find that pipettes larger than ~7 μm are more suitable for bulk rheological measurements than smaller ones and the cell can be treated as effectively continuum. When the large pipettes are used to apply a constant pressure to a cell, the creep deformation is better fitted with the power-law rheology model than with the liquid drop or spring-dashpot models; magnetic twisting cytometry measurement on the rounded cell confirms the power-law behavior. This finding is further extended to suspended cells treated with drugs targeting their cytoskeleton. As such, our results suggest that the application of relatively large pipettes can provide more effective assessment of the bulk material properties as well as support application of power-law rheology to cells in suspension.     

Organization of predator assemblages in Neotropical tree holes: effects of abiotic factors and priority

Abstract. 1. Water-filled tree holes in a lowland forest in Panama harbour an assemblage of large predators consisting of the larvae of five common species of Odonata, the mosquito Toxorhynchites theobaldi, and tadpoles of Dendrobates auratus. Odonate females oviposit in both large and small tree holes. However, the three largest species emerge from larger tree holes, on average, than do the two smallest species. Can assembly rules explain this and other patterns of predator distribution? 2. Past experiments suggested that fast growth of the largest, but later-colonizing odonates enabled them to out-compete the smaller, slower-growing Mecistogaster in large holes. In small holes, however, the first predator, regardless of species, should presumably kill any later arrivals. Priority effects in small holes were tested for their consistency across predator species. Two alternative explanations for differential odonate survivorship were also tested: abiotic conditions and the effect of non-odonate predators. 3. Diurnal fluctuations in oxygen content, pH, and temperature within holes were as great as the variation found between large and small tree holes; abiotic conditions were poor predictors of species occupancy. 4. Exchanging the largest and smallest odonate species from their original holes did not affect survivorship, suggesting that the observed patterns of emergence are unlikely to result from differential tolerance to abiotic factors that were not measured. 5. When larger and smaller predators were paired in 400-ml pots and provided with alternative prey, typically only the larger predator survived, regardless of species. The exception was T. theobaldi, which was often killed by odonates and tadpoles smaller than itself. 6. Between May and July, the occurrence of Mecistogaster in large tree holes declined, before larvae could have emerged. Neither abiotic effects nor differential predation by non-odonates could explain this habitat-specific decrease in survivorship. This temporal pattern is most consistent with the previous conclusion that in large holes, Mecistogaster suffer intraguild predation from later-colonizing, but faster-growing Megaloprepus and aeshnids. Whereas Mecistogaster can pre-empt guild members from small tree holes, they cannot do so in large holes where predators with fast initial growth realize a competitive advantage.     

High frequency of drill holes in brachiopods from the Pliocene of Algeria and its ecological implications

The fossil record holds a wealth of ecological data, including data on biotic interactions. For example, holes in the skeletons of invertebrates produced by drilling activities of their enemies are widely used for exploring the intensity of such interactions through time because they are common and easily distinguished from non-biotic holes or holes produced by other types of interactions. Such drill holes have been described in numerous studies of Palaeozoic brachiopods but rarely in those focusing on brachiopods of the post-Palaeozoic, a striking pattern given that in the late Mesozoic and Cenozoic drilling gastropods diversified and frequencies of drilled molluscs increased dramatically. During the past several years, however, drilled brachiopods were reported in several studies of the Mesozoic and Cenozoic, suggesting that this phenomenon may be more common than has been previously assumed. Here we report on drilled brachiopods from a Pliocene locality in Algeria where 90 of 261 (34.5%) specimens of Megerlia truncata show evidence of predatory drilling. These data confirm that Cenozoic drilling frequencies of brachiopods may be locally high and, when taken together with other published data, that drilling frequencies are highly heterogeneous in space and time.     

A new adhesive technique for internal fixation in midfacial surgery

Background  

The current surgical therapy of midfacial fractures involves internal fixation in which bone fragments are fixed in their anatomical positions with osteosynthesis plates and corresponding screws until bone healing is complete. This often causes new fractures to fragile bones while drilling pilot holes or trying to insert screws. The adhesive fixation of osteosynthesis plates using PMMA bone cement could offer a viable alternative for fixing the plates without screws. In order to achieve the adhesive bonding of bone cement to cortical bone in the viscerocranium, an amphiphilic bone bonding agent was created, analogous to the dentin bonding agents currently on the market.     

Effects of the size and number of zona pellucida openings on hatching and trophoblast outgrowth in the mouse embryo.

The present studies were performed to establish the effects of the size and number of artificial holes produced in the zona pellucida (ZP) on hatching and trophoblast outgrowth in vitro. Limited partial zona dissection (PZD) produced small, narrow incisions, and zona drilling with acidic Tyrode's (AT) across a larger area in the ZP was used to produce bigger round holes. Some embryos were micromanipulated once; others were micromanipulated several times. Blastocysts hatched preferentially through the artificial gaps, but completion of hatching was dependent on the size of the hole. Only 16% (26/167) of PZD embryos migrating through narrow holes hatched completely; the remainder were trapped in a typical figure-eight shape. Seventy-two percent (43/60) of those migrating through larger PZD holes hatched, but trophoblast outgrowth was not observed. Significantly (P less than 0.001) more AT-blastocysts hatched (248/270; 92%) and showed trophoblast outgrowth (176/248; 70%). Simultaneous hatching through several openings was rarely observed in AT-embryos (14/167; 8%), but this did occur in 36% (73/201) of the PZD embryos. Trapping of PZD-embryos could be almost entirely avoided by drilling with AT elsewhere on the ZP. Embryos with multiple holes in their zonae preferentially hatched through the largest opening. The results suggest that the ability of microsurgically treated human embryos to fully hatch in vitro, should be carefully (re)assessed prior to application of clinical micromanipulation systems. Micromanipulated embryos with small holes in their zonae may be rescued by performing an additional more aggressive opening procedure elsewhere on the ZP.     

Assisted fertilization by zona drilling: a mouse model for correction of oligospermia

A micromanipulation apparatus was used to produce holes in the zonae pellucidae of unfertilized mouse oocytes. A microneedle loaded with acid Tyrode's solution was brought into contact with the zona surface, and positive flow was used in conjunction with mechanical pressure to cause a localized dissolution of the zona. Treated eggs were then fertilized in vitro in comparison with control cells. The zona drilling procedure decreased the sperm count required to achieve fertilization by a factor of approximately 100. The rate of polyspermy in zona-drilled oocytes was not greater than in controls, and oocytes fertilized after drilling, when implanted into pseudopregnant foster females, developed to term at the same rate as controls. The results demonstrate that zona drilling is a safe, effective method of increasing the efficiency of fertilization in vitro and may be useful both in agriculture and medicine for conferring fertility upon males with low sperm counts.     

The Mechanics of Anchorage in Wheat Triticum aestivum L.: I. THE ANCHORAGE OF WHEAT SEEDLINGS

Model of the mechanics of uprooting lead to the identificationof ‘optimal’ anchorage systems which can withstanda given upward force at a minimum construction cost. Such systemshave many downward-pointing fibrous roots which are strengthenedprogressively towards the base. A study of the anchorage systemof 7- and 21-d-old wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) plants showedthat the plants possessed five seminal roots, of which onlythree pointed vertically. Each root was well suited for anchorage,being convered in root hairs and strengthened progressivelytowards the base by lignification of the stele. Strength andstiffiness of roots but not their mass per unit length increasedwith age. There was little interaction between roots when plantswere uprooted; the three vertical roots broke while the twohorizontal ones pulled out, as occurred when roots were pulledout singly, Uprooting forces increased with age and the rootsystem could withstand uprooting forces greater than those requiredto pull out upper leaves, so reducing the chances of the plantbeing uprooted by a herbivore, By 3 weeks a stiff adventitiousroot system, which would later help prevent the wheat lodging,was developing.     

Pre-clinical validation of a new partially cemented femoral prosthesis by synergetic use of numerical and experimental methods

The present work reports the pre-clinical validation of an innovative partially cemented femoral prosthesis called cement-locked uncemented (CLU) prosthesis. The inventors of the device under investigation claimed that, when compared to a comparable fully cemented stem, the new stem would present various advantages. Two previous experimental studies confirmed that primary stability and stress shielding were comparable to those of cemented stems. Aim of the present study was to investigate if the remaining claims were confirmed as well. A complete finite element model of the bone-implant complex was created from CT data. The model was validated against in vitro measurements of bone surface strains as well as against primary stability measurements. The peak stresses predicted in the CLU cement mantle were not found significantly lower than those reported in other studies on fully cemented stems. However, once the cement inlet geometry is optimised and the associated stress risers are eliminated, the CLU cement mantle should be subjected to much lower stresses. The stress induced in the stems by both load cases was well below the fatigue limit of the Ti6Al4V alloy. Finite element models predicted for all load cases relative motion between cement and metal lower than 60 microm. This amplitude may be fully accommodated by elastic deformations of the cement micro-ridges. The experimental and numerical results showed the validity of the new fixation concept, although a further optimisation of the geometry of the cement pockets is needed in order to further reduce the stresses in the cement.     

Analysis of nucleolar organizer constitution by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) in diploid and artificially produced haploid sporophytes of the fernOsmunda japonica (Osmundaceae)

HaploidOsmunda japonica (2n = × = 22), produced in tissue culture by induced apogamy and acclimatized in vivo, was cytologically compared with the diploid sister plant. The haploid had smaller guard cells than the diploid and a numerically exactly reduced karyotype. Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) using an rDNA probe showed four hybridization signals (one large and three small ones) in the haploid and eight signals (two large and six small ones) in the diploid plant. These results represent a cytological proof for the origin of the haploid plant by apogamy without recognizable chromosome aberrations.     

Stabilization of mesophilic Allochromatium vinosum cytochrome c′ through specific mutations modeled by a thermophilic homologue

AVCP cytochrome c′ from mesophilic Allochromatium vinosum exhibits lower stability than a thermophilic counterpart, Hydrogenophilus thermoluteolus cytochrome c′ (PHCP), in which the six specific amino acid residues that are not conserved in AVCP are responsible for its stability. Here we measured the stability of AVCP variants carrying these specific residues instead of the original AVCP ones. Among the six single AVCP variants, all of which formed a dimeric structure similar to that of the wild-type, three were successfully stabilized compared with the wild-type, while one showed lower stability than the wild-type. In addition, the most stabilized and destabilized AVCP variants could bind CO, similar to the wild-type. These results indicated that mesophilic AVCP could be stabilized through specific three mutations modeled by the thermophilic counterpart, PHCP, without changing the CO binding ability.     

Architecture of peroxisomal alcohol oxidase crystals from the methylotrophic yeast Hansenula polymorpha as deduced by electron microscopy.

The architecture of alcohol oxidase crystalloids occurring in vivo in the peroxisomes of methylotrophic yeasts was deduced from electron micrographs of similar crystals of the Hansenula polymorpha enzyme grown in vitro. Three characteristic views of the crystal are observed, as well as single layers in the very early stages of crystal formation. The crystal is concluded to be cubical, with every octameric molecule making the same contacts with four neighbors in one plane, at right angles to its fourfold axis. The unit cell contains six octamers, in three mutually orthogonal orientations, and two large holes, which can accommodate other peroxisomal proteins involved in methanol metabolism. The crystal contains channels, connecting the holes, which allow the diffusion of relatively large molecules through the crystal. Crystal formation depends on just one contact per subunit, which may explain the fragility of the crystals.     

The pineal gland of the Indian palm squirrel, Funambulus pennanti (Wroughton)

In the adult palm squirrel, F. pennanti the pineal is a club shaped, elongated structure with a connective tissue capsule. It consists of various types of pinealocytes, glial cells, neurons, nerve fibres, blood vessels and connective tissue. Two types of pinealocytes could be identified by light microscopy. They are large rounded with centrally placed nucleus, and small rounded pinealocytes. They have medium sized processes stainable with Alcian blue, periodic acid Schiff and Nissl methods. The pinealocytes are not stainable with bromophenol blue. However, they are moderately stainable with PAS, Sudan black and Baker's acid hematin. Neurons are seen either singly or in groups with axonal processes. Cystic cavities often lined by cells are a normal feature of adult squirrel pineal, and the lining cells are both pinealocytes and glial cells. Often neuronal endings are seen terminating on these lining cells. PAS positive globules were also seen inside the cysts. In some squirrel pineals, fibrous cysts with an inner core of cells are also seen. Occasionally groups of lymphocytes were also encountered in the pineal. In the fetal pineal, the cells are both larger and smaller ones and arranged in a cortex and medulla pattern and no cystic cavities are seen. The third ventricle enters the base of the pineal as pineal recess.     

An in vitro system derived from Friend erythroleukemia cells to study messenger RNA stability

A system consisting of 40-80S messenger ribonucleoprotein particles (mRNP) from stationary Friend erythroleukemia (FEL) cells was used to investigate the stability of mRNA in vitro. The majority of mRNP mRNAs were found to be stable when incubated for periods of up to ninety minutes at 37 degrees. Nonetheless, many mRNAs are greatly reduced in abundance, including ones for eucaryotic elongation factor Tu (eEF-Tu) and the 73-78 kDa polypeptide commonly found in association with the poly(A) tails of mRNA. A divalent cation dependent ribonuclease (probably an endoribonuclease) could be washed off mRNP by treatment of the particles with 0.5M NaCl. The mRNAs contained in the resultant salt washed mRNPs, including eEF-Tu, were stable when incubated in vitro.     

Drilling under threat: An experimental assessment of the drilling behavior of Nucella lamellosa in the presence of a predator

Using the drilling muricid, Nucella lamellosa (Gmelin 1791) and its prey, the mussel Mytilus trossulus (Gould 1850), the impact of a secondary predator, the crab Cancer gracilis, on drilling was investigated experimentally. The frequency of incomplete holes was compared under two conditions: (1) when the gastropod's natural predator, C. gracilis, was present and (2) when it was absent. The results indicate that the presence of a secondary predator can affect drilling activity, leading to a significant increase in the frequency of incomplete drill holes. The introduction of a secondary predator can also decrease the overall drilling frequency. The size distributions of completely and incompletely drilled mussels suggest that in the presence of the secondary predator the decision by the gastropod to either abandon or continue drilling its prey might be influenced by how much time it has already invested into drilling or the size of the prey item. These results are important for the ecological and evolutionary implications of incomplete drill holes frequencies, especially with regard for their use as proxies for evolutionary prey improvement.     

Polymer composites for use in orthopedic surgery

Ever since Movin in (1950) and McKee in (1951) introduced the use of acrylic cement for fixation of hip prosthesis components a number of investigators have proposed various hip prosthesis designs using this cement fixation concept (Neale, 1967). This study was undertaken to support the hypothesis that certain dental materials could provide a more satisfactory bone-prosthesis bond than that presently possible with acrylic bone cement.^‡ Two restorative resins were found to have superior strength and resistance to thermal degradation when compared to acrylic bone cement. Tests of acrylic cement combined with apatite fillers suggest that restorative resin-anorganic bone composites would exhibit improved strength and toxicity properties and would also promote improved bonding due to resorption of the surface anorganic bone particles with subsequent bone infiltration and anchorage. Relatively high degradation of acrylic bone cement in accelerated aging tests suggests caution in using this material for implantation.     

Single-Seeded Fruits and Seedling Establishment in Dalbergia miscolobium Benth. (Papilionaceae)1

Dalbergia miscolobium (Papilionaceae) is a tree of the Brazilian cerrado that produces ovaries with two ovules. Only one ovule usually matures, but when two mature, they are smaller than seeds of single-seeded pods. Germination percentage was lower in small seeds than in medium or large seeds. In general, small seeds gave rise to smaller seedlings (dry mass) than did medium and large seeds. The root/shoot ratio, however, was very similar for the first six months, indicating that this ratio is consistent across seedling sizes. There was no correlation between seed size and relative growth rate. Single-seeded fruit production in D. miscolobium resulted in greater seed reserves and increased fruit dispersal distance; single-seeded fruits were lighter than double-seeded ones. Together, these two features should increase the probability of successful seedling establishment of seeds from single-seeded versus double-seeded fruits.     

Population regulation of a tropical damselfly in the larval stage by food limitation,cannibalism, intraguild predation and habitat drying

The relative importance of intraspecific, interspecific, and seasonal causes of larval mortality were investigated for aquatic larvae of the giant damselfly Megaloprepus coerulatus in Panama. These larvae live in water-filled holes in fallen and living trees, where they and three other common odonate species are the top predators. By mid wet season, M. coerulatus larvae were found in nearly half of all tree holes that harbored odonates. Although M. coerulatus were typically, but not always, eliminated from holes inhabited by larger hetero-specifics, M. coerulatus were more likely to encounter conspecifics than other odonate species. Hole with less than 11 of water rarely contained more than a single larva. In large holes where M. coerulatus was the only odonate species present, multiple larvae coexisted at a density of one larva per 1–21 of water. There the absence of 2–4 of the 5 larval size classes, despite a continuous input of eggs, suggested that cannibalism was a common cause of mortality. The size of the final instar, which determined adult body size, was correlated positively with tree hole volume for male, but not female, larvae. Experiments showed that when two larvae were placed together in 0.4–1 holes with abundant tadpole prey, the larger larva killed the smaller one. Often the larva that was killed was not eaten. Small larvae were more tolerant of each other than were pairs of medium or large larvae. Before killing occurred, the presence of larger larvae reduced the growth of smaller individuals, relative to controls. Obligate killing was density-dependent. In 3.0–1 holes with ad libitum prey, conspecific killing occurred until the larval density stabilized at one larva per 1–1.5 I, similar to the density found in large holes under field conditions, For M. coerulatus, cannibalism functions to reduce the number of potential competitors for food in addition to providing nutrition. When interactions between paired larvae in small holes were experimentally prevented, competition for food reduced the growth of one or both larvae relative to controls. Holes that were watered during the dry season supported larval densities similar to those in the wet season. Thus, dry season mortality could not be attributed to a decrease in available prey. Rather, M. coerulatus larvae could not survive more than 1 month of complete drying. Because the dry season typically lasts more than 6 weeks, habitat drying is a secondary source of mortality, affecting second- or third-generation larvae that fail to emerge before tree holes dry out completely.     

Cementless stem fixation and primary stability under physiological-like loads in vitro.

Primary stability and in consequence osteointegration are commonly related to the stem anchorage but also to the complex musculoskeletal loading of the hip region. This study investigated the influence of metaphyseal and meta-diaphyseal anchorage on the primary stability of cementless stems under physiological-like loading in vitro. Metaphyseal and meta-diaphyseal anchoring stems (n=6 each) were implanted into composite femora. Musculoskeletal loads, validated by in vivo data (peak joint force 2348 N), were applied using a mechanical set-up. Interface movements were recorded by seven displacement transducers and primary stability was compared. Both stems exhibited similar movement patterns and principally moved distally with a retroversional twist. Although elastic movements were comparable, the metaphyseal stem exhibited higher plastic deformations than the meta-diaphyseal stem, particularly for the metaphyseal, medio-lateral and antero-posterior components. Under physiological-like loading, the metaphyseal stem allowed higher interface movements and tended to initially migrate faster than the meta-diaphyseal stem and then stabilized. Elastic movements were comparable and seemed to be less influenced by the anchoring concept than by the mechanical properties of the bone. The analyses emphasize the importance of metaphyseal bone in proximal anchorage and the necessity of an accurate canal preparation to prevent excessive initial migration.