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Aim: In the early 2000s, the optimal graft for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction was a subject of uncertainty. Today, autografts have become the gold standard in this procedure. Aim of this study is to contribute to the existing knowledge by conducting a comprehensive comparison of the long-term clinical outcomes between hamstring allografts and anterior tibialis tendon allografts (ATT) in the context of ACL reconstruction. Material and Method: This study was conducted based on individuals who were operated on with the diagnosis of symptomatic ACL rupture 10 years ago. Participants were randomly assigned to undergo ACL reconstruction using either hamstring autografts or anterior tibialis allografts. All allografts were procured from a single tissue bank, underwent aseptic processing, and were freshfrozen without terminal irradiation. Patient assessments included questionnaires based on the Lysholm knee scoring scale (LKSS) and the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective knee score. Objective functional tests, such as the Lachman test and pivot-shift, were performed, accompanied by a comprehensive physical examination of the knee. Results: A total of 60 patients, comprising 58 males and 2 females, with a mean age of 29.48±6.2, were included in the study. Predominant symptoms reported were pain and giving-way phenomena. Significantly different LKSS values were observed between the preoperative and postoperative periods for both anterior tibialis allograft and hamstring autograft patients (p<0.001). Similarly, a significant difference was noted in the preoperative and postoperative IKDC scores for all patients (p<0.001). Conclusion: Based on our research findings, both the hamstring autograft and allograft methods demonstrate success in improving LKSS and IKDC scores for patients undergoing ACL repair surgery. Notably, the autograft group exhibits a more pronounced improvement compared to the allograft group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The international development community has used the World Bank's Statistical Capacity Index since its inception in 2004. The Sustainable Development Goals create new challenges for national statistical systems to produce high‐quality and internationally comparable data. This paper reviews measurement methodologies, posits desired attributes, and presents theoretical and empirical frameworks to propose a new, improved index to monitor progress in the statistical capacity of nations. The paper illustrates the properties of the proposed index with global data from 2016. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Objectives. To compare the effects of intra-articular application of statin and tetracyclines on cartilage and synovial tissue on experimental osteoarthritis. Methods. Osteoarthritis was created in 30 rabbits of 3 groups. The control group received saline intraarticularly, statin group, atorvastatin and the tetracycline group, doxycycline once a week for 3 weeks. Chondral and synovial tissues were evaluatedmacroscopically and histopathologically. Results. Macroscopic evaluation determinedmean values of control group 3.0, statin group 0.56, and tetracycline group 2.5. Histopathological evaluations determined mean values; femoral medial condyle cartilage tissue, control group, 14.60 ± 1.00, statin group 2.20 ± 1.30, tetracycline group 12.7 ± 5.39: tibia medial plateau, control group, 14.33±8.68, statin group 2.89±1.96, tetracycline group, 15.90±7.03: synovial tissue, control group 12.22±3.63, statin group 4.33±2.69, tetracycline group 10.70±2.62. Average values of synovial tissue cell layer thickness were control group 14.46±2.35 µm, statin group 10.56 ± 1.01 µm, tetracycline group 12.80 ± 0.79 µm. All measurements showed statistically significant differences between statin and control groups (P < 0.05) but not between tetracycline and control groups (P > 0.05). Conclusions. Tetracycline has little effect due to chemical modification requirement, and the effect is dose dependent. Statins have chondroprotective effects, so may become a novel therapeutic agent in osteoarthritis management after chemical processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. To compare the effects of intra-articular application of statin and tetracyclines on cartilage and synovial tissue on experimental osteoarthritis. Methods. Osteoarthritis was created in 30 rabbits of 3 groups. The control group received saline intraarticularly, statin group, atorvastatin and the tetracycline group, doxycycline once a week for 3 weeks. Chondral and synovial tissues were evaluatedmacroscopically and histopathologically. Results. Macroscopic evaluation determinedmean values of control group 3.0, statin group 0.56, and tetracycline group 2.5. Histopathological evaluations determined mean values; femoral medial condyle cartilage tissue, control group, 14.60 ± 1.00, statin group 2.20 ± 1.30, tetracycline group 12.7 ± 5.39: tibia medial plateau, control group, 14.33±8.68, statin group 2.89±1.96, tetracycline group, 15.90±7.03: synovial tissue, control group 12.22±3.63, statin group 4.33±2.69, tetracycline group 10.70±2.62. Average values of synovial tissue cell layer thickness were control group 14.46±2.35 µm, statin group 10.56 ± 1.01 µm, tetracycline group 12.80 ± 0.79 µm. All measurements showed statistically significant differences between statin and control groups (P < 0.05) but not between tetracycline and control groups (P > 0.05). Conclusions. Tetracycline has little effect due to chemical modification requirement, and the effect is dose dependent. Statins have chondroprotective effects, so may become a novel therapeutic agent in osteoarthritis management after chemical processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the banking efficiency in a pre- and post-liberalization environment by drawing on the Turkish experience by using DEA. The paper also investigates the scale effect on efficiency. Our findings suggest that liberalization programs were followed by an observable decline in efficiency. Another finding of the study is that the Turkish banking system had a serious scale problem during the study period. The second part of our analysis relied on econometric methods and found that one major reason for such system-wide efficiency decline has been the growing macroeconomic instability of the Turkish economy in general and financial sector in particular. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

These notes discuss and illustrate two new extensions of shift-share analysis: the productivity and output model and the international trade model. We also review a general limitation of these and other shift-share-type models with respect to the interaction between reference area and the region. A possible solution to this limitation is presented. The new extensions provide better insights about the regional economy but that benefit occurs at a cost. The cost is careful consideration and compensation where relatively large regions or sectors are central to the shift-share assessment. The extensions are important in addressing earlier problems with the shift-share approach. Our solution to shift-share limitation on reference area interaction is vital if the method is to be extended to these multiple environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper develops and demonstrates a combined set of models to capture regional development decision processes. The results of the models are then integrated along with other socio-political factors within a policy relevant decision methodology framework. The Haynes and Dinc (1997) extension of the shift-share model identifies regional industrial sectors for analysis based on their scale, productivity and sources of productivity change. By employing Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), the efficiency of these lead sectors is investigated and the future competitiveness of these sectors is evaluated. By incorporating input-output analysis the impact of inter-sectoral transactions on sectoral efficiency is assessed. Since in most cases state economic development planning and implementation processes also involve political judgements, based on the findings of the above models, the study suggests a decision support framework which combines the above mentioned quantitative tools with other qualitative decision factors. An Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) is employed as a multi-objective decision making device to integrate the relevant policy components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the past 20 years, advancements in telecommunications technologies have had a direct impact on firms, particularly in the service-related sectors, and the telecommunications infrastructure has become important to their production processes. These developments also have had an indirect effect on the overall economy of regions because of the externalities they generate. This article is an examination of the impact of telecommunications infrastructure on the service sectors' output growth among the 48 contiguous U.S. states. The findings suggest that not every state receives the full benefits of its own telecommunications infrastructure. A state-by-state regression analysis shows the variation in returns on telecommunications investments across states. This variation may be due to the inefficient utilization of telecommunications infrastructure as a factor of production. Data envelopment analysis confirms that the states accruing significantly positive benefits are those in which businesses use the telecommunications infrastructure most efficiently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper tests for spatial spillover effects of state-level telecommunications infrastructure investment on state output, using panel data for 48 U.S. states from 1970 through 1997. As information and communication technologies support more industrial locational freedom, states may use telecommunications infrastructure investment as a competitive tool for attracting factors of production. In a production-function framework, this effect would manifest itself as a negative output spillover effect from telecommunications infrastructure investment. Findings indicate that a state benefits from its own telecommunications infrastructure, but telecommunications investment by other states has a negative impact on its output growth path, and proximity amplifies this negative spillover effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proposes an approach to investigate regional economic structure, sectoral productivity, and relative efficiency by using a modified shift-share model and data envelopment analysis (DEA). Methodology; Haynes and Dinc extension of the shift-share model; Data and application; Results and analysis; Policy implications and conclusion.

Abstract. This paper develops and tests an integrated set of models to investigate sources of (in)efficiencies in regional industry sectors. First, following the Haynes and Dinc (1997) extension of the shift-share model, leading regional industrial sectors are identified for analysis based on their scale, productivity and sources of productivity change. Second, by employing Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), the efficiency of these lead sectors is investigated and the future competitiveness of these sectors is evaluated. Finally, by incorporating input-output analysis into the model the impact of intersectoral transactions on sectoral efficiency is assessed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assesses the foundations of economic performance and employment change in twelve states. Investigation of the so-called snowbelt-sunbelt regional shift in manufacturing by using shift-share analysis; Information on the Shift-share analysis; Rigby-Anderson extension of the model; Analysis of the shift-share model; Production hours worked in the United States manufacturing sector; Conclusions.

Responds to the comments of Helzi Noponen, Ann Markusen and Karl Driessen about the article on international trade and shift-share analysis. Practical approach in static analysis; Differential productivity issues; Assumptions made; Criticisms raised by Naponen et al on logarithmic formulation of shift share.

Examines some strategies for estimating the links between regional economies and the global economy through international trade. Disaggregation of national growth component into three market subcomponents; Formulation of shift-share extensions; Refinements to the formulation; Comparison of models.

A letter to the editor in response to the article "Aortic Arterial Stiffness is a Moderate Predictor of Cardiovascular Disease in Patient with Psoriasis Vulgaris" by I. Batla and colleagues in the May 1, 2013 issue is presented.

No abstract available Copyright © 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]