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Hook of the hamate fractures can be managed conservatively or fixed using a screw, but excision is recommended for prompt return to activities. Although various approaches have been described, there is no gold standard. Herein, the authors have described their clinical experiences in excising the hook of the hamate using the carpal tunnel approach, in athletes. A total of 36 athletes underwent excision of the hamate hook using the carpal tunnel approach. The mean age of the patients was 23 years, and most of them were baseball players (n = 31). The mean operation time was 33 min. None of the patients presented with any complications aside from transient pillar pain in five cases. All of them returned to their sports activities within an average of 27 days. In our study, excision of the hook of the hamate was performed safely via the carpal tunnel. The carpal tunnel approach reportedly provides superior benefits over other approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Precision placement of implants in total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) using conventional surgical techniques can be difficult and riddled with errors. Modern technologies such as augmented reality (AR) and 3-dimensional (3D) printing have already found useful applications in many fields of medicine. We proposed a cutting-edge surgical technique, augmented reality total elbow arthroplasty (ARTEA), that uses AR and 3D printing to provide 3D information for intuitive preoperative planning. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of humeral and ulnar component placement using ARTEA. Twelve upper extremities from human frozen cadavers were used for experiments performed in this study. We scanned the extremities via computed tomography prior to performing TEA to plan placement sites using computer simulations. The ARTEA technique was used to perform TEA surgery on 6 of the extremities, whereas conventional (non-ARTEA) techniques were used on the other 6 extremities. Computed tomography scanning was repeated after TEA completion, and the error between the planned and actual placements of humeral and ulnar components was calculated and compared. For humeral component placement, the mean positional error ± standard deviation of ARTEA vs. non-ARTEA was 1.4° ± 0.6° vs. 4.4° ± 0.9° in total rotation (P =.002) and 1.5 ± 0.6 mm vs. 8.6 ± 1.3 mm in total translation (P =.002). For ulnar component placement, the mean positional error ± standard deviation of ARTEA vs. non-ARTEA was 5.5° ± 3.1° vs. 19.5° ± 9.8° in total rotation (P =.004) and 1.5 ± 0.4 mm vs. 6.9 ± 1.6 mm in total translation (P =.002). Both rotational accuracy and translational accuracy were greater for joint components replaced using the ARTEA technique compared with the non-ARTEA technique (P <.05). Compared with conventional surgical techniques, ARTEA had greater accuracy in prosthetic implant placement when used to perform TEA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is the most important cause of acute coronary syndrome in pregnant women. Pregnancy-associated SCAD frequently occurs in the third trimester or postpartum period. However, little is known regarding the relationship between the occurrence of SCAD and stillbirth. We describe here a 41-year-old woman complicated by sudden cardiac arrest owing to SCAD in the distal segment of the right coronary artery 13 days after stillbirth. After contacting emergency medical services, she was resuscitated by an automated external defibrillator because the initial electrocardiographic waveform was ventricular fibrillation. After cardiopulmonary resuscitation, the diagnosis of SCAD was confirmed by coronary angiography and intracoronary imaging, including intravascular ultrasound and optical coherence tomography. The patient was managed with conservative medical therapy because the culprit lesion was present in the distal segment of the right coronary artery and coronary blood flow was preserved. No major adverse cardiovascular events, including recurrent ventricular arrhythmia, were observed during hospitalization. Our findings indicate that pregnancy-associated SCAD leading to sudden cardiac arrest may occur in the postpartum period, even after stillbirth. Intravascular imaging plays a pivotal role in diagnosing SCAD. < Learning objective: Pregnancy-associated spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a relatively rare but well-known cause of acute coronary syndrome in pregnant or postpartum women. However, whether the risk of pregnancy-associated SCAD in the postpartum period is different between normal birth and stillbirth remains unknown. Pregnancy-associated SCAD leading to sudden cardiac arrest owing to acute myocardial ischemia may occur in postpartum women, regardless of fetal survival.> [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs) are enzymes that degrade polysaccharides with an oxidative mechanism and contributed to the efficiency in biomass degradation by glycoside hydrolases (GHs). In this study, the substrate and reaction specificity of Sg LPMO10A that was an auxiliary activity family 10 (AA10) enzyme with a carbohydrate binding module family 2 (CBM2) domain from Streptomyces griseus , was analyzed. This enzyme produced oxidized cello-oligosaccharides from cellulose and boosted cellulose degradation by cellulases. Detailed study of the AA10 and CBM2 domains revealed that the binding ability of Sg LPMO10A depended on CBM2 and that only the AA10 domain functions more effectively in the presence of a certain amount of substrates. • Sg LPMO10A that bind two polysaccharide biomass, cellulose and chitin • Sg LPMO10A produced oxidized cello-oligosaccharides from cellulose. • Sg LPMO10A boosted cellulose degradation by cellulases. • Two domains of Sg LPMO10A were studied in details. • AA10 domain is best used in application for efficient enzymatic solubilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract A recent case report described a case of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) associated with use of the Chinese herbal medicine Qing-Dai; however, the clinical course and possible mechanisms have not been characterized. We present the case of a man with ulcerative colitis who was diagnosed with idiopathic PAH. After initiating oral beraprost therapy, the patient showed significant hemodynamic improvements and an unusual course of clinical recovery. In 2016, the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare issued a warning regarding the possible side effects of Qing-Dai. We learned that our patient had been taking self-purchased Qing-Dai for 2 years. Therefore, we performed an experimental study and determined that Qing-Dai may cause PAH through a mechanism involving nitric oxide synthase inhibition and pulmonary artery endothelial dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypothesis Three-dimensional (3D) surgical planning for unlinked total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) would be helpful for estimation of the implant size and accurate placement of implants. Methods We included 28 patients who underwent TEA with an unlinked total elbow implant in this study. All patients underwent computed tomography scans of the elbow before surgery, and a 3D digital model of the elbow was reconstructed. After the appropriate size and position of the prosthesis were determined, 10 points around the bone tunnel (4 on the humerus and 6 on the ulna) were measured to plan the insertion of the humeral and ulnar stems. Two-dimensional planning was also performed using anteroposterior and lateral radiographs. Intraoperatively, the surgeon measured the planned parameters using a slide gauge to reproduce the 3D planned position of the stem insertion. Results The stem sizes were accurately estimated in 57% of patients for the humerus and 68% for the ulna with 2-dimensional planning and in 86% for the humerus and 96% for the ulna with 3D planning. The mean differences between the positions of the prostheses after surgery with reference to the planned positions were 0.8° of varus and 1.5° of flexion for the humeral component and 0.7° of varus and 2.9° of flexion for the ulnar component. We did not evaluate rotational positioning in this study. Conclusions The 3D surgical planning allowed accurate estimation of the implant size and appropriate placement of implants. This method may contribute to a reduced incidence of complications and improved long-term outcomes from TEA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Larch arabinogalactan (AG) is classified as a plant type II AG. Its basic structure is constituted by a β-1,3-galactan main chain with β-1,6-galactan side chains. But its properties are distinct from other type II AGs. Whereas most type II AGs are found as glycan moieties of arabinogalactan-protein (AGP), larch AG lacks a protein moiety. Larch AG itself is also unlike other type II AGs as it lacks Yariv reactivity, the capability of AG to form insoluble precipitate with β-Yariv reagents, 1,3,5-tri-(p -glycosyloxyphenylazo)-2,4,6-trihydroxybenzene with β-glucosyl or β-galactosyl residues at the termini. For the present study, we prepared β-galactan I, II, and III from larch AG by performing single, double, and triple Smith degradation, which breaks β-1,6-galactan side chains, and examined Yariv reactivity of the products. Methylation analysis revealed that β-galactans II and III had lost more than 90% of their β-1,6-galactan branches. In the radial gel diffusion assay, β-galactans II and III showed Yariv reactivity, indicating the presence of a Yariv-reactive structure in larch AG, although native larch AG does not have Yariv reactivity. The Yariv reactivity of the β-galactans was completely lost after treatment with endo-β-1,3-galactanase. These results confirm that β-1,3-galactan is necessary for Yariv reactivity of type II AG. The present results also suggest that high substitution of β-1,3-galactan with β-1,6-galactan side chains affects Yariv reactivity in larch AG. Image 1 • Repeated Smith degradation removed more than 90% of β-1,6-galactan side chains of larch arabinogalactan. • The β-galactan prepared by double Smith degradation showed clear Yariv reactivity. • Yariv reactivity of β-galactans was lost after degradation of β-1,3-galactan with endo-β-1,3-galactanase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experimental program is carried out to investigate the swelling properties of Na activated Ca-bentonite submitted to prehydration and polymer adding, using Free Swell Index (FSI). Three Na activated Ca-bentonite are used: S, T and V. Various concentrations (0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2%) of two polyelectrolyte polymers are mixed with bentonites to underline the effect of polymer adding on the mixture's FSI. FSI tests are performed with three testing fluids: NaCl 10 − 3 M, synthetized leachate (LS) and a solution of 0.1 M of CaCl 2 . FSI and Electric Conductivity are followed for all configurations tested. Comparison between FSI ratios underlines the positive effect of prehydration compared to polymer adding. Polymer adding increases the chemical resistance of bentonites and has less impact on bentonite swelling. Statistic analysis demonstrates that the effect of bentonite activation is less significant in front of the influence of the testing fluid, type of treatment and the polymer concentration. The positive effect of polymer adding on bentonite's FSI is more effective for a polymer concentration ranged from 0.5% to 1%. The experimental results are in good agreement with literature but the positive effect of the polymer adding occurs to be misrepresented by standard FSI tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose To assess the outcomes of the lateral para-olecranon triceps-splitting approach for the treatment of distal humeral fracture. Methods Ten patients (3 males, 7 females) with a mean age of 59 years were retrospectively reviewed. There were 2 A2, 3 C1, and 5 C2 fractures according to the AO/ASIF classification. Types B3 and C3 fractures were excluded from this study because the olecranon osteotomy approach was indicated to visualize the anterior fragment. The triceps was split at the midline, and the anconeus muscle was incised from the proximal ulna. The lateral half of the triceps along with anconeus was retracted laterally as a single unit. The distal part of the humerus could be visualized from medial and lateral windows by retracting the medial half of the triceps. The articular fragment was anatomically reduced and fixed temporarily with a Kirschner wire, and the reconstructed distal articular block was then fixed to the humeral shaft with double locking plates. Results After surgery, average elbow flexion was 127° (range, 110°–145°), and extension was –10° (range, –20°–0°) at the average follow-up time of 12.4 months (range, 8‒20 months). Seven patients had normal muscle strength against full resistance (manual muscle testing grade 5), and the other 3 patients had slightly reduced muscle strength (grade 4). No articular stepoffs of more than 1 mm were seen on postoperative radiographs. There were no cases of triceps insufficiency and nonunion. The average (± SD) Mayo Elbow Score was 93.5 ± 5.8 points at the final follow-up. Conclusions The lateral para-olecranon approach is useful for the management of selected fractures of the distal humerus, preserving extension strength and providing satisfactory clinical outcomes, with no risk of olecranon osteotomy-related complications. Type of study/level of evidence Therapeutic V. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Follicular dendritic cells (FDCs) in lymphoid organs play an important role in the humoral immune response. However, because the isolation of FDCs is difficult due to their very small population size and fragility under mechanical and chemical stresses, the genetic and biochemical characteristics of FDCs remain unclear. Previously, we identified FDCs as ICAM-1 + cells in the CD45 − non-hematopoietic cell fraction from naïve mouse spleen after cell separation by means of digestion with a combination of enzymes. In the present study, using a new combination of enzymes, we found that FDCs are highly enriched in the CD45 − ICAM-1 + CD21/35 + cell fraction. CD45 − ICAM-1 + CD21/35 + cells in the mouse spleen retained an antigen administered in vivo for more than 7 days. Moreover, CD45 − ICAM-1 + CD21/35 + cells isolated from the spleen of mice administered with a cognate antigen enhanced the survival and proliferation of antigen-specific B cells in vitro . Our improved protocol for the isolation of naïve FDCs will be useful for the analysis of FDCs in vitro and in vivo . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background An understanding of normal glenohumeral geometry is important for anatomical reconstruction in shoulder arthroplasty. Unfortunately, the details of the glenohumeral joint in Asian populations have not been sufficiently evaluated. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the 3-dimensional geometry of the glenohumeral joint in the normal Japanese population and to clarify its morphologic features. Methods Anthropometric analysis of the glenohumeral joint was performed using computed tomography scans of 160 normal shoulders from healthy Japanese volunteers. The glenohumeral dimensions and orientation were analyzed 3-dimensionally. Sex differences and correlations between sides and among the respective parameters in the glenohumeral dimensions were evaluated. Results The normal Japanese humeral head has an average width of 41.4 mm, thickness of 13.2 mm, diameter of 42.9 mm, retroversion of 32°, and inclination of 135°. The glenoid has an average height of 31.5 mm, width of 23.1 mm, diameter of 62.0 mm, retroversion of 0°, and inferior inclination of 2°. The values of the glenohumeral dimensions were uniform in men and women, and the humeral head and glenoid were larger in men than in women. The glenohumeral size was well correlated between the 2 sides, and there were direct correlations among the heights, humeral length, humeral head size, and glenoid size. Conclusions The present study revealed the glenohumeral geometry in the normal Japanese population. The present results would be useful to determine the size of implants and to improve the design of shoulder prostheses that reflect the normal anatomy of the Asian glenohumeral joint. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Background In Japan, the departments of nursing were established by 2004, and graduate school programs for master's degree were established by 2008, in 42 national universities. With these changes, a more academic mission has been pursued, and the need for writing papers in English has increased. Aim To investigate the numbers of papers published in English from the nursing departments of national universities in Japan over the past ten years. Methods The lists of teachers who have nursing licenses in the departments of nursing in the 42 national universities (n = 2292) were obtained from the Japan Association of Nursing Programs in Universities. The number of papers published in English by these teachers from 2004 to 2013 was counted using the SCOPUS database. Results The average number of total papers, in which at least one of the authors was a nursing teacher, and first-authored papers, in which the first author was a nursing teacher, were 211.4 and 69.9 per year, respectively; both increased approximately two-fold during the past ten years. The means and standard deviations of the number of total papers and first-authored papers were 50.3 ± 63.8 (range: 1–382) and 18.3 ± 23.4 (range: 0–147) according to universities, and 1.39 ± 5.84 (range: 0–140) and 0.33 ± 1.28 (range: 0–21) according to teachers, respectively. When journals with the highest number of papers were analyzed, 12 of the top 20 (total papers) and 12 of the top 16 (first-authored papers) were in journals whose editorial offices are in Japan. Conclusion The number of papers published in English has increased over the past ten years, varied markedly depending on the universities and teachers, and many papers were published in Japanese journals. To our knowledge, this is the first report anywhere to determine the average number of nursing papers “per teacher” in a specific population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Previous studies have shown that the shoulder internal rotation elbow flexion (SIREF) test, which is a modified elbow flexion (EF) test, has significantly higher sensitivity than the EF test in patients with cubital tunnel syndrome (CubTS). Here, we hypothesized that this increase in sensitivity was due to increase in the ulnar nerve strain around the elbow introduced by the additional shoulder position. Methods Ulnar nerve strain at the elbow was intraoperatively measured at both the EF test and SIREF test positions in 20 patients with CubTS before simple decompression. Statistical analysis was performed with the Wilcoxon signed rank test at a confidence level of 99% ( P < .001). Results Mean ulnar nerve strain in the EF test position was 18.9% ± 12.1%, whereas that in the SIREF test position was 24.7% ± 14.0%. Ulnar nerve strain was higher in the SIREF than in the EF test position in all cases, and the difference was significant (mean, 5.8% ± 0.9%; 95% confidence interval, 3.90%-7.73%). Conclusion This study indicated that increased sensitivity in the SIREF test compared with the EF test was due to the increase in ulnar nerve strain around the elbow. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study showing that shoulder position changes the ulnar nerve strain around the elbow in living patients with CubTS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

N -Trichloroacetyl analogs of N -acetylmannosamine 1-phosphate repeating units, which are found in capsular polysaccharides of Neisseria meningitidis serotype A, were successfully obtained via solid-phase synthesis using an oxazaphospholidine monomer. The introduction of the trichloroacetyl group into the amino group of mannosamine resulted in the stabilization of the reaction intermediates. Monosaccharide, disaccharide, and tetrasaccharide derivatives were obtained and isolated. This is the first example to demonstrate the synthesis of the N -acylated mannosamine 1-phosphate structure having no less than four phosphate linkages. [Display omitted] • N -Trichloroacetyl analogs of N -acetylmannosamine 1-phosphate repeating units were obtained. • Solid-phase synthesis using an oxazaphospholidine monomer was conducted. • Trichloroacetyl group stabilized the reaction intermediates. • Monosaccharide, disaccharide, and tetrasaccharide derivatives were obtained and isolated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context A recent mixed-methods study to evaluate the effects of a comprehensive regional palliative care program, the Japan Outreach Palliative Care Trial of the Integrated Model study, achieved broad positive outcomes at a regional level. This is a secondary analysis of patient outcomes. Objectives The primary aims were to explore: 1) the changes in domains of patient-reported quality of care and quality of life after interventions, and 2) the changes in quality of care and quality of life of patients with different characteristics (i.e., performance status, age, and anticancer treatment). Methods A region-representative sample of metastatic/locally advanced cancer patients in outpatient settings participated in questionnaire surveys before and after regional intervention. Responses were obtained from 859 of 1880 and 857 of 2123 in the pre- and postintervention surveys, respectively. Results All subdomain scores of the quality of care, except for help with decision making, significantly improved in the postintervention survey. The percentages of the patients who reported that improvement was necessary decreased from 13% to 5.0%. Although there were no or only a marginally significant difference in total and subdomain scores of quality of life between preintervention and postintervention surveys, the subgroups of patients with a poor performance status and those receiving no anticancer treatment achieved a significant improvement in the quality of life. Conclusion Although average changes in patient-reported outcomes were relatively small in the total sample of patients, the intervention seemed to provide tangible benefits for the patients with poor general conditions. A future regional intervention trial should include patient outcomes in those with a poor general condition to evaluate the net effects of the program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] We investigate whether 3–8-month old infants perceive curved illusory contour. [•] Only 7–8-month-old infants perceive the illusory contour with phase difference. [•] They could perceive curved illusory contour with neon color spreading same as adult. [•] They have ability to perceive nonrigid motion from that illusory contour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To assess the outcomes of our technique involving oblique headless compression screw for arthrodesis of the thumb interphalangeal joint and the distal interphalangeal joints of the other digits. Methods: A total of 28 joints (19 thumb interphalangeal and 9 distal interphalangeal) in 23 patients with a mean age of 65 years (range, 58–74 y) were retrospectively analyzed. All operations were performed with the Acutrak2 micro-screw. After the resection of synovium and joint cartilage by a dorsal approach, a 0.88-mm diameter guide wire was inserted at the ulnar side of the proximal phalanx in the thumb and radial side of the middle phalanx in the other digits from proximal to distal to fix the joint obliquely. We verified its position under fluoroscopic control and placed the cannulated screw from proximal to distal over the guide wire. Results: Intraoperative rigid fixation was obtained except for 1 case, which required additional K-wire fixation. The overall union rate was 96%. Average time to fusion was 11 weeks (range, 8–30 wk), with 76% achieving union within 3 months. There were 2 complications, 1 nonunion and 1 late infection. Other complications such as dorsal skin necrosis, nail deformity, and paresthesia did not occur. Conclusions: Efforts to avoid invasion of the nailbed can be technically demanding. We believe that our proximal to distal technique with oblique placement of the headless compression screw is a straightforward and effective method with a relatively low risk of complication. Type of study/level of evidence: Therapeutic IV. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Locking of the metacarpophalangeal joints has been occasionally reported in older adults, but reports of this problem are rare in younger individuals. We report 8 young adult patients with a metacarpophalangeal joint locked in 90° flexion after minor trauma. The cases included 6 little fingers and 2 thumbs in 1 male and 7 female patients aged 16 to 39 years. All were easily reduced closed. We postulate the mechanism of injury. Type of study/level of evidence: Therapeutic IV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the case of a 43-year-old man with steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the distal humerus in both arms. Costal osteochondral autografts were used to restore both joints with satisfactory outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: 4-O-Thiocarbamoylmethyl-Neu5Ac2en 3 has strong inhibitory activity toward human parainfluenza virus type 1 (hPIV-1) sialidase compared with the parent Neu5Ac2en 2. We synthesized analogs having thiocarbamoylethyl- 4 and thiocarbamoylpropyl group 5 at the C-4 position of 2. The inhibition degrees of 4 and 5 were weaker than that of thiocarbamoylmethyl analog 3, indicating a remarkable effect of the carbon chain length in thiocarbamoylalkyl groups at the C-4 position on inhibitory activities against hPIV-1 sialidase. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose: For the purpose of achieving anatomical reduction as precisely as possible, we performed osteochondral grafting from the costo-osteochondral junction in 16 patients (17 joints) with posttraumatic articular cartilage injury or avascular necrosis in finger joints. The purpose of this study was to review our series of costal osteochondral grafts in order to determine the practicality, effectiveness, and functionality of this grafting technique in a clinical setting. Methods: Patients were followed for at least 18 months postoperatively (18–57 months; average, 28 months). The injured joints included 3 metacarpophalangeal, 9 proximal interphalangeal, 3 distal interphalangeal, and 2 thumb interphalangeal joints. The defect accounted for 50% to 100% of the articular surface (average, 63%). Results: The average time until bone union of the graft was 58 days. The mean arc of motion was 13° before surgery versus 58° after surgery, with a mean increase of 45°. In 7 patients (8 joints), an extremely small portion (approximately 1 × 1 mm in size and thinner than 0.1 mm) of the implanted cartilage was obtained via biopsy using a scalpel with the consent of the patient at the time of screw removal and was used to prepare histologic specimens, which revealed scattered chondrocytes within the matrix without differences from normal hyaline cartilage in any. The chondrocytes in the grafts appeared viable, and the reconstruction of the joint surface could be confirmed histologically. Conclusions: Osteochondral grafting from the costo-osteochondral junction achieves excellent reconstruction of the injured joint without affecting other joints. This technique is particularly beneficial in cases where it is difficult to obtain allograft donors, as is often the case in Japan. Despite these encouraging findings in this small series, we believe that it is necessary to conduct further studies of this method over a longer period. Type of study/level of evidence: Therapeutic IV. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: To explore new inhibitors of the sialidase of human parainfluenza virus type 1 (hPIV-1), a series of novel Neu5Ac2en derivatives were synthesized. Thus, 8,9-O-isopropylidene-4-O-2-propynyl-Neu5Ac2en methyl ester 8 was subjected to a Sonogashira coupling reaction with a variety of heteroaryl halides to produce a series of 4-O-(3-heteroaryl-2-propynyl) compound 9. Treatment of 9 with 80% acetic acid followed by alkaline hydrolysis afforded deprotected Neu5Ac2en compounds. The 4-epi-analogs of this type of Neu5Ac2en were synthesized in a similar manner. Compound 5d showed the most potent inhibitory activity (IC50 1.2μM) against hPIV-1 sialidase. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: To explore the influence of binding to human parainfluenza virus type 1 (hPIV-1), a series of 4-O-substituted Neu5Ac2en derivatives 6a–e was synthesized and tested for their ability to inhibit hPIV-1 sialidase. Among compounds 6a–e, the 4-O-ethyl-Neu5Ac2en derivative 6b showed the most potent inhibitory activity (IC50 6.3μM) against hPIV-1 sialidase. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

To identify the risk factors associated with early implant fracture of silicone metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint arthroplasty using the volar hinge silicone implant for patients with rheumatoid arthritis. We retrospectively reviewed 113 fingers of 31 hands that underwent MCP joint arthroplasty between 2008 and 2014, with a minimum follow-up of 3 years,. An implant fracture within 3 years after surgery was regarded as an early implant fracture. Patient records were reviewed for potential risk factors of age, affected fingers, ulnar drift angle, and range of motion of the MCP joint before surgery and 1 year after surgery. Candidate risk factors were compared at the level of the digit and at the patient level. With fracture of the implants as the end point, Kaplan–Meier estimated survival rate was 74.3% at 3 years and 67.9% at 5 years. Early implant fracture was detected in 29 fingers. Bivariate analyses showed significant associations between early implant fracture and MCP joint arc of motion before surgery, MCP joint flexion range 1 year after surgery, and MCP joint arc of motion 1 year after surgery. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that increased MCP joint flexion range 1 year after surgery was an independent risk factor for early implant fracture. Increasing MCP joint flexion range was associated with increased fractures of the implants. We propose that the MCP joint flexion range should be restricted to less than 60° in postoperative rehabilitation; it is necessary to educate the patient to permanently avoid excessive flexion of the MCP joint. Therapeutic IV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study in which a gene profile analysis of each zone of the growth plate from 9-day-old mice was performed. The growth plate, responsible for longitudinal growth, is divided into resting zone (RZ), proliferating zone (PZ), maturing zone (MZ), and hypertrophic zone (HZ). Results revealed, by using a combination of laser microdissection and microarray analysis, data containing the expression profiles of 1995 different genes expressed in the growth plate.

• BTBTs are generated at once by the Quadruple C S bond formation. • The addition of molecular iodine accelerates the formation of BTBTs. • 3-Arylbenzo b thiophenes are also prepared by changing reaction conditions. Acceleration of the reaction for the synthesis of [1]benzothiopheno[2,3- b [1]benzothiophenes (BTBTs) from 1,1-diarylethylenes was accomplished by the addition of molecular iodine. Postulated intermediates 3-arylbenzo b thiophenes were also selectively prepared by simply changing the amount of iodine and the reaction time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A variety of surgical options for chronic tendon mallet fingers have been reported. There are advantages and disadvantages to current surgical approaches. We introduce a surgical treatment for chronic tendon mallet injury that involves anatomical reconstruction of the terminal tendon and lateral band with palmaris longus (PL) tendon grafting. Harvested PL tendon is folded in 2 or divided into 2 slips. The graft is attached to a remnant of the original terminal tendon at the distal interphalangeal joint. Both half-slip tendons are passed under the transverse retinacular ligament and sutured side to side to the lateral band at the level of the proximal phalanx. This surgical technique has these advantages: (1) it provides anatomical reconstruction of the terminal tendon; (2) it is indicated regardless of the condition of the terminal tendon and the interval from the initial injury; and (3) it is easy to determine the tension of the grafted tendon. Anatomical reconstruction of the terminal tendon and both lateral bands with PL tendon grafting is useful for chronic tendon mallet injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose To assess the outcomes of a modified extensor pollicis longus (EPL) rerouting technique for boutonniere deformity of the thumb in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Methods A total of 21 thumbs in 18 patients with a mean age of 63 years were retrospectively analyzed after an average follow-up period of 3.2 years. The preoperative deformities were classified as either mild (5 thumbs) or moderate (16 thumbs). After either metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint synovectomy or implant arthroplasty, the ulnarly dislocated EPL tendon was reduced dorsally and sutured to the dorsal base of the proximal phalanx. If the interphalangeal (IP) joint extended with manual traction on the proximal portion of the extensor pollicis brevis tendon, no further treatment was considered. If the IP joint did not extend with this maneuver, the insertion of the extensor pollicis brevis tendon was dissected and transferred to the distal portion of the EPL tendon. Results The average MCP joint extensor lag improved from 62° (range, 32° to 85°) before surgery to 17° (range, active extension 12° to extensor lag 70°) at the final follow-up ( P < .05), whereas average MCP joint flexion decreased from 83° (range, 52° to 95°) to 68° (range, 30° to 90°) ( P < .05). Hyperextension at the IP joint was improved from 30° (range, 10° to 50°) before surgery to an average extensor lag of 2° (range, extensor lag 24° to hyperextension 20°) at the final follow-up. The average combined MCP and IP motion did not significantly change. The boutonniere deformity was improved in 18 of 21 thumbs. The 3 failures all had moderate-stage deformity prior to treatment. Conclusions A modified EPL rerouting technique provided satisfactory results together with a low risk of IP joint extension loss. Type of study/level of evidence Therapeutic IV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]