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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]

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.

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.

As part of the focus on estimating the links between regional economies and the global economy through international trade, the authors have examined some of the recent strategies. These approaches [...]

The impact of the regional universal telecommunication service policy on telephone access as well as the effectiveness and efficiency of the policy in providing telephone service for low-income households at the state level were investigated. The study covers the period 1984-1996 and was designed to determine whether the Telecommunications Act of 1996 has been successful in eliminating barriers to competition. Empirical results showed that there was a significant increase in the number of households with telephone at the state level even as inefficiencies in service were still evident.

A study investigating the foundations of economic performance and employment change in manufacturing in twelve states was conducted. Findings indicated that employment changes in the twelve states during the period of the study was caused by output growth, new investments in physical capital, and advances in technology. Labor productivity was also an important factor in employment change. The findings supported the snowbelt-sunbelt shift thesis.

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]

Byline: Kingsley E. Haynes, G. Stephane Philogene, Mustafa Dinc In this paper, we have investigated the relative efficiency of 74 General Clinical Research Centres (GCRC) by using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA). These GCRCs are sponsored by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a biomedical research institution within the US Department of Health and Human Services. Located throughout various cities across the USA, the GCRCs provide a research infrastructure for clinical investigators who receive their primary research support from other peer-reviewed sources inside NIH as well as from other federal agencies, and the private sector. First, we assessed the relative efficiency of the GCRCs using a DEA model. Second, we performed a regression analysis that incorporated regional and environmental variables not controlled in the DEA, which could influence the efficiency scores of the centres. The study identified the leading centres in terms of performance, and provided a diagnosis that suggests how less efficient centres might improve their efficiency. We also assessed regional and environmental factors that could facilitate or impede a centre's performance such as scale, vintage and urban density.

The impact of telecommunications infrastructure on the service sectorsE output growth among the 48 contiguous U.S. states is examined. The findings suggest that not every state receives the full benefits of its own telecommunications infrastructure.

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An academic analysis of regional economic policy in the United States is presented. A modified shift-share model and data envelopment analysis are used to demonstrate the proposed research approach.

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]