Analysis of thermal dependence on the germination of braquiarão seeds using the thermal time model.

This paper analyzed the thermal dependence on the germination of Urochloa brizantha (Stapf) Webster seeds under constant and fluctuating temperatures through the thermal time model. Germination tests were carried out at constant temperatures ranging from 8 °C to 41.5 °C in order to determine the model parameters: base (Tb), optimal (To) and maximum temperature (Tc) for germination; and the thermal time (θT) required for individual seeds to germinate. Braquiarão seeds germinate within a temperature interval from 8 °C to 41.5 °C, with an optimum range for germination estimated at 31.5 ° ≤ T ≤ 34.5 °C. Actual and expected distributions of cumulative germination percentages of U. brizantha seeds put to germinate both under controlled and uncontrolled temperature regimes were compared, and it can be seen that the model described relatively well the germination at isothermal assays; however the model failed to predict germination at a wide range of thermal fluctuations. Possible explanations for the results are discussed.

Analysis of thermal dependence on the germination of braquiarão seeds using the thermal time model / Análise da dependência térmica da germinação de braquiarão utilizando o modelo tempo térmico

Abstract This paper analyzed the thermal dependence on the germination of Urochloa brizantha (Stapf) Webster seeds under constant and fluctuating temperatures through the thermal time model. Germination tests were carried out at constant temperatures ranging from 8 °C to 41.5 °C in order to determine the model parameters: base (Tb), optimal (To) and maximum temperature (Tc) for germination; and the thermal time (θT) required for individual seeds to germinate. Braquiarão seeds germinate within a temperature interval from 8 °C to 41.5 °C, with an optimum range for germination estimated at 31.5 ° ≤ T ≤ 34.5 °C. Actual and expected distributions of cumulative germination percentages of U. brizantha seeds put to germinate both under controlled and uncontrolled temperature regimes were compared, and it can be seen that the model described relatively well the germination at isothermal assays; however the model failed to predict germination at a wide range of thermal fluctuations. Possible explanations for the results are discussed.

Resumo Este artigo analisou a dependência térmica da germinação de sementes de Urochloa brizantha em regimes de temperaturas constantes e variáveis, por intermédio do modelo do tempo térmico. Foram realizados testes de germinação em temperaturas constantes 8 °C a 41.5 °C, com o objetivo de se determinar os parâmetros do modelo: as temperaturas base (Tb), ótima (To) e máxima (Tc) de germinação, bem como a quantidade de “graus-dias” (θG) necessária para a germinação de sementes individuais. As sementes de braquiarão germinaram no intervalo térmico de 8 °C to 41.5 °C, sendo que a faixa ótima foi de 31.5 a 34.5 °C. As distribuições acumuladas esperadas e observadas das porcentagens de germinação de sementes de U. brizantha postas para germinar tanto em temperaturas constantes como em regime térmico não controlado foram comparadas, podendo-se observar que o modelo descreveu relativamente bem a germinação nos ensaios isotérmicos, entre o mesmo falhou em prever a germinação em situações mais amplas de variação térmica. Possíveis explicações para esses resultados são discutidas.

Priming and temperature limits for germination of dispersal units of Urochloa brizantha (Stapf) Webster cv. basilisk.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of priming treatments on the upper and lower thermal limits for germination of Urochloa brizantha cv. basilisk, and testing the hypothesis that pré-imbibition affect thermal parameters of the germination. Pre-imbibed seeds both in distilled water (0 MPa) and PEG 6000 solution (-0.5 MPa) were put to germinate in different temperatures. It is suggested that U. brizantha seeds have low response to priming when they were placed to germinate in medium where water is not limiting. The response of U. brizantha seeds to priming is dependent on the temperature and water potential conditions at which the seeds are pre-imbibed, as well as on the germination temperature. The optimum temperature for germination of U. brizantha shift toward warmer temperatures in primed seeds. Priming effect was more pronounced at temperatures closer to the upper and lower limit for germination, but probably that response cannot be accounted for changes in the thermal time constant (θT(g)) and ceiling temperature (Tc(g)). Otherwise, a decrease in the base temperature (Tb) was observed in primed seeds, suggesting that the Tb distribution in U. brizantha seeds is influenced by priming.

Efflux transporter mRNA expression profiles in differentiating JEG-3 human choriocarcinoma cells as a placental transport model.

The kinetics of drug transport across the trophoblast layer is determined by several factors. Human choriocarcinoma cell lines like BeWo and JEG-3 have been used as models of the trophoblast layer to examine the placental transport of drugs. Previously, the drugs examined in these models have been readily transported across the trophoblast layer via cellular gap junctions. These backgrounds enabled us to establish the differentiating JEG-3 cell (DJEG) layer model, which suppresses paracellular drug transport, as an evaluation system of placental drug transport. The efflux transporters on the trophoblast layer assume the meaningful role of protecting the fetus from xenobiotic substances. In order to clarify the usefulness of our DJEG placental drug transport model, this study examined the mRNA expression profiles of the efflux transporters MRPs, MDR1, and BCRP in JEG-3 cells and compared them with those of BeWo cells and their known placental expression. We suggest that the mRNA of efflux transporters MRP 1-8 and BCRP are expressed widely in JEG-3 cells; however, expression levels of MDR1 mRNA were undetectable. It was also indicated that polymorphisms of BCRP C421A in both the BeWo and JEG-3 cells are of the wild-type. We demonstrated the efflux transporters' expression profiles, as well as those of the BeWo cells, was demonstrated in the DJEG placental drug transport evaluating model as well as the BeWo cells, in the DJEG placental drug transport evaluation model. Based on these findings, we hope that the DJEG model will be adequate for use in evaluating placental drug transport in relation to the transporter proteins.

Locking of the metacarpophalangeal joint of the thumb caused by a fracture fragment of the radial condyle of the metacarpal head after dorsal dislocation.

We report a case of a locked thumb metacarpophalangeal joint secondary to metacarpal head fracture. As fractures of the radial condyle are not readily seen in routine X-rays, other imaging modalities, including CT, should be considered if the patient complains of limited extension after hyperextension injury of the thumb.

Results of ulnar shortening osteotomy for ulnocarpal impaction syndrome in wrists with neutral or negative ulnar variance.

Ulnocarpal impaction syndrome was diagnosed in six wrists of five patients with neutral or negative ulnar variance. All underwent ulnar shortening with satisfactory results. The average grip strength increased from 53% to 78% and the range of flexion-extension increased from 82% to 93%, the mean Cooney's score improved from 25 to 83. These cases show that ulnocarpal impaction syndrome can occur in wrists with zero or negative ulnar variance, and that ulnar shortening is an effective treatment for such wrists.

Bilateral Kienbock's disease.

We conducted a retrospective review of 11 patients with bilateral Kienbock's disease from our series of 251 patients with Kienbock's disease. There were no significant differences in radiographic parameters, including ulnar variance and carpal bone angle, between those with unilateral and those with bilateral Kienbock's disease. None of the patients with bilateral disease had been treated with corticosteroids or had a systemic disease that predisposed to osteonecrosis. Thus, this study failed to demonstrate any risk factor for bilateral, as opposed to unilateral Kienbock's disease.

Radiographic morphology of the ulnar head.

Posteroanterior radiographs of 102 normal wrists were studied to determine the morphological characteristics of the ulnar head associated with the value of ulnar variance. Ulnar variance, ulnar styloid length, ulnar head diameter, ulnar seat inclination, and the distance of ulnar head peak to the distal radioulnar joint were measured together with the third metacarpal length as a reference of the size of the wrist. Moderate correlation was confirmed not only between ulnar variance and ulnar seat inclination but also between ulnar variance and the distance of the ulnar head peak. Furthermore, we found a statistically significant correlation between ulnar variance and ulnar head diameter. The results showed that whole ulnar head configurations are affected by ulnar variance although there are considerable variations.

Differences in radiographic findings between scaphoid fracture patterns.

Scaphoid fracture patterns can be divided into volar and dorsal type using three-dimensional computed tomography. Ninety-nine patients underwent this examination plus radiography to determine how often fracture pattern was identifiable by radiography including proximal fragment ratio (PFR) measurement. Oblique radiographs obtained at 45 degrees of pronation demonstrated a volar displacement in 28 of 37 volar type fractures in three-dimensional computed tomography (76%), while as oblique view with 45 degrees of supination could identify the dorsal type in ten of 18 (56%). PFR showed a significant difference, with means of 0.59 for volar type and 0.43 for dorsal type. Using oblique views in the two rotational directions together with the PFR, the two fracture patterns could be differentiated in 35 of 43 fractures (81%). No differences were evident between the two fracture patterns with respect to prevalence of dorsal intercalated segment instability deformity.

Surgical treatment for chronic radial head dislocation.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of chronic radial head dislocation remains controversial. High rates of redislocation and complications have been reported after surgery. In our view, correction of malalignment with ulnar osteotomy is the key to a good surgical result. METHODS: Since 1975, twenty-two patients were treated surgically for chronic radial head dislocation at our hospital. The procedure consisted of open reduction of a dislocated radial head followed by radial and/or ulnar osteotomy, with or without reconstruction of the annular ligament or by reconstruction of the annular ligament alone. The ages of the patients ranged from four to twenty years. In 1991, we modified the surgical technique by performing an oblique ulnar osteotomy with angulation and elongation and rigid plate fixation. Bone-grafting at the osteotomy site was also performed if necessary. A cast was applied with the forearm in neutral rotation and was worn for two to four weeks. Nine patients were treated with this modified technique. RESULTS: The mean interval between the initial injury and the reconstructive surgery was ten months. There were no serious surgical complications. Of the thirteen patients treated before 1991, four had a good reduction and seven had redislocation. Seven patients had restricted forearm rotation postoperatively. Of the nine patients treated with the modified osteotomy since 1991, seven had a good reduction. Two patients, who had had slight radial head deformity preoperatively, had subluxation postoperatively. Two patients had restricted forearm rotation. CONCLUSIONS: Since we modified our technique for ulnar osteotomy, good reduction of the radial head has been achieved without causing serious contracture. Both angulation and elongation of the ulna are required to allow the radial head to reduce.

CTLA-4 gene polymorphism in Japanese patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To examine whether CTLA-4 gene confers susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Japanese. METHODS: We investigated the distribution of a CTLA-4 gene polymorphism in 85 Japanese patients with RA and 200 controls. An A/G transition at position 49 of exon 1 was analyzed by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. The patients were also analyzed with respect to HLA-DR status. HLA-DR typing was performed by PCR sequence-specific oligonucleotide typing. RESULTS: The distribution of genotype frequencies differed between RA and controls (chi-squared 8.63, 2 df, p = 0.013). The CTLA-4 AG genotype occurred more frequently in patients with RA (59 vs 44%), and the presence of at least one G allele (GG or AG) conferred an odds ratio of 2.53 (95% CI 1.74-3.32). When the patients were analyzed with respect to HLA-DR status, this association was restricted to patients carrying the susceptible HLA allele (HLA-DRB1*0405). CONCLUSION: The CTLA-4 gene is associated with Japanese patients with RA carrying the susceptible HLA allele.

Diagnostic imaging for fracture of the hook of the hamate.

We experienced 16 patients with a fracture of the hook of the hamate. The routine posteroanterior view raised the suspicion of fracture in four of 13 patients (31%), the carpal tunnel view showed the actual fractures in six of 14 patients (43%), and the supine oblique radiographic view of the wrist showed fractures in eight of ten patients (80%). Computed tomography corroborated the fracture in all eight patients (100%). Computerized tomography proved most useful for accurate diagnosis of fracture of the hook of the hamate.

Distraction lengthening of the forearm for congenital and developmental problems.

Thirty-five callus distractions of the forearm were carried out in 23 patients, who were divided into two groups according to the cause of the shortening. Eleven cases in group A had congenital dysplasia, and the 12 cases in group B had growth disturbances from tumours or infection. The mean amount of lengthening was 27 mm in group A and 25 mm in group B. The mean percentage increase in length was 35% and 17%, respectively. The mean duration of fixation was 159 days and 127 days, respectively. The Healing Index had a positive correlation with the age at surgery in group A, but not in group B. The main complication was callus deformity after the removal of a fixator, which was especially frequent in group A. To avoid complications, the aetiology of shortening and the age of the patient should be considered when deciding the surgical protocol.

Knot formation in a long tube used in the treatment of a post-operative adhesive small bowel obstruction.

The complications specific to the management of the nasointestinal long tubes for small bowel obstruction are not generally appreciated. We report here of a case of knot formation of the long tube which was inserted for a 60 year-old male. Because it was difficult to place the tube in the distal stomach despite frequent changes in patient position, two coiled loops were noted at the fornix as the tip of the tube reached the antrum. The tube was gently removed without injury to the esophagus or stomach under fluoroscopic control. This case illustrates that when a long tube is used, the formation of multiple coils in the stomach should be avoided during placement to prevent knotting. Furthermore, a knotted tube can be gently removed non-operatively without esophageal injury. A short tube may be superior to a long tube because most of the complications can be avoided.

Surgical treatment of congenital metacarpal synostosis of the ring and little fingers.

Fifteen hands with congenital metacarpal fusions were treated operatively by osteotomy combined either with the use of a silicone block or a distraction device. The aim of the silicone block was to separate the fused metacarpals, but it was buried in the metacarpals at follow-up, with recurrence of fusion. By the distraction technique, 13 mm of lengthening was obtained. The average length of the little metacarpal was 88% of that of the long finger metacarpal. Both methods were effective in correcting the abduction deformity of the little finger by a mean of 34 degrees, and increasing the range of motion of the metacarpophalangeal joint to 28 degrees of active flexion. Although the distraction method took longer than the silicone block method, the final appearance of the hand was better.

Ulnar styloid malunion with dislocation of the distal radioulnar joint.

Four patients with dorsal dislocation of the distal radioulnar joint and ulnar styloid malunion had corrective osteotomy of the ulnar styloid. Dislocation of the distal radioulnar joint was reduced in three of four patients. Subluxation persisted in the remaining patient. Wrist function improved in all patients. These results support the contention that a displaced ulnar styloid fracture with distal radioulnar joint dislocation should be reduced and internally fixed. Corrective osteotomy is recommended for malunion of the ulnar styloid associated with dislocation of the distal radioulnar joint.

Changes in carpal tunnel pressures following endoscopic carpal tunnel release: a cadaveric study.

The purpose of this experiment was to determine the amount of tissue that must be sectioned to adequately decompress the median nerve during an endoscopic carpal tunnel release procedure. In 6 fresh cadaver forearms, 2 balloons were inserted into the carpal tunnel. The first balloon was filled with saline solution to cause an initial carpal intracanal pressure of 50 mmHg. Pressure measurements were recorded, using the second balloon, at various increments of the flexor retinaculum division at 3 wrist positions (neutral, 35 degrees ; flexion, 35 degrees extension). At all increments of sectioning, carpal tunnel pressures in the neutral wrist position were consistently lowest and the values in 35 degrees extension were greatest. At each wrist flexion/extension angle, the pressure statistically decreased during incremental division of the flexor retinaculum. Incomplete release of the transverse carpal ligament resulted in incomplete decompression in the canal. Sectioning the overlying aponeurosis caused a further significant decrease in intracanal pressure.

Proximal row carpectomy versus limited wrist arthrodesis for advanced Kienböck's disease.

The outcomes in 20 patients with advanced Kienböck's disease treated by proximal row carpectomy (seven patients) or limited wrist arthrodesis (13 patients) were reviewed retrospectively. Postoperatively, the results were more satisfactory in terms of wrist pain, the range of wrist flexion-extension, and grip strength following limited wrist arthrodesis than after proximal row carpectomy, although the differences were not statistically significant. We recommend scaphotrapeziotrapezoid arthrodesis in selected patients with advanced Kienböck's disease who have a fragmented lunate.

Blood pressure, insulin, and haematocrit values in Japanese subjects over 60 years of age.

Many studies have suggested an association between blood pressure (BP) and both insulinaemia and haematocrit values in Western populations. However, relatively few data regarding such associations for the Japanese population are available. We investigated the relationship between BP and various parameters, including insulin and haematocrit, in 269 healthy Japanese individuals (113 men and 156 women) over 60 years of age. The data were analysed by stepwise multiple regression analysis. In men, the most important determinant of systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) was the plasma insulin concentration (beta = 0.32, F = 12.4, P < 0.001 and beta = 0.32, F = 13, P < 0.001, respectively), and haematocrit was found to be associated with DBP (beta = 0.21, F = 5.3, P < 0.05). In women, fasting insulins were unrelated to BP, but fasting plasma glucose and triglyceride concentrations and age were associated with SBP (beta = 0.29, F = 15.5, P < 0.001, beta = 0.27, F = 14.3, P < 0.001, and beta = 0.2, F = 7.8, P < 0.01, respectively), and haematocrit, fasting plasma glucose concentration and age were associated with DBP (beta = 0.29, F = 14, P < 0.001, beta = 0.2, F = 6.9, P < 0.01 and beta = 0.2, F = 6.3, P < 0.05, respectively). These results suggest that the insulin-BP associations in healthy Japanese subjects over 60 years of age differ according to sex, and that haematocrit is an important determinant of DBP in both sexes in our population.

The ulnocarpal stress test in the diagnosis of ulnar-sided wrist pain.

Forty-five patients with persistent ulnar-sided wrist pain and a positive ulnocarpal stress test were investigated by X-ray, arthrography, 99mTechnetium bone scanning, magnetic resonance imaging and wrist arthroscopy. Ulnar wrist pathology was positively identified in nine of 45 patients by X-ray, 18 of 37 by arthrography, 19 of 27 by bone scan, four of 33 by MRI, and in all 45 patients by arthroscopy. The final diagnosis was ulnocarpal abutment syndrome in 28 patients, traumatic triangular fibrocartilage (TFC) tear in six, lunotriquetral (LT) ligament tear in five, TFC and LT ligament tear in one, wrist arthritis in four and cartilaginous free body in one. The ulnocarpal stress test is a useful provocative test, and a positive test suggests the presence of ulnar-sided wrist pathology. The test is sufficiently sensitive to warrant further investigation by arthroscopy.