Reconstruction of proximal pole scaphoid non-union with avascular necrosis using proximal hamate: A four-case series.

Union of proximal pole scaphoid fracture is challenging because the vascular supply is limited. The avascular necrosis accompanying non-union and progressive fragmentation make surgical reconstruction difficult. The present study aimed to report short-term results of reconstruction with proximal hamate in proximal pole scaphoid non-union with avascular necrosis. Four patients (3 male, 1 female) were assessed for non-union following proximal pole scaphoid fracture. Mean age was 25.7 years (range, 22-35 years). Mean interval between injury and reconstruction was 7.5 years (range, 5-9 years). In 3 patients, no treatment was given following the fracture and in the other internal fixation was performed following cast immobilization. The non-united avascular proximal scaphoid was resected and reconstructed with proximal hamate autograft. Mean follow-up was 14.0 months (range, 9-22 months) after reconstruction. At the last control, cases were evaluated in terms of clinical and functional status, and radiologic union was determined on CT scan. Three patients reported subjective decrease in pain. Mean grip strength proportionally to the unaffected side was 24% (range, 8-51%), mean flexion-extension was 55.3% (range, 21-60%), and radial-ulnar deviation was 63.6% (range, 25-100%). Mean QuickDASH score was 32.3 (range, 13.6-52.2). Union was observed in all patients. Proximal hamate reconstruction provided union and pain relief, but only moderate objective functional results. It can be used as an alternative technique in proximal pole scaphoid non-union with avascular necrosis.

Respiratory system model for quasistatic pulmonary pressure-volume (P-V) curve: generalized P-V curve analyses.

A normalized P-V curve is proposed for quantitative comparisons of quasistatic P-V curves from different sources, including data from different investigators, airway pressure-volume curves versus transpulmonary pressure-volume curves, normal versus injured respiratory system, and animal tests versus clinical data. Similarities and differences among five different data groups we analyzed are shown to be quantified through the nondimensional pressure range of an individual data set, combined with the magnitudes of two nondimensional parameters of the inflation limb, derived from a respiratory system model previously reported.

[The immunological monitoring of patients with acute radiation sickness 12 to 36 months after the accident at the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station]. / Immunologicheskii monitoring bol'nykh ostroi luchevoi bolezn'iu cherez 12--36 mes posle avarii na Cheronbyl'skoi AES.

Immunoassays of the 1st and 2nd levels were investigated in patients with acute radiation disease 12-36 mos. after irradiation. A decrease in the level of helper/inducer T-lymphocytes, a tendency to a decrease in the number of suppressors and an increase in the number of theophylline-stimulated T-cells in patients with acute radiation disease of the 3rd degree were observed. Control of the immune status of this group of patients is recommended.

[Morphometric analysis of immunocompetent cells]. / Morfometricheskii analiz immunokompetentnykh kletok.

The authors have developed the technique of morphometric analysis of human peripheral blood immunocompetent cells by means of Laborscal PSA-1, PSL-1 conductometric cytoanalyzer and DBK-010 computer-processing of the resultant histograms. The method was tried in examinations of more than 400 patients with various diseases and in studies of lymphocyte activation changes. Formulae for calculation of cellular diameters and volumes are offered, as is the program for histogram processing.