Wirkung des Quassiapräparates "Quassan" gegen die Sägewespe

Since reduction in effectivity of the bitter wood preparation Quassan in the years 1999 and 2000, the quality of the product had to be criticised. Quality control has since been improved, in so far as each batch is now tested in a biotest on aphids before dispatch. Parallel to its normal use in the field, the effect of Quassan was also field tested in 2001 against apple sawflies. Quassan was tested in different concentrations per hectare and the effect compared with an untreated control as well as with plots treated with a self-cooked Quassiawood extract. All the methods showed an efficacy of 80% or more as compared with the control. Differences due to concentration per hectare used were only minimal

Performance and governance of Swiss pension funds

We investigate the relationship between pension fund governance and investment performance. For this purpose, we develop the Swiss Pension Fund Governance Index (SPGI) which is a standard metric for the governance quality of Swiss pension funds. The empirical analysis is based on a sample of 96 pension funds with total assets of more than CHF 190 billion. We find evidence for governance issues in the area organization and target setting. Our results support the widespread hypothesis of a positive relationship between pension fund governance and investment performanc

Improving estimations of maximal stand density by combining Reineke's size-density rule and the yield level, using the example of spruce ( Picea abies (L.) Karst.) and European Beech ( Fagus sylvatica L.)

• The Reineke Stand density rule relating stem numbers to the quadratic mean diameter is generally used as a reference for modelling maximal stand density. • The linearity of this relationship after double logarithmic transformation is generally assumed, but it must be questioned for untouched stands and stands with a conventional thinning regime. Curvilinearity is demonstrated for some spruce and beech stands in Switzerland and shown to be statistically representative. This relationship is independent of the site index. It can be interpreted as a change in mortality in young stages mainly due to competition and in older stages more to ageing. • A more accurate estimation of the maximal stand density needs to take into account the important variation around the mean course, known as the yield level. A simple method to assess the yield level of any stand regardless of whether it is thinned or not is presented, based on estimating the effect of a stand opening on the basal are

Evaluation of the forest growth model SILVA along an elevational gradient in Switzerland

The semi-empirical single-tree model SILVA 2.2 has been developed and parameterised using forest research and inventory data from Germany that range from the colline to the montane zone. The focus of the model evaluation presented in this study was to test the applicability of the model for the main Swiss forest types and at elevations ranging from the colline to the upper subalpine zone. To this end, SILVA was initialized using data from long-term forest yield research plots. The results at the end of the 30-year simulation were compared with observed data. The analysis of the results at each test site showed that there were no significant differences in model performance between forest types. However, the deviation between simulated and observed growth depended strongly on the elevational zone, i.e., on climate. As expected, the best results were found in the colline zone, for which the model had been calibrated, whereas the upper subalpine sites revealed the strongest differences. The quality of the data regarding forest structure that were available for model initialization had a strong impact on the simulation results, mainly at high-elevation zones (i.e., supalpine and upper subalpine). We conclude that SILVA 2.2 is a suitable tool to estimate the development of single trees and standing volume for a large fraction of the forests in Switzerland. However, extreme climate conditions should be avoided with the model, and the availability of detailed stand structure information is a key priority that has a strong effect on the quality of the simulation result

Subtrochanteric osteotomy in the management of femoral maltorsion results in anteroposterior malcorrection of the greater trochanter: computed simulations of 3D surface models of 100 cadavers

Aim: The purpose of this study was to investigate the greater trochanter's (GT) behaviour in simulated subtrochanteric osteotomy. Materials and methods: Measurement of functional and anatomical femoral torsion, and position of the GT and lesser trochanter was performed using 3-dimensional (3D) surface models of 100 cadaveric femora. Femoral torsion between 2° and 22° was defined as normal, femora with 22° of femoral torsion were assigned to the low- and high-torsion group. Subtrochanteric osteotomy was simulated to normalise torsional deformities to 12°. Results: With subtrochanteric osteotomy, functional torsion was simultaneously corrected while adjusting anatomical torsion (R2 = 0.866, p < 0.001). Compared to the normal-torsion group, an anteroposterior (AP) overcorrection of ±0.5 centimetres (range 0.02-1.1 cm) of the GT resulted in the high- and low-torsion group, respectively (p < 0.001): Mean AP GT distance to a standardised coronal plane was 2.1 ± 0.3 cm (range 12-30 cm) in the normal-torsion group compared to 1.61 ± 0.1 cm (range 1.4-1.71 cm) and 2.6 ± 0.6 cm (range 1.8-3.6 cm) for the corrected high and low-torsion groups, respectively. The extent of the GT shift in AP direction correlated strongly with the extent to which anatomical femoral torsion was corrected (R2 = 0.946; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Subtrochanteric osteotomy for femoral maltorsion reliably adjusts anatomical and functional torsion, but also results in a ±1 cm AP shift of the GT per 10° of torsional correction. However, this effect of the procedure is most likely not clinically relevant in relation to hip abductor performance. Keywords: Femoral anteversion; maltorsion; subtrochanteric osteotomy; torsional correctio

Does retrograde cerebral perfusion via superior vena cava cannulation protect the brain?

Objective: The retrograde cerebral perfusion via cannulation of the superior vena cava is a widespread method for optimising protection of the brain during hypothermic circulatory arrest. Methods: In 14 cadavers (8 females, 6 males) of the local department of pathology, an examination was performed to check the competence of the valves of the internal jugular veins. After a complete preparation of the superior vena cava, the innominate vein and both internal jugular veins, ligating all side branches, a retrograde perfusion on 7 cadavers was installed, documenting flow and pressure of each internal jugular vein (IJV) in vitro. Afterwards, the veins were opened and their valves inspected. Results: In all 14 cadavers, anatomically and functionally competent valves on the right proximal IJV were found. Only 1/14 cadaver had no valve in the left proximal IJV. Additional rudimentary and incompetent valves could be identified in 1/14 cadaver on the distal right IJV, and in 2/14 cadavers on the left IJV. Retrograde flow measurement of 7/14 cadavers revealed 0ml/min in 4/7 cadavers, 6ml/min in 1/7, 340ml/min in 1/7 and 2500ml/min in 1/7 cadaver. Conclusions: As a rule, anatomically and functionally competent valves in the proximal IJV are present. In human beings, they obstruct the direct retrograde inlet to the intracranial venous system, which suggests an unbalanced and unreliable perfusion of the brain. Therefore, retrograde cerebral perfusion by cannulating the superior vena cava may help flushing out embolism and supporting ‘the cold jacket' of the brain. However, its effect of retrograde backflow cannot be a sign of adequate cerebral perfusio

Total hip arthroplasty through the direct anterior approach for sequelae of Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease

INTRODUCTION Due to multiplanar deformities of the hip, total hip arthroplasty (THA) for sequelae of Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (LCPD) is often technically demanding. This study aimed to compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes of patients with sequelae of LCPD undergoing THA through the direct anterior approach (DAA) and non-anterior approaches to the hip. METHODS All patients with sequelae of LCPD who underwent primary THA between 2004 and 2018 (minimum follow-up: 2 years) were evaluated and separated into two groups: THA through the DAA (Group AA), or THA through non-anterior approaches to the hip (Group non-AA). Furthermore, a consecutive control group of patients undergoing unilateral THA through the DAA for primary hip osteoarthritis (Group CC) was retrospectively reviewed for comparison. RESULTS Group AA comprises 14 hips, group non-AA 17 hips and group CC 30 hips. Mean follow-up was 8.6 (± 5.2; 2-15), 9.0 (± 4.6; 3-17) and 8.1 (± 2.2; 5-12) years, respectively. At latest follow-up, Harris Hip Score was 90 (± 20; 26-100), 84 (± 15; 57-100), and 95 (± 9; 63-100) points, respectively. Overall, 6 patients treated for LCPD (each 3 patient in the AA and non-AA group) developed postoperative sciatic nerve palsy, of which only one was permanent. Complication-related revision rate at the latest follow-up was 15% in the AA-group and 25% in the non-AA group, respectively. CONCLUSION THA through the DAA might be a credible option for the treatment of sequelae of LCPD with comparable complication rates and functional outcomes to non-anterior approaches

Three-dimensional analysis of functional femoral antetorsion and the position of the greater trochanter in high-grade patellofemoral dysplastic knees

BACKGROUND The relationship between functional femoral antetorsion, the greater trochanter (GT) position and anatomical antetorsion has been demonstrated in patients with a primary hip pathology. However, the functional antetorsion and GT position have not been analyzed in patellofemoral dysplastic knees. The aim of this study was to develop a three-dimensional (3D) measurement to quantify the functional femoral antetorsion and position of the GT and to analyze these measurements in a cohort of high-grade patellofemoral dysplastic knees. METHOD A 3D measurement was developed to analyze functional antetorsion and the axial position of the GT and assessed in 100 cadaveric femora. For validity and repeatability testing, inter- and intra-observer reliability were determined using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). These measurements were then evaluated in a cohort of 19 high-grade patellofemoral dysplastic knees (Dejour type C, D). The relationship between anatomical antetorsion, functional antetorsion and GT position were reported. RESULTS Inter- and intra-reader reliability for 3D functional antetorsion and axial position of the GT demonstrated a minimum ICC of 0.96 (P < 0.001). Anatomical and functional antetorsion demonstrated a highly linear relationship (R$^{2}$ = 0.878; P < 0.001) in high-grade patellofemoral dysplastic knees. The mean difference between anatomical and functional antetorsion decreased with increasing anatomical antetorsion (R$^{2}$ = 0.25; P = 0.031, indicating a more anterior position of the GT relative to the femoral neck axis. CONCLUSION In high-grade patellofemoral dysplastic knees, the GT is located more anteriorly, relative to the femoral neck axis, with increasing anatomical antetorsion and correction osteotomy may result in an excessively anterior position of the GT

The Carbon Balance of Two Contrasting Mountain Forest Ecosystems in Switzerland: Similar Annual Trends, but Seasonal Differences

Net ecosystem exchange (NEE) of two contrasting mountain forest types in Switzerland was measured by eddy covariance (EC) measurements at a montane mixed forest, the Lägeren forest, over 5 years (2005-2009), and at a subalpine coniferous forest, the Seehornwald in Davos, over 12years (1997-2009). NEE was validated against annual carbon (C) storage estimates, based on biometric and soil respiration measurements as well as soil C modeling. Three different approaches were used: (1) calculation of net ecosystem production by quantifying C pools and fluxes, (2) assessment of change in wood biomass and soil C storage (ΔC), and (3) application of biomass expansion factors. Although biometric estimates were sensitive to assumptions made for each method applied, they agreed well with measured NEE. Comparing 5years of EC measurements available at both sites during 2005 and 2009 revealed that NEE, gross primary production (GPP), and total ecosystem respiration (TER) were larger at the Lägeren forest compared to the Davos forest, whereas soil respiration and soil C sequestration were of similar magnitudes. Both sites showed similar annual trends for NEE, GPP and TER, but different seasonal courses, due to different responses to environmental conditions (temperature, soil moisture, and radiation). Differences in the magnitude as well as in the seasonality of ecosystem CO2 exchange could mainly be attributed to tree phenology, productivity, and carbon allocation patterns, which are combined effects of tree type (broad-leaved vs. coniferous trees) and site-specific climatic conditions. Flux differences between the two mountain sites highlight the importance of considering the role of altitude in ecological studies and modelin