Long-term survival and radiological results of the Duracon™ total knee arthroplasty

Purpose: The aim of this study was to analyse the long-term (>tenyears) survival rate and radiological results of the Duracon TKA. Methods: Between 1992 and 1999 159 Duracon TKA were implanted at our institution. A Kaplan-Meier survival analysis for the endpoints exchange, addition or removal of any component for any reason, revision due to aseptic loosening and mechanical failure was performed. Radiological long-term (>tenyears) follow-up (FU) analysis was performed according to the Knee Society Radiographic Evaluation and Scoring System. Results: Mean age at surgery was 74.3years, 28% were male, and 89% had primary osteoarthritis as diagnosis. Mean FU for survival analysis was 10.9years (SD 4.2). A total of 58% of the patients died during follow-up. Three patients (2.1%) were lost to follow-up and five TKA (3.1%) were revised. After tenyears the mean survival was 97.7%, 99.4% and 98.3% for the aforementioned endpoints, respectively. Mean radiological FU was 11.8years (SD 2.3). We found no significant change in alignment of the components or axis over time. Progressive radiolucencies were found in nine TKA (17%), mainly around the tibial component (95%). Conclusion: The Duracon TKA showed excellent long-term survival comparable to data from national registers and to other successful designs. Radiological changes found on plain radiographs were scarce after almost 12years of radiological follow-up indicating good implant stability

Absolutely dating the European Neolithic through a rapid 14C excursion.

The discovery of abrupt radiocarbon (14C) excursions (Solar Energetic Particle events, or Miyake events) in sequences of radiocarbon measurements from calendar dated tree-rings, has yielded new opportunities to assign absolute, calendar dates to undated wood samples from widely ranging contexts in history and prehistory. We report on an important tree-ring and 14C-dating based study, which secures the Neolithic site of Dispilio, Northern Greece, a key site for the Aegean Neolithic, in absolute, calendar-dated time using the Miyake event of 5259 BC. The last ring of the 303-year-long juniper tree-ring chronology from Dispilio is dated to 5140 BC. Dispilio is thus the first prehistoric site absolutely dated through a 14C signature (Miyake event), but also the first absolutely, calendar-year dated prehistoric site in the wider Mediterranean region

Dendroarchaeology of Sovjan - the first Early Bronze Age dendrochronological analysis from the southwestern Balkans (Albania)

The archaeological site of Sovjan is situated on the north-western edge of the Korçë Basin, south-eastern Albania. The stratigraphy of Sovjan spans from the Neolithic till the Bronze Age. The thoroughly investigated stratigraphic sequence of the site makes it one of the most important prehistoric reference-sites in Albania and the surrounding region. During prehistory Sovjan was situated at various distances from the shores of the former Lake Maliq, which once filled the Korçë Basin, but was definitely drained after the 1940s. The waterlogged conditions on the site allowed for a high degree of preservation of wooden remains. From the two uncovered dwellings from layer 8, the Maison du Canal (House on the Canal) represents probably the best-preserved wooden structure from the Bronze Age Balkans. The predominant use of deciduous oak wood (Quercus spp.) is confirmed in this phase. Through a combination of dendrochronological analysis and 14C-dates (wiggle matching), we were able to define a high-precision chronological placement of the layer with an end-date range falling between 2158 and 2142 cal BC (2σ), the second half of the Early Bronze Age. It was confirmed that the two dwellings and the trackway were built in the same construction event, made of both worked and unworked wood. The utilized construction timber falls into various age-classes, suggesting variable exploitation of the woodland resources. Additionally, through Bayesian modelling of the previously published 14C dates from the transitional layer 7, its chronological placement is narrowed-down to the 22nd – 20th century BC. These new results suggest the contemporaneity of the processes in the Balkan ‘hinterland’ with those occurring in the wider Aegean region

The natriuretic peptide MR-proANP predicts all-cause mortality and adverse outcome in community patients: a 10-year follow-up study

The precursor peptide of atrial natriuretic peptide (MR-proANP) has a physiological role in fluid homeostasis and is associated with mortality and adverse clinical outcomes in heart failure patients. Little is known about the prognostic potential of this peptide for long-term mortality prediction in community-dwelling patients. We evaluated associations of MR-proANP levels with 10-year all-cause mortality in patients visiting their general practitioner for a respiratory tract infection.; In this post-hoc analysis including 359 patients (78.5%) of the original trial, we calculated cox regression models and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) to assess associations of MR-proANP blood levels with mortality and adverse outcome including death, pulmonary embolism, and major adverse cardiac or cerebrovascular events.; After a median follow-up of 10.0 years, 9.8% of included patients died. Median admission MR-proANP levels were significantly elevated in non-survivors compared to survivors (80.5 pmol/L, IQR 58.6-126.0; vs. 45.6 pmol/L, IQR 34.2-68.3; p<0.001) and associated with 10-year all-cause mortality (age-adjusted HR 2.0 [95% CI 1.3-3.1, p=0.002]; AUC 0.79). Results were similar for day 7 blood levels and also for the prediction of other adverse outcomes.; Increased MR-proANP levels were associated with 10-year all-cause mortality and adverse clinical outcome in a sample of community-dwelling patients. If diagnosis-specific cut-offs are confirmed in future studies, this marker may help to direct preventive measures in primary care

Vor den Toren von Vindonissa. Wohnen und Arbeiten in einem Handwerkerquartier in den canabae des Legionslagers (Windisch Zivilsiedlung West 2006 – 2008)

Erstmals erlaubt die Teilauswertung einer grossflächigen Ausgrabung einen vertieften Einblick in Entwicklung und Struktur der canabae legionis von Vindonissa. Im Westen des Lagers wurde um 30/40 n. Chr. ein römisches Gräberfeld aufgehoben, das Gelände wird neu parzelliert und zügig überbaut. Ein Grossbrand um 70 n. Chr zerstört das gesamte Quartier. Die Gebäude werden kurz nach 106 n. Chr. verlassen – annähernd gleichzeitig mit der Ankunft der XI. Legion in ihrem neuen Lager in Durostorum. Die Bewohner sind Handwerker – etwa Schmiede und Gerber. Sie dürften vorwiegend für das Lager produziert haben. Die von Legionsstandorten sonst bekannte Siedlungsdualität mit canabae legionis und vicus scheint für Vindonissa nicht zu existieren – die Zivilsiedlung ist insgesamt als canabae anzusprechen

Copeptin predicts 10-year all-cause mortality in community patients: a 10-year prospective cohort study

Copeptin, the C-terminal part of the arginine vasopressin (AVP) precursor peptide, is secreted in response to stress and correlates with adverse clinical outcomes in the acute-care hospital setting. There are no comprehensive data regarding its prognostic value in the community. We evaluated associations of copeptin levels with 10-year mortality in patients visiting their general practitioner (GP) for a respiratory infection included in a previous trial.; This is a post hoc analysis including data from 359 patients included in the PARTI trial. Copeptin was measured in batch-analysis on admission and after 7 days. We calculated Cox regression models and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) to assess an association of copeptin with mortality and adverse outcome. Follow-up data were collected by GP, patient and relative tracing through phone interviews 10 years after trial inclusion.; After a median follow-up of 10.0 years, mortality was 9.8%. Median admission copeptin levels (pmol/L) were significantly elevated in non-survivors compared to survivors (13.8, IQR 5.9-27.8; vs. 6.3 IQR 4.1-11.5; p>0.001). Admission copeptin levels were associated with 10-year all-cause mortality [age-adjusted hazard ratio 1.7 (95% CI, 1.2-2.5); p>0.001, AUC 0.68]. Results were similar for discharge copeptin levels. Copeptin also predicted adverse outcomes defined as death, pulmonary embolism and major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events.; In a sample of community-dwelling patients visiting their GP for a respiratory infection, copeptin levels were associated with 10-year all-cause mortality. In conjunction with traditional risk factors, this marker may help to better direct preventive measures in this population

Dendroarchaeology at Lake Ohrid: 5th and 2nd millennia BCE tree-ring chronologies from the waterlogged site of Ploča Mičov Grad, North Macedonia

On the prehistoric site of Ploča Mičov Grad (Ohrid, North Macedonia) on the eastern shore of Lake Ohrid a total of 799 wooden elements were recorded from a systematically excavated area of nearly 100 square meters. Most of them are pile remains of round wood with diameters up to almost 40 cm. A comprehensive dendrochronological analysis allowed the construction of numerous well-replicated chronologies for different species. High agreements between the chronologies prove that oak, pine, juniper, ash and hop-hornbeam can be cross-dated. The chronologies were dated by means of radiocarbon dating and modelling using wiggle matching. An intensive settlement phase is attested for the middle of the 5th millennium BCE. Further phases follow towards the end of the 5th millennium BCE and in the 2nd millennium around 1800, 1400 and 1300 BCE. Furthermore, the exact, relative felling dates allow first insights into the minimum duration of the settlement phases, which lie between 17 and 87 years. The multi-centennial chronologies presented in this study represent a first robust dating basis for future research in the numerous not yet dated prehistoric lake shore settlements in the southwestern Balkans with excellently preserved wooden remains

New quantitative radiographic parameters for vertical and horizontal instability in acromioclavicular joint dislocations.

PURPOSE The aim of this study was to identify the most accurate and reliable quantitative radiographic parameters for assessing vertical and horizontal instability in different Rockwood grades of acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) separations. Furthermore, the effect of projectional variation on these parameters was investigated in obtaining lateral Alexander view radiographs. METHODS A Sawbone model of a scapula with clavicle was mounted on a holding device, and acromioclavicular dislocations as per the Rockwood classification system were simulated with the addition of horizontal posterior displacement. Projectional variations for each injury type were performed by tilting/rotating the Sawbone construct in the coronal, sagittal or axial plane. Radiographic imaging in the form of an anterior-posterior Zanca view and a lateral Alexander view were taken for each injury type and each projectional variation. Five newly defined radiographic parameters for assessing horizontal and vertical displacement as well as commonly used coracoclavicular distance view were measured. Reliability, validity and the effect of projectional variation were investigated for these radiographic measurements. RESULTS All radiographic parameters showed excellent intra- and interobserver reliability. The validity was excellent for the acromial centre line to dorsal clavicle (AC-DC) in vertical displacement and for the glenoid centre line to posterior clavicle (GC-PC) in horizontal displacement, whilst the remaining measurements showed moderate validity. For AC-DC and GC-PC, convergent validity expressed strong correlation to the effective distance and discriminant validity demonstrated its ability to differentiate between various grades of ACJ dislocations. The effect of projectional variation increased with the degree of deviation and was maximal (3 mm) for AC-DC in 20° anteverted malpositioning and for GC-PC in 20° retroverted malpositioning. CONCLUSIONS AC-DC and the GC-PC are two novel quantitative radiographic parameters of vertical and horizontal instability in ACJ dislocations that demonstrate excellent reliability and validity with reasonable inertness to malpositioning. The use of AC-DC for assessing vertical displacement and GC-PC for assessing horizontal displacement in a single Alexander view is recommended to guide the appropriate management of ACJ dislocations. A better appreciation of the degree of horizontal instability, especially in lower Rockwood grades (II, III) of ACJ dislocations, may improve management of these controversial injuries

Copeptin predicts 10-year all-cause mortality in community patients: a 10-year prospective cohort study

AbstractBackground: Copeptin, the C-terminal part of the arginine vasopressin (AVP) precursor peptide, is secreted in response to stress and correlates with adverse clinical outcomes in the acute-care hospital setting. There are no comprehensive data regarding its prognostic value in the community. We evaluated associations of copeptin levels with 10-year mortality in patients visiting their general practitioner (GP) for a respiratory infection included in a previous trial. Methods: This is a post hoc analysis including data from 359 patients included in the PARTI trial. Copeptin was measured in batch-analysis on admission and after 7 days. We calculated Cox regression models and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) to assess an association of copeptin with mortality and adverse outcome. Follow-up data were collected by GP, patient and relative tracing through phone interviews 10 years after trial inclusion. Results: After a median follow-up of 10.0 years, mortality was 9.8%. Median admission copeptin levels (pmol/L) were significantly elevated in non-survivors compared to survivors (13.8, IQR 5.9-27.8; vs. 6.3 IQR 4.1-11.5; p<0.001). Admission copeptin levels were associated with 10-year all-cause mortality [age-adjusted hazard ratio 1.7 (95% CI, 1.2-2.5); p<0.001, AUC 0.68]. Results were similar for discharge copeptin levels. Copeptin also predicted adverse outcomes defined as death, pulmonary embolism and major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events. Conclusions: In a sample of community-dwelling patients visiting their GP for a respiratory infection, copeptin levels were associated with 10-year all-cause mortality. In conjunction with traditional risk factors, this marker may help to better direct preventive measures in this population

Истражување На Локалитетот Плоча-Миќов Град Кај Градиште (Охридско Езеро) Во 2019 Година

Research In 2019 At The Site Of Ploča-Mićov Grad Near Gradište (Lake Ohrid) [in Mazedonisch]: Локалитетот Плоча-Миќов Град кај Градиште на Охридското Езеро претставу-ва една од најдобро истражените наколни на-селби во балканскиот регион, што овозможува потемелен увид во нејзиниот карактер, но и во заедниците што ја основале и користеле. Покрај придонесот на претходните истражувања на овој локалитет, голем удел во тоа има теков-ниот меѓународен проект EXPLO (Exploring the dynamics and causes of prehistoric land use change in the cradle of European farming), поддржан од Европскиот истражувачки совет. Овој проект е во соработка меѓу Универзитетот во Берн, Уни-верзитетот во Оксфорд и Универзитетот во Со-лун, додека македонски партнери се Центарот за истражување на предисторијата и Заводот за заштита на спомениците на културата и музеј - Охрид во домен на ископувањето на локалите-тот Плоча-Миќов Град. Како резултат на оваа соработка, годинашното истражување вклучи повеќе мултидисциплинарни сфери, како што се дендрохронологијата, археоботаниката, пале-оекологијата, проучувањето на материјалната култура итн. Во таа смисла, истражувањето во 2019 година беше надоврзување на она од прет-ходната година, но во рамки на нов проект и со вклучување на многу поголем тим од стручњаци и студенти, коишто се ангажираа во разни сег-менти од работата на Плоча-Миќов Град