Effect of ibandronate on spontaneous osteonecrosis of the knee: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Summary: Based on this double-blind, placebo-controlled study, ibandronate has no beneficial effect on clinical and radiological outcome in patients with spontaneous osteonecrosis of the knee over and above anti-inflammatory medication. Introduction: Observational studies suggest beneficial effects of bisphosphonates in spontaneous osteonecrosis (ON) of the knee. We investigated whether ibandronate would improve clinical and radiological outcome in newly diagnosed ON. Methods: In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 30 patients (mean age, 57.3 ± 10.7years) with ON of the knee were assigned to receive either ibandronate (cumulative dose, 13.5mg) or placebo intravenously (divided into five doses 12weeks). All subjects received additional treatment with oral diclofenac (70mg) and supplementation with calcium carbonate (500mg) and vitamin D (400IU) to be taken daily for 12weeks. Patients were followed for 48weeks. The primary outcome was the change in pain score after 12weeks. Secondary endpoints included changes in pain score, mobility, and radiological outcome (MRI) after 48weeks. Results: At baseline, both treatment groups (IBN, n = 14; placebo, n = 16) were comparable in relation to pain score and radiological grading (bone marrow edema, ON). After 12weeks, mean pain score was reduced in both ibandronate- (mean change, −2.98; 95% CI, −4.34 to −1.62) and placebo- (−3.59; 95% CI, −5.07 to −2.12) treated subjects (between-group comparison adjusted for age, sex, and osteonecrosis type, p = ns). Except for significant decrease in bone resorption marker (CTX) in ibandronate-treated subjects (p < 0.01), adjusted mean changes in all functional and radiological outcome measures were comparable between treatment groups after 24 and 48weeks. Conclusions: In patients with spontaneous osteonecrosis of the knee, bisphosphonate treatment (i.e., IV ibandronate) has no beneficial effect over and above anti-inflammatory medication

К проблеме социальной эффективности инноваций в профессиональном образовании

Movile Cave, Romania, is an unusual underground ecosystem that has been sealed off from the outside world for several million years and is sustained by non-phototrophic carbon fixation. Methane and sulfur-oxidising bacteria are the main primary producers, supporting a complex food web that includes bacteria, fungi and cave-adapted invertebrates. A range of methylotrophic bacteria in Movile Cave grow on one-carbon compounds including methylated amines, which are produced via decomposition of organic-rich microbial mats. The role of methylated amines as a carbon and nitrogen source for bacteria in Movile Cave was investigated using a combination of cultivation studies and DNA stable isotope probing (DNA-SIP) using 13C-monomethylamine (MMA). Two newly developed primer sets targeting the gene for gamma-glutamylmethylamide synthetase (gmaS), the first enzyme of the recently-discovered indirect MMA-oxidation pathway, were applied in functional gene probing. SIP experiments revealed that the obligate methylotroph Methylotenera mobilis is one of the dominant MMA utilisers in the cave. DNA-SIP experiments also showed that a new facultative methylotroph isolated in this study, Catellibacterium sp. LW-1 is probably one of the most active MMA utilisers in Movile Cave. Methylated amines were also used as a nitrogen source by a wide range of non-methylotrophic bacteria in Movile Cave. PCR-based screening of bacterial isolates suggested that the indirect MMA-oxidation pathway involving GMA and N-methylglutamate is widespread among both methylotrophic and non-methylotrophic MMA utilisers from the cave

The World of Anabolic Steroids

The World of Anabolic Steroids Jeff Wischer Dr. Michael Lane Department of Exercise and Sport Science My thesis topic revolves around anabolic steroids and the use and misuse of these drugs. So often in today’s society, we here about anabolic steroids and how detrimental they are to one’s health. We also often hear steroids that are associated with the sports world and sporting stars. Some of the key questions that my thesis topic focuses on include are the adverse effects associated with steroids true? Who are the main users of steroid? Why would someone use steroids? My thesis focuses on proper steroid usage vs steroid abuse and how this is a key aspect when it comes to the adverse effects of anabolic steroids. I will analyze how often proper steroid usage gets lumped into the same category as steroid abuse and will analyze the differences in the amount and severity of adverse effects that are produced by abuse vs proper use. I will analyze the effects caused to different body systems and look at the effects and differences between oral and injectable steroids. I will also look into why someone would abuse steroids and will analyze the three main reasons that are highlighted in the research as to why people abuse and misuse steroids instead of utilizing them properly. Keywords: Honors Thesis, Eastern Kentucky, Anabolic Steroids, Anabolic Steroid Abuse, Undergraduat

Spielverderber? Neue Medien, Computerspiele und Jugendgewalt. Diskussion mit Christian Pfeiffer und Alexander T. Müller

Textdokumentation zur Veranstaltung der Osnabrücker Friedensgespräche am 7. April 201

Effects and mechanisms of strength training in children

It has been demonstrated that strength training can be organized in children in a safe and effective way. However, there is limited data regarding its impact on muscle hypertrophy. This study investigated the effects of a high-intensity strength training (HIS) on knee extensor/flexor strength, countermovement (CMJ) jumping height, postural control, soft lean mass and muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) of the dominant leg in prepubertal children. Thirty-two children participated in this study and were assigned to an intervention (INT; N=17) or a control class ( N=15). The INT participated in 10 weeks of weight-machine based HIS integrated in physical education. Pre/post tests included the measurements of peak torque of the knee extensors/flexors at 60 and 180°/s, CMJ jumping height, postural sway, soft lean mass of the leg by bioelectrical impedance analysis, and CSA (m. quadriceps) by magnetic resonance imaging. HIS resulted in significant increases in knee extensor/flexor peak torque (60°/s and 180°/s). HIS did not produce significant changes in CMJ jumping height, postural sway, soft lean mass, and CSA. Although HIS was effective at increasing peak torque of the knee extensors/flexors in children, it was unable to affect muscle size. It appears that neural factors rather than muscle hypertrophy account for the observed strength gains in children

Unterricht

Keuffer J, Trautmann M. Unterricht. In: Coelen T, Otto H-U, eds. Grundbegriffe Ganztagsbildung. Das Handbuch. Wiesbaden: VS Verlag für Sozialwissenschaften; 2008: 557-565