The growth, water use, ionic composition, photosynthesis, and chlorophyll fluorescence were measured. Both high Na+ and high Cl- reduced growth of faba bean but plants were more sensitive to Cl- than to Na+. The reductions in growth and photosynthesis were greater under NaCl stress and the effect was mainly additive. An important difference to previous hydroponic studies was that increasing the concentrations of NaCl in the soil increased the concentration of Cl- more than the concentration of

Na+. The data showed that salinity caused by high concentrations of NaCl can reduce growth by the accumulation of high concentrations of both Na+ and Cl- simultaneously, but the effects of the two ions may differ. High Cl- concentration reduces the photosynthetic capacity and quantum yield due to chlorophyll degradation which may result from a structural GDC-0973 cost impact of high Cl- concentration on PSII. High Na+ interferes with K+ and Ca2+ nutrition and disturbs efficient stomatal regulation which results in a depression of photosynthesis and growth. These results suggest that the importance of Cl- toxicity as a cause of reductions in growth and yield under salinity

stress may have been underestimated.”
“The interactions of a commercial soy protein buy BAY 57-1293 isolate (SPI) and a 2:1 SPI:high methoxy pectin (PEC) complex were evaluated over a range of pH values (3-7). The SPI formed very large (>50 mu m) and largely insoluble aggregates (<10%) close to its isoelectric point (IEP, pH 4 and 5) and smaller, more soluble (>80%) particles at higher and lower pH values. The addition of PEC

increased the solubility of SPI close to its IEP (pH 4 and 5) and prevented the formation of very large aggregates. However. PEC reduced the solubility of HMPL-504 SPI at higher and lower pH values presumably via a depletion mechanism. The zeta-potential of diluted SPI dispersions decreased from positive to negative with increasing pH, passing through zero at pH 4.6, the isoelectric point (IEP) of the protein. At pH <6, the addition of PEC reduced the charge of the protein suggesting the formation of a complex while at pH 6 or 7 there was no evidence of complex formation. The increased SPI solubility in the IEP in the presence of PEC is probably due to the formation of charged complex which do not aggregate while the decreased solubility of protein in the presence at high and low PEC is probably due to the formation of insoluble complexes and a depletion interaction respectively. Thermal treatment (30 min, 90 degrees C) enhanced the solubility of the SPI:PEC complexes close to the IEP (pH 4 and 5), but reduces it at low pH (pH 3). The SPI: PEC complexes could be manufactured in the form of a beverage at pilot scale where their solubility was enhanced by homogenization.

1 nM MDA +/- 5.1 (SD) using a 0.9 mm 45-degree Kelman tapered ABS tip. With other tip designs intended for use with the torsional modality, free radical production was further reduced when fitted with the 0.9 mm 45-degree Kelman mini-flared ABS tip (13.2 +/- 5.6 nM MDA) or the 0.9 mm 45-degree OZil-12 mini-flared ABS tip (14.3 +/- 6.7 nM MDA). Although the measurements resulting from the use of the latter 2 tips

were not statistically significantly different (P approximate to .25), they were different from those of the tapered tip (P<.0001).

CONCLUSIONS: The MDA concentration in the learn more aspirated irrigation solution using the torsional modality was approximately one half that reported for the handpiece’s longitudinal

modality in a previous study using the same bent-tip design (Kelman tapered, P<.0001). The level of MDA was further reduced approximately one half with torsional-specific tips.”
“Background: Marijuana use is typically initiated during adolescence, which is a critical period for neural development. Studies have reported reductions in prepulse inhibition (PPI) among adults who use marijuana chronically, although no human studies BKM120 price have been conducted during the critical adolescent period.

Methods: This study tested PPI of acoustic startle among adolescents who were either frequent marijuana users or nave to the drug (Controls). Adolescents were tested using Autophagy signaling inhibitor two intensities of prepulses (70 and 85 dB) combined with a 105 dB startle stimulus,

delivered across two testing blocks.

Results: There was a significant interaction of group by block for PPI; marijuana users experienced a greater decline in the PPI across the testing session than Controls. The change in PPI of response magnitude for users was predicted by change in urine THC/creatinine after atleast 18 h of abstinence, the number of joints used during the previous week before testing, as well as self-reported DSM-IV symptoms of marijuana tolerance, and time spent using marijuana rather than participating in other activities.

Conclusions: These outcomes suggest that adolescents who are frequent marijuana users have problems maintaining prepulse inhibition, possibly due to lower quality of information processing or sustained attention, both of may contribute to continued marijuana use as well as attrition from marijuana treatment. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Ethylene induces characteristic ripening reactions in climacteric fruits through its binding to histidine-kinase (HK) receptors, activating the expression of ripening genes. Ethylene receptors have been found in Arabidopsis thaliana (Brassicaceae) and some fruits; number and expression patterns differ among species. In mango, only ethylene receptor ETR1 was known. We cloned ERS1 cDNA from mango, and evaluated the expression of Mi-ERS1 and Mi-ETR1 by qPCR in developmental and ripening stages of this fruit.

64 and 10.32 mu M to melamine, respectively. The cross-reactivity of 2 scFv antibodies with cyanuric acid and chloromycetin were below 1%. The high similarity of 2 scFv nucleotide sequences indicated that they may originate from 1 B cell

clone Selleck 3-deazaneplanocin A that had undergone somatic diversification. As a consequence, the conjugation synthesis was successful and the selected scFvs could be used for sensitive detection of melamine in foods and feeds by immunoassay.”
“Bulk single-phase gamma-Y2Si2O7 ceramic has been synthesized from a mixture of Y2O3 powder and SiO2 nanopowder at 1400 degrees C. The dielectric properties are reported at the temperature ranging from room temperature to 1400 degrees C in X-band. The results show that gamma-Y2Si2O7 exhibits low dielectric loss and non-Debye relaxation behavior different from that of SiO2. The peculiar relaxation peak is attributed to the structural relaxation polarization caused by thermal-excitation structural defects, which selleckchem implies that no ionic conductance exists in this material. Such low dielectric loss will draw much attention for

potential dielectric applications at high temperature.”
“Little published information is available regarding epidemiological data on vitamin D status in the large geographical region of Central Europe (CE). We searched the journal literature with regard to 25(OH) D concentrations among community-dwelling or healthy people living in CE. 25(OH) D concentrations varied by age, season, study sample size, and methodological approach [ i.e., 25(OH) D assay used]. Concentrations of 25(OH) D in CE appeared lower than 30 ng/mL, and the

magnitude of hypovitaminosis D was similar to that reported in Western Europe. While most of the studies reviewed were cross-sectional studies, a longitudinal study was also included to obtain information on seasonal variability. The longitudinal study reported wintertime 25(OH) D values close to 21-23 ng/mL for all studied age groups, with a www.selleckchem.com/products/pifithrin-alpha.html significant increase of 25(OH) D in August reaching 42 ng/mL for those aged 0-9 years, but only 21 ng/mL for the elderly aged 80-89 years. The decrease in 25(OH) D with respect to age was attributed to decreased time spent in the sun and decreased vitamin D production efficiency. Based on the literature review on vitamin D status in the CE populations, it can be concluded that 25(OH) vitamin D levels are on average below the 30 ng/mL level.”
“The permeation resistance of various grades of perfluoroalkoxy (PFA)/polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) copolymers was tested. Specimens were compression molded using two different cooling techniques: a faster one (ice water quench) and a slower one (press cooled). Permeability, diffusion, and solubility coefficients were measured for hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen gases.

Results: For participants in the top decile of environmental far-field RF-EMF exposure at baseline, in comparison to participants exposed below the median value, the change in the von Zerssen- and HIT-6-scores between baseline and follow-up was -0.12 (95%-CI: -1.79 to 1.56) and -0.37 (95%-CI: -1.80 to 1.07) units, respectively. Exposure to near-field sources and a change in exposure LDK378 ic50 between baseline and follow-up were not related to non-specific symptoms. Similarly, no association between RF-EMF exposure and tinnitus was observed.

Conclusions: In this first cohort study using objective and well-validated RF-EMF exposure measures, we did not observe an

association between RF-EMF exposure and non-specific symptoms or tinnitus. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“The aim of this study was to evaluate INCB024360 in vivo the effectiveness of Chneau brace in the management of idiopathic scoliosis.

This is a retrospective observational study according to SOSORT

and SRS (Scoliosis Research Society) recommendations involving 48 girls with documented progressive idiopathic scoliosis, treated with Chneau brace. A statistical analysis was performed with STATA MP11.2 to validate the obtained results.

No patient needed surgery. The average curve angle measured in Cobb degrees passed from 27A degrees A A +/- A 6.7A degrees at the beginning (T0), to 7.6A degrees A A +/- A 7.4A degrees in brace (T1) (72 % of correction), to 8.5A degrees A A +/- A 8.6A degrees (69 % of correction) at the end of treatment (T2), to 11.0A degrees A A +/- A 7.4A degrees (59.3 % of correction) at final follow-up (mean 5 years and 5 months) (T3).

Conservative treatment with Chneau brace and physiotherapy was effective in our hands for halting scoliosis progression in 100 % of patients.”
“Background: Heart failure is a major public health problem. To improve grave prognosis. early identification of, Cardiac dysfunction is mandatory. Conventional echocardiography

is not suitable for this. Tissue Doppler imaging (TDI). however, could be so.

Methods and Results: Within a large community-based population-study (n = 1012), cardiac function was evaluated by conventional echocardiography (left ventricular hypertrophy, GW4869 dilatation, systolic, and severe diastolic dysfunction), TDI, and plasma proBNP. Averages of peak systolic (s’), early diastolic (e’), and late diastolic(a’) velocities from 6 mitral annular sites were used. TDI was furthermore quantified by a combined index (eas-index) of diastolic and systolic performance: e’/(a’ x s’). Compared with controls, persons with elevated plasma proBNP concentrations (n = 100) displayed lower systolic and diastolic performance by TDI, in terms of lower s’(P = 0.017) and a’ (P < .001), and higher e’/a’ (P = .002) and eas-index (P < .001).

We used the PubMed database, as well as the database of species’ names – Taxonomy, in order to gather information about the investigated taxa. The review of the literature was made with the use of advanced options, on the basis of keywords (or combinations of keywords) and

selected journals. Record search strategies were evaluated on the basis of the sensitivity of search (number of papers meeting the criteria of search strategy) and the specificity of search (number of papers containing in their title and/or abstract information on taxa used in blood platelet research). The publications were considered specific if they reported either Latin or common names of plants (or both). The main search strategy was characterised by high sensitivity, but low specificity. The basis for plant taxonomic specification was the list of 1080 articles, published in

434 journals. The list of Etomoxir chemical structure taxa used in blood platelet studies covered 98 genera belonging to 47 families of seed plants. The richest in genera, and also in species, appeared to be the families Asteraceae, Fabaceae, and Rosaceae, the most abundant in species all over the world. This study may be a starting point for the selection Selleckchem ABT737 of plant species to be used for biomedical research and – at the same time – may help in the search for an effective strategy of literature tracking concerning flavonoids and blood platelets.”
“Aims To explore how baseline demographic, clinical, and urodynamic (UDS) variables correlate with measures of urethral function in women planning midurethral sling surgery. Methods: Women with predominant stress urinary incontinence (SUI) as part of the trial of mid-urethral slings (TOMUS) were characterized preoperatively including: demographics, body mass index (BMI), responses to the Medical and Epidemiologic

Social Aspects of Aging (MESA) and Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI) questionnaires, pad GSK126 in vitro weight (PW), incontinence duration, prior SUI surgery, prolapse, strength of pelvic contraction, Q-tip test, uroflow, cystometrogram, and detrusor pressures at maximum flow (Pdet at Qmax). Multivariate regression analysis and modeling confirmed variables with significant correlations with maximal urethral closure pressure (MUCP), functional urethral length (FUL), and Valsalva leak point pressure (VLPP). Results: Five-hundred thirty-nine women were included in the analysis. In multivariable analyses, PW (P = 0.045) and age (P < 0.0001) were negatively correlated with MUCP (as PW and age increased, MUCP decreased); BMI (P = 0.02) and Pdet at Qmax (P < 0.0001) were positively correlated with MUCP (as BMI and Pdet at Qmax increased, MUCP increased). Age (P – 0.002) was negatively correlated with FUL; Qtip delta (P – 0.006), pelvic organ prolapse quantification examination (POPQ) stage (P 0.002) and strength of pelvic contraction (P = 0.03) were positively correlated with FUL. Duration of incontinence (P = 0.01) was negatively correlated with VLPP; Qtip delta (P = 0.

eGFR was estimated using the MDRD6-variable equation, and the annualized change

in eGFR was determined using simple linear regression. The baseline eGFR was 75 mL/min/1.73 m2. Thereafter, eGFR declined at a mean rate of 1.08 mL/min/1.73 m2 per year. 49% had a decline in renal function greater than the rate expected with aging. Decline in eGFR was an independent predictor of CKD by five yr post-transplant (p = 0.001). Multivariate modeling found a higher baseline eGFR (p < 0.001), female gender (p = 0.006), hypertension (p = 0.019), and dyslipidemia (p = 0.034) LCL161 to be associated with a faster rate of decline in renal function. In conclusion, liver transplant recipients Cilengitide in vitro have a clinically relevant decline in eGFR from six months post-transplant. Prospective studies are required to examine the effects of aggressive blood pressure and lipid control on the development of CKD in this setting.”
“PURPOSE: To use Fourier-domain anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT)) to evaluate the main clear corneal incisions (CCIs) in microcoaxial and biaxial cataract surgery, the effects of incision enlargement, and the probable reasons for problematic healing.

SETTING: Ataturk Training and Research Hospital, 2nd Ophthalmology Department, Ankara, Turkey.

DESIGN: Cohort study.

METHODS:

Eyes that had microcoaxial cataract surgery through a 1.8 mm CCI or biaxial cataract surgery through a 1.2 to 1.4 mm trapezoidal CCI were divided into 2 equal subgroups

based on incision enlargement. All surgeries were completed by stromal hydration. Incisions were Salubrinal research buy evaluated 1, 8, and 30 days postoperatively.

RESULTS: The CCIs in the microcoaxial group were longer, thinner, and more slanted than those in the biaxial group, with no statistical difference. The microcoaxial incisions had significantly more arcuate configuration at 1 day (P = .003); however, the configuration became linear in the following days in both groups. The endothelial gap rates were less and Descemet membrane detachment rates greater than reported in the literature. In eyes with enlarged CC’s, the endothelial gap rate was higher in the microcoaxial group and the Descemet membrane detachment rate was higher in the biaxial group (both P = .05). At 1 day, the intraocular pressure (IOP) was significantly lower in Descemet membrane detachment and endothelial gap cases (P = .006 and P < .001, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS: Although closure was reliable in both groups, the microcoaxial group had slightly fewer undesirable effects on the incision site. Low postoperative IOP seemed to be a significant factor in problematic healing.”
“The quality and value of the carcass in domestic meat animals are reflected in its protein and fat content.

Several formulations were made according to a HLB spreadsheet design (from 4.3 to 16.7), and the products were stored at 25 degrees C and 4 degrees C. The emulsion stabilities were tested both long-and short-term, and the more stable one was used for the pseudo-ternary diagram study. The emulsions were successfully obtained by a couple of surfactants, and the HLB analysis showed that the required HLB of the oil was 16.7. To conclude, the pseudo-ternary diagram identified several characteristic regions such as emulsion, micro-emulsion, and separation of phases.”
“Corn starch was modified

by propylation and degree of substitution (DS) of four starch modifications were 0.61, 1.56, 2.27, and 2.51. Different films were prepared by blending native and propylated starch with low-density polyethylene (LDPE). GDC-0068 mouse The mechanical properties, thermal properties, water absorption capacity, and biodegradability

of the blend films varied with the quantity of starch as well as DS. Tensile strength, elongation, and melt flow index of propylated starch blend films were higher compared to the corresponding native starch blend film. These properties improved with increase in DS from 1.56 VS-4718 order to 2.51. Propylated starch blend films were found thermally stable than native starch blend films. There was a decrease in water absorption capacity for the films containing propylated starch at high DS. SYN-117 mw Enzymatic and soil burial degradation results showed that biodegradability of starch-LDPE films increased with the increase in the starch concentration but it decreased with increase in the DS. (C) 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 122: 2197-2208, 2011″
“Background: To develop a plant-based vaccine against Plasmodium vivax, two P. vivax candidate proteins were chosen. First,

the merozoite surface protein-1 (MSP-1), a major asexual blood stage antigen that is currently considered a strong vaccine candidate. Second, the circumsporozoite protein (CSP), a component of sporozoites that contains a B-cell epitope.

Methods: A synthetic chimeric recombinant 516 bp gene encoding containing PvMSP-1, a Pro-Gly linker motif, and PvCSP was synthesized; the gene, named MLC, encoded a total of 172 amino acids. The recombinant gene was modified with regard to codon usage to optimize gene expression in Brassica napus. The Ti plasmid inducible gene transfer system was used for MLC chimeric recombinant gene expression in B. napus. Gene expression was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), beta-glucuronidase reporter gene (GUS) assay, and Western blot.

Results: The MLC chimeric recombinant protein expressed in B. napus had a molecular weight of approximately 25 kDa. It exhibited a clinical sensitivity of 84.21% (n = 38) and a clinical specificity of 100% (n = 24) as assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

We review how the new American College of Rheumatology (ACR)/European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) classification criteria meet up to this challenge.

Recent findings

The new 2010 ACR/EULAR classification criteria for RA were developed using initiation of methotrexate as anchor in a population with undifferentiated arthritis. Many studies from different countries

have now been published that have addressed the performances of these new criteria.

Summary

The goal of earlier classification of RA seems to be met with the new criteria, but exclusion of other diagnoses is essential. Increased sensitivity comes at the price of loss of specificity and indiscriminate use of these classification criteria as a diagnostic tool carries the risk of overtreatment.”
“Purpose of review

To discuss recent findings on the epidemiology and pathogenesis of extra-articular manifestations in rheumatoid 5-Fluoracil purchase arthritis (RA), and provide an update on the literature on treatment of patients with extra-articular RA (ExRA) manifestations.

Recent

findings

ExRA is associated with increased comorbidity and mortality. Several surveys suggest that some ExRA manifestations, in particular vasculitis, occur less frequently than previously reported. This is probably due to improved overall control of disease activity. Active RA with high disease activity is associated with increased risk of severe ExRA manifestations. Studies on the impact of treatment with biologics on the occurrence of ExRA are inconclusive. Circulating immune complexes and T cells Selleck CA3 have

been implicated in the pathogenesis of ExRA. The genetic background and related disease mechanisms may be somewhat different in manifestations such as vasculitis and interstitial lung disease. Limited data support a benefit from treatment with cyclophosphamide, TNF-inhibitors or rituximab in patients with severe ExRA.

Summary

ExRA remains a major diagnostic and therapeutic challenge in some patients. Further studies of the pathogenesis of systemic involvement and on the effect of treatment on such mechanisms may be helpful for further Tozasertib ic50 improvement of the management of RA.”
“We report a girl with Down syndrome who was diagnosed with congenital hypothyroidism in the newborn period due to left thyroid hemiagenesis. Unexpectedly, her hypothyroidism resolved at the age of 3 years. After being off thyroid hormone replacement for 7 years and having normal thyroid function, she developed Graves’ disease. Although Graves’ disease in association with thyroid hemiagenesis has previously been reported, this represents the youngest patient in whom this scenario has been described. Issues pertaining to thyroid hemiagenesis, autoimmune hyperthyroidism, and thyroid disease in children with Down’s syndrome are discussed.

He had mild obstruction with erosion of the intimal layer of descending aorta caused by the device that was successfully retrieved surgically with reconstruction of the aortic segment.”
“Significant difficulties continue to exist in the diagnosis of many infectious diseases in dermatopathology. Bioactive Compound Library ic50 Identifying pathogens in skin biopsies using conventional diagnostic techniques such as microscopy and tissue culture has its limitations. In recent times, molecular techniques including immunohistochemistry, polymerase chain reaction, and in situ hybridization have emerged as useful tools in the diagnosis of cutaneous infections that are challenging and ambiguous on conventional histopathology, thus improving our diagnostic

accuracy. In this review, we highlight the main molecular techniques that GSK1120212 have been used and continue to evolve in the diagnosis of mucocutaneous infectious diseases and discuss their applicability.”
“Granular cell tumors (GCT) are nerve sheath neoplasms composed of Schwann cells with granular cytoplasm. Perineurial cells are the cellular component of the perineurium and of perineuriomas,

neoplasms supposedly derived from perineurial cells. However, perineurial cells have also been found in other Schwann cell-derived tumors. These cells have not been well studied in GCTs. We studied the presence of perineurial cells in a series of 24 GCTs with EMA, claudin-1, and Glut-1, which are immunohistochemical markers for see more perineurial cells. Three cases lacked nerve fascicles. Three cases showed no perineurial proliferation (grade 0), 7 showed grade 1 proliferation, and 11 showed grade 2 proliferation. For comparison, we studied 17 cases of neoplasms with perineural invasion (PNI): 7 cutaneous neoplasms [squamous cell carcinomas

(n = 3), cutaneous lymphoma, malignant melanoma, eccrine carcinoma, congenital neurotropic nevus (n = 1 each)] and 10 noncutaneous tumors [prostatic (n = 2), gastric (n = 2), and colonic (n = 2) adenocarcinomas; invasive ductal carcinoma of breast (n = 2); urothelial carcinoma of bladder (n = 1); and oral squamous cell carcinoma (n = 1)] with the same antibodies for perineurial cells. We found perineurial cell proliferation in 10 cases, 6 grade 1, and 4 grade 2. These perineurial cells were limited to the areas around the nerve fascicles. Most of the tumor was devoid of perineurial cells. Thus, it was interpreted more as a hyperplastic or reactive phenomenon than a neoplastic component. Claudin-1 was the most sensitive of the 3 markers that we used. Such proliferation was less intense in non-GCTs. In conclusion, proliferation of perineurial cells in GCTs and neoplasms with PNI is a common finding that had not been previously studied. It seems to be a non-neoplastic phenomenon.”
“Microvenular hemangioma (MH) is a rare benign acquired vascular neoplasm, which can be clinically and histologically misdiagnosed with other vascular lesions. Immunohistochemistry studies in MH are lacking.

The definite treatment is adequate anti-tuberculosis chemotherapy after surgical excision or drainage.”
“SETTING: An increase in the prevalence of asthma has previously been reported worldwide. However, the current trend is debatable.

OBJECTIVE: To assess changes in the prevalence of asthma and respiratory symptoms in a defined study area in Stockholm, Sweden, learn more using identical methods.

DESIGN: A questionnaire was sent by mail in 1996 and 2007 to randomly selected subjects aged 20-69 years. On both

occasions, 8000 subjects received the questionnaire, with response rates of 72% and 68%, respectively. Questions on asthma, respiratory symptoms, asthma medication and possible determinants were included. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess determinants.

RESULTS: Ever asthma increased from 8.7% in 1996 to 11.0% in 2007 and physician-diagnosed asthma from 7.6% to 9.3%. The proportion of asthma patients reporting one to two symptoms increased by 14% during the study period. There were few significant changes in the prevalence of wrespiratory Entinostat chemical structure symptoms: wheeze in the previous 12 months

(15.9-17.3%), wheezing with breathlessness apart from cold (3.2-4.1%) and recurrent wheeze (8.3-6.8%). There was no major difference in the risk factor pattern between the surveys.

CONCLUSION: An increase in the prevalence of asthma with-few symptoms as well as an unchanged prevalence of symptoms was demonstrated, which may indicate a change in diagnostic practices.”
“Dynamic stabilization of the spine was developed as an alternative to rigid fusion in chronic back pain to reduce the risk of adjacent segment degeneration. Dynamic neutralization system (Dynesys, Zimmer CH) is one of the most popular systems available, but some midterm studies show revision rates as high as 30 %. Some late infectious complications in our patients prompted us to review them systematically. Propionibacterium recently has been shown to cause subtle infections of prosthetic SN-38 chemical structure material.

Here, we report on a consecutive series of 50 Dynesys implants. In

a median follow-up of 51 months (range 0-91), we identified 12 infectious and 11 non-infectious complications necessitating reoperation or removal of the implant in 17 patients.

Material infections occurred after a median of 52 months (2-77) and were due to Propionibacterium alone (n = 4) or in combination (n = 3) in seven out of 11 patients. Clinical presentation combines new or increasing pain associated with signs of screw loosening on conventional X-rays; however, as many as 73.5 % of patients present some degree of screw loosening without being at all symptomatic of infection.

The high rate of late infections with low-grade germs and the frequency of screw loosening signs made us suspect a lack of integration at the bone-screw interface.