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Since much confusion exists regarding arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC), the President of the IFSSH commissioned the AMC Committee to compile a report on the various aspects of this condition. This report discusses all the facets of AMC, including definition, terminology, dermographics, aetiology, classification, clinical features, management, prognosis and further studies. Manipulation of the deformities starting soon after birth improves the range of motion, which, if surgery needs to be done, makes the operation less extensive. Sometimes surgery may not even be necessary. Early one-stage corrective surgery between 3 and 12 months of age is encouraged. This results in improved function and near normal cosmetic appearance. Late, piece-meal surgery results in disappointing outcome.

Epitaxial growth of Nd:Y3Al5O12(Nd:YAG) films on SGGG (Zr- and Sc-doped Gd3Ga5O12) and YAG substrates by pulsed laser deposition using a KrF excimer laser at substrate temperatures of 800°C to 910°C was investigated. The composition of the films was investigated by Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy and the crystallinity by X-ray diffraction analysis. The optical properties of Nd:YAG thin films were investigated by photoluminescence (PL) measurements. The PL spectrum of the Nd:YAG film on the YAG substrate exhibited 4F3/2→4I9/2and4F3/2→4I11/2transitions of Nd3+ions in YAG which were almost the same as those of the Nd:YAG bulk crystal.

There is strong experimental evidence that oxidized low density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL) plays an important role in atherosclerosis. However, the mechanisms by which Ox-LDL is formed in vivo are unknown. To test whether 15-lipoxygenase (15-LO) could play a role in oxidation of LDL by cells, we expressed 15-LO activity in murine fibroblasts, which do not normally have 15-LO activity, and tested their ability to modify LDL. Using a retroviral vector, we prepared fibroblasts that expressed 2- to 20-fold more 15-LO activity than control fibroblasts infected with a vector containing beta-galactosidase (lacZ). Compared with LDL incubated with lacZ cells, LDL incubated with 15-LO-containing cells were enriched with lipid hydroperoxides. When these LDL samples were subsequently subjected to oxidative stress, they were more susceptible to further oxidative modification, as judged by increased conjugated diene formation and by increased ability to compete with 125I-Ox-LDL for uptake by macrophages. These findings establish that cellular 15-LO can contribute to oxidative modification of LDL, but the quantitative significance of these findings to the in vivo oxidation of LDL remains to be established.