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Purpose: To report patient demographics, the clinical course, and visual outcomes across a case series of patients who experienced dexamethasone (DEX) intravitreal implant (Ozurdex, Allergan, Inc) migration into the anterior chamber (AC), with a focus on the corneal transplantation rate. Methods: In this retrospective cross-sectional study, a chart review of all cases was performed. For numerical responses, means and SDs were calculated. Percentages and absolute numbers were used to report the proportion of patients who experienced various outcomes of interest. Results: The study comprised 32 cases. All cases occurred in pseudophakic eyes; of those, 8 (25.0%) had posterior chamber intraocular lenses in the capsular bag with no known capsular or zonular issues. The mean duration from DEX implant injection to detection of migration was 19.4 ± 14.5 days. The DEX implant was explanted in 21 patients (65.6%) and repositioned in the vitreous cavity or subconjunctival space in 6 patients (18.8%). Twelve patients (37.5%) ultimately required corneal transplantation. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the largest case series of DEX intravitreal implant migration into the AC compiled to date. Cases of migration occurred in individuals with no known history of significant prior zonule disruption. This potential complication should be discussed with all patients undergoing DEX implant injection, which may aid in earlier presentation and improved visual outcomes.

BMC musculoskeletal disorders 20, 557 (2019). doi:10.1186/s12891-019-2918-0, Published by BioMed Central, London

A 77-year-old man with multiple cerebrovascular risk factors presented with a history of transient monocular vision loss and residual paracentral visual disturbance in the right eye. Carotid ultrasounds, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and C-reactive protein were all within normal limits. He was found to have retinal whitening within the macula in the right eye, corresponding to an area of decreased retinal perfusion on optical coherence topography (OCT)-angiography and a hyperreflective middle retina band on spectral domain-OCT. This was consistent with a diagnosis of paracentral acute middle maculopathy (PAMM). PAMM should be considered a part of the differential diagnosis in patients with focal visual disturbances, and OCT studies are recommended as part of the work up as subtle fundus findings may be missed.

Cartilage is an avascular, alymphatic and non-innervated tissue with limited intrinsic repair potential. The high prevalence of cartilage defects and their tremendous clinical importance are a challenge for all treating physicians.This article provides the reader with an overview about current cartilage treatment options and their clinical outcome.Microfracture is still considered the gold standard in the treatment of small cartilage lesions. Small osteochondral defects can be effectively treated with the autologous osteochondral transplantation system. Larger cartilage defects are successfully treated by autologous membrane-induced chondrogenesis (AMIC) or by membrane-assisted autologous chondrocyte implantation (MACI).Despite limitations of current cartilage repair strategies, such procedures can result in short- and mid-term clinical improvement of the patients. Further developments and clinical studies are necessary to improve the long-term outcome following cartilage repair.

Cartilage defects around the knee joint frequently occur in the region of the medial femoral condyle and the retropatellar cartilage surface. The distinction between local cartilage defects and large area degenerative cartilage lesions is very important for both prognosis and surgical therapy. The size and position of the lesion, the underlying pathomechanism and the age of the patient are very important factors which should be considered in the therapy algorithm for optimal cartilage defect restoration. Important cofactors such as stability, long leg axis and muscle balance should be taken into account.Current procedures for cartilage repair of the knee joint and their results are summarized in this article. In addition, the necessity of precise and comprehensive preoperative clinical and radiological diagnostics is displayed to be able to treat co-pathologies in order to enable a successful repair of the cartilage defect.Preoperative planning of cartilage-repair techniques usually includes x‑ray images and a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination. If MRI is not available, an arthro-computed tomography could be an alternative. Modern and routinely used procedures for cartilage repair at the knee joint are microfracture, autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis, autologous chondrocyte transplantation, matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation and osteochondral transplantation. Successful surgical cartilage-repair surgeries require a correct and individualized indication, addressing of copathologies and a standardized rehabilitation that is adapted to the surgical procedure. Evidence-based criteria for an exact time point for the return to sports according to individually operative cartilage repair techniques currently do not exist.

Pelvic and femoral osteotomies are frequently performed in patients with hip dysplasia. The aim of these surgeries are optimal biomechanical conditions of the hip joint thereby avoiding the occurrence of hip osteoarthritis or the delay of initial hip osteoarthritis progression.Nevertheless even with good biomechanical conditions of the hip joint, progression of hip osteoarthritis can be recognized postoperatively. A total hip arthroplasty is indicated even more after a time period with conservative treatment. In preparation for the operation, a detailed documentation of the initial clinical situation, appropriate imaging, implant selection and preoperative planning are mandatory. In addition, a biomechanical model representing the desired pre- and postoperative situation can be included in the preoperative planning. According to the previous osteotomy, the size and shape of the acetabulum after the osteotomy and the current pivot centre of the hip joint should be considered. Depending on these observations the acetabular cup can be directly inserted into the bone stock of the acetabulum or an acetabular plasty is necessary before implantation of the acetabular cup. With respect to the previous osteotomy of the femur, it needs to be clarified wether hardware removal will be necessary before total hip replacement; moreover, the anatomy of the proximal femur is critical. In addition, if necessary, a re-osteotomy of the femur is required to enable a hip stem implantation.Cementless total hip replacement should be preferred due to the younger patient age. The load of the hip replacement depends on the osseous anchoring and primary stability of the acetabular and femoral component.

Summary This article reports the results of a faecal egg count reduction test on 4 farms in France, as an integrated part of the routine deworming strategy against horse cyathostomins and Parascaris equorum. Treatment with fenbendazole (FBZ) or ivermectin (IVM) was evaluated in yearlings on Farms 1 and 2 and treatment with pyrantel embonate (PYR) was tested on Farms 3 and 4. Calculation of the arithmetic mean faecal egg count reduction and the 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) around the mean was performed using bootstrap analysis. For equine cyathostomins, resistance to FBZ was found with an arithmetic mean reduction of 48.8% (95% CI: 1.9–69.3%). On Farms 1 and 2, horses with reduced efficacy were identified. PYR was found to be effective against cyathostomins, with an arithmetic mean reduction of 95.3% (95% CI: 84.6–99.8%), as well as IVM (100%). For P. equorum, both FBZ and PYR were effective (100% reduction). The efficacy of IVM, however, was low (45.5%; 95% CI: 0–96.3%). These results confirm that FBZ resistance in equine cyathostomins is present in France and that anthelmintic resistance to IVM is present in P. equorum. This study underlines the necessity to evaluate the efficacy of horse deworming strategies on a regular basis under field conditions.

Resume Chez le Collembole Symphypleone Allacma fusca, la periode immature preente deux phases: une phase juvenile I qui comprend uniquement la premiere intermue et une phase juvenile II qui regroupe toutes les autres intermues. Ces deux phases se distinguent par d'importantes. modifications qui concernent principalement: - la structure du tegument: a l'eclosion, il est mince et a ornementation composee exclusive-ment de grains primaires alors que des la deuxieme intermue il est epais et profoundement modifie; - le systeme tracheen, rudimentaire a l'eclosion, ramifye apres la premiere mue; - la resistance a la dessiccation: ce n'est qu'a partir de la deuxieme phase juvenile qu'Allacma fusca est capable de reguler ses defenses hydriques en montrant un diagramme de transpiration en plateau. Ces caracteristiques morphologiques, anatomiques et ecophysiologiques de la premiere intermue contraignent l'espece Allacma fusca, dont les stades ulterieurs sont tres resistants a la secheresse, a se maintenir dans le milieu forestier. En considerant l'ensemble de ces reultats, on peut admettre que les Symphypleones representent un groupe entomologique d'un grand inteiet phylogenetique qui permettra d'apporter une reponse plausible au probleme de la conquete des milieux sees, hors du systeme edaphique. La succession de deux phases juveniles distinctes fait apparaitre un clivage, vraisemblablement non homologue de la metamorphose des Insectes epimorphes, dans le cycle vital de ce groupe a developpement protomorphe. Summary Characterisation of two phases of the immature period of Allacma fusca (Collembola, Symphypleona) by their morphology and ecophysiology In the species Allacma fusca (Collembola, Symphypleona), the immature period shows two separate phases: a primary juvenile (phase juvenile I) which corresponds to the single first instar and a secondary juvenile (phase juvenile II) which groups all other stages. These two phases are differenciated by important modifications as follows: - integument structure: after hatching, the cuticule is thin and cuticular ornamentation is formed of primary or single elementary granules; during the second intermoulting, the cuticule becomes thick and its ornamentation is deeply modified by the fusion of the primary granules with their connections. - tracheal system: it is rudimentary after hatching, then becomes ramified after the first! postembryonic moulting. - resistance to dryness: it is only during the secondary juvenile phase that Allacma fusca is able to regulate its rate of water loss, showing a plateau on its typical transpiration curve. All these particular features of the first postembryonic intermoulting (morphology, anatomy and ecophysiology) force this species, in spite of the great resistance to desiccation of its following instars, to remain in the closed forest biotopes. All these results, taken together, suggest that Symphypleona are an entomological group of a great interest which will enable a plausible explanation for the way that terrestrial arthropods can live in dry places, outside the soil layers. The appearance of two juvenile phases in the life-cycle of these primitive insects could be compared with instars' succession (i. e. metamorphosis) in flying-insects, but we still do not seem to be very close to prove that it's the same process. Zusammenfassung Kennzeichnung von zwei Phasen der Jugendentwicklung von Allacma fusca (Collembola, Symphypleona) durch ihre Morphologic und Okophysiologie Der Zeitraum der ontogenetischen Entwicklungsperiode des symphypleonen Collembolen Allacma fusca umfast zwei Entwkklungsphasen: die Jugendphase I, welche ausschlieslich aus der 1. Zwischenhautungszeit besteht, und die Jugendphase II, welche alle ubrigen Zwischen-hautungszeiten umfast. Diese beiden Jugendphasen unterscheiden sich voneinander durch be-deutende Veranderungen, welche insbesondere folgende Strukturen betreffen: - die Integumentstruktur ist nach dem Schlupfen dunn und besitzt ein ausschlieslich aus einer Primarkornung zusammengesetztes Ornament, wahrend sie ab der 2. Zwischenhautungszeit verdickt und eine tiefgreifende Veranderung erfahrt - das Tracheensystem ist beim Schlupfen rudimentar und verzweigt sich nach der 1. Hautung - die Widerstandsfahigkeit gegenuber Austrocknung; Allacma fusca ist erst ab der 2. Jugendphase in der Lage, seinen Wasserhaushalt zu regulieren und zeigt dann ein sich stabilisie-rendes Ausdunstungsdiagramm. Diese besonderen morphologischen, anatomischen und okophysiologischen Merkmale der 1. Zwischenhautungszeit zwingen den Springschwanz Allacma fusca, dessen spatere Stadien gegeniiber der Austrocknung sehr widerstandsfahig sind, wahrend dieser Zeit zum Verbleib in bewaldetem Biotop. Unter Beruksichtigung der in dieser Arbeit aufgezeigten Ergebnisse ist zu erkennen, das die Symphypleona eine entomologische Gruppe von besonderem phylogenetischem Interesse dar-stellen; sie erlauben uns, fur die Besiedlungsmoglichkeit trockener Biotope auserhalb des edaphi-schen Systems eine einleuchtende Antwort zu erbringen. Die Aufeinanderfolge von zwei unter-schiedlichen Jugendphasen last innerhalb des Lebenszyklus dieser Gruppe mit protomorpher' Entwicklungsweise eine Aufspaltung erkennen, die wahrscheinlich nicht als homolog mit der Metamorphose der epimorphen Insekten angesehen werden kann.

Scoliosis is a complex three-dimensional deformity of the spine, which usually occurs during childhood and adolescence. Up to now, whole spine X-rays have been the therapeutic gold standard in the diagnosis and follow-up of scoliosis.This review gives a brief overview of the history, technical background and possible fields of use for video-rasterstereographyAlternative measurement systems have been developed over the past few years for the treatment of scoliosis, because of the risk of radiation exposure of X-rays. The rasterstereographic system Formetric (Diers International GmbH, Schlagenbad) allows a radiation-free, three-dimensional analysis of the back surface and the spine.Even dynamic measurements can now be conducted with this rasterstereographic system, which will help to further understand and analyze the human spine.

Scoliosis affects up to 6 % of the population. The resulting spine deformity, the increasing risk of back pain, cosmetic aspects, pulmonary disorders if the Cobb angle is 80°, and the progress of the deformity to 50° after the end of growth indicate non-operative or operative therapy. In daily clinical practice, the classifications of scoliosis allow the therapy to be adapted. Classifications consider deformity, topography of the scoliosis, and the age at diagnosis. This publication gives an overview of the relevant and most common classifications in the treatment of adolescent scoliosis. For evaluation, the deformity measurement on the coronary radiographic projection of the total spine (Cobb angle) is relevant to therapy. The classification of topography, form, and the sagittal profile of the deformity of the spine are useful for preoperative planning of the fusion level. Classifications that take into account the age at the time of the diagnosis of scoliosis differentiate among early onset scoliosis (younger than 10 years of age), adolescent scoliosis (up to the end of growth), and adult scoliosis. Early onset scoliosis is subdivided by age and etiology. Therapy is derived from the classification of clinical and radiological findings. Classifications that take into account clinical and radiological parameters are essential components of modern scoliosis therapy.

The aim of multidisciplinary rehabilitation after total knee replacement (TKA) is to reduce postoperative complications and costs and enable faster convalescence. The goals of fast-track rehabilitation, as a multidisciplinary concept, are to reduce the length of hospital stay and achieve early functional improvements by optimizing the perioperative setting.A literature review was carried out for the years 1960-2013. The search terms were: "rehabilitation", "training", "physiotherapy", "physical therapy", "recovery", "exercise program", "knee surgery", "TKA", "total knee replacement", "arthroplasty", "intensive", "multidisciplinary", "accelerated", "rapid" or "fast track". Only randomized controlled trials and metaanalyses were included. A survey was also performed to assess care as actually offered in orthopaedic rehabilitation clinics in North Rhine-Westphalia.A total of 729 articles were identified of which 11 studies were included. Fast-track rehabilitation can significantly reduce both the duration of hospital stay and costs after TKA. Current studies showed that a better short-/middle-term clinical outcome might be achieved with multidisciplinary rehabilitation. However, a difference in the long-term outcome could not be observed. Our survey shows that most patients are admitted to a rehabilitation clinic in a state of poor general condition as well as decreased mobility and knee range of motion.Fast-track rehabilitation facilitates a shortened hospital stay as well as cost saving. It probably can be used to optimize the condition of the patient before admission to a rehabilitation facility.

Morphologically, bone marrow edema (BME) is an accumulation of fluid in the bone marrow. The BME is per se non-specific but can be identified at an early stage with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The underlying pathomechanism remains unclear. The BME can occur as an individual entity and as an accompanying condition of many diseases. The BME can be divided into three groups, ischemic, reactive and mechanical BME. Mechanical BME occurs after trauma or repetitive strain. Typical histological changes are present and there is no clear boundary between edema and microfracture. Some forms of trauma show BME in typical localizations. Both the trauma and the possible accompanying injuries can be indirectly indicated in this way in cases with an unknown trauma mechanism.The BME can be present as an isolated entity or as a comorbidity. For initiation of therapy, a comprehensive medical history and targeted diagnostics are indispensable. In some cases BME is indicative of the trauma mechanism and possible further accompanying injuries.

The Essex-Lopresti injury (ELI) of the forearm is a rare and serious condition which is often overlooked, leading to a poor outcome.The purpose of this retrospective case study was to establish whether early surgery can give good medium-term results.From a group of 295 patients with a fracture of the radial head, 12 patients were diagnosed with ELI on MRI which confirmed injury to the interosseous membrane (IOM) and ligament (IOL). They were treated by reduction and temporary Kirschner (K)-wire stabilisation of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ). In addition, eight patients had a radial head replacement, and two a radial head reconstruction.All patients were examined clinically and radiologically 59 months (25 to 90) after surgery when the mean Mayo Modified Wrist Score (MMWS) was 88.4 (78 to 94), the mean Mayo Elbow Performance Scores (MEPS) 86.7 (77 to 95) and the mean disabilities of arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) score 20.5 (16 to 31): all of these indicate a good outcome.In case of a high index of suspicion for ELI in patients with a radial head fracture, we recommend the following: confirmation of IOM and IOL injury with an early MRI scan; early surgery with reduction and temporary K-wire stabilisation of the DRUJ; preservation of the radial head if at all possible or replacement if not, and functional bracing in supination. This will increase the prospect of a good result, and avoid the complications of a missed diagnosis and the difficulties of late treatment.Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:1385–91.

Besides the use of autologous bone grafting several osteoconductive and osteoinductive methods have been reported to improve bone healing. However, persistent non-union occurs in a considerable number of cases and compromised angiogenesis is suspected to impede bone regeneration. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) improves angiogenesis. This study evaluates the effects of HBO on bone defects treated with autologous bone grafting in a bone defect model in rabbits. Twenty-four New-Zealand White Rabbits were subjected to a unilateral critical sized diaphyseal radius bone defect and treated with autologous cancellous bone transplantation. The study groups were exposed to an additional HBO treatment regimen. Bone regeneration was evaluated radiologically and histologically at 3 and 6 weeks, angiogenesis was assessed by immunohistochemistry at three and six weeks. The additional administration of HBO resulted in a significantly increased new bone formation and angiogenesis compared to the sole treatment with autologous bone grafting. These results were apparent after three and six weeks of treatment. The addition of HBO therapy to autologous bone grafts leads to significantly improved bone regeneration. The increase in angiogenesis observed could play a crucial role for the results observed.

People who have become victims of violence have manifold problems. Besides medical diagnostics and therapy, it is necessary to recognise the situation in which these patients have become such victims, to document the consequences of this violence for use in court and to offer further assistance. Victims of violence often contact primarily a trauma ambulance. The optimisation of the medical treatment of the victims is a relevant traumatological topic, which so far has received only very scant attention. Therefore the aim of this study was to evaluate the necessity for an interdisciplinary combination of treatments for the targeted treatment of these victims.Using a standardised data card a retrospective data analysis of all out-patients and all in-patients of a trauma centre with regard to the existence of a violent context was carried out for the year 2004. All such cases were included and the data were evaluated descriptively according to age, gender, information about the act of violence, consequences thereof, type and scope of the diagnostic findings, as well as inducements for further measures. In this context we differentiated between "domestic violence" and "public violence".The data of 7132 patients were evaluated. Altogether 347 victims of violence were identified (among them 109 victims of "public violence", 59 victims of domestic violence, and 179 cases that could not be allocated clearly). This results in a quota of 4.9% of all patients treated. The average age of the victims was 30.6 years. It was striking that in many cases the anamnesis and documentation were rather fragmentary.A very high percentage of victims of violence could be found among the patients needing traumatological treatment. With regard to the fragmentary care there is an enormous need for medical training and interdisciplinary treatment of victims of violence.

In addition to a stabile osteosynthesis autologous cancellous bone graft remains an essential therapy option in persistent non-union. Despite this therapy regimen persistent non-union can occasionally occur. The aim of this study was to evaluate the treatment of persistent non-union with a combination of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and autologous cancellous bone.In this prospective study 17 patients with persistent non-union of long bones were treated by a combination of PRP and autologous iliac crest bone. Inclusion criteria were a minimum of one previously failed cancellous bone transplantation and an atrophic non-union persisting for 6-14 months (mean 9 months). The patients were examined clinically and radiologically at intervals of 3, 6 and 9 months postoperatively.After an average time of 17 months (range 15-23 months) the patients were treated by a combination of PRP and autologous cancellous bone. In all cases the non-union was successfully treated and osseous bridging was found radiologically after an average of 5 months (range 4-7 months) without any complications.The combination of PRP and autologous cancellous bone appears to be a safe and effective method for treatment of persistent non-union. The use of PRP does not result in substantial additional costs. Allergies and graft versus host reactions are not expected because of the autologous origin.

With a prevalence from 11.8 to 18% no fracture is as often associated with nerve damage as the humeral shaft fracture. Whether the radial nerve should be surgically explored in association with a palsy in humeral shaft fractures in order to exclude an interposition or discontinuity is being discussed controversially. The aim of this study was to assess the strategies for primary care of radial nerve palsies associated with humeral shaft fractures in Germany.In a standardised survey 495 traumatological and 134 neurosurgical clinics were interviewed regarding the treatment of primary radial nerve palsies after humeral shaft fractures. The distribution of the survey included all level-one trauma centres. Statistics were based on the supply strategies, the number of observed contusions, discontinuities and inter-position of the N. radialis in the fracture gap. Moreover, the results were recorded after primary neurorrhaphy.The evaluable response rate to the questionnaire was 56% (university hospitals 77%, level-one trauma centres 63%, level-two trauma centres 70%, level-three trauma centres 44%). 6097 humeral shaft fractures have been treated per year, the incidence of primary radial nerve palsy was 8.6%. Regarding the management strategies, 59% of the hospitals advocated exploration of the nerve, while 25% reported that the decision depends on the individual case. 16% reject the exploration in case of a primary nerve palsy. In the case of an exploration, contusions (74%) of the nerve were largely seen, followed by nerve interpositions in the fracture gap (19%) and discontinuity (7%). In the case of neurorrhaphy, a partial or complete remission was found in 87% of cases.Although a primary expectant procedure is recommended in the literature due to the high spontaneous remission rate of 90%, an early exploration of the nerve is often preferred in clinical practice. In these cases, the use of an interlocking intramedullary nail as a minimally invasive treatment option does not appear useful due to the direct exposure of the fracture zone and the radial nerve. Interestingly, the feared discontinuity occurs rarely. The impact of nerve interposition in the fracture gap without surgical exploration remains unclear due to the lack of visibility.There is no consensus concerning the treatment of radial nerve palsies after humeral shaft fractures in Germany. Discontinuities are rare, the rate of spontaneous recoveries is high. Whether and when an exploration of the radial nerve is obligatory in primary radial palsy remains unclear and should be clarified by prospective randomised trials.

Injuries of the internal mammary artery after blunt thoracic trauma are rare but potentially fatal. A specific characteristic of these injuries is that they can become symptomatic even after a delay of several weeks. This article reports on the diagnosis and treatment of a 41-year-old motorcycle rider who suffered bilateral injuries of the internal mammary artery after a motorcycle accident without any additional bony lesions.

Scaphoid fractures represent the most common carpal bone fractures. These fractures may be overlooked due to insufficient diagnostics and lead to non-union and disability. A standardized diagnostic procedure with X-ray examinations, CT scans and/or MRI is recommended. We report on a case where a scaphoid fracture was overlooked, probably because of an incorrect technique of the computed tomography.A 42-year-old man was admitted to our emergency room after a fall on the out-stretched wrist. X-rays showed no evidence of a bony lesion. In the follow-up examination on the next day, a scaphoid fracture was still suspected clinically. Because of that a CT scan in thin slice technique with axial layers and multiplanar reconstruction was performed but showed no sign of a fracture. Six weeks after the trauma the patient presented with persistent wrist pain. X-rays and a CT scan of the wrist now demonstrated an old waist fracture of the scaphoid. -Operative treatment with iliac crest bone grafting and screw fixation was performed.Early diagnosis and a correct description of the fracture pattern are of high value in the treatment of scaphoid fractures. X-rays combined with a CT scan or an MRI scan of the affected wrist are considered as the diagnostic standard. The reported case demonstrates that even with a thin thickness layer CT scan in axial planes, a scaphoid fracture can be overlooked. Therefore we recommend after primarily inconspicuous X-rays a CT scan with primary -oblique-sagittal layers in the longitudinal axis of the scaphoid. If this shows no fracture and the clinical suspicion persists, an MRI scan should be performed.

There are no reports in the literature about femoral fractures in adults with congenital femoral deficiency. We report on a femoral fracture in a 60-year-old patient with congenital femoral deficiency. Despite early difficulties in mobilisation and delayed union after an angle-stable plate osteosynthesis, full weight bearing was reached after 8 months. The treatment of fractures in combination with congenital femoral deficiency remains difficult and depends on the extent of the defect, the complexity of the fracture, and associated anomalies. The objective of the often demanding operative treatment of a femoral fracture in combination with a congenital femoral deficiency should be reestablishment of the patient's walking ability.

Artifacts were observed when using epidural pressure monitoring systems (Gaeltec ICT/B Titan). These were produced by radio waves from our beeper system. A non-existing electromagnetic shield of the Gaeltec-measuring amplifier SN 10/11 could be found as the cause. The artifacts can lead to therapeutical errors.

Anomalies of centriolar derivatives were identified in ejaculates and testicular and tracheal biopsies of a sterile stallion, using light, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy. LM revealed that over half the sperm population had only a vestigial or no tail, while the rest had tails of variable length and shape. The vestigial tail was represented by its anlage, which was implanted on the nucleus and differentiated up to capitulum and collum stage. The stunted tail had an axoneme and its derivatives, but was short in all tail segments. Regardless of the tail length or shape, virtually all axonemes were devoid of the central tubular complex ("9 + 0" defect). Abnormal tail segmentation was associated with missing or defective flagellar sheaths and a profusion of extraneous dense fibers, which contributed to the knobby, bulbous, or lobuliform tail configurations. The gradient of flagellar anomalies seems associated with the inability of the distal centriole to implant on the plasmalemma, to produce the axoneme, or maintain its growth, and to induce the normal differentiation of periaxonemal structures. In contrast to sperm, the tracheal epithelium displayed moderate changes, which are manifest in circumscribed rarefaction of cilia, increased incidence of compound cilia, and disturbed orientation of cilia regarding the plane of central tubular complex. The tracheal cilia were free of "9 + 0" defect.

Songhaica nigeriana gen. et sp.n. is described from tropical rain forest in Nieria. Sminthurus stylifer Murphy from wooded Savanna and cultivated soils in Gambia also belongs in this new genus.

Rods of silver iodide with silver electrodes at both ends were decelerated by letting them drop from different heights at a temperature of 170°C to a plastic material on the ground. In the moment of striking the ground the forces of inertia of the mobile silver ions caused voltage pulses, which were proportional to the velocity before striking and to the length of the silver iodide rods and which could be calculated using the mass and electrical charge of the silver ions. Calculated and measured voltage pulses were in agreement within the accuracy of measurement of 1%.