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Background and Objectives: The goal in treating anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury especially in revision cases is return to sports activity by regaining dynamic postural stability. Among various methods to achieve this goal, additional anterolateral ligament reconstruction (ALLR) is gaining attention. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of additional ALLR in revision ACL reconstruction (RACLR). Materials and Methods: Patients who underwent RACLR between July 2015 and June 2018 were enrolled. The exclusion criteria were less than 1-year follow-up, age older than 45 years, concomitant multiple ligament injuries, contralateral knee injury, subtotal or total meniscectomized state, and articular cartilage lesions worse than Outerbridge grade 3. Thirty-nine patients (20 patients; RACLR only (Group A), 19 patients; RACLR with additional ALLR (Group B)) were included. Clinical scores (Lysholm score, subjective International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, Tegner activity scale), isokinetic strength test, single-leg-hop for distance test (SLHDT), Y-balance test (YBT) were checked preoperatively and 1-year postoperatively. Results: Limb symmetry index values in YBT showed significantly better result in Group B 1-year postoperatively (Group A: 97.2 ± 4.0, Group B: 100.3 ± 2.9, p = 0.010), although there were no differences preoperatively between groups (Group A: 90.4 ± 6.7, Group B: 89.3 ± 5.5, p = 0.594). Regarding clinical scores, isokinetic strength tests, and SLHDT, there were no differences between groups preoperatively nor 1-year postoperatively. Conclusions: Additional ALLR in RACLR helped patients gain better dynamic postural stability at 1-year postoperative follow-up.

This study aimed to identify the efficiency of mechanical flower thinning (MFT) and its influence on apple fruit quality. In the first experiment, ‘Arisoo’ apple flowers were subjected to MFT with one hundred sixty-two (half) and three hundred twenty-four (full) strings at the same rotor (300 rpm) and tractor (6 km/h) speeds. Hand thinning was performed as a control. The number of removed flowers in each terminal and lateral flower cluster was slightly higher in MFT with full-strings than that of MFT with half-strings. The fruit set rate was lower in MFT with full-strings than that of MFT with half-strings. However, the use of full-strings during mechanical thinning increased the leaf damage rate compared to half-strings. Except a* value, MFT with full-strings improved flesh firmness, soluble solids content (SSC) and titratable acidity (TA), and reduced starch pattern index of fruits at harvest compared to the control. In the second experiment, ‘Fuji’ apple flowers were subjected to chemical thinning, MFT (300 rpm, 6 km/h), and MFT + chemical thinning treatments and compared with hand thinning (control). The thinning efficiency of MFT was similar to that of chemical thinning and MFT + chemical thinning treatments in terms of the removal of flowers and fruit set rates. Compared to the control, MFT, chemical thinning, and their combined treatments improved flesh firmness and SSC of fruits at harvest. TA was highest in the chemical thinning treatment compared to other thinning treatments. However, fruit size, weight, and a* value were unaffected by any treatment. In conclusion, the use of full-strings during MFT achieved optimal results in ‘Arisoo’ apples. In ‘Fuji’ apples, MFT treatment alone achieved effective results and the addition of chemical thinning after MFT had no supportive role in thinning efficiency and fruit quality.

The present study aimed to examine and compare the effects of a rehabilitation exercise (RE) using neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) and blood flow restriction (BFR) on muscle function and knee functional abilities in patients who underwent anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). A total of 45 patients who underwent ACLR (28.76 ± 0.8 years; 34 males and 11 females) were retrospectively divided into three groups: control (CON, n = 15), NMES (n = 15), and BFR (n = 15). All participants carried out the RE program for 60 min, thrice a week for 12 weeks. The Lysholm score, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective score, thigh circumference at 5 cm from the knee joint, Y-balance posterior medial, and lateral significantly increased in all groups via intervention (p < 0.05). However, NMES showed a higher thigh circumference at 15 cm from the knee joint than CON via intervention (p < 0.05), and the strength and endurance of quadriceps femoris and hamstrings and Y-balance anterior showed a significant increase via intervention in NMES and BFR compared with CON (p < 0.05). In conclusion, we confirmed that RE using NMES and BFR effectively enhances muscle function and balance in ACLR patients.

Introduction: The goal in treating anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, especially in revision cases is to return to sports activity by regaining dynamic postural stability. Additional anterolateral ligament reconstruction (ALLR) is gaining attention to achieve this goal. The purpose was to evaluate the effects of additional ALLR in revision ACL reconstruction (RACLR). Methods: Patients who underwent RACLR between July 2015 and June 2018 were enrolled. The exclusion criteria were less than the 1-year follow-up, age older than 45 years, concomitant multiple ligament injuries, contralateral knee injury, subtotal or total meniscectomized state, and cartilage lesions worse than Outerbridge grade 3. Thirty-nine patients (20 patients; RACLR only (Group A), 19 patients; RACLR with additional ALLR (Group B)) were included. Clinical scores, isokinetic strength test, single-leg-hop for distance test (SLHDT), and Y-balance test (YBT) were checked preoperatively and 1-year postoperatively.Results: Limb symmetry index values in YBT showed significantly better results in Group B 1-year postoperatively, although there were no differences preoperatively between groups. Regarding clinical scores, isokinetic strength tests, and SLHDT, there were no differences between groups preoperatively or 1-year postoperatively.Conclusion: Additional ALLR in RACLR helped patients gain better dynamic postural stability at 1-year postoperative follow-up.

The market of persimmon fruits in Australia is expanding in line with consumer's strong interest in functional healthy foods, increased immigrants from Asian countries and its exporting market expansion. However, it is hard to expect the Australia’s main sweet persimmon varieties, ‘Fuyu’ and ‘Jiro’, to meet the expanding market needs, due to their limited harvest period. Therefore, the Australia's persimmon growers want the new varieties with various harvest times, and are trying to introduce Korea-bred new sweet persimmon varieties, such as ‘Fantasy’, ‘Gampung’, ‘Wonmi’ and ‘Wonchu’. Presently, ‘Fantasy’ and ‘Gampung’ have obtained patents for cultivar protection in Australia, and their local adaptability test is underway. ‘Wonmi’ and ‘Wonchu’ have also been applied for cultivar protection patent in Australia. In future, all these, due to their early and medium-maturity fruits and excellent quality, are expected to be the new key persimmon varieties in Australia.

Although Taiwan produces small fruits on a small scale, it is famous for its production techniques and systems. Only two types of small fruits are economically produced in Taiwan: the grape and strawberry. Four other types (the mulberry Morus alba L., the bayberry Myrica rubra Sieb. et Zucc., the Indian gooseberry Phyllanthus emblica L., and the kiwifruit or Chinese gooseberry Actinidia chinensis Planch. var. setosa and A. deliciosa Ferg.) have production areas of less than 100 ha. Taiwan has been developing production techniques for fruits such as the blueberry. In 2017, Taiwan had production areas of 2,828.6 ha for grapes, 500.33 ha for strawberries, 67.56 ha for mulberries, 31.17 ha for bayberries, and 14.19 ha for kiwifruit. The development of new small fruit crops demands new culture methods and strategies. It is important to breed or select new small fruits from the native germplasm when introducing new foreign varieties. Some special conditions, such as breeding the blueberry plant with a short chilling requirement, are needed. Further, new culture systems such as year-round production for grape, mulberry, and strawberry have been tried. Although Taiwan has cultivated grapes for wine production for over 40 years, new grape cultivar breeding programs for wine production have been introduced.

Background: The goals of operative treatment for the adolescent athlete with unstable osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) lesion are rigid fixation and prevention of recurrence. Purpose: To evaluate clinical and radiological outcomes of internal fixation of lateral trochlear groove OCD with simultaneous lateral retinacular lengthening. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Adolescent athletes who had undergone internal fixation and simultaneous lateral retinacular lengthening for an unstable OCD lesion of the lateral trochlear groove were retrospectively reviewed. Subjective assessments included the Lysholm score, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective score, Tegner activity scale, and an athletic questionnaire. Functional tests included isokinetic muscle strength, single-leg hop for distance, single-leg vertical jump, and Y-balance. Pre- and postoperative radiographs and magnetic resonance images were reviewed. Results: The mean ± SD age of the 17 patients included in this study was 15.9 ± 0.9 years; last clinical follow-up duration was 37.7 ± 8.1 months. At the last follow-up, the Lysholm score improved from 68.7 ± 15.3 to 93.4 ± 12.4 and the IKDC subjective score from 60.2 ± 14.7 to 88.7 ± 12.7 ( P < .001). The mean Tegner activity scale score was 9.4 ± 0.5 before injury and 8.9 ± 1.2 at the last follow-up ( P = .059). The limb symmetry indices of isokinetic muscle strength, single-leg hop for distance, single-leg vertical jump, and Y-balance improved at the last follow-up; the mean limb symmetry index was ≥85% in each functional test. Regarding the athletic questionnaire, 16 (94.1%) patients were satisfied with the surgery. At the last follow-up, 2 patients had higher ability after returning to sports, 11 had the same ability, and 3 had lower ability than the preinjury level. Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging at 12-month follow-up showed that the OCD lesion appeared healed in 7 (41.2%) patients and partially healed in 9 (52.9%). Conclusion: Internal fixation of lateral trochlear groove OCD with simultaneous lateral retinacular lengthening in adolescent athletes achieved satisfactory clinical and radiological outcomes. Therefore, this combined surgical technique could be considered an effective treatment for lateral trochlear groove OCD, with a high rate of return to sport.

The effects of the combination of exercise and TRT on symptoms of late-onset hypogonadism (LOH) and the durability of response after cessation of TRT were investigated. A total of fifty patients with erectile dysfunction (ED) who had a sedentary lifestyle and low serum total testosterone (T) levels were enrolled and followed for 20 weeks. Patients were randomly divided into two groups; all of them received T gel for 12 weeks and it was discontinued for 8 weeks. Patients assigned to Group II were offered a supervised exercise program for 20 weeks. Measurement of serological testing was performed and self-assessment questionnaires and Global Assessment Question (GAQ) were asked. Baseline characteristics and the initial symptom scores showed no significant difference between the two groups. Serum total T levels and the symptom scores were increased at 12 weeks in both groups, and Group II showed better results with statistical significance. There was a decrease in T levels and worsening of symptom scores at week 20 compared to week 12 in both groups, and Group II showed better results with statistical significance. On the GAQ, Group II showed higher ratio of "yes" at week 12 and the same tendency was sustained at week 20 with significant difference between two groups. The combination of exercise and TRT showed significant improvements in serum T levels and LOH symptoms compared to TRT alone. In addition, these improvements were maintained in the combination group with continuous exercise, even after cessation of TRT.

The purposes of this study was to 1) compare the functional result and muscle strength between patients who underwent reconstruction by isolated posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) and combined PCLposeterolateral corner sling (PLCS) reconstruction. Nineteen (Group I: isolated PCL reconstruction) and 30 (Group II: combined PCL-PLCS reconstruction) were compared. The clinical results and isokinetic muscle strength were compared between groups. The clinical results were comparable between groups and posterior stability was not different between the two groups, either. The isokinetic strength test result was not significantly different between the two groups, although absolute values of the flexion strength in Group I was higher than those in Group II. The HQ ratio of the affected side in Group I was similar to that of the contralateral side. Isokinetic muscle strength, especially flexion, was not fully recovered as compared with the contralateral side in both groups, although clinical and stability results were improved. However, the isolated PCL reconstruction group that was managed with the accelerated rehabilitation protocol showed an HQ ratio similar to that of the contralateral side. Therefore, an earlier active strengthening program would be also necessary in PCL-PLCS reconstructed groups, and justification for prevention of early weight bearing in PCL-PLCS reconstruction should be re-evaluated because weight bearing is helpful for muscle strengthening.

Well-feathered (over 10 feathers) 'Fuji'/M.9 apple trees were planted at and trained to slender spindle with 2.5 m height or to tall spindle with 3.5 m height, and the vegetative growth, productivity, and fruit quality of two training systems were compared for 8 years. The canopy volume of the tall spindle trees surpassed that of the slender spindle trees 4 years after planting and was 25% larger than that of the slender spindle trees 5 years after planting. The accumulated yield over 8 years for the tall spindle system was 14% higher than that of the slender spindle system. Alternate bearing and incidence of marssonina blotch were observed in both treatments after 5 years of planting. There was often vegetative imbalance in the trees however, the degree of yield loss and vegetative imbalance of the tall spindle trees was lower than those of the slender spindle trees. Soluble solid content and fruit red color of the tall spindle trees were higher than that of the slender spindle trees in 5 year after planting, resulting from increased light penetration in the canopy due to even distribution of lateral branches and from fruit bearing in different height locations of the trees. In conclusion, increasing the tree height to about 3.5 m using slender spindle 'Fuji'/M.9 apple trees planted with over 333 trees per 10a led to better light penetration, yield and fruit quality compared to a conventional wide training system with the slender spindle.

Background There is a lack of standardized objective criteria to accurately assess the ability of a patient to progress through the end stages of rehabilitation and safely return to their previous level of athletic activity after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Purpose To determine objective factors involved in returning to sports following ACL reconstruction. Methods Based on our inclusion criteria of a minimum 2-year follow-up, pre-injury sports activity level of Tegner 5 or greater, we retrospectively evaluated 67 patients who underwent ACL reconstruction. The patients were divided into "return-to-sports" ( n =51) and "non-return" groups ( n =16) by surveying participants using a questionnaire. Comparisons between the two groups were made using pre-operative and post-operative International Knee Documentation Committee questionnaires (IKDC), Lysholm score, and KT-2000 arthrometer. Flexor and extensor muscle strength, and functional performance tests (one-leg-hop test, co-contraction, shuttle run, and carioca tests) were used for assessment. Results Overall clinical results, including IKDC score, Lysholm score, and KT-2000 arthrometer, improved in all patients post-operatively and no significant difference was seen between the two groups ( P >0.05). Although there was no significant difference in flexor or extensor deficits, one-leg-hop test, or shuttle run test, "return-to-sports" group obtained significantly better scores in the co-contraction and carioca tests ( P Conclusions Tests that assess rotational stability showed statistically significant differences between the two groups. Further prospective studies with larger cohort are needed to determine the factors associated with returning to sports after ACL reconstruction. Level of evidence Retrospective comparative study, Level III.

To evaluate the clinical outcomes of transtibial posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (PCLR) with remnant preservation in highly active patients and to investigate the rate of return to sports (RTS), quality of sports activities, and patient satisfaction.Patients with a Tegner activity scale of5 who underwent isolated PCLR from 2013 to 2016 with minimum 2-year follow-up were retrospectively reviewed. Single-bundle PCLR was performed using fresh frozen allograft irradiated with 50 kGy. Subjective assessments included the Lysholm score, subjective International Knee Documentation Committee score, and Tegner activity scale. A questionnaire elicited information associated with RTS and satisfaction. Functional tests included isokinetic muscle strength and single-leg hop tests.We evaluated 52 patients, with a mean (± standard deviation) follow-up duration of 29.5 ± 8.6 months. The subjective assessments and functional tests significantly improved postoperatively (all P.001). Mean time to return to full sports activity was 9.7 ± 5.1 months. Thirty-eight (73.1%) and 45 (86.5%) patients could return to previous sports activities at 9 and 24 months, respectively. A sports-experience questionnaire indicated that 48% and 69.2% of the patients were participating with unlimited effort and performance, respectively, and no pain at 9 and 24 months. Multivariate analysis indicated that extensor deficit (odds ratio [OR] 4.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.342 to 17.839), flexor deficit at 60°/s (OR 3.8, 95% CI 1.081 to 14.476), Limb Symmetry Index (%) for the single-leg vertical jump test (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.212 to 9.227), and satisfaction (OR 2.8, 95% CI 1.186 to 10.281) were significantly associated with failure of not returning to preinjury sports activity levels at the 9-month follow-up.Arthroscopic anatomic PCLR with remnant preservation showed high rates of RTS and high patient satisfaction, as well as satisfactory clinical results in highly active patients. This surgical technique could be an effective treatment for grade III posterior cruciate ligament injury in highly active patients.Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Background This study aimed to determine the effects of single semitendinosus tendon (ST) harvesting for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction by comparing outcomes of single ST and semitendinosus-gracilis tendon (ST-G) harvesting. Methods ACL reconstruction with ST-G harvesting (D group, n = 60) or single ST harvesting (S group, n = 60) were included according to inclusion criteria. Subjective assessments included subjective International Knee Documentation Committee score, Lysholm score, and Tegner activity scale score. Objective assessments included isokinetic strength and functional tests. These tests were completed at 36 months of follow-up. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and second-look arthroscopy findings were evaluated. In the S group, regeneration properties were assessed by serial ultrasonography (US). Results The S group showed significantly less deep flexor strength deficit than the D group (p < 0.001). Deep flexor power deficits showed significant correlation with the shift of musculotendinous junction of the ST. There was significant difference in the cocontraction test between the groups (p = 0.012), and the S group tended to show better results in other functional tests at the last follow-up. There were no significant differences in graft tension and synovial coverage on second-look arthroscopy between the groups. In the S group, the regeneration rates assessed by US at the joint line and distal insertion were 81.7% and 80%, respectively at 6 months of follow-up. Conclusions The S group showed significantly less deficit in deep flexor strength and tended to show better clinical results at the last follow-up than the D group. In the S group, more than 80% showed good regeneration at the 6-month follow-up. Hence, single ST harvesting is effective in minimizing flexor weakness and functional deficits and shows great potential for regeneration.

Clearwing moths (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae) are economically important pests of fruit trees, such as apple, peach, and grape in Korea. Larvae feed on the phloem and cambium within tree branches of host plants. In this study, the seasonal fluctuation in male catches of four clearwing moths, Synanthedon haitangvora, S. bicingulata, Nokona regalis, and Glossosphecia romanovi, were monitored with the respective sex pheromone traps in Suwon for three years. In apple orchards, S. haitangvora males were captured from May to October, with two peaks in early June to middle June and late August to early September. Similarly, S. bicingulata males were trapped from May to October, with two peaks in late May and late August to middle September in peach orchards. In vineyards, N. regalis males were captured from late May to middle June with one peak in late May to early June, while G. romanovi males were trapped from early June to late July with one peak in late June to early July.

Purpose: To evaluate the restoration of the flexor power and the correlation between the flexor power and functional performance tests (FPTs) after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with hamstring autograft. Materials and Methods: Twenty-three men, who underwent ACL reconstruction with hamstring autograft, were evaluated using Lysholm, Subjective IKDC, Tegner activity score, isokinetic flexion and hyperflexion power test, and the FPTs at 1 and 2-year follow-up. We analyzed the mean change from 1 to 2 year and the correlation between both the flexion and hyperflexion power deficit with the FPTs at each follow-up. Results: Mean age of the patients was 30.9 years (range, 19 to 44). Tegner activity score was significantly increased from 5.7 to 6.3 (p=.010). Hyperflexion power of the involved knee deficits significantly decreased at 2 year follow-up compared with 1 year (p

Purpose To validate the functional performance tests (FPTs) after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Materials and Methods Thirty men in their third decade after ACL reconstruction at 6 month follow-up and thirty healthy subjects were selected. Lysholm knee score, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective score, Tegner activity score, KT-2000 arthrometer test, isokinetic strength test, functional performance tests (one leg hop test, co-contraction test, shuttle run test, carioca test) were performed in two groups. We evaluated the test-retest reliability of FPTs in healthy group and the between FPTs and other parameters in ACL reconstruction group. Results The test-retest result showed high correlation in co-contraction test (r=0.511), shuttle run test (r=0.746), carioca test (r=0.742). In the ACL reconstruction group, the IKDC score, Tegner activity score, extensor power at 60°/s, and one leg hop test also showed high correlation between each test. Conclusions The three FPTs showed correlations with the established methods for determining return to sports activities after ACL reconstruction and had high test-retest reliability. Therefore we believe the three FPTs can be useful methods to assess knee function in athletes after ACL reconstruction.

We performed a single-center, randomized, double-blind study to compare muscle strength in patients who had undergone primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA), performed using either a minimally invasive or a conventional surgical technique. We evaluated 30 knees in healthy age-matched subjects, 22 knees after conventional TKA (conventional group), and 23 knees after minimally invasive surgery TKA (MIS group). The Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score, Oxford knee score (OKS), and isokinetic (60º/s) muscle strength were evaluated the day before surgery and 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. HSS and OKS improved significantly over time during follow-up (p0.001), but there was no significant difference between the groups (p0.05). The extensor peak torque (EPT) and flexor peak torque (FPT) improved significantly over time (p0.001) and EPT was greater in the MIS group than in the conventional group during the follow-up period (p0.05). There was no difference in FPT and the hamstring-to-quadriceps ratio between the groups. Although MIS patients had a significant deficit in extensor strength following TKA, compared with healthy controls, this approach offers a significant improvement in extensor muscle strength over conventional surgery. These results suggest that the MIS approach results in better outcomes with regard to maintaining extensor strength than the conventional surgical approach.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of hamstring harvesting in patients after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction by comparing groups with and without hamstring harvesting.We evaluated the effect of hamstring harvesting in 73 consecutive patients who underwent ACL reconstruction: 39 patients whose hamstrings were harvested for autografts (group H) were compared with 34 patients who received allografts during the same time period (group C [control]). The cases and controls were compared by analyzing the following variables: age, height, weight, mean follow-up period, type of tissue used, and meniscal surgery. Outcomes were assessed by the Lysholm knee score, Tegner activity score, and KT-2000 side-to-side difference (MEDmetric, San Diego, CA), as well as functional performance tests. The flexor deficit and isokinetic peak torque for knee flexion were measured in the sitting position (0° to 90°), and the flexion torque at 90° was measured in the prone position (60° to 120°).Although significant knee flexion weakness after ACL reconstruction was observed, a significantly greater knee flexor deficit was found in autograft patients than in allograft patients (P.001). No differences were found between groups in terms of clinical and functional results regardless of hamstring harvesting. The performance of both study groups in all 4 functional tests were significantly correlated with flexor deficit in the sitting position (P.05) but not in hyperflexion. Significant flexor deficits in both normal and hyperflexed positions were noted in both groups when compared with the unaffected knee (group H, P.001; group C, P = .002).These results indicate significant knee flexion weakness compared with the unaffected knee after ACL reconstruction regardless of hamstring harvesting. Moreover, the greater increase in knee flexor deficit in the hamstring-harvested group compared with the allograft group was statistically significant. However, clinical and functional outcomes were similar between the groups.Level III, case-control study.

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using soft tissue grafts has been gaining in popularity. Cross-pin fixation is used frequently, and its principle of fixation is an expansion mechanism. However, some malpositioned cases have been reported, and these malpositions may cause poor outcomes. Our aim was to compare the stability and clinical results between malpositioned and properly positioned cases. From November 2003 to December 2007, 41 patients were enrolled in this study. We divided these patients into malpositioned and properly positioned subgroups. The malpositioned group was defined by the presence of any finding among the following: posteriorly directed cross-pin to the posterior condylar line upon axial imaging, breakage upon coronal imaging, and outside-positioned cross-pin to the distal femoral posterior cortex upon sagittal imaging. We compared clinical and stability results between the two groups. Twenty-three patients were included in the properly positioned group, and 18 in the malpositioned group. The intra-class correlation coefficient for the intra- and inter-rater agreement ranged from 0.88 to 0.93 (0.88, 0.91, 0.91, and 0.93). No significant differences were found between the two groups in the stability assessment using a KT-2000 arthrometer and pivot-shift test (P=0.93 and 0.78, respectively). No significant differences were found between the two groups in the clinical knee scales (Ps=0.08-0.93). This study showed that some malpositions can occur with cross-pin femoral fixation. However, we obtained comparable good outcomes regardless of the fixation strategies if the initial fixation was correct.

This study was carried out to compare and analyze control methods of the sunburn occurrence that affected `Fuji`/M.9 planting systems in Korea from 2001 to 2003. It is very important to control temperature of the surface of fruits, because sunburn may occur when the temperature of fruit surfaces reaches due to high air temperature and sunlight during growing periods. As control methods of the sunburn occurrence, white coating materials such as or kaolin were applied four times at two-week intervals from late June, and microspraying of water was conducted when air temperature was over from late July to mid-August. Both methods were effective for preventing the sunburn occurrence and improving fruit quality by decreasing peel`s temperature of fruits and increasing photosynthesis.

This study was carried out to investigate the effects of air temperature during midsummer on sunburn occurrence that had some problems recently on `Fuji`/M.9 planting system in Korea. There was a positive relationship between sunburn incidence and accumulated days with high air temperature over , or accumulated total quantum per day. `Fuji`/M.9 apple trees with relatively open canopies, compared to `Fuji`/M.26, were more susceptible to sunburn injury because the fruit was more exposed to sunlight. In `Fuji`/M.9 apple trees, those that were poor in vigor or with short bourse shoot length were more susceptible to sunburn injury. Sunburn incidence was affected by neither regions nor row orientations. Sunburn was observed most often on the fruits on the south and west sides of the trees. The reason was due to high skin temperature of the fruits reaching under full sunlight.

The purpose of this study was to conduct a literature review of studies that have addressed rehabilitation after posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction. In particular, we intended to perform categorical analysis and discuss some critical points. A literature review of English language articles was performed using the PubMed databases. Our literature search was performed using the following text words: [posterior cruciate ligament OR PCL] AND [reconstruction] AND [rehabilitation]. A total of 34 articles met our criteria and were included in the final systematic review. Rehabilitation protocols were reviewed and tabulated according to main rehabilitation protocol categories [range of motion (ROM), weight bearing, bracing, and strengthening]. Ranges of motion of 90° and 120° were allowed at 4–8 and 6–12 weeks postoperatively in 70 % of studies. Full weight bearing was delayed until 6 weeks postoperatively in 60 % of studies. Most studies (73 % of studies) used a brace for 6–8 weeks and active hamstring exercise was not allowed for 6–24 weeks postoperatively. The review showed that flexion of 90° was allowed at around 6 weeks and prone passive flexion exercise or supine passive ROM exercise with posterior support was used to prevent a posteriorly directed force. Most authors used non-weight bearing or partial weight bearing in their rehabilitation programs, however it may be possible to perform active weight bearing in full extension or early flexion grades as soon as the soft tissue situation allows. Co-strengthening exercises could be recommended because these exercises produce co-contraction between the quadriceps and hamstring muscles with little posterior shear force.

Background: There are numerous reports on hamstring tendon regeneration after harvest for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. However, few studies have evaluated the relationships among the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of hamstring regeneration, muscle strength, and functional results. Purpose: This study evaluates the correlations among the hamstring regeneration on MRI, flexor strength, and functional performance after hamstring tendon harvesting in ACL reconstruction. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: We enrolled 45 patients who underwent primary ACL reconstruction using hamstring tendon autografts and in whom flexor strength, functional performance, and preoperative and postoperative MRI results were evaluated at least 2 years postoperatively. Isokinetic flexion strength was tested in the standard and prone positions. We evaluated the differences in flexor strength and functional performance according to the number of regenerated tendons. The correlation between the MRI findings (the number of regenerated hamstring tendons and proximal shift of the musculotendinous junction) and the functional performance and flexor strength was analyzed. Results: The patients were divided into 3 groups according to the regeneration of the hamstring tendons on MRI: both semitendinosus and gracilis tendons regenerated (group SG), only 1 tendon regenerated (group O), and no tendon regenerated (group N). Significant differences were found in the flexor deficit between group N and groups SG and O on the standard and prone position isokinetic tests. There was a significant correlation (ρ = –.472) between the number of regenerated hamstring tendons and the carioca test result. The proximal shift significantly correlated with the flexor deficit in the prone position isokinetic test (semitendinosus, r = .449; gracilis, r = .366). Conclusion: Hamstring tendons regenerated after harvest for ACL reconstruction in a high proportion of the patients. The flexor strength with both the standard and prone position isokinetic tests differed in the 3 groups. The number of regenerated hamstring tendons was significantly correlated with performance on the carioca test. Proximal shifting of the musculotendinous junction was significantly correlated with flexor deficit on the hyperflexion isokinetic test.

Diagnosing posterolateral rotatory instability (PLRI) is difficult because it occurs rarely, takes time to manifest, and no single definitive tool exists in diagnosing posterolateral corner injuries. We sought to evaluate the correlation between rotational degrees in the dial test and physical and arthroscopic findings that surgically verified PLRI in the knee joint. Patients (n = 67) who were diagnosed as having PLRI and received posterolateral reconstruction (n = 57) and repair (n = 10) from 1998 to 2006 were recruited. Preoperative physical findings were evaluated under anesthesia, and arthroscopic findings during surgeries were analyzed. A dial test with post-anesthesia (spinal or general) was conducted. We divided patients into three subgroups (A:15 degrees, B: 15-20 degrees, and C:20 degrees), according to differences in rotational degrees in the dial test. All tests showed significant differences among the three groups and positive findings increased as the rotational degrees increased. No test showed a statistically significant difference in the specific group. All tests except for popliteal hiatus widening showed significant differences among the three groups and positive findings also increased as the rotational degrees increased. The total incidence and positive rate of each physical examination and the popliteal hiatus arthroscopic findings in PLRI significantly increased as the rotational degree in the dial test increased. The number of positive findings on physical examination was larger than the number of positive findings by arthroscopy in all three groups.

This paper reports a novel method for reconstructing the posterolateral structures [lateral collateral ligament (LCL), popliteus tendon, popliteofibular ligament] based on an anatomical study of a cadaveric dissection. The popliteus tendon was found to always be attached to the anterior-inferior portion of the femoral attachment site of the LCL, and the average distance from the origin of the popliteal tendon in the femoral side to that of the LCL was 18.5 mm (17-20). The insertion site of the LCL in the fibular side was located anterior-inferior-superficially and the popliteofibular ligament was inserted into the posterior-superior-deep portion around the styloid process. Two femoral tunnels and one fibular head tunnel were made at the proximal and distal portion of the anatomical insertion sites.

We designed a study to evaluate the change of the proprioceptive function with joint position sense (JPS) during 1 year follow-up period after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using hamstring autograft. Thirty-eight men who underwent ACL reconstruction were tested for International Knee Documentation Committee subjective knee score, Tegner activity score, Lysholm score, KT-2000 arthrometer, isokinetic strength test, functional performance test (carioca, co-contraction, shuttle run test, one-hop test) and JPS at preoperation, 6 months, and 12 months postoperation. The contralateral healthy knee was used as control. There were no significant differences of JPS between the involved knee and healthy knee at any time period. Repeated measures analysis of variance of the active JPS revealed that there was no significant difference during the follow up periods. The change patterns of passive JPS of extension and flexion were out of accordance with the improving clinical status following ACL reconstruction. Most of the clinical parameters did not show the significant correlation with active and passive JPS at any time period. In conclusion, JPS does not reflect the change of proprioceptive function following ACL reconstruction.