Are Ceramic Bearings Becoming Cost-Effective for All Patients?

Background

The purpose of this study is to analyze whether the cost for ceramic-on-polyethylene (C-PE) and ceramic-on-ceramic (COC) bearings used in primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) was changing over time, and if the cost differential between ceramic bearings and metal-on-polyethylene (M-PE) bearings was approaching the previously published tipping point for cost-effectiveness of $325.

Chronic administration of sildenafil improves erectile function in a rat model of chronic renal failure

The relationship between erectile dysfunction (ED) and chronic renal failure (CRF) has been reported in several studies. This study aimed to investigate whether the chronic use of sildenafil could enhance the erectile capacity in CRF-induced rats. In addition, we assessed the effect of that treatment on certain molecules, which have been suggested to play crucial roles in erectile physiology and CRF-related ED as well. Three groups of animals were utilized: (1) age-matched control rats, (2) CRF-induced rats, (3) CRF-induced rats treated with chronic administration of sildenafil (5 mg kg⁻¹ p.o. for 6 weeks [treatment started after 6 weeks of CRF induction]). At 3 months, all animals underwent cavernosal nerve stimulation (CNS) to assess erectile function. Penile tissue advanced glycation end products (AGE''s)/5-hydroxymethyl-2-furaldehyde, malondialdehyde (MDA), cGMP (ELISA), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and neuronal NOS (nNOS) (Western blot) analyses were performed in all rat groups. CRF-induced rats had a significant decrease in erectile function when compared to control rats (P < 0.05). The increase in both intracavernosal pressure (ICP) and area under the curve of CRF-induced rats treated with sildenafil (Group 3) was greater than CRF-induced rats (Group 2). Additionally, sildenafil treatment decreased AGE, MDA and iNOS levels, while it preserved nNOS and cGMP contents in CRF-induced penile tissue. Decreased AGE, MDA, iNOS and increased nNOS, cGMP levels at the sildenafil-treated group increased both ICP and Total ICP to CNS, which led to improve erectile function in CRF-induced rats. The results of the present study revealed the therapeutic effect of chronic sildenafil administration on erectile function in CRF-induced rats.     

Does Timing of Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty Prior to or After Lumbar Spine Fusion Have an Effect on Dislocation and Revision Rates?

Background

Patients undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) following lumbar spine fusion have an increased incidence of dislocation compared to those without prior lumbar fusion. The purpose of this study is to determine if timing of THA prior to or after lumbar fusion would have an effect on dislocation and revision incidence in patients with both hip and lumbar spine pathology.

The Clinical Features of Comorbid Pediatric Bipolar Disorder in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

The aim of this study was to describe clinical features of PBD comorbidity in children with ASD. Forty children with ASD and PBD aged 6–18 years, and 40 age- and sex-matched ASD subjects with no affective episodes were included in the study. Autism Behavior CheckList, Abberant Behavior CheckList, and Young Mania Rating Scale-Parent Version were completed. This study shows that PBD comorbidity in children with ASD involves a highly episodic course, with manic episodes, subsyndromal symptoms and interepisodic periods commonly being described in the manic symptom profile of these children. These findings need to be repeated with large samples, together with controlled studies concerning therapeutic interventions directed toward PBD comorbidity in children with ASD.