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Adrianna Vineyard
More Studies
About Catena Institute of Wine
The vision of the Catena Institute of Wine is to continue elevating our historic variety Malbec and our Argentine winemaking regions for another 100 years. Nicolás Catena Zapata's high altitude wine revolution led to the discovery of a new terroir for wine, the Adrianna Vineyard at almost 5,000 feet elevation. Today, the team of the Catena Institute of Wine is dedicated to studying every meter, every rock, every insect and microorganism in the Adrianna Vineyard, making it perhaps the most studied vineyard in the world.
Fernando Buscema
Executive Director Catena Institute of Wine
Address: J. Cobos s/n, Agrelo, Luján de Cuyo, MENDOZA, ARGENTINA
Phone/Fax: (54) (261) 413 1100
Belén Ureta
Project and Resource Management Specialist
Original French Malbec vines planted in Argentina.
Italian Nicola Catena plants his first Malbec vineyard in Mendoza - Bodega Catena Zapata is born.
The Second Generation - Domingo Vicente Catena, master blender, discovers the Uco Valley as his best source of Malbec.
Under the Saint Felicien label, Nicolás Catena Zapata's and his father Domingo's Cabernet Sauvignon is prized as Argentina's most age-worthy red.
The First Catena Revolution: Nicolás Catena challenges himself to make Mendoza wines that can stand with the best of the world.
The Second Catena revolution: Looking for cooler climate, Nicolás Catena Zapata dares to plant in Gualtallary, at 5,000 feet elevation, where vines had never been planted before.
Under Dr. Laura Catena's leadership, a 135 plant Malbec selection from the Angelica Vineyard - the Catena Cuttings - becomes the founding project of the Catena Institute of Wine.
Weather stations are placed in all the Catena vineyards at different altitudes to understand high altitude climate variations.
Winemaker Alejandro Vigil begins parcel selection work in the Catena Institute.
High altitude research with Agronomy School of Mendoza. Sunlight Intensity Study is published in Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.
2005 an onwards
The Catena family begins to explore and plant vineyards in regions outside Mendoza - Salta, La Rioja Argentina and Patagonia Argentina.
Fernando Buscema, as head of the Catena Institute, begins collaboration with local Institutions and the Universidad de Cuyo to focus on Malbec and sustainability.
The Third Catena Revolution: An in-depth study of all the parcels within the Adrianna Vineyard begins. Adrianna White Bones and White Stones Chardonnay first vintage.
Sustainability Protocol is developed by the Catena Institute of Wine in conjunction with Bodegas de Argentina and becomes the first vineyard sustainability protocol in Argentina.
Ongoing studies on soil microbiome, in-depth soil parcel composition as it relates to flavor and aroma, ageability, alternative varieties, phylloxera in Argentina, Bonarda plant selection.
The most extensive Malbec study that has been carried out to date is published in "Food Chemistry" and "The American Journal of Enology and Viticulture", as a result of a joint study between the CIW and UC Davis (Buscema, Boulton).
A high altitude vineyard has environmental conditions (temperature and sunlight intensity mainly) that affect the oenological quality of berries in a significant way, thus affecting the final wine. The number of meters above sea level (asl) varies depending on latitude and proximity to the ocean. In Mendoza, vineyards located above 1000 m asl, such as the regions of Altamira, Eugenio Bustos, El Cepillo and Gualtallary, are considered high altitude vineyards.
Cool nights and a wide thermal amplitude also characterize high altitude regions. In fact, temperature decreases approximately 1°C for every 100m increase in height. Plant respiration at night is a key physiological process that is highly influenced by temperature. Cool temperatures in high altitude regions allow for lower respiration rates, which enhances the concentration of malic acid in the berries. Therefore, wines sourced from high altitude regions offer higher acid levels. Wines with higher acidity can be aged longer since acidity helps to reduce the effects of oxidation. Cooler temperatures also allow berries to maintain other quality such as anthocyanins and aromatics compounds typical of each variety.
Sunlight Intensity
As altitude increases, the atmosphere becomes thinner. This means there is a thinner barrier between the sun and the earth's surface in which causes an increase in sunlight intensity. At high altitude, ultraviolet-B light (UV-B, the most energetic fraction from sunlight) also increases. Since UV-B light is very strong at high altitude, it can damage living tissue. The plant defends itself against UV-B by producing certain components that are actually beneficial for grape quality. In fact, Mendoza's wine growing regions planted above 1000 m asl tend to develop higher quality berries due to the increased levels of UV-B. The UV-B results in a greater accumulation of polyphenols and aromatic compounds in the berry, caused by the plant's defense mechanism against sunlight to protect its seeds. A higher content of polyphenols and aromatics translates into a wine with a darker color, more complex flavors and longer aging potential.
"Malbec is an immigrant grape that has been lost in the old world despite being the grape of highest renown in Medieval Europe. If you think of the world's other main grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Syrah, they are still very important in the old world. Malbec was practically abandoned. It is a great story from a historical standpoint. Given that it is the main variety of our country we need to do everything we can to elevate it, to have people understand that it does have sophistication in terms of having different flavors in different climates, soils and regions."
Dr. Laura Catena
The History of Argentine Malbec
The history of Argentine Malbec involves a nineteenth-century man named Domingo Faustino Sarmiento, the soon to be president of Argentina, the man who would become known as the father of Argentine education. In his effort to acquire the refined ways of France in the mid-1800s, Sarmiento hired a Frenchman, Michel Aimé Pouget, to establish a vine nursery in Mendoza. The Quinta Nacional, as the nursery was known, was founded in 1853. In the 80's, the Malbec was a variety used to give color and body to the millions of liters that were produced for domestic consumption. Now in Argentina, Malbec can be glorious both as a single varietal and in a blend; it combines the dark, ripe, concentrated flavors and aromas of its famous French siblings Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, with a richness and smoothness on the palate that has turned it into the fastest-growing wine import in the world.
Catena Malbec Selection
The Catena Malbec Selection program started in 1995 when Dr. Laura Catena planted 135 selections of Malbec in Catena's La Pirámide vineyard. Plants were selected from the historic rows in Lot 18 of the Angelica Vineyard, planted circa 1930 on the shores of the Mendoza River.
After a few years, our team was able to harvest and vinify the grapes from the best performing plants, those with the smallest bunches and berries, lower yields and ideal balance between tannins, texture, aromatics and natural acidity. Nicolás and Dr. Laura Catena then planted only the best selections throughout the family's high altitude vineyards in Mendoza. There is also a complete replicate of the original selection at the Adrianna vineyard.
Argentina versus France
In 1995, we planted a French Malbec clone (Cot) in La Pirámide Vineyard, next to our proprietary Malbec selections, the Catena Plant Selection. In 2003, we were able to confirm that the characteristics of the French clone differed greatly from the characteristics of our own Malbec selections, originally sourced from Catena's mother vineyard, Angélica. As a result, we asked ourselves if the vegetative material, in addition to soil and climate, was also an influence on the plant, which would explain why Argentine Malbec differed from Malbec planted elsewhere. To test this theory, in 2007, we sent five Argentine clones from our collection to be planted in the UC Davis nursery next to other Malbec selections from France. In 2011 we observed significant differences between the yields and phenolic compounds of the French and Argentine clones. This initial study suggested that the Malbec selections brought from France to Argentina in 1853 were very different from other Malbec selections planted anywhere else in the world.
Unique Terroirs
In partnership with researchers from UC Davis, the Catena Institute carried out the largest study on Malbec Terroirs to date. We compared 42 vineyard sites from Mendoza and California, vinifying them in a standardized way, to allow the site differences to emerge. Then we analyzed the phenolic and aromatic compounds and conducted comparative tastings. Applying advanced statistical techniques (chemometrics), we found out that Malbec takes on a number of different flavor profiles depending on its origin. In general, the Mendocinian wines offered more complexity and ripe red fruit flavors compared to the Californian samples. In addition, certain vineyard lots produced wines with a very distinctive flavor profile, like lot 6 from Adrianna Vineyard. This study suggested that Mendoza has a wide variety of terroirs and can therefore produce "small lot" Malbec wines that are truly expressive of each vineyard site. Currently, we are working on a more in-depth study on this subject that we anticipate will lead to a more profound understanding of the uniqueness of Malbec from Mendoza.
The Adrianna Vineyard is located in the Tupungato department of the Uco Valley, in the soon-to-be-appellation of Gualtallary. The remarkable thing about this vineyard is its high altitude, at 4,757 feet elevation. Nicolás Catena decided to plant here to obtain wines from a cooler climate, like the most prestigious wines of Burgundy or Bordeaux. The combination of singular climatic conditions, carefully sought after plants, and great diversity of soils makes this vineyard unique, and it is our wish is that it becomes recognized as the most studied vineyard in the world.
The Adrianna vineyard, planted in 1992, was initially Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Merlot. Later on, after years of research to better understand the climatic conditions of the region, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Malbec were planted; today the vineyard is 120 hectares. There is a wide selection of plants for each grape variety, trained to a vertical shoot positioning trellis system and planted at different densities. Recently, a new Malbec lot was planted using the Goblet vine training system. The Malbec grown in the Adrianna Vineyard comes from selected plants in lot 18 of Catena's Angélica Vineyard, the Mother vineyard to Catena's Malbec clonal selection project. Other Malbec clones grown in Adrianna come from La Pirámide Vineyard; for instance, Catena Malbec clone 10 and clone 120. In order to study the behavior of Malbec in different "terroirs," we planted 125 Malbec selections in the Adrianna vineyard that were originally sourced from our La Pirámide vineyard in Agrelo.
Adrianna's climate is influenced by high altitude. The altitude causes cooler temperatures and higher sunlight intensity compared to wine growing regions in lower altitudes. The average annual temperature is around 13º C, and during the ripening months (February, March and April), the average monthly temperature is 20.2 ºC, 16.5 ºC and 13.2 ºC respectively. Additionally, maximum temperatures during these months rarely exceed 30 ºC. Low temperatures at Adrianna enable early ripening grapes such as Chardonnay to reach low alcohol levels and higher acidity. High sunlight intensity, UV-B in particular, received by the berries (the levels of UV-B is approximately 38% higher than in regions located at 500 m a.s.l.) increases phenolic and anthocyanin contents, translating into wines with a darker color, richer mouthfeel and longer aging potential. High sunlight intensity also allows for late ripening grape varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon to achieve optimal ripeness despite the cold temperatures.
The soils of the Adrianna vineyard are particularly heterogeneous due to their alluvial origin, born of the flow of water from ancient rivers and glaciers combined with the Andes volcanic act ivity. Adrianna soils are so heterogeneous that you will find a difference in topsoil depths from 30 to 200 cm within 10 meters distance in the same lot in the vineyard. This means there is less water retention in parts of the vineyard, which results in differences in vigor and berry characteristics. The extensive work of identifying the more than 200 parcels was started by Dr. Laura Catena and was later continued by Alejandro Vigil and the Catena Institute of Wine team. The research has taken place over the last two decades and continues today.
People always told us that due to the characteristics of Mendoza, our soils were just sterile matter. However, we have discovered that our soils are alive. Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (bacterias that live naturally in our soils) help plants to resist frost, diseases and grow properly in our extreme climate conditions.
We have not only applied our knowledge and experience to understand the Adrianna Vineyard, but also to study other wine growing regions and grape varieties. We continue to explore our country in our quest to produce high quality Argentine wines. We also aim to be a strong partner to other entities working to elevate our wine region. We continue to share our findings with the Argentine wine community so our region will continue to make strides in sustainability and other innovations that will lead us into the future.
The Catena Institute of Wine pioneered and developed the first Sustainability Certification for Argentine Wineries and Vineyards and was the first Argentine winery to be certified in June of 2015. In 2010 our viticulture team formed a partnership with the Bodegas de Argentina Technical Committee to create a sustainability code that would be available to the entire country. This code is adaptable to fit the needs and challenges of each specific Argentine wine region. We are happy to report that today several other Argentine wineries are using the Bodegas de Argentina sustainability code that we helped pioneer.
More information Press release.
Mendoza Appellations
The Appellation of Origin law, passed in 1999, set the framework for the creation of Argentinian Indications of Origin (IG), the quality distinction system for Argentina. The Catena Zapata family believes that the IGs are a key tool in helping wine consumers understand the unique characteristics of each of our regions. The Catena Institute of Wine, Catena viticultural team and INV Technical Committee team have worked to create the Paraje Altamira IG. We are currently working on delimiting the boundaries of the Gualtallary IG.
Phylloxera is a grape vine pest caused by an aphid that feeds on roots. In Argentina it is present since 1878. Why this pest that destroyed many vineyards in Europe has not caused damage to our vineyards? In collaboration with UC Davis (EEUU) and IBAM (Argentina), we performed a genetic characterization of phylloxera present in all wine regions of Argentina. We found strains that were related to Californian biotypes, but not with European biotypes. We are currently assessing the aggressiveness of the strains in the most used rootstocks.
Each region of Argentina has its own viticulture history which includes grape varieties that were grown in our country decades or even centuries ago but have not found a place in the market in Argentina today. The CIW is working to resurrect grape varieties that were traditionally grown in Mendoza's Eastern Region – where the Catena family first settled – such as Bonarda and Criolla. The CIW has also expanded its study to other varieties that Mendoza is not traditionally known for, including Cabernet Franc, Grenache, Caladoc, Nebbiolo and Petit Verdot. The results do not cease to surprise us and we hope that soon will surprise you too.
New Regions
Following our vision over the last decade to advance our wine regions to the First World of Wine, the Catena Zapata family has expanded beyond Mendoza and has planted vineyards in Salta, La Rioja, San Juan, and Patagonia, Argentina. The diversity of Argentina's landscape, viticulture, history and culture is illustrated by the difference of each of these regions. Malbec takes on different flavors and textures in each province, but there are also other varieties that particularly flourish within these regions, such as Torrontés, Bonarda, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir. The Catena Institute of Wine is applying its knowledge of the unique terroirs within these regions to produce wines that showcase the best quality of our regions, thereby elevating the entire country in the First World of Wine.
The Catena Institute of Wine partners with many prestigious research institutions in Argentina and the U.S. who share a mutual interest in our vision. Together, we have published the largest, most prolific, Malbec study in the world carried out to date.
The CIW has developed a strong partnership with the Department of Viticulture & Enology of the University of California, Davis, focused on studying Malbec terroir. Through collaborative efforts, we have studied the characterization of Malbec Terroirs from Mendoza and California, phylloxera, and a comparison of Malbec clones from Argentina and France. To further this partnership, the CIW offers a scholarship to UC Davis post graduate students to conduct part of their research work in Argentina.
The National University of Cuyo is one of Argentina's most respected universities. Its School of Agronomy has trained the best viticulturists in the region. Currently, we are working with its top graduate students in an effort to characterize Mendoza's Viticultural terroirs. As a result, we have discovered that the soils of Adrianna Vineyard are alive, and that in fact, the rhizobacteria present in this soil contributes largely to grape quality and to a better adaptation of the plants to their environment.
(The National Council of Scientific and Technical Research) is Argentina's main research institution. Catena and CONICET co-financed several Ph D studies on the effect of sunlight intensity on wine quality and its effect on Malbec vines grown at the Adrianna Vineyard. The results were published in several prestigious scientific journals.
This institute, founded in 2009, worked with the Catena Institute since the very beginning, in two joint studies: the characterization of Catena Malbec selections and the effect of sunlight at the Adrianna Vineyard. Additionally, we published a joint study on the nutraceutical values of fermentation residues.
Microwine is an international project that involves 15 PhDs from all over the world. The aim: to understand wine's terroir from the whole picture: soil, plant, climate and microbiome effect, through projects that take place in different countries by training people using the highest technology available. We are now part of this network and thanks to La Plata University in Argentina we will be going deeper into the study of Adrianna's vineyard microbiome.
Septentrion is an international project developed in partnership with the University of Burgundy. Its goal is to understand how Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vines perform in different regions with different climates: Burgundy, Oregon, California, Argentina, and Germany. It includes agronomical and oenological measurements from several vintages, which will be analyzed using metabolomics. Thanks to this database, we will not only have information on the behavior of grape varieties in a global scenario, but also we will be able to contextualize it taking into account climate change perspectives.
Dr. Laura Catena - Founder
Fernando Buscema - Executive Director
Alejandro Vigil - Board Member
Roy Urvieta - Enology Specialist
Daniela Mezzatesta - Viticulture Specialist
Rodrigo Alonso - Viticulture Specialist
Belen Ureta - Sustainable Innovation Specialist
The Science of Argentine Wine
"This book tells the story of the Catena Institute and some of the research that it has sponsored in collaboration with academic partner organizations. It also tells the story of Malbec, and how Catena rediscovered and made famous this almost-abandoned variety that had fallen out of favour in its homeland of France. While Catena has conducted studies across several sites in Mendoza, much of the research discussed here has been focused on a single vineyard: Adrianna. There's a strong case for arguing that this is now one of the world's best studied vineyards, and it represents a model system for how other vineyards might be understood on a scientific level."
Dr. Jamie Goode
Phenolic and sensory profiles discriminate geographical indications for Malbec wines from different regions of Mendoza, Argentina
Food Chemistry - By Roy Urvieta et al - May, 2018
Laura Catena: the quest to uncover Argentina's true winemaking potential
The Buyer - By Richard Siddle - April 24, 2017
Microbial Terroir - Current Research Round-up
Jancis Robinson - By Julia Harding MW - February 6, 2017
High Hopes in The Andes
The Economist - By Dan Rosenheck - December/January 2017
To Move Beyond Malbec, Look Below the Surface
The New York Times - By Eric Asimov - February 2016
The Future of Wine Science
Wine Business Monthly - By Lance Cutler - November 2015
Del laboratorio a la copa: variedades no convencionales de vino
La Nación - By Sebastián Ríos - November 9, 2015
Catena Institute of Wine and UC Davis Host, "The Future of Wine Science," A Joint Educational Conference
Argentine Winery shares the results of its research in California
Los Andes - 09/26/2015
Catena Wine's Measure of Influence in Argentina
Forbes.com - By Cathy Huyghe - September 8, 2015
Malbec Musings Westender
By Michaela Morris - September 7, 2015
Characterization of Malbec, a challenge for Argentina Los Andes - By Fernando Buscema - February 21, 2015
IBAM celebrated its 5th Anniversary
Conicet Mendoza - November 28, 2014
Advances in Wine Innovations
Conicet - By Douglas Mac Donald - October 6, 2014
The Catena Institute of Wine is Officially Introduced at Wine Summit in Mendoza
PR Newswire - September 30, 2014
Developing the local regions, one of Catena Institute's aims
WineSur - August 28, 2014
Catena Institute of Wine - Los Andes - By Soledad González - August 23, 2014
Advancing our winemaking regions into the First World of Wine, the Catena Institute's Mission
Clarín - By Pablo de León - August 15, 2014
Why is Argentinian Malbec Unique in the World?
La Nación - By Sebastián Ríos - July 19, 2014
Dr. Laura Catena: "We can't be tempted to produce cheap, bulk wines"
Los Andes - By Soledad González - June 22, 2014
Catena Wines Press More Scientific Publications
• David Adelsheim, Clemens Busch, Laura Catena, Boris Champy, Jan Coetzee, Lawrence Coia, Brian Croser, Paul Draper, Denis Durbourdieu, Frederick Frank, Heinz Frischengruber, Roman Horvath, Alois Lageder, Ernst Loosen, Tamara Roberts, Matthew Strugnell, Miguel A. Torres and Marimar Torres (2016). Climate Change: Field Reports from Leading Winemakers. Journal of Wine Economics, Pages 20-24, Volume 11, Number 1
• H. Heymann, A. L. Robinson, F. Buscema, M. E. Stoumen, E. S. King, H. Hopfer, R. B. Boulton, S. E. Ebeler (2015). Advances in Wine Research: Effect of Region on the Volatile Composition and Sensory Profiles of Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon Wines. American Chemical Society. Chapter 7, pp 109–122
• Antoniolli, A., Fontana, A. R., Piccoli, P., & Bottini, R. (2015). Characterization of polyphenols and evaluation of antioxidant capacity in grape pomace of the cv. Malbec. Food Chemistry, 178, 172–8.
• Buscema, F., Boulton, R. B. (2015). Phenolic Composition of Malbec: A Comparative Study of Research-Scale Wines between Argentina and the United States. American Journal of Enology and Viticulture, 66: 30-36.
• González, C. V., Fanzone, M. L., Cortés, L. E., Bottini, R., Lijavetzky, D. C., Ballaré, C. L., & Boccalandro, H. E. (2015). Fruit-localized photoreceptors increase phenolic compounds in berry skins of field-grown Vitis vinifera L. cv. Malbec. Phytochemistry, 110, 46–57.
• Gil M, Bottini R, Pontin M, Berli F, Salomon M, Piccoli P (2014) Solar UV-B radiation modifies the proportion of volatile organic compounds in flowers of field-grown grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) cv. Malbec. Plant Growth Regulation: 1-5
• King ES, Stoumen M, Buscema F, Hjelmeland AK, Ebeler SE, Heymann H and Boulton RB (2014) Regional sensory and chemical characteristics of Malbec wines from Mendoza and California. Food Chemistry 143:256-267.
• Muñoz, C., Gomez-Talquenca, S., Chialva, C., Ibáñez, J., Martinez-Zapater, J. M., Peña-Neira, Á., & Lijavetzky, D. (2014). Relationships among gene expression and anthocyanin composition of Malbec grapevine clones. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 62, 6716–6725.
• Gil, M., Bottini, R., Berli, F., Pontin, M., Silva, M. F., & Piccoli, P. (2013). Volatile organic compounds characterized from grapevine (Vitis vinifera L. cv. Malbec) berries increase at pre-harvest and in response to UV-B radiation. Phytochemistry, 96, 148–157. em.2013.08.011
• Boccalandro, H. E., González, C. V, Wunderlin, D. a, & Silva, M. F. (2011). Melatonin levels, determined by LC-ESI-MS/MS, fluctuate during the day/night cycle in Vitis vinifera cv Malbec: evidence of its antioxidant role in fruits. Journal of pineal research, 51(2), 226–32. 9X.2011.00884.x
• Pontin, M. a, Piccoli, P. N., Francisco, R., Bottini, R., Martinez-Zapater, J. M., & Lijavetzky, D. (2010). Transcriptome changes in grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) cv. Malbec leaves induced by ultraviolet-B radiation. BMC plant biology, 10(1), 224. -10-224
• Stajner, N., Jakse, J., Javornik, B., Masuelli, R. W., & Martínez, L. E. (2009). Highly variable AFLP and S-SAP markers for the identification of "Malbec" and "Syrah" clones. Vitis - Journal of Grapevine Research, 48(3), 145–150.
• Berli, F., D'Angelo, J., Cavagnaro, B., Bottini, R., Wuilloud, R., & Silva, M. F. (2008). Phenolic composition in grape (Vitis vinifera L. cv. Malbec) ripened with different solar UV-B radiation levels by capillary zone electrophoresis. Journal of agricultural and food chemistry, 56(9), 2892–8.
• Berli, F. J., Alonso, R., Beltrano J. & Bottini, R. (2015). High Altitude Solar UV-B and Abscisic Acid Sprays Increase Grape Berry Antioxidant Capacity. American Journal of Enology and Viticulture. 4.14067
• Berli, F. J., Alonso, R., Bressan-Smith, R., & Bottini, R. (2013). UV-B impairs growth and gas exchange in grapevines grown in high altitude. Physiologia plantarum, 149(1), 127–40.
• Gil, M., Pontin, M., Berli, F., Bottini, R., & Piccoli, P. (2012). Metabolism of terpenes in the response of grape (Vitis vinifera L.) leaf tissues to UV-B radiation. Phytochemistry, 77, 89–98. em.2011.12.011
• Gomez, F. J. V., Raba, J., Cerutti, S., & Silva, M. F. (2012). Monitoring melatonin and its isomer in Vitis vinifera cv. Malbec by UHPLC-MS/MS from grape to bottle. Journal of pineal research, 52(3), 349–55. 9X.2011.00949.x
• Berli, F. J., Fanzone, M., Piccoli, P., & Bottini, R. (2011). Solar UV-B and ABA are involved in phenol metabolism of Vitis vinifera L. increasing biosynthesis of berry skin polyphenols. Journal of agricultural and food chemistry, 59(9), 4874–84.
• Berli, F. J., Moreno, D., Piccoli, P., Hespanhol-Viana, L., Silva, M. F., Bressan-Smith, Bottini, R. (2010). Abscisic acid is involved in the response of grape (Vitis vinifera L.) cv. Malbec leaf tissues to ultraviolet-B radiation by enhancing ultraviolet-absorbing compounds, antioxidant enzymes and membrane sterols. Plant, cell & environment, 33(1), 1–10. 40.2009.02044.x
• Salomon, M. V., Bottini, R., de Souza Filho, G. A., Cohen, A. C., Moreno, D., Gil, M., & Piccoli, P. (2013). Bacteria isolated from roots and rhizosphere of Vitis vinifera retard water losses, induce abscisic acid accumulation and synthesis of defense-related terpenes in in vitro cultured grapevine. Physiologia plantarum
• Fontana, A. R., Antoniolli, A., & Bottini, R. (2013). Grape pomace as a sustainable source of bioactive compounds: extraction, characterization, and biotechnological applications of phenolics. Journal of agricultural and food chemistry, 61(38), 8987–9003
• Alonso, R., Berli, F. J., Bottini, R., Piccoli, P. (2015). Acclimation mechanisms elicited by sprayed abscisic acid, solar UV-B and water deficit in leaf tissues of field-grown grapevines. Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, 91, 56–60
• Berli, F., and Bottini, R. (2013). UV-B and abscisic acid effects on grape berry maturation and quality. Journal of Berry Research, 3, 1–14
Dr. Laura Catena is a fourth-generation Argentine vintner, physician and author. Born in Mendoza, Laura graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University with a degree in biology and has a Doctor of Medicine degree from Stanford University. Always fascinated by science, Laura was drawn to the medical profession and never intended to go into the wine business with her family. That all changed in the mid-1990s when Dr. Laura Catena attended Wine Spectator's New York Wine Experience. At that time Laura's father, Nicolás Catena Zapata was the first Argentine vintner to be invited to show his wines at this annual tasting of the greatest wines of the world. The attendees bypassed the winery's booth, as Argentina was not yet synonymous with quality wine, particularly Malbec, as it is today. At this moment, watching the long lines waiting to taste French and California wine and seeing the lack of recognition for Argentina, Laura became determined to help her father achieve his dream of making wines that could stand with the best of the world. She vowed to help her family and her region elevate Argentine wine around the world.
As a medical doctor, Laura understood research, so when she joined the winery in 1995 she founded the winery's first research & development department, which today is known as the Catena Institute of Wine. Laura has led the Catena Institute in a myriad of important studies of high-altitude vineyards, ranging from an extensive Malbec plant selection to a study of the effect of light on the quality of wine—particularly Malbec.
Laura has been called the "face" of Argentine wine for her active role in promoting the Mendoza wine region and Argentine Malbec. In addition to her role overseeing the Catena Institute of Wine, she is currently managing director of Bodega Catena Zapata and her own Luca Wines in Mendoza, as well as a practicing emergency medicine physician in San Francisco. She is author of the first book about Argentine wine in the English language, Vino Argentino: An Insider's Guide to the Wines and Wine Country of Argentina (Chronicle Books, 2010.)
Back to "Our Team"
Fernando Buscema is a passionate winemaker, wine drinker and researcher. He is a fifth-generation winemaker and was born in the heart of Mendoza, one of the world's best-known winemaking regions. After graduating with honors at Don Bosco School of Enology, Fernando joined the Catena family in 2005, and in 2007 he became the Director of Research & Development. Fernando has been the Executive Director of the Catena Institute of Wine since January 2013.
Fernando has vast international winemaking experience and has worked in several wineries in Italy and California. In 2012, he earned a master's degree from the Department of Viticulture and Enology at the prestigious University of California- Davis. While at UC-Davis, Fernando worked and lectured with professor Dr. Roger Boulton. Particularly, Fernando was engaged in groundbreaking research in growing Malbec in Argentina and the United States. He received several awards, including the Wine Spectator Award, for academic achievement, and graduated top of his class.
Fernando's passion is wine ageability and drinking as old a bottle as he can get his hands on. He is particularly excited about the CIW's current research on ageability focusing primarily on wines from the Adrianna Vineyard. He is an avid reader and soccer player.
Alejandro Vigil is a graduate in agricultural engineering from the Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, where he went on to receive a degree in both winemaking and irrigation management. He began his career in the National Agricultural Technology Institute, where he took over the Soil Analysis Department at the age of twenty-eight, making him the youngest person ever to become a department chair. Alejandro came to Bodega Catena Zapata in 2002 as the Director of the Research & Development Department, or what is now The Catena Institute of Wine. In 2004, he became winemaker for the Catena Zapata icon wines; and in 2007, chief winemaker.
In 2013, Alejandro was named to Decanter magazine's Power List for his outstanding accomplishments. Under Alejandro's direction as head winemaker at Catena Zapata, the winery was named New World Winery of the Year in 2010 by Wine Enthusiast and Winery of the Year in 2012 and 2013 by Wine and Spirits. Alejandro has led Bodega Catena Zapata to garner international acclaim with over forty 95+ points ratings from the world's most influential wine publications, including Wine Enthusiast, Wine Advocate, Decanter and Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar.
Roy Urvieta was born in Cordoba, Argentina, but grew up in the La Consulta department of Mendoza, one the most famous regions of Argentina for high-quality wine. Roy studied to become an Enology Technician and later went on to achieve his Enology degree at Universidad Tecnológica Nacional (UTN). Roy first joined the Catena Zapata family in 2006 and in 2008, he joined the Research & Development team, working in Vista Flores in the Uco Valley. Roy spent a summer at UC-Davis assisting acclaimed professor Dr. Roger Boulton, and Fernando Buscema, MSc, in groundbreaking Malbec research, comparing Malbec growing in various geographic areas in Argentina and the United States. Roy is the Catena Institute's Enology Manager, and in this capacity he is involved in the Institute's pioneering high altitude viticulture studies.
Daniela Mezzatesta grew up learning about vineyards from her grandfather, a winemaker from San Rafael, in the south of Mendoza. She went on to study agronomy at Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo and in addition to her university studies, she participated in projects with INTA (National Institute of Agricultural Technology), where she became passionate about vineyard research and its importance in influencing wine quality. After graduating with honors, she received a scholarship to travel to Southern Italy to study the region and conduct comparative research. In 2013, she joined the Catena Institute of Wine team, where she lends her passion for using research to achieve desired results in the wine. Daniela will begin a PhD program at Universidad Nacional de Cuyo in 2015 with a focus on soil studies.
Rodrigo E. Alonso - Viticulture Specialist
Rodrigo Alonso is a graduate of the agricultural engineering program from the Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias of Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. After graduating, he began his career in the university's Department of Organic and Biological, where he first made contact with the world of research. In 2009, he joined the Catena Institute of Wine team, collaborating on the first research conducted in the high-altitude vineyards of Catena Zapata. The first project he was involved in was evaluating the effects of UV-B radiation on the berries. Since then, this unprecedented research has been published in prestigious science journals. In 2011, Rodrigo started his PhD in biological sciences, where he continues to study the effects of UV-B radiation in high-altitude vineyards and the interaction with water restriction conditions. Rodrigo will finish his doctorate in 2015, and upon completion he wants to continue studying the high-altitude vineyards with the aim of growing berries that can make Argentine wine stand with the best in the world.
Belén Ureta - Sustainable Innovation Specialist
Belén Ureta joined Bodega Catena Zapata in 2006 in Administration. With a background in accounting, she never imagined she would be involved in wine research. Belén grew up in La Consulta, one of Mendoza's best-known wine regions, so while winemaking was not foreign to her, she never imagined a career in the industry. While Belén managed the administration area of the Catena family winery in Vista Flores, she met Fernando Buscema, who was part of the Enology team at that time. Fernando saw potential in Belén to contribute to the research department, so in 2007, Fernando extended the opportunity to Belén to assist in some of the winery's research projects. She proved her value and in March 2010, she joined the Catena Institute of Wine team full-time. In her capacity, she oversees projects and resources management.
Pablo Ortega - Enology Technician
Pablo Ortega is a graduate from the Don Bosco School of Winemaking in Rodeo del Medio, Mendoza. He joined the Catena Zapata winemaking team in 2007. Today he focuses on the Catena Institute of Wine, helping the winemaking team apply research to achieve the highest quality results in the wine. Pablo's undergraduate degree is from Universidad Tecnológica Nacional (UTN) in Enology.
Pablo Virgillito - Viticulture Technician
Pablo Virgillito was born and raised in Buenos Aires, but moved to Mendoza to follow his dream of becoming an enologist. He studied at Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, at Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, where he graduated with a technical degree in Enology and Viticulture. While he was studying, he joined the team at Bodega Catena Zapata in 2003 doing operations in the winery's warehouse. In 2007, he transferred to the winery's research department, where he continued to manage operations in addition to studying the physiochemical stages of winemaking and conducting wine aging analysis. Since 2008, Pablo has been a full-time team member of the Catena Institute of Wine.
Pablo regularly contributes to research that has been published in prestigious scientific journals and he is also a contributor on doctoral theses, including a paper entitled "The Effect of Defoliation On the Concentration of Anthocyanins and Tannins in Wine cv. Malbec," which was presented at the Congress of Viticulture in Enology in 2011. In his current role, Pablo is involved in ongoing investigations into the effect of defoliation practice in Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon. He is also involved in studying the effect of plantation density and row orientation of Malbec planted in the Catena family's high-altitude vineyards.
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Solar UV-B and ABA are involved in phenol metabolism of Vitis vinifera L. increasing biosynthesis of berry skin polyphenols
Berli et al. (2011) Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry
Melatonin levels, determined by LC-ESI-MSMS, fluctuate during the daynight cycle in Vitis vinifera cv Malbec: evidence of its antioxidant role in fruits
Boccalandro, et al. (2011) Journal of Pineal Research
Abscisic acid is involved in the response of grape (Vitis vinifera L.) cv. Malbec leaf tissues to ultraviolet-B radiation by enhancing ultraviolet-absorbing compounds, antioxidant enzymes and membrane sterols
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Transcriptome changes in grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) cv. Malbec leaves induced by ultraviolet-B radiation
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Phenolic composition in grape (Vitis vinifera L. cv. Malbec) ripened with different solar UV-B radiation levels by Capillary Zone Electrophoresis
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Malbec Plants
Development of a high-performance liquid chromatography method based on a core–shell column approach for the rapid determination of multiclass polyphenols in grape pomaces
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Characterization of polyphenols and evaluation of antioxidant capacity in grape pomace of the cv. Malbec
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Relationships among gene expression and anthocyanin composition of Malbec grapevine clones
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Monitoring melatonin and its isomer in Vitis vinifera cv. Malbec by UHPLC-MSMS from grape to bottle
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Highly variable AFLP and S-SAP markers for the identification of 'Malbec' and 'Syrah' clones
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text:
Lengthening Over an Existing Intramedullary Nail In Cases of Post-traumatic Femoral Shortening. Technical Note. Case Series Study
Achilleas Boutsiadis*, Eirini Iosifidou, Xilouris Nikolaos, Ippokratis Hatzokos
2nd Orthopaedic Department of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, "G. Genimatas" General Hospital, 41 Ethnikis Aminis, ZIP: 54635, Thessaloniki, Greece
Publisher Id: TOORTHJ-10-12
Received Date: 22/2/2015
Electronic publication date: 17/3/2016
© Boutsiadis et al.; Licensee Bentham Open.
open-access license: This is an open access article licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial 4.0 International Public License (CC BY-NC 4.0) (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/legalcode), which permits unrestricted, non-commercial use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the work is properly cited.
* Address correspondence to this author at the 14, Kapetan Gkoni Stavroupoli, Thessaloniki ZIP: 56430, Greece; Tel: +3023106011312; Fax: +3023106011312; Email: boutsia@gmail.com
Intramedullary (IM) nailing is the method of choice for the treatment of most femoral shaft fractures. However, despite successful solid union, great initial fracture comminution can lead to significant leg length discrepancy affecting normal gait mechanics. Femoral osteotomy and distraction osteogenesis over the pre-existing IM nail could restore this limb inequality.
Five patients with an average post-traumatic femoral shortening of 3.83 cm were presented in our department with the nail in situ. Limb lengthening was achieved with the application of a distal hybrid external rail frame over the pre-existing nail. We assumed that the choice of a distal external fixator ring with wires could facilitate the procedure and minimize the possibility of friction–contact problems with the large diameter nail.
The amount of length discrepancy, calculated preoperatively, was restored in all patients. The mean time in frame was 57.6 days and the external fixator index 16.978 d/cm. The mean time of total healing was 152.6 days and the average bone-healing index 44.9d/cm. No deep infection or hardware loosening was observed. One superficial pin track infection was treated successfully with oral antibiotics.
This technique utilizes the principles and advantages of lengthening over an IM nail, avoids the necessity of nail removal and minimizes the complication rates and the overall time for complete recovery.
Keywords: Distraction osteogenesis, femoral shortening, hybrid external fixator, intramedullary nail, lengthening over nail, post-traumatic length discrepancy.
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Intramedullary (IM) nailing is the method of choice for the treatment of most femoral shaft fractures. In general, closed technique combined with reaming and interlocking screws has been associated with high union rates and small percentages of complications [1]. However, it is not always an easy procedure with predictable results [2]. Rotational or angular malunion and length leg discrepancy have been described in the international literature [3, 4]. Authors reported that despite solid union and excellent radiological results, initial fracture comminution could lead to significant residual length leg discrepancies in up to 43% of the cases [5, 6].
Shortening deformity can affect significantly the normal gait mechanics during daily living activities. Inevitable quadriceps weakness and asymmetric joint loading may lead to contralateral hip, knee and low back pain or even to limping gait [1-3]. Correction of this axial malunion can be challenging regarding intra-operative complications, post-operative stiffness,infections, muscles' weakness or even patient's compliance.
Limb lengthening was first described by Codivilla in 1905 [7] but the new era was introduced by Ilizarov who described the distraction osteogenesis method [8]. The innovative method of lengthening over an intramedullary nail was described by Palley et al., reducing the external fixator period and thus making the treatment more comfortable for the patient and also eliminating the complication of regenerated bone fracture after the fixator removal [9]. Purpose of this study is the presentation of the surgical technique and the prospective evaluation of the intra-operative difficulties and the results of femur lengthening over the pre-existing intramedullary nail using hybrid external fixator.
The scientific council of our general hospital has approved the project (Log No. 1794).
SURGICAL TECHNIQUE
Pre-operative planning involved accurate assessment of the Leg-Length Discrepancy (LLD) with assisted computed tomography scanogram (Fig. 1). Careful soft-tissue evaluation and laboratory blood tests (ESR, CRP) were also performed in order to exclude any possibility of infection.
(A) A 21-year-old man with 39mm post-traumatic shortening after intramedullary (IM) nailing of the right femur. Note successful bony union with no length discrepancy of the left femur. (B) Immediate post-operative anteroposterior (AP) x-ray showing the application of the hydrid external fixator parallel to the knee joint and to the nail. (C) Twenty days post-operatively AP x-ray showing progression of distraction. (D, E) Intraoperative x-ray after completion of the 39mm lengthening and insertion of locking screws and removal of the external fixator. (F) AP x-rays 6 weeks after insertion of interlocking screws. Note complete bony union.
The patients were positioned on a traction radiolucent table in order to facilitate anteroposterior and lateral x-ray views of the hip and knee joints and of the entire femur.
The distal locking screws of the pre-existing antergrade intramedullary nail (IMN) were firstly removed. Initially, three or four proximal external fixator hydroxyapatite-coated half-pins were placed at the level of the lesser trochanter, perpendicularly and posteriorly to the nail. Distally, an external fixator ring with four wires was applied at the metaphyseal region parallel to the knee joint in order to avoid the possibility of friction–contact problems with the large diameter nail (Figs. 1, 2).
Then the osteotomy site was decided depending on the site of the malunion, bone quality and position of the IMN. Adequate length of the intramedullary nail was left at the distal fragment of the osteotomy calculating its final position-migration after limb lengthening. The osteotomy was performed through a lateral 3cm skin incision, away from the fracture site. It was started using the multiple-drill-hole technique and finished carefully with an osteotome. Care was taken not to damage the IMN. Slight rotational manipulation of the distal fragment confirmed the disengagement of the bone canal from the nail and the osteotomy completion, in order to allow sliding of the nail.
(A,B) A cross section of the femur with a IM nail in situ. The introduction of a Schanz screw poses the risk of undesirable contact and friction with the nail. (C,D) This risk is avoided with the use of smaller diameter pins through an external fixator ring. Additionallly, the presence of the big diameter nail permits the parallel application of the wires without any possible ring shearing movement affect the final result.
Finally, a lengthening rail frame (LRS, Orthofix S.R.L., Bussolengo, Verona, Italy) was applied parallel to the IMN and the femur, connecting the proximal half-pins with the distal ring. Before the rail application and under fluoroscopy evaluation any rotational deformity was also corrected through the distal ring. In all cases distraction was started ten days post-operatively at a rate of 0.75mm/day, in increments of 0.25mm.
Isometric quadriceps and knee range-of-motion exercises were started immediately. Touch toe walking with two crutches was encouraged from the first post-operative day. The distraction of the osteotomy was confirmed with x-rays 10 days later. The lengthening progress was monitored by means of plain radiographs every three weeks.
After the achievement of the desired distraction all patients were brought to the operating theatre. Two distal interlocking screws were inserted with the freehand technique, under fluoroscopic guidance. The external fixator was removed and partial weight bearing of approximately 20kgs was allowed until new bone consolidation was confirmed (Fig. 1).
Five patients with post-traumatic femoral shortening, in which the initial fracture was managed with closed intramedullary nailing, were presented in our department with the nail in situ. Four patients were male and one female with an average age 28.3 years (range 21-38 years). Despite fracture healing, great initial comminution led to a mean leg length discrepancy of 3.83 cm (2.5- 4cm). Limb lengthening with application of a distal hybrid external rail frame (LRS, Orthofix S.R.L., Bussolengo, Verona, Italy) over the pre-existing nail, as described above, was decided in all cases.
The mean lengthening achieved was 3.84cm and the amount of the discrepancy, calculated preoperatively, was restored in all patients. The mean time in frame was 57.6 days (range 48-67 days) while the external fixator index was 16.978 d/cm (range 13.7 d/cm – 19.14 d/cm). The mean time of total healing was 152.6 days (range 138-175 days) and the average bone-healing index was 44.9d/cm (range 42.9-48.57d/cm).
No intraoperative or postoperative neurovascular complications occurred. No malrotation or other axial deformity was observed in any patient during final clinical and radiographic evaluation. Range of motion of the knee joint was normal and not affected by the treatment method. In one case 20° restricted hip flexion and abduction were not significantly improved after limb lengthening. According to Paley's scoring system for outcome of femoral lengthening in all cases the outcome was excellent (Fig. 3) [9].
In one patient superficial pin track infection was treated successfully with oral antibiotics. No deep infection or hardware loosening was observed. In two cases slight over-lengthening (0.3-0.4cm) was observed during the last radiographic examination before external fixator removal. Using the hybrid rail frame, gradual shortening for a period of 1 week restored the desired length before the insertion of the nail's interlocking screws.
Clinical views of the same patient six months post-operatively. Note the complete length restoration and the complete range of motion of the knee.
Locked intramedullary nailing remains the preferred surgical technique for the treatment of femoral shaft fractures [2]. However, fractures with bony defects and high comminution can result in leg-length discrepancy that may affect gait mechanics, cause pain of the contralateral joints and even increase energy expenditure during walking [2]. Distraction osteogenesis over the pre-existing IM nail can restore this axial malunion and improve the clinical outcome with minimum complication rates [10]. The external fixator can be removed immediately after the distraction period, increasing patient's tolerance. The preservation of the IM nail protects the hip abductors and possibly the femur's head vascularity from a second violation. Additionally, the IM nail provides greater stability to the construct during the consolidation phase acting as an internal scaffold that maintains the alignment [10].
The classical technique of lengthening over a nail utilizes a unilateral fixator with 2 or 3 Schanz screws at each bone segment [10]. However, successful distraction and adequate sliding of the bone over the intramedullary nail necessitates parallel application of the external fixator to the nail in both axial and coronal planes. Otherwise minor malrotation or malposition of the screws may cause friction between the nail and the femur especially after the attachment of the fixator and initiation of the distraction sequence. Additionally, most reported complications during lengthening over nail are associated to the Schanz screws and include difficulties in inserting, cut outs, pin track infection, joint contracture and stiffness [11].
In order to avoid these possible complications we decided to apply a hybrid rail frame in all cases. Due to their smaller diameter (2mm), the insertion of the ring's wires was easier and there was less possibility of an undesirable contact and friction with the nail, during the distraction. Additionally, due to the presence of the big diameter nail, the parallel application of the wires could also be performed without any concern that a possible ring shearing movement could affect the final result (Fig. 2) [12]. Also, it is of outmost importance to understand that the pre-existing nails are somehow "re-used" during this procedure because they have already been implanted for the initial fracture healing. We do not know their ultimate failure point due to fatigue and consequently our purpose was to avoid any inadvertent damage of them during the rail frame insertion. The application of the 2mm wires instead of the 6mm Schanz screws minimizes the risk of abrading the nail (Fig. 2). Additionally, great attention was given to the osteotomy procedure in order not to damage the shaft of the nail, which will withstand all the loading forces during the consolidation period. Finally, it has been reported that hybrid external fixator have shown lower rates of pin tract infection, observation that is very important in these post-traumatic re-operated cases [13].
Despite the small case series our results show low complications rate and similar external fixator and bone healing index compared with previous published studies (Table 1) [9, 10, 14-18]. However, this technique has only been used for correcting axial deformities. Angular (varus-valgus, apex anterior-apex posterior) or even translational (in frontal-in sagittal plane) deformities are more difficult to be corrected with lengthening over nail and it has not been described before in post-traumatic cases [11].
Summary of our study and previous published studies showing the results after femoral lengthening over an intramedullary nail.
Post-Traumatic
Pre-existing Nail
Type of External Fixator
Time in frame
External Fixation Index
Bone Healing Index
Mean Length
Kim et al. (2011) 5 cases 5 cases 5 Unilateral 32.2 days 0.46mo/cm 1.71mo/cm 2.58cm
Simpson et al.
(1999) 16 cases 0 cases 3 Ilizarov
13 Unilateral 98 days 0.65mo/cm Not available Not available
Song et al. (2005) 16 cases 0 cases 16 Unilateral 140 days 0.8mo/cm Not available 5cm
Lin et al. (1996) 4 cases 0 cases Ilizarov 1 month after completion of distraction Not available 1.83mo/cm 4cm
Mahboubian et al. (2012) 15 cases 0 cases Unilateral 48 days 0.4mo/cm 1.39mo/cm 4cm
Paley et al. (1997) 11 cases 0 cases Unilateral
Ilizarov 120±60 days 0.7±0.4mo/cm 1.4mo/cm 5.8cm
Kucukkaya et al. (2013) 7cases
(Not explained Number of post-traumatic) 0 cases Unilateral
(Retrograde Nail) 48.1 days 0.37mo/cm 1.38mp/cm 4.3cm
Our study 5 cases 5 cases Hydrid External Fixator 57.6 days 0.56mo/cm 1.49mo/cm 3.84cm
By lengthening over the pre-existing intramedullary nail, the duration of the external fixation was reduced, thus leading in increased patient's comfort and decreased incidence of complications such as pin track infection and joint stiffness. Additionally, the presence of a large diameter intramedullary nail prevented fracture and deformation of the regenerated bone. The novelty of our study is the application of a distal ring with wires that facilitates the successful performance of the procedure and minimizes the possibility of friction–contact problems with the nail. Compared with the already published small case series, our excellent results suggest that it is a safe procedure that can be performed in any patient with post-traumatic axial deformity of the femur.
CRP = C-reactive protein
ESR = Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate
IM = Intramedullary Nailling
IMN = Intramedullary Nail
LLD = Leg-Length Discrepancy
The authors confirm that this article content has no conflict of interest.
We would like to thank Mrs EC, Graphic Designer, for the design of the professional quality drawing.
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The Open Orthopaedics Journal
Philippe Hernigou
Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery University Paris East
Henri Mondor Hospital
Biography of Philippe Hernigou
Dr. Philippe Hernigou, Ph.D., is currently Professor in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Paris 12 Val de Marne University, Créteil, France. Dr. Hernigou is member of the International Hip Society, SICOT treasurer, member of the French Academy of Surgery, and Past-President of SOFCOT (French Orthopaedic Society). He, as an author/co-author, has been involved in the publication of more than 255 articles in various journals from around the world, having a significant number of total citations, i.e. around 5,130. He has published mainly in the subject areas of Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology.
Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery University Paris East, Henri Mondor Hospital, Creteil, France
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The Open Orthopaedics Journal is seeking energetic and qualified researchers to join its editorial board team as Editorial Board Members or reviewers.
The essential criteria to become Editorial Board Members of The Open Orthopaedics Journal are as follows:
Experience in experimental and clinical research and surgery in orthopaedics with an academic degree.
At least 20 publication records of articles and /or books related to the field of experimental and clinical research and surgery in orthopaedics or in a specific research field.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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I'm around. Guess I've taken somewhat of a break from the forums lately.
Hey vess - Where did you go?
No. Its the whole set. The silver dollar, half and the $5 gold in PF 70s. I have more than $600 in this set.
600 dollars for the bald eagle proof. Boy that makes me sad. that coin was stolen from me!
Just a quick note that you have some beautiful Morgans in your album. I am envious; nicely done!
Congrats also on completing your Franklin set. Just today I *saw* a completed set in AU (or thereabouts) and thought it fantastic. Nicely done!
Thanks! It's a G.B. 1889 NGC MS-64 with gorgeous toning. I dont have much foreign coinage but I really like the British stuff. This is one I wasn't looking for but couldn't pass it up when I ran across it.
That's a fine looking Victorian Sixpence.
rlm, you're right! I should have known that. Averaging doesn't work when you have the 4 different angles. I'll go back there and make a mention of it. Thanks. I would rather be proven wrong than give false information to somebody.
Just FYI, here is what I posted on TomCorona's page.
"Sorry, but I think you will find that the shape and therefore its area are not defined by the dimensions given. You need at least one angle or a cross measurement, etc. Without knowing another fact, the opposite corners could be anything between about 70 feet apart (nearing a triangle) to about 500 feet apart (nearing a rhombus) and on to 880 feet apart (nearing another triangle)."
I enjoyed your Morgan album. So that's what Morgans look like! Mine look nothing like those, just worn out coins that wouldn't constitute the lowest ranking. I love the toning and your description of the colors. It kind of melds the artist in me with the coin experience. I've learned a lot from you. Thanks.
Thanks malak. It's a 1938-D/S NGC graded MS-66 with beautiful rose toning I found at a show. The single light source cast a lot of shadows making the high relief really stand out in the pic. It has an excellent strike. One of my favorites for sure.
What a beautiful Buffalo on your avatar. What's the date ?
You are my first friend!
Thanks..That one always make me laugh.
maybe you should get on the wheat penny forum.
Have broad range of interests that keep my mind busy. Collect all types of US stuff, classics to commems. Dabble in currency. In to model railroads, HO detailing, reef aquariums, fishing, reloading, & second ammend. devices.


text:
Flyers Midseason Team Awards
January 9, 2018 by Dan Ward
The Flyers have reached the official midpoint of the 2017-18 season. After their win against the Buffalo Sabres on Jan. 7, the Flyers have 46 points with a 19-15-8 record through 42 games. They had a 10-game losing streak. They had a six-game winning streak. Their inconsistent play has been evident, but they are still right in the middle of the playoff discussion.
To make the playoffs, they will have to play as a team for the remainder of the season. With that being said, its good to look back through the first three months of the season and recognize the individual players who have performed well for the team. Here are the Midseason Team Awards for the Philadelphia Flyers:
MVP – Claude Giroux
The Captain of the Flyers has proven himself deserving of the 'C' on his chest. He continues to shine as the Flyers best player as he has done for the past several years. Through 42 games, Giroux leads the team with 52 points. He is second on the team in both goals and assists with 14 and 38 respectively. Among Flyers, he is near the top in most offensive categories: 2nd in power play points, third in shot percentage, 1st in faceoffs won and faceoff percentage among qualified players, and 4th in ATOI. He has also remained aggressive by setting the tone for his team in big games like he did against the St. Louis Blues.
Giroux and Schenn at it very early on.
Giroux gets the better of him. pic.twitter.com/9pUtJsfgfn
— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) January 6, 2018
Off the ice, he has been a leader as well. He has not shied away from the media or made excuses for the team during this roller coaster season. He has consistently spoken to reporters about the team's struggles and how they simply need to come together and play better. This is expected of a captain, but not always fulfilled by one. Giroux is leading the team on and off the ice and has been the most valuable player.
Iron Man Award – Brian Elliott
Usually, the Iron Man Award will go to a player that has played in every game while showing great offensive and defensive abilities. For the Flyers, the Iron Man Award goes to the player that has been called on time and time again and has handled the heavy workload. Brian Elliott fits that criteria.
The new netminder for the Flyers has been called upon time and time again with little to no rest this season. Prior to the game against the Sabres, Elliott had played 16 games in a row including every game in December and 33 of the Flyers 42 games. He has been up to the challenge, posting a 16-10-7 record with a 2.74 GAA and .910 save percentage. When asked in December if he needed a break, Elliott responded very professionally saying:
"That's not a question for me. That's a question for the coach. Like I said, I will take the opportunity [to play] anytime I get it."
Elliott has been the stabilizing force behind the Flyers defense that they have not had in years, and he is doing it in nearly every single game.
Best Defensive Player – Shayne Gostisbehere
The Ghost Bear is an uncommon specimen in the NHL. He is a defenseman with the offensive capabilities of a forward and a defensive presence to stop other teams from scoring. Not every team has a player like that but, fortunately, the Flyers do.
Gostisbehere is second among defensemen with nine goals this season trailing Columbus' Zach Werenski. He is third in points with 32 in 39 games played. He has been one of the best in the entire league on the power play with 18 points, 10th best among all NHL skaters. Over the last two seasons, he has the 12th most points among defensemen. On a team where offensive depth has been hard to come by, it's helpful to have a capable defenseman like Gostisbehere.
(Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)
He has played exceptionally with Ivan Provorov as the two have faced the top lines of other teams consistently. Of course, he has not been perfect. He has allowed some odd-man rushes to opponents by being too aggressive on offense; however, you accept that from the Ghost when he provides such great offensive numbers. He still has a plus-one rating while logging the third highest ATOI on the team. Shayne Gostisbehere has been all the Flyers have needed and more so far this season.
Best Offensive Player – Sean Couturier
Sean Couturier began his career with the Flyers as the young, defensive-minded forward that would limit Evgeni Malkin's production in games against the Penguins. He has become one of the best two-way players in the NHL and the best offensive player for the Flyers this season. He leads the team in goals with 23, fourth-best in the NHL. Couturier has posted the second-best marks on the team in power play goals, total shots on goal and shooting percentage. He is third in points and faceoff winning percentage, fourth in assists, and has the best plus/minus of the team at plus-14. Only Ivan Provorov averages more time on the ice.
Claude Giroux and Sean Couturier, Philadelphia Flyers, January 6, 2018 (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)
He has been the best offensive player on the team by playing aggressively. Despite being on the top line, he is fifth among forwards on the team in hits. He can score from anywhere on the ice and plays a consistently aggressive game.
Couturier has really stepped up as a leader on this team. He has been the best offensive player this season.
Mr. Consistency – Jakub Voracek
The most consistent part of Voracek's game has been his passing. He leads the NHL with 43 assists after 42 games, averaging more than one per night. He is on pace to obliterate his career high in assists (59) and points (81) for a single season, both of which were set in the 2014-15 season.
Voracek has only had three instances where he was unable to register a point in back-to-back games. One such streak was a three-game span, the others two games. No matter what line he has been on, he has been effective. He has found offensive success with perfect passes while also getting his own by leading the team in shots.
He is a plus-six on the ice with 20 points earned in losses and ties and 31 points coming in wins. Voracek has been able to put up consistent numbers in every game, regardless of the play of his team. Brian Elliott has provided stability in net to this roller coaster season, and Jakub Voracek has provided consistency on offense for him and his teammates.
Most Improved – Ivan Provorov
There has been no sophomore slump for Ivan Provorov. He showed plenty of promise as a rookie last year, although he did have plenty of rookie mistakes. This season, he still has had his issues (particularly with giveaways) but the number of mistakes that have had a direct impact on the team have been few and far between. Last year he had six goals and 24 assists in 82 games. This season, he already has eight goals and 12 assists in half as many games. He is playing with more aggression, shooting the puck more often with accuracy and hitting more people.
Ivan Provorov (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)
Ron Hextall and the Flyer coaches entered the season wanting to see if Provorov could be the lead defenseman for the Flyers in the future. Provorov has shown that the future is now in that regard. He has already taken over as the team's top defenseman, and he will be on the top defense pairing for the foreseeable future. He can play with the defensive minds of players like Haag, the aggressive mind of Radko Gudas, and the offensive mind of Gostisbehere. The defensive unit continues to get better every game with Provorov leading the way.
Related Story: Ivan Provorov — Future Norris Trophy Winner
Newcomer of the Year – Robert Haag
Despite this being his first year in the NHL, Haag has shined as one of the top defensemen for the Flyers. He is second on the team in plus/minus and first among defensemen. His play is simple and provides more confidence than fear for fans. This is important with the number of question marks that have surrounded this team this season. He is first on the team in total hits and hits on the penalty kill. He blocks shots, plays aggressive and stops teams from scoring.
Haag has played very well for the Flyers as a rookie. He is a defensive defenseman that has played well. He has not been perfect and has had plenty of rookie moments, but Haag has already earned a long-term spot as part of the defensive core of the future Flyers.
The X-Factor – Wayne Simmonds
Simmonds has been inconsistent this season, but he has still been able to put up some decent numbers. After 42 games, he has 14 goals and 12 assists for 26 points. He has been moved up and down the lineup playing on all three top lines. As mentioned in a previous article about the alternate captain being the X-Factor of the team, the Flyers find success when Simmonds registers a point. If the "Wayne Train" can get rolling in the second half and produce the numbers he has put up in the last few seasons, then the Orange and Black will be rolling into the playoff station.
These awards can change with the season. Which players will be able to keep up their play for the remainder of the year?
Dan Ward
Former Lead Writer and Editor for George Mason Recreation and SportsTalkFeed.com. Graduate of George Mason University with a degree in Economics and Sports Management. Experience in sports includes writing, playing, announcing, marketing, filming, and analyzing. Passionate about sports.
Categories Philadelphia Flyers Tags Claude Giroux, Robert Hagg, Sean Couturier, Shayne Gostisbehere, Top Story
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Gap auto insurance, in case you didn't know, picks up the tab if your car is totaled and you owe more than it's worth. Although gap insurance coverage can be purchased for as little as $30 a year it isn't always necessary.
One instance is if you pay cash for your new car; if you don't have an unpaid loan balance, there is no financing gap to worry about.
However, paid for or not, a new car will still depreciate at the same rate. In this case you might want to look at New Car Replacement Insurance.
New car replacement insurance is offered by a number of carriers for different lengths of time. Some insurers offer replacement insurance for only a month while others, such as Allstate, offer a plan where "you may be able to get a totally new car" if totaled in the first three model years.
A second instance when you would not need gap insurance is if you put at least 20% down. In most cases if you put 20% down the rate at which the car loan is paid down should track pretty close to the depreciated value of your car.
Another situation where you might not need gap protection is if you lease a new or used car. In many states, such as New York, gap insurance is mandated by law to be included in the quoted lease payment amount.
Yet despite this there are unscrupulous sales people who will try to sell you gap insurance anyway – and it won't come cheap. The gap insurance sold by car dealerships today is a high profit add on much like upholstery protection or under carriage coating was years ago.
The average one time payment for gap insurance purchased from a car dealer averages around $548. This is almost 5 times more than it would cost if purchased from a major insurance carrier for as long as you needed it.
The last example illustrates why you would need gap insurance, but for only a short period of time.
The recent loosening of bank purse strings has also meant lower car financing rates for both new and used cars. As a matter of fact the rates are very similar. At these new low rates the outstanding loan balance and depreciated car value quickly reach parity – usually within two years.
However, that first year of car ownership is still a killer for car values. For instance, if you borrowed $40,000 for 60 months at 6% with zero down, 20% of the loan would be paid in the first year but your car would have depreciated 25%. This would leave you owing roughly $2,500 more than the insurance company would pay out if your car was totaled during the first year of ownership.
But, as previously mentioned, during the second year of ownership the value or your car and the loan balance would even out. So although you won't be able to eliminate the purchase of gap insurance entirely, you would only need it for the first year of ownership.


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In Switzerland, women receive OASI (Old Age and Survivor's Insurance) state pension from the age of 64 and men from the age of 65. In addition, they may receive benefits from an occupational or private pension scheme. OASI, occupational pensions and private pensions are the three 'pillars' in the Swiss old-age pension system.
How much will my OASI state pension be?
any contribution credits you have received for bringing up children or caring for other persons.
Both employees and employers are required to pay contributions. Employee contributions are deducted directly from your salary.
To receive the full pension, you have to have contributed in full. This means you and your employer have made payments without interruption from the time you were 20 until the time you reach retirement age.
The level of the pension you receive then depends on your average annual income.
By law, the maximum pension may not be more than twice the minimum pension.
What is the situation for married couples?
The following rule applies to married couples: each spouse's income is added together and the total is divided by two to obtain the amount credited to each spouse.
if the marriage is ended by divorce.
The sum of the two individual pensions may not exceed 150 per cent of the maximum single pension. If this maximum is exceeded, then the two individual pensions are reduced accordingly.
Do I have to wait until I reach OASI retirement age before I can retire?
In Switzerland, women receive an OASI pension from the age of 64 and men from the age of 65. Under the OASI scheme, pensioners can draw their pension one or two years before retirement age. Under the occupational pension scheme, it is possible to take early retirement (starting from the age of 58). If you draw your pension early, it will of course be lower.
You can also defer drawing your OASI pension by a minimum of one and a maximum of five years. This increases the amount of pension you receive each month. You can also defer drawing your occupational pension. There are numerous possible ways of doing this, each of which have a different impact on your income. Ideally, you should seek advice from your pension fund.
You can obtain an estimate of your own old-age pension online. Or you can ask for an estimate free of charge from your compensation office. In both cases, you will receive a provisional calculation. No binding calculation can be made before you reach retirement age.
An occupational pension scheme is mandatory for all employees. It starts when you first get a job, from the age of 17. However, you have to be earning at least CHF 21,330 a year. Both employees and their employers are required to pay contributions. These are deducted directly from your salary.
The level of the pension depends on the contributions you make throughout your working life. Each pension fund has its own rules. All your contributions are combined to make up your retirement savings. The benefits can be paid as a pension or as a lump sum.
The pension is calculated using a conversion rate. The minimum rate is laid down by law. Currently it amounts to 6.8 per cent (for men and women who have reached the normal state retirement age).
If you have accumulated retirement savings of CHF 400,000 during your working life and the conversion rate is 6.8%, your annuity will amount to CHF 27,200 a year, or CHF 2,267 a month.
The 3rd Pillar comprises savings made with a view to retirement. Subject to certain limits, payments made into 3rd Pillar funds are tax exempt. There is no obligation to make payments to a 3rd Pillar scheme.


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Shakib joins national team ahead of Dhaka Test
Published: December 02, 2021 18:27:28 | Updated: December 04, 2021 22:04:15
Ahead of the Dhaka Test against Pakistan starting on December 4, ace Bangladesh allrounder Shakib Al Hasan has joined the national team on Thursday.
Shakib started practising on his own a few days ago and practised with the team on Thursday after testing Covid-19 negative.
Shakib missed the first Test due to a hamstring injury that he sustained on October 29 against West Indies during the T20 World Cup, as per a UNB report.
Bangladesh lost the first Test by eight wickets in Chattogram despite some wonderful displays by Liton Das, Mushfiqur Rahim and Taijul Islam.
Liton hit his maiden Test ton, Mushfiqur posted 91, and Taijul, the left-arm spinner, scalped seven wickets.
They were bettered by the fast bowlers of Pakistan- Shaheen Afridi and Hasan Ali, and Pakistan opener Abid Ali hits a century and posted 91 as well.
The hosts suffered immensely in the first Test due to the lack of an extra bowler. That deficit might be negotiated well in the presence of Shakib who will also be a great option for batting.
Bangladesh have four uncapped players in the Dhaka Test squad- Mohammad Naim, Rejaur Rahman Raja, Shohidul Islam and Mahmudul Hasan Joy. Yasir Ali Rabbi was also uncapped ahead of the first Test, and the batter got his maiden cap in that match in Chattogram which is also his hometown.
However, Bangladesh released right-handed opener Saif Hassan, who was diagnosed with typhoid recently. BCB did not call any replacement for him.
Along with Shakib, Bangladesh also included Taskin Ahmed for the Dhaka Test. The right-arm pacer played the T20I series, but he got injured and was ruled out of the first Test.
Abu Jayed and Ebadot Hossain were in Bangladesh's pace-bowling attack, but they failed to help the team properly.
With this series, Bangladesh started the new cycle of the ICC World Test Championship. In the previous cycle, Bangladesh played a total of seven Tests and failed to win any of them.
Pakistan team has also started preparation for the Dhaka Test. A few members of the Pakistan team including captain Babar Azam took part in an optional training session on Thursday.
After this series, Bangladesh will tour New Zealand for a two-match series. The Tigers will fly for New Zealand on December 9.
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text:
Almeda by Solange
Photo: Courtesy of Columbia Records
About Almeda
"Black faith is unwavering. And yet, at a time when blackness is up for grabs by the masses, Solange reminds us that the ownership of black culture by black people can never die. It is for us, by us, forever with us."
— Britt Julious, Pitchfork contributor
With the surprise release of her latest album, When I Get Home, Solange gets in touch with her Southern black roots and the distinctness of black faith through the song Almeda, touching up on sensitive issues such as cultural appropriation.
These are black-owned things
Black faith still can't be washed away
Not even in that Florida water
Solange's upbringing was heavily influenced growing up in Houston. The track's beats draw in inspiration from the chopped and screwed genre, a remixing technique that started in the Houston hip-hop scene in the 90's. Almeda is also a name of a place southwest of Houston.
Albeit a song dedicated to her black culture, the song still poses an imminent reminder for everyone. Almeda is an inspiring and empowering ode for us to continue to revere, to claim, and to bask in the beauty and power of our own cultures.