Genetic Polymorphisms and Forensic Parameters of Thirteen X-Chromosome Markers in the Iraqi Kurdish Population.

X-chromosome short tandem repeat (X-STR) tools are crucial in forensic genetics and human population fields. This study presents the development and validation of a multiplex STR system consisting of thirteen X-STR loci and amelogenin specific to the human X chromosome. The system was optimized and tested for species specificity, sensitivity, stability, and DNA mixture using 9947A female and 9948 male control genomic DNA.

Initial institutional experience using a robotic arm-enabled 4K 3D exoscope in neurosurgical operations.

The extracorporeal telescope (exoscope) presents a novel digital camera system as a versatile alternative to traditional optical microscopy for microsurgery and minimally invasive neurosurgical operations. Recent innovations in exoscope technology offer 4K-definition multiscreen outputs, pneumatic robot arms, 3-dimensional depth perception, and greater illumination, focus, and magnification powers for enhanced intraoperative visualization. The authors present their initial institutional experience using a robotic arm-enabled 4K 3D exoscope in a variety of cranial and spinal neurosurgical operations, namely Chiari decompression, microvascular decompression for trigeminal neuralgia, anterior cervical discectomy, and lumbar decompressions.

Fostering reproducibility and generalizability in machine learning for clinical prediction modeling in spine surgery.

As the use of machine learning algorithms in the development of clinical prediction models has increased, researchers are becoming more aware of the deleterious effects that stem from the lack of reporting standards. One of the most obvious consequences is the insufficient reproducibility found in current prediction models. In an attempt to characterize methods to improve reproducibility and to allow for better clinical performance, we utilize a previously proposed taxonomy that separates reproducibility into 3 components: technical, statistical, and conceptual reproducibility.

Vertebral bone quality score predicts fragility fractures independently of bone mineral density.

Background: Current evidence suggests that dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans, the conventional method defining osteoporosis, is underutilized and, when used, may underestimate patient risk for skeletal fragility. It has recently been suggested that other imaging modalities may better estimate bone quality, such as the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based vertebral bone quality (VBQ) score which also may assess vertebral compression fracture risk in patients with spine metastases.

Purpose: To evaluate whether VBQ score is predictive of fragility fractures in a population with pre-existing low bone density and at high-risk for fracture.

External validation of the SORG 90-day and 1-year machine learning algorithms for survival in spinal metastatic disease.

Background Context: Preoperative survival estimation in spinal metastatic disease helps determine the appropriateness of invasive management. The SORG ML 90-day and 1-year machine learning algorithms for survival in spinal metastatic disease were previously developed in a single institutional sample but remain to be externally validated.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to externally validate these algorithms in an independent population from another institution.

Genetic Predisposition to Symptomatic Lumbar Disk Herniation in Pediatric and Young Adult Patients.

Study Design: Case-control whole-genome sequencing analysis of a highly select, young cohort with symptomatic lumbar disk herniation (LDH) compared with the standard variation in a large reference population.

Objective: To assess genetic influences predisposing pediatric and young adult patients to symptomatic LDH.

Summary Of Background Data: LDH has traditionally been attributed to natural weakening or mechanical insult, but recent literature supports a potential genetic influence.

Management of extranodal lymphoma of the spine: a study of 30 patients.

Extranodal lymphoma of the spine is often a late manifestation of systemic disease, and may result in symptoms of pain, neurologic compromise or spinal instability. Symptomatic relief is generally achieved by radiotherapy alone, but is not sufficient in addressing spinal instability. The indications for surgery remain controversial, but may be required for spinal stabilization, or refractory disease.

Low-dose valproic acid with low-dose gemcitabine augments MHC class I-related chain A/B expression without inducing the release of soluble MHC class I-related chain A/B.

To improve natural killer group 2 member D (NKG2D)-dependent cytotoxicity, the inhibition of cleavage and release of major histocompatibility complex class 1-related chain (MIC) molecules from the tumor surface are required. Valproic acid (VPA), a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, is able to induce cell-surface MICA/B on tumor cells. In the present study, the ability of VPA and gemcitabine (GEM) to upregulate MICA/B in pancreatic cancer cells was investigated, resulting in the inhibition of cleavage and release of MIC molecules from the tumor surface.

Metastatic human breast cancer to the spine produces mechanical hyperalgesia and gait deficits in rodents.

Background Context: Metastases to the spine are a common source of severe pain in cancer patients. The secondary effects of spinal metastases include pain, bone fractures, hypercalcemia, and neurological deficits. As the disease progresses, pain severity can increase until it becomes refractory to medical treatments and leads to a decreased quality of life for patients.

A Three-phase Approach for the Early Identification of Acute Lung Injury Induced by Severe Sepsis.

A number of studies have reported that acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are independent risk factors for organ dysfunction and mortality in patients with sepsis. Although ALI/ARDS might be an essential therapeutic target during the management of sepsis, severe sepsis should be treated effectively and as soon as identified. We have classified three phases, ranging from sepsis to organ dysfunction, characterizing the interaction between neutrophils and platelets.

Knockout of Angiotensin AT2 receptors accelerates healing but impairs quality.

Wounds are among the most common, painful, debilitating and costly conditions in older adults. Disruption of the angiotensin type 1 receptors (AT1R), has been associated with impaired wound healing, suggesting a critical role for AT1R in this repair process. Biological functions of angiotensin type 2 receptors (AT2R) are less studied.

Low-dose gemcitabine induces major histocompatibility complex class I-related chain A/B expression and enhances an antitumor innate immune response in pancreatic cancer.

We investigated the effect of gemcitabine (GEM), a key drug for pancreatic cancer treatment, on the expression of cell surface MICA/B in pancreatic cancer cells and resulting cytotoxicity of γδ T cells. We assessed the effect of GEM on the upregulation of cell surface MICA/B expression by flow cytometry, utilizing six pancreatic cancer cell lines. MICA and CD16 expressions from resected pancreatic cancer patient specimens, which received neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) with GEM, were analyzed by immunohistochemistry.

Strengthening the skin with topical delivery of keratinocyte growth factor-1 using a novel DNA plasmid.

Fragile skin, susceptible to decubitus ulcers and incidental trauma, is a problem particularly for the elderly and for those with spinal cord injury. Here, we present a simple approach to strengthen the skin by the topical delivery of keratinocyte growth factor-1 (KGF-1) DNA. In initial feasibility studies with the novel minimalized, antibiotic-free DNA expression vector, NTC8385-VA1, the reporter genes luciferase and enhanced green fluorescent protein were delivered.