Freehand Pre-drilling Technique for Lateral Mass Screw Fixation Is More Efficient and Reliable Versus Sequential Drilling Technique: A Sawbone Analysis.

Background Since posterior cervical fixation with lateral mass screws was introduced in 1979, multiple techniques have been described in the literature. However, no study to date has determined whether pre-drilling all lateral masses prior to screw insertion has a benefit over the traditional sequential drilling and screw insertion on the alignment of the screw-rod construct. This study sought to determine the efficacy and efficiency in achieving alignment with a novel pre-drilling technique compared to the traditional sequential drilling technique.

Force spectroscopy with electromagnetic tweezers.

Force spectroscopy using magnetic tweezers (MTs) is a powerful method to probe the physical characteristics of single polymers. Typically, molecules are functionalized for specific attachment to a glass surface at one end and a micrometer-scale paramagnetic bead at the other end. By applying an external magnetic field, multiple molecules can be stretched and twisted simultaneously without exposure to potentially damaging radiation.

An Analysis of Patient and Fracture Characteristics and Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Hyperostotic Spine Fractures.

Study Design: Retrospective study.

Objective: To evaluate outcomes and complications following operative and nonoperative management of hyperostotic spine fractures.

Methods: Patients presenting between 2008 and 2017 to a single level 1 trauma center with hyperostotic spine fractures had their information and fracture characteristics reviewed.

/NeuroD1 Functions with the Homeobox Gene /Vax2 and Hox Gene /labial To Specify Aspects of RME and DD Neuron Fate in .

Identifying the mechanisms behind neuronal fate specification are key to understanding normal neural development in addition to neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and schizophrenia. cell fate specification is difficult to study in vertebrates. However, the nematode , with its invariant cell lineage and simple nervous system of 302 neurons, is an ideal organism to explore the earliest stages of neural development.

Geriatric Cyclists: Assessing Risks, Safety, and Benefits.

Nearly 1 in every 3 Americans ride bicycles each year, but only 20% of the reported 100 million cyclists ride on a weekly basis. Bicycling is a common form of transportation and recreation and has gained popularity among the elderly patients. In recent years, the number of elderly cyclists has increased steadily and studies have cited ease of use, need for exercise, and enjoyment as important contributing factors.