Preferences for a COVID-19 vaccine in Australia.

In absence of a COVID-19 vaccine, testing, contact tracing and social restrictions are among the most powerful strategies adopted around the world to slow down the spread of the pandemic. Citizens of most countries are suffering major physical, psychological and economic distress. At this stage, a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine is the most sustainable option to manage the current pandemic.

Ancient DNA sheds light on the genetic origins of early Iron Age Philistines.

The ancient Mediterranean port city of Ashkelon, identified as "Philistine" during the Iron Age, underwent a marked cultural change between the Late Bronze and the early Iron Age. It has been long debated whether this change was driven by a substantial movement of people, possibly linked to a larger migration of the so-called "Sea Peoples." Here, we report genome-wide data of 10 Bronze and Iron Age individuals from Ashkelon.

Cervical endplate and facet arthrosis: an anatomic study of cadaveric specimens.

Study Design: An anatomic, epidemiologic study of cervical endplate and facet arthrosis in cadaveric spines.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of cervical endplate and facet arthrosis and the relationship between these 2 entities in a large population sample.

Summary Of Background Data: Cervical endplate and facet arthrosis are common radiographic findings, which have both been linked to pain.

Wound infections after surgery for neuromuscular scoliosis: risk factors and treatment outcomes.

Study Design: Retrospective, case-control study.

Objective: Determine risk factors for postoperative wound infections after surgery for neuromuscular scoliosis as well as the causative organisms and the results of treatment.

Summary Of Background Data: Wound infection after surgery for neuromuscular scoliosis is more common than that for idiopathic scoliosis.

Complications of mandibular distraction osteogenesis.

Background: Mandibular hypoplasia, retrognathia, and micrognathia are commonly encountered problems in pediatric plastic surgery. Mandibular distraction osteogenesis (MDO) is a relatively simple technique that allows for correction of the deformity with minimal morbidity. However, MDO can lead to a wide variety of complications.

Risk factors for major complications after surgery for neuromuscular scoliosis.

Study Design: Retrospective, case series.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of major complications and to identify factors that increase the risk of complications in patients undergoing surgery for neuromuscular scoliosis.

Summary Of Background Data: Complications after surgery for neuromuscular scoliosis are more prevalent than in idiopathic scoliosis.

Prevalence of concurrent lumbar and cervical arthrosis: an anatomic study of cadaveric specimens.

Study Design: An anatomic, epidemiologic study of lumbar and cervical arthrosis in cadaveric spines.

Objective: Determine the prevalence of combined lumbar and cervical arthrosis in a large population sample and examine its association with age, sex, and race.

Summary Of Background Data: Lumbar and cervical arthrosis are common radiographic findings, which have both been linked to pain.

Involuntary, electrically excitable nerve transfer for denervation: results from an animal model.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of "paralyzed" nerve transfer (ie, transfer of an involuntary, nondegenerated, electrically excitable nerve onto an involuntary, degenerated, non-electrically excitable nerve) and functional electrical stimulation for reinnervation. We hypothesized that lower motor neuron cell body continuity with the motor cortex, via intact upper motor neurons, is not necessary for reinnervation of the extremities.

Methods: Fischer 344 rats had lower thoracic spinal cord injury (SCI) followed by unilateral tibial nerve transection and delayed peroneal ("paralyzed") to tibial nerve transfer (group A) or primary neurorrhaphy (group B).

Snowblower injuries to the hand: epidemiology, patterns of injury, and strategies for prevention.

Snowblowers injure approximately 5000 people a year and can cause devastating hand injuries. Even with added safety measures and warnings on modern snowblowers, hand injuries are still occurring at an alarming rate. We have reviewed our series of snowblower-related hand injuries to elucidate the epidemiology, patterns of injury, and strategies for prevention.

Spinal cord monitoring for scoliosis surgery in Rett syndrome: can these patients be accurately monitored?

Study Design: A level III retrospective comparative study.

Objective: Assess the clinical efficacy of somatosensory-evoked potential (SSEP) spinal cord monitoring (SCM) in Rett syndrome patients undergoing scoliosis surgery.

Summary Of Background Data: The role of SCM in neuromuscular scoliosis is less accurate compared with idiopathic scoliosis because of the nature of the neuropathic or myopathic disorder.