Daylight exposure modulates bacterial communities associated with household dust.

Background: Microbial communities associated with indoor dust abound in the built environment. The transmission of sunlight through windows is a key building design consideration, but the effects of light exposure on dust communities remain unclear. We report results of an experiment and computational models designed to assess the effects of light exposure and wavelengths on the structure of the dust microbiome.

Molecular Evidence for Metabolically Active Bacteria in the Atmosphere.

Bacterial metabolisms are responsible for critical chemical transformations in nearly all environments, including oceans, freshwater, and soil. Despite the ubiquity of bacteria in the atmosphere, little is known about the metabolic functioning of atmospheric bacterial communities. To gain a better understanding of the metabolism of bacterial communities in the atmosphere, we used a combined empirical and model-based approach to investigate the structure and composition of potentially active bacterial communities in air sampled at a high elevation research station.

Modification of the sinus tarsi approach for open reduction and plate fixation of intra-articular calcaneus fractures: the limits of proximal extension based upon the vascular anatomy of the lateral calcaneal artery.

The treatment of displaced calcaneal fractures remains controversial. Early surgical management to restore articular congruence and the structural function of the calcaneus is widely accepted as the best way to avoid the negative consequences of malunion. Concerns remain however regarding the best approach for reducing and maintaining reduction of these complex fractures, while minimizing the risk of surgical complications.

Comparative charge analysis of one- and two-level lumbar total disc arthroplasty versus circumferential lumbar fusion.

Study Design: This is a retrospective, independent study comparing 2 groups of patients treated surgically for discogenic low back pain associated with degenerative disc disease (DDD) in the lumbosacral spine.

Objective: To compare the surgical and hospitalization charges associated with 1- and 2-level lumbar total disc replacement and circumferential lumbar fusion.

Summary Of Background Data: Reported series of lumbar total disc replacement have been favorable.

Aneurysmal bone cyst of the second cervical vertebrae causing multilevel upper cervical instability.

Objective: Aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) is a rare expansile osteolytic lesion of bone comprising proliferating vascular tissue lining blood-filled cystic cavities. ABCs occur most frequently in patients under age 20 and are uncommon after 30 years of age. Three to 20% of cases occur in the spine, and upper cervical involvement is rare.