A chromosome-level genome for the nudibranch gastropod Berghia stephanieae helps parse clade-specific gene expression in novel and conserved phenotypes.

Background: How novel phenotypes originate from conserved genes, processes, and tissues remains a major question in biology. Research that sets out to answer this question often focuses on the conserved genes and processes involved, an approach that explicitly excludes the impact of genetic elements that may be classified as clade-specific, even though many of these genes are known to be important for many novel, or clade-restricted, phenotypes. This is especially true for understudied phyla such as mollusks, where limited genomic and functional biology resources for members of this phylum have long hindered assessments of genetic homology and function.

A chromosome-level genome for the nudibranch gastropod helps parse clade-specific gene expression in novel and conserved phenotypes.

How novel phenotypes originate from conserved genes, processes, and tissues remains a major question in biology. Research that sets out to answer this question often focuses on the conserved genes and processes involved, an approach that explicitly excludes the impact of genetic elements that may be classified as clade-specific, even though many of these genes are known to be important for many novel, or clade-restricted, phenotypes. This is especially true for understudied phyla such as mollusks, where limited genomic and functional biology resources for members of this phylum has long hindered assessments of genetic homology and function.

The Use of Prone Magnetic Resonance Imaging to Rule Out Tethered Cord in Patients With Structural Spine Anomalies: A Diagnostic Technical Note for Surgical Decision-making.

Tethered cord syndrome (TCS) is a clinical diagnosis that can be difficult to establish, as symptoms do not always match classic radiological findings, such as a low-lying conus. Surgery for spinal detethering is not without risk and does not always result in clinical improvement. Prone magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been described as a tool to assess the mobility of the spine.

Resection of an Intramedullary Glomus-type Arteriovenous Malformation of the Conus Medullaris: Technical Note and Step-by-step Surgical Video.

Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) of the spine include a broad spectrum of lesions that vary from a simple arteriovenous fistulous connection to a more complex net of abnormal vessels involving multiple spinal levels. These entities are poorly studied and understood because of their rarity and are often either managed conservatively with observation if the lesion is complex, or treated surgically or interventionally in the presence of an accessible and distinct fistulous connection. Most surgeons avoid intervening on more intricate lesions until they become symptomatic with progressive neurological decline.

A Phase 2 Clinical Trial of SABR Followed by Immediate Vertebroplasty for Spine Metastases.

Purpose: To determine the pain response and prevention of vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) after single-fraction stereotactic ablative radiation therapy (SABR) in conjunction with immediate vertebroplasty for spine metastases.

Methods And Materials: Patients with localized spine metastases free from VCF associated with loss of vertebral height with a pain score ≥4 using the visual analog scale were enrolled. Spine SABR was performed with 20 Gy delivered to the gross disease and 14 Gy to the contiguous bone marrow in a single fraction.

A 25-year experience with hemicorporectomy for terminal pelvic osteomyelitis.

Background: Hemicorporectomy involves amputation of the pelvis and lower extremities by disarticulation through the lumbar spine with concomitant transection of the aorta, inferior vena cava, and spinal cord. In addition, conduits are constructed for diversion of both the urinary and fecal streams. Of 57 cases reported in the literature, limited experience exists with hemicorporectomy for terminal pelvic osteomyelitis, with only 11 cases described.

Hemicorporectomy: back to front.

Hemicorporectomy involves amputation of the pelvis and lower extremities by disarticulation through the lumbar spine with concomitant transection of the aorta, inferior vena cava, and spinal cord, as well as creation of conduits for diversion of the urinary and fecal streams. A review of the literature reveals that the surgical technique has been relatively unchanged since 1960. The standard anterior to posterior approach is associated with significant blood loss and morbidity, likely contributing to lengthy hospital stay.

Abnormal coagulation studies associated with levofloxacin. Report of three cases.

Complications arising from antibiotic use are of interest to neurosurgeons because many neurosurgical patients are treated for infection. In this report, the authors describe three patients with spine disorders who developed coagulopathies after treatment with levofloxacin, an antibiotic commonly used by neurosurgical services. Three patients with spine disorders developed urinary tract infections (UTIs) for which they received a 3-day course of oral levofloxacin.