Generation of LexA enhancer-trap lines in Drosophila by an international scholastic network.

Conditional gene regulation in Drosophila through binary expression systems like the LexA-LexAop system provides a superb tool for investigating gene and tissue function. To increase the availability of defined LexA enhancer trap insertions, we present molecular, genetic, and tissue expression studies of 301 novel Stan-X LexA enhancer traps derived from mobilization of the index SX4 line. This includes insertions into distinct loci on the X, II, and III chromosomes that were not previously associated with enhancer traps or targeted LexA constructs, an insertion into ptc, and seventeen insertions into natural transposons.

Management of hangman's fractures using anchored anterior cervical cages.

Background: Hangman's fractures comprise approximately 20% of C2 fractures and often require surgery to correct significant angulation and/or subluxation. Recently, anchored anterior cervical cages (ACCs) have been used to fuse C2-3 as they reduce the risks of soft-tissue dissection, bone drilling, operative time, and postoperative dysphagia.

Methods: This single-center and retrospective study (2012-2019) included 12 patients (3 type I, 6 type II, and 3 type IIa fractures) undergoing C2-3 ACCs (zero profile, half plate, full plate).

Pathoanatomy, biomechanics, and treatment of upper cervical ligamentous instability: A literature review.

Background: Cervical spine instability broadly refers to compromise of the articular congruity. It can be stratified according to spinal level, functional compromise, and mechanism of instability. Conventional wisdom advocates for use of bracing and physical therapy with only a subset of patients proceeding to obtain surgical treatment.

Skeletal Sarcomas: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Follow-up from the Orthopedic Oncologist Perspective.

This article focuses on skeletal sarcomas, a group of rare, heterogenous malignant tumors. We present information on the multi-disciplinary approach to the diagnosis, staging, treatment, and surveillance of these complex tumors that are critical to enhancing function and improving survival.

Surgical and Non-surgical Treatment Options for Piriformis Syndrome: A Literature Review.

Context: Piriformis syndrome is a solely clinical diagnosis that often eludes the practitioner and goes underdiagnosed. PS is a pain syndrome and for those it affects, causes persistent pain and limits daily activity and work capacity. It is a form of deep gluteal syndrome that needs to be considered on the differential of low back pain as it comprises between 0.

Treatment and management of myofascial pain syndrome.

Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS) is a regional pain disorder that affects every age-group and is characterized by the presence of trigger points (TrPs) within muscles or fascia. MPS is typically diagnosed via physical exam, and the general agreement for diagnostic criteria includes the presence of TrPs, pain upon palpation, a referred pain pattern, and a local twitch response. The prevalence of MPS among patients presenting to medical clinics due to pain ranges anywhere from 30 to 93%.

Naldemedine for the Use of Management of Opioid Induced Constipation.

Purpose Of Review: Opioid medications are a pillar of acute and chronic analgesia, though their use is often accompanied by side-effects, such as opioid-induced constipation. Unfortunately, tolerance rarely develops to this untoward side effect. This review presents the background, evidence, and indications for the use of Naldemedine (Brand name Symproic 0.

Preexposure prophylaxis for HIV infection among African women.

Background: Preexposure prophylaxis with antiretroviral drugs has been effective in the prevention of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in some trials but not in others.

Methods: In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, we assigned 2120 HIV-negative women in Kenya, South Africa, and Tanzania to receive either a combination of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and emtricitabine (TDF-FTC) or placebo once daily. The primary objective was to assess the effectiveness of TDF-FTC in preventing HIV acquisition and to evaluate safety.

Total knee arthroplasty and Parkinson disease: enhancing outcomes and avoiding complications.

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is typically an extremely successful method of restoring pain-free function and providing good long-term outcomes for patients with end-stage knee disease. However, outcomes are less predictable in persons with Parkinson disease. The limited literature available and our experience lead us to conclude that complication rates in the perioperative and postoperative periods with TKA are comparatively high in persons with Parkinson disease.

Intraoperative music reduces perceived pain after total knee arthroplasty: a blinded, prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

Patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) often experience a difficult recovery due to severe postoperative pain. Using a multimodal pain management protocol, a blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of patient-selected music on reducing perceived pain. Thirty patients undergoing primary unilateral TKA were enrolled and randomized into the music group (15 patients) or the control group (15 patients).

What effect does classroom separation have on twins' behavior, progress at school, and reading abilities?

We investigated the effects of classroom separation on twins' behavior, progress at school, and reading abilities. This investigation was part of a longitudinal study of a nationally-representative sample of twins (the E-risk Study) who were assessed at the start of school (age 5) and followed up (age 7). We examined three groups of twins: pairs who were in the same class at both ages; pairs who were in separate classes at both ages; and pairs who were in the same class at age 5, but separated by age 7.

Nerve injury after primary total knee arthroplasty.

There is controversy about the incidence of and predisposing factors to the development of peripheral nerve palsy after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). In this study, 19 patients with a documented neurologic complication were identified after a retrospective review of 1,476 primary TKAs performed between January 1970 and December 1998 at the New York Presbyterian Hospital at Columbia University, for an overall incidence of 1.3%.

Laser-assisted fibrin clot soldering of human menisci.

Fibrin mixtures have been used as a solder in conjunction with argon ion lasers to create strong tissue welds in several organ systems. An analogous method of meniscus repair could obviate the need for partial meniscectomy and its subsequent degenerative effects in a subset of meniscal tears. This study measured the in vitro tensile strength in 4 groups of human menisci (1-mm x 2-mm x 5-mm sections): (1) bisected menisci repaired with fibrin clot mixture, (2) bisected menisci bonded by fibrin clot mixture and exposure to argon laser energy (energy density, 60 W/cm2), (3) bisected menisci repaired with 2 interrupted sutures, and (4) untreated meniscal controls.

O'Donoghue's triad: magnetic resonance imaging evidence.

Objective: The objective was to search for magnetic resonance imaging evidence of medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury in knees with proven tears of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and medial meniscus; the three abnormalities that make up O'Donoghue's triad. Although the MCL injury can be unapparent clinically, knee joint stability may be compromised.

Design: The superficial portion of the MCL was evaluated on 19 MR studies of 16 knees with arthroscopically proven ACL and medial meniscal tears.

Long term followup of thorough debridement and cancellous bone grafting of the femoral head for avascular necrosis.

From 1977 to 1982, 13 patients were diagnosed with avascular necrosis of the femoral head. The diagnoses were made with a combination of clinical exams, radiographs, tomograms, and Tc99 bone scans. One hip was classified as Ficat Stage I, 9 as Stage II, and 5 as Stage III.

Tuberculous arthritis in children. Diagnosis by needle biopsy of the synovium.

In two children ages 8 months and 4 years, tuberculous synovitis of the knee was suggested by pathologic examination of synovial tissue obtained through needle biopsy. Culture of the biopsy material was positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis in one case. In this child, the tuberculin test was negative, in the absence of anergy, at the time the child was first evaluated, and the primary lung lesion was not identified by the radiologist.

The flipped meniscus sign.

Meniscal fragments may be difficult to detect on magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and yet are clinically significant. This paper describes and illustrates the MR appearance of an easily overlooked meniscal fragment. Ten knees, each appearing to show an abnormally large anterior meniscal horn (8 mm or more in height) were prospectively identified on MR images.

MR imaging of the knee: clarification of its role.

In an attempt to further delineate the role of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in evaluating knee pathology, a retrospective study of 60 patients who underwent MR scanning before arthroscopy was undertaken. For medial meniscus tears, the sensitivity of MR imaging was 97% whereas its specificity was 77%. For lateral meniscus tears, MR imaging was 90% sensitive and 87% specific.

MR imaging of displaced bucket-handle tear of the medial meniscus.

A bucket-handle tear of the meniscus is a vertical or oblique tear with longitudinal extension toward the anterior horn in which the inner fragment is frequently displaced toward the intercondylar notch with resultant mechanical locking of the knee joint. A precise MR diagnosis requires identification of the centrally displaced fragment because the peripheral nondisplaced component may have only a subtle truncated or foreshortened appearance that may escape detection. Eighteen consecutive cases of displaced bucket-handle tears of the medial meniscus diagnosed by MR had a characteristic low-signal band extending across the joint and projecting over the medial tibial eminence.

Postamputation neuromas and other symptomatic stump abnormalities: detection with CT.

One of the potentially troublesome sequelae of limb amputations is the development of stump neuromas at the severed ends of major nerves. The ability to define them and to distinguish them from other causes of stump pain is of considerable clinical significance. Computed tomography was performed on ten lower limb amputees with stump pain.

Metastatic cancer of the spinal column.

In an effort to determine the potential of radiotherapy or surgery in alleviating the symptoms and signs of metastic cancer to the spinal neuraxis, 77 cases with documented malignant disease in this area were studied retrospectively over a 2 year period. Emphasis must be placed on early diagnosis, and recognition of intractable day and night pain as a hallmark of cancer of the spine. This symptom was found to be present for many months before the diagnosis could be made on plain X-rays.

An operative repair of acromioclavicular separation.

Sixteen patients underwent an open reduction for complete acromioclavicular separation with a loop of woven Dacron arterial graft. This technique of internal fixation permits an early range of shoulder motion and eliminates the need for a second procedure to remove wire or pins. Experience in vascular reconstruction suggests that fibroblastic ingrowth might occur to substitute for the disrupted ligament complex.