Flash detection/identification of pathogens, bacterial spores and bioterrorism agent biomarkers from clinical and environmental matrices.

We propose to develop an integrated rapid, semiportable, prototype point microbial detection/identification system for clinical specimens that is also capable of differentiating microbial bioterrorism attacks from threats or hoaxes by defining the pathogen. The system utilizes "flash" extraction/analytical system capable of detection/identification of microbes from environmental and clinical matrices. The system couples demonstrated technologies to provide quantitative analysis of lipid biomarkers of microbes including spores in a system with near-single cell (amol/microl) sensitivity.

The inflammatory effect of nucleus pulposus. A possible element in the pathogenesis of low-back pain.

Homogenized autogenous nucleus pulposus was injected into the lumbar epidural space of four dogs through an indwelling catheter. After daily injections of the material over 5 to 7 days, the dogs were killed at 5, 7, 14, or 21 days after the first injection. In four dogs that served as controls, normal saline was injected on an identical schedule and the dogs were killed at times identical to the experimental group.

Scoliosis secondary to osteoblastoma of the rib.

An 8-year-old girl with a progressive, painless spinal deformity is presented. She was found to have an atypical scoliosis secondary to a stage 3 benign osteoblastoma of the rib. This case is presented to emphasize that atypical scoliosis in skeletally immature individuals requires a thorough investigation for an underlying cause.