High-throughput sperm screening using one-step RT-qPCR: Improvement and re-evaluation.

Sperm identification is crucial in sexual assault cases. While microscopic analysis is the gold standard for sperm detection, it is a laborious procedure even for trained personnel. Reverse transcription-quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) can enhance the screening by detecting sperm-specific mRNA markers, such as protamine 2 (PRM2).

Female sample screening using colorimetric reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) targeting non-coding RNA XIST.

Forensic sample screening is important for establishing an effective DNA typing workflow. The detection of sex-specific markers in forensic samples highlights the necessity for further analysis. Y-chromosome DNA can confirm male contributions, but female contributions are difficult to confirm using DNA-based methods.

RNA-based short tandem repeat analysis on the D18S51 locus.

DNA typing based on short tandem repeat (STR) analysis is an effective forensic method for human identification. Some STRs are contained within the introns of protein-coding genes and are transcribed as pre-mRNAs. However, the possibility of using RNA for STR analysis is yet to be fully explored.

One-tube, two-step isothermal amplification of histatin 3 mRNA for saliva screening.

Saliva samples are frequently collected at crime scenes. Salivary mRNA profiling, such as that of histatin 3 (HTN3), is a highly specific approach that overcomes the limitation of traditional amylase tests. However, typical mRNA detection methods based on reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) are time-consuming and labor-intensive.

Duplex loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay for simultaneous detection of human and human male DNA.

Objective: Screening of human and human male DNA is necessary for forensic DNA analyses. Although quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) is commonly used for detecting and quantifying these DNA targets, its use as a screening tool is time-consuming and labor-intensive. To streamline and simplify the screening process, we aimed to develop a duplex loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay capable of simultaneously detecting human and human male DNA in a single tube.

Sperm mRNA screening by reverse transcription-recombinase polymerase amplification (RT-RPA) assay: Decision-making for differential extraction.

The presence of sperm cells is an indicator for differential extraction on sexual assault samples. In general, sperm cells are identified by microscopic analysis; however, this conventional method takes time and effort, even for trained personnel. Here, we present a reverse transcription-recombinase polymerase amplification (RT-RPA) assay targeting sperm mRNA marker (PRM1).

Loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay for fluorescence analysis and lateral flow detection of male DNA.

Male DNA screening is important in forensic investigations, such as sexual assault cases. Although quantitative real-time PCR is a robust method for detection of male DNA, it is time-consuming and labor-intensive. We herein report the development of a male DNA-targeted loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay that can be used for both laboratory-based fluorescence analysis and on-site lateral flow detection.

Improved reverse transcription-recombinase polymerase amplification assay for blood mRNA screening: comparison with one-step RT-qPCR assay.

mRNA profiling is effective for body fluid identification because of its sensitivity, specificity, and multiplexing capability. Body fluid mRNA markers can typically be detected using RT-qPCR, RT-PCR followed by capillary electrophoresis, or targeted RNA sequencing. However, due to the multiple handling steps involved, the analysis of many forensic samples using these methods requires time and effort.

Rapid and direct detection of male DNA by recombinase polymerase amplification assay.

Screening of male DNA is important in forensic investigations, especially sexual assault cases. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) is widely used for the detection of male DNA. However, the use of this technique as a screening tool is time-consuming and labor-intensive.

Rapid detection of blood and semen mRNA markers by reverse transcription-recombinase polymerase amplification.

Body fluid identification is crucial for crime scene reconstruction. Recently, messenger RNA (mRNA) profiling has been an effective approach for body fluid identification. In general, mRNA is detected by real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) or end-point RT-PCR; however, these conventional methods are time-consuming and require extensive sample processing.

Knee Flexion Angle Following Total Knee Arthroplasty Relates to a Preoperative Range of Motion of the Hip.

Background: Many factors have been reported to affect postoperative range of knee flexion after total knee arthroplasty (TKA); however, no study has reported the impact of preoperative range of motion of the hip to the postoperative flexion angle of the knee thus far.

Methods: Of 38 consecutive patients who underwent posterior-stabilized TKA, we assessed 21 patients after excluding 17 patients who met exclusion criteria. The range of motion of the knee and the hip, age, body-mass index, serum albumin level, HbA1c, Kellgren-Lawrence grade, knee extension strength and radiological femorotibial angle as well as postoperative knee flexion angle at three months were evaluated.

Rapid screening method for male DNA by using the loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay.

Screening for male-derived biological material from collected samples plays an important role in criminal investigations, especially those involving sexual assaults. We have developed a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay targeting multi-repeat sequences of the Y chromosome for detecting male DNA. Successful amplification occurred with 0.

Simulation of the optimal femoral insertion site in medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction.

Purpose: To develop and validate a new simulation system to predict the optimal femoral insertion site of the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) using preprogrammed conditions of graft length change.

Methods: A computed tomography scan was performed for constructing bone surface models of the patella and the femur. Lateral radiographs of the knee and axial radiographs of the patellofemoral joint at knee flexion were used for constructing a three-dimensional patellofemoral joint model by 3D-2D image matching at each knee flexion angle.

Tibial tubercle osteotomy with screw fixation for total knee arthroplasty.

This study investigated the efficacy of tibial tubercle osteotomy (TTO) with screw fixation as part of the surgical treatment of primary complicated total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and revision TKA. From January 2000 to April 2011, 15 patients (15 knees) underwent revision TKA and 20 patients (21 knees) underwent primary TKA. The average patient age was 68.

Tibial internal rotation is affected by lateral laxity in cruciate-retaining total knee arthroplasty: an intraoperative kinematic study using a navigation system and offset-type tensor.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that intraoperative soft-tissue balance assessed by an offset-type tensor influences post-operative knee kinematics after cruciate-retaining (CR) total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Methods: The influence of intraoperative soft-tissue balance on knee kinematics in CR-TKA was retrospectively analysed in 30 patients. Intraoperative soft-tissue balance parameters such as varus angle (varus ligament balance), joint component gap (centre gap), and medial and lateral compartment gaps were measured in the navigation system while applying 40-lb joint distraction force at 0°, 10°, 30°, 60°, 90°, and 120° of knee flexion using an offset-type tensor with the patella reduced.

The influence of the tibial slope on intra-operative soft tissue balance in cruciate-retaining and posterior-stabilized total knee arthroplasty.

Purpose: This study aims to make clear the influence of the tibial slope on intra-operative soft tissue balance measurements using a tensor in cruciate-retaining and posterior-stabilized total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Methods: Forty patients with osteoarthritis of the knee received TKAs (20 cruciate-retaining TKAs and 20 posterior-stabilized TKA). Soft tissue balance was measured using an offset type tensor at 0, 10, 45, 90, 135 degrees of knee flexion.

Biomechanical analysis of the knee with partial anterior cruciate ligament disruption: quantitative evaluation using an electromagnetic measurement system.

Purpose: To investigate the biomechanical function of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) remnants in ACL-deficient knees with both partial and complete tears.

Methods: Twenty partial ACL-deficient (group P), 20 complete ACL-deficient (group C), and 40 contralateral ACL-intact knees were examined. The end point during the Lachman test, side-to-side differences of KT-1000 measurements, and the pivot shift test were evaluated.

Kinematic factors affecting postoperative knee flexion after cruciate-retaining total knee arthroplasty.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate kinematic factors affecting postoperative knee flexion after cruciate-retaining (CR) total knee arthroplasty (TKA) by analysing pre- and postoperative knee kinematics.

Methods: We retrospectively analysed 58 patients with osteoarthritis who received the same implant series. Pre- and postoperative kinematics were measured intraoperatively using a navigation system.

Different pattern in gap balancing between the cruciate-retaining and posterior-stabilized total knee arthroplasty.

Purpose: In order to permit soft tissue balance under more physiological conditions during total knee arthroplasties (TKAs), an offset-type tensor was developed to obtain soft tissue balancing throughout the range of motion with reduced patello-femoral (PF) and aligned tibiofemoral joints. The main purpose of the present study was to assess intra-operative soft tissue balance using a navigation system with the offset-type tensor in both cruciate-retaining (CR) and posterior-stabilized (PS) TKAs.

Methods: One hundred and twenty TKAs--80 CR and 40 PS--were performed in patients with varus-type osteoarthritis using a computed tomography-free navigation system.

Differences in Knee Kinematics Between Awake and Anesthetized Patients During the Lachman and Pivot-Shift Tests for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Deficiency.

Background: The Lachman and pivot-shift tests have been widely used for detecting anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) deficiency. However, it still remains unclear whether these manual tests can be quantified accurately while patients are awake.

Purpose: To assess the differences in knee kinematics of awake and anesthetized patients.

The influence of patella height on soft tissue balance in cruciate-retaining and posterior-stabilised total knee arthroplasty.

Purpose: Although the patella reduced or everted position has recently been recognised as an important factor influencing soft tissue balance during assessment in total knee arthroplasty (TKA), the influence of patella height on soft tissue balance has not been well addressed. Therefore, the relationship between soft tissue balance and patella height was investigated and differences between cruciate-retaining (CR) and posterior-stabilised (PS) TKA were compared.

Methods: Forty consecutive patients blinded to the type of implant received, were randomised prospectively.

No difference between double-high insert and medial-pivot insert in TKA.

Purpose: To compare the clinical midterm results in ADVANCE total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with double-high (DH) insert, with same type implant with medial-pivot (MP) insert.

Method: Forty ADVANCE TKAs were randomly divided into two groups, and two different design insert, DH insert, and MP insert were used in each group. At midterm, 4-5 years after surgery, Knee Society Scores (KSS), Knee Society Functional Scores (KSFS), range of motion (ROM), and UCLA activity score were assessed and reported in this study.

Novel image-matching software for postoperative evaluation after TKA.

Although 2-dimensional assessments using postoperative plain radiographs have been used after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in previous studies, a strong possibility exists that deviation can occur when assessing 3-dimensional (3-D) objects. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that novel 3-D image-matching software could accurately assess the positioning of implants and could be a useful tool in postoperative evaluation after TKA.Total knee arthroplasty was performed in 30 consecutive patients.

Local administration of low-dose simvastatin-conjugated gelatin hydrogel for tendon-bone healing in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with the hamstring tendon graft takes a long time, as the tendon graft needs to heal at the site of the bone-tendon integration in the created bone tunnels. Several reports have shown the therapeutic effects of simvastatin on bone formation with neovascularization. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that enhanced angiogenesis and osteogenesis by locally applied simvastatin promotes tendon-bone healing after ACL reconstruction.

The overexpression of SIRT1 inhibited osteoarthritic gene expression changes induced by interleukin-1β in human chondrocytes.

In this study, we examined the effects of overexpression of SIRT1 on IL-1β-induced gene expression changes in human chondrocytes to explore a protective role of SIRT1 in human chondrocytes. SIRT1 was overexpressed in human chondrocytes by expression plasmid under stimulation with IL-1β. SIRT1 was also inhibited by siRNA under stimulation with IL-1β.