Merkel cell carcinoma: treatment and outcomes over a 10-year period at a high-volume academic center.

Background: Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare, highly aggressive malignancy which lacks high-level evidence-based treatment guidelines.

Methods: To determine outcomes of MCC patients and assess the role of radiation in treatment, we performed a retrospective chart review of patients treated for MCC between 2006 and 2016 at a single high-volume academic medical center. The primary outcome was overall survival (OS) for the entire population and for those populations receiving specific therapies.

Effect of Serum Deprivation Stress on Signal Induction Regulatory Protein-Alpha (SIRP-Alpha)-Mediated Erythrophagocytosis by Macrophages.

BACKGROUND Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare syndrome that involves loss of macrophages' self-cells recognition resulting in auto-phagocytosis of erythrocytes, leukocytes, and platelets and leading to multi-system effects. The pathogenesis of HLH is unclear but can be explained by malfunction of the physiologic inhibitory pathway through interaction between macrophage SIRP-alpha and erythrocyte CD 47. The goal of the present study was to evaluate if erythrocytes phagocytosis occurs as a result of altered macrophage SIRP-alpha expression during inflammatory/stressful conditions as seen in HLH.

Intravenous administration of multipotent stromal cells and bone allograft modification to enhance allograft healing.

This study investigated a coordinated strategy of revitalizing bone allograft with circulating multipotent stromal cells (MSCs). After chemotactic and releasing assessments, stromal cell-derived factor 1 and platelet-derived growth factor BB in copolymers were coated on the bone allograft (Allo). Allograft coated with copolymers alone (Allo), as controls, or Allo was implanted into the femur of athymic mice, which received intravenous injections of human MSCs or saline at weeks 1, 2 and 3.

The role of hydroxychloroquine in catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome case: Series of two case reports and review of literature.

Catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome is a rare disorder that remains under-recognized causing a high mortality rate even with treatment. Factors such as infections and systemic lupus erythematosus flare play as an inciting event in the thrombotic crisis which underlies catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome. The use of plasmapheresis has improved the outcome of such cases with a reduction in mortality rate from over 50% to less than 30%, according to some studies.

Superior mesenteric venous thrombosis complicating acute appendicitis: A case report.

Rationale: Superior mesenteric venous thrombosis (SMVT) is a rare condition that carries high mortality. Very few cases have been reported of SMVT, complicating acute appendicitis. Early recognition requires a high index of suspicion and is crucial in successful treatment of such a life-threatening condition.

Orthotopic Transplantation of Achilles Tendon Allograft in Rats: With or without Incorporation of Autologous Mesenchymal Stem Cells.

The biology and function of orthotopic transplantation of Achilles tendon allograft are unknown. Particularly, the revitalization of Achilles allograft is a clinical concern. Achilles allografts were harvested from donor rats and stored at -80 °C.

Case Report: A Case of Severe Cerebral Malaria Managed with Therapeutic Hypothermia and Other Modalities for Brain Edema.

Malarial infections are uncommon in the United States and almost all reported cases stem from recent travelers coming from endemic countries. Cerebral malaria (CM) is a severe form of the disease usually affecting children and individuals with limited immunity. Despite proper management, mortality from CM can reach up to 25%, especially when it is associated with brain edema.

Effect of Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound on Joint Injury and Post-Traumatic Osteoarthritis: an Animal Study.

This study investigated the therapeutic potential of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) in post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA). Intra-articular fracture of the medial tibial plateau was surgically created in 30 rats. LIPUS was applied to the operated joints either for the first 2 wk (LIPUS group) or in weeks 4 and 5 after intra-articular fracture (LIPUS group).

Outcomes After Interpositional Arthroplasty of the First Metatarsophalangeal Joint.

Background: For patients with hallux rigidus seeking a motion-sparing procedure, interposition arthroplasty is an alternative to fusion. The purpose of this study was to report patient outcomes after interpositional arthroplasty for hallux rigidus.

Methods: All patients undergoing interpositional arthroplasty at our institution from 2001 to 2014 were identified and a retrospective chart review was performed.

A Surgical Model of Posttraumatic Osteoarthritis With Histological and Gait Validation.

Background: Posttraumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) is secondary to an array of joint injuries. Animal models are useful tools for addressing the uniqueness of PTOA progression in each type of joint injury and developing strategies for PTOA prevention and treatment.

Hypothesis: Intra-articular fracture induces PTOA pathology.

Minimally Invasive Calcaneal Displacement Osteotomy Site Using a Reference Kirschner Wire: A Technique Tip.

As a standard open approach, the lateral oblique incision has been widely used for calcaneal displacement osteotomy. However, just as with other orthopedic procedures that use an open approach, complications, including wound healing problems and neurovascular injury in the heel, have been reported. To help avoid these limitations, a percutaneous technique using a Shannon burr for calcaneal displacement osteotomy was introduced.

Influence of Bone and Muscle Injuries on the Osteogenic Potential of Muscle Progenitors: Contribution of Tissue Environment to Heterotopic Ossification.

Unlabelled: : By using surgical mouse models, this study investigated how the tissue environment influences the osteogenic potential of muscle progenitors (m-progenitors) and potentially contributes to heterotopic ossification (HO). Injury was induced by clamping the gluteus maximus and medius (group M) or osteotomy of greater trochanter (group O) on the right hip, as well as combined muscle injury and osteotomy of greater trochanter (group M+O). The gluteus maximus and medius of the operated hips were harvested at days 1, 3, 5, and 10 for isolation of m-progenitors.

Topical Tranexamic Acid Use in Knee Periprosthetic Joint Infection Is Safe and Effective.

Tranexamic acid (TXA) has been shown to decrease hemoglobin loss and reduce the need for transfusions in primary hip and knee arthroplasty. Our study evaluated the safety and efficacy of topical TXA in revision TKA for periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). We performed a retrospective review of patients who underwent removal of hardware with antibiotic spacer placement (stage 1) and/or revision TKA (stage 2) for PJI at our institution between September 2007 and July 2013.