Identification of an Outbreak of Bivalve Transmissible Neoplasia in Soft-Shell Clams () in the Puget Sound Using Hemolymph and eDNA Surveys.

Bivalve transmissible neoplasia (BTN) is one of three known types of naturally transmissible cancer-cancers in which the whole cancer cells move from individual to individual, spreading through natural populations. BTN is a lethal leukemia-like cancer that has been observed throughout soft-shell clam () populations on the east coast of North America, with two distinct sublineages circulating at low enzootic levels in New England, USA, and Prince Edward Island, Canada. Major cancer outbreaks likely due to BTN (MarBTN) were reported in 1980s and the 2000s and the disease has been observed since the 1970s, but it has not been observed in populations of this clam species on the US west coast.

The provocative radiographic traction test for diagnosing craniocervical dissociation: a cadaveric biomechanical study and reappraisal of the pathogenesis of instability.

Background Context: Craniocervical dissociation is a rare but serious condition, and missed injuries have been associated with poor neurologic outcomes and deterioration. A fluoroscopic traction test is employed to interrogate the craniocervical ligaments when clinical and imaging findings are equivocal. However, no specific protocol or known parameters with respect to traction or force applied have been established.

Vertebral artery anomalies at the craniovertebral junction in the US population.

Study Design: Retrospective review.

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of anatomical variations of the vertebral artery at the craniovertebral junction and the posterior arch of the atlas in the US population.

Summary Of Background Data: Recent studies from Asia have reported a 5% to 10% prevalence of a persistent first intersegmental vertebral artery and 1% to 2% prevalence of a fenestrated artery.

A case of tophaceous gout in the lumbar spine: a review of the literature and treatment recommendations.

Study Design Case report. Objective The objective of this study is to report the occurrence of tophaceous gout in the lumbar spine. Methods Using a case report to illustrate the key points of gout in the spine, we provide a brief review of gout in the literature as it relates to its orthopedic and spinal manifestations as well as guidelines for management.