Search

A lesser tuberosity osteotomy (LTO) is commonly performed during total shoulder arthroplasty to access the glenohumeral joint. Healing of the LTO is critical to optimizing the outcome of the procedure and is enhanced by a repair that provides stability and compression across the osteotomy site. The purpose of this article is to describe a technique that uses a tensionable suture construct to repair the LTO during anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty using a stemless humeral component. The technique involves passing a row of high-tensile sutures through bone tunnels lateral to the osteotomy site (transosseous sutures) and another row of sutures through the humeral implant (implant sutures). One limb of each bone tunnel suture is then tied to its corresponding limb of implant suture and the remaining free strands of the tied sutures are manually tensioned and tied to each other. This technique is an efficient and reproducible method for creating compression and stability across the osteotomy site that facilitates bony healing.

Background: Humeral fractures (HF) are common orthopedic pathologies. Reviewing the content and quality of influential literature over time is important to advance scientific research regarding a specific topic. This study aims to explore and appraise the fifty most cited HF studies that had been published in orthopedic literature. Methods: The Web of Science database was used to conduct a systematic search for articles pertaining to HF. Articles were sorted out in descending order of citations and were included based on their relevance to HF. Data and metrics of the included studies were recorded. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the Modified Coleman Methodology Score (MCMS) and the Methodological Index for Non-randomized Studies criteria. Statistical analysis was conducted to explore any significant relationships between the date of publication and other relevant variables. Results: Included articles (N = 50) were published between 1959 and 2015, with a total of 14,864 accumulated citations. Europe and North America contributed to all but one of the included studies. The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery contributed to the highest number of included articles with 27 articles (54%). The proximal humerus was the most commonly explored HF location in our study (72%). The average MCMS and Methodological Index for Non-randomized Studies scores were reported to be 64.6 and 10.4, respectively, and the majority of articles (52%) were considered level four case series. Year of publication was found to have a positive correlation with increasing level of evidence(r = −0.301, P = .044), citation density (r = 0.734, P < .001), and MCMS score (r = 0.41, P = .01). Conclusion: The level of evidence, MCMS scores, and citation density of influential HF literature has been increasing with time, reflecting the increasing effort and work being put in that field. While the findings seem encouraging, additional high-quality research is needed to help achieve better treatment strategies and outcomes.

Background: Chondral injuries in the knee are commonly discovered during knee arthroscopy procedures. Due to the poor restoration potential and avascular nature of cartilage, large defects are commonly treated with such surgical procedures. Treatment utilizing an osteochondral allograft (OCA) transplant for symptomatic focal cartilage defects in the patellofemoral joint has demonstrated strong, lasting clinical and radiographic outcomes. Indications: Active and otherwise healthy patients are indicated for surgery when presenting with significant joint-line pain and a large focal chondral defect verified on advanced imaging after an extensive course of nonoperative management. Technique Description: Beginning with diagnostic arthroscopy to confirm the large defect of the medial femoral condyle, we proceeded with OCA transplantation. A small medial peripatellar arthrotomy is performed. The fat pad is removed for visualization and retractors are placed both medially and laterally to appropriately visualize the defect. The defect is then sized according to the appropriate sizing guide. The guide is then placed perpendicular to the defect, and a central guide pin is drilled. A scoring reamer is used to carefully cut the size of the defect followed by a central reamer to prepare the defect. Any debris is removed, and the incision is thoroughly irrigated. The defect is then carefully measured in all four quadrants to match the donor. Any underlying bone is impacted for a stable base. A drill is then used for appropriate marrow venting underneath the defect. The corresponding donor site is selected and reamed with continuous irrigation to prevent thermal necrosis. The plug is removed and carefully measured to match the recipient site. The plug is thoroughly irrigated with pulse lavage to remove marrow elements. The graft is carefully inserted with gentle manual pressure until it is seated perfectly flush with the surrounding cartilage. Results: Clinical research has demonstrated good-to-excellent long-term survivorship of OCA transplantation. Long-term return to sport rates for recreational and competitive athletes are upward of 75%. Discussion/Conclusion: As surgical techniques continue to develop, surgeons should consider utilizing OCA transplants to treat large chondral defects in the patellofemoral joint. Patient Consent Disclosure Statement: The author(s) attests that consent has been obtained from any patient(s) appearing in this publication. If the individual may be identifiable, the author(s) has included a statement of release or other written form of approval from the patient(s) with this submission for publication.

Purpose: To use the top 100 articles pertaining to the shoulder labrum to understand the impact that social medial platforms have on the dissemination of shoulder research and to highlight bibliometric factors associated with Altmetric Attention Scores (AAS) to offer insight into the impact that social media platforms have on the dissemination, attention, and citation of shoulder research publications. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. In January 2023, the Altmetric database was searched using the PubMed Medical Subject Headings terms “shoulder labrum.” Articles with the greatest AAS were screened to exclude other topics unrelated to the labrum of the shoulder. The top 100 articles that met inclusion criteria were used in the final analysis. Bibliometric factors pertaining to each study were collected for further analysis of article characteristics in accordance with previous studies. Results: The Altmetric Database query yielded 619 studies. The top 100 articles with highest AAS were identified, mean Attestation Score was 24.85 ± 55.51, with a range of 7 to 460. The included articles represented 35 journals, with 57 articles attributed to 3 journals: American Journal of Sports Medicine (AJSM; 29%), Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic & Related Surgery (Arthroscopy; 19%), and the Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery (JSES; 9%). There was a significant increase in AAS for every decrease in the numerical Level of Evidence value for a study (P = .011) but no association between score and citation rate (P > 005). Conclusions: Top articles on the shoulder labrum, as defined by high AAS score, are most commonly original clinical research published in 1 of 3 sports medicine journals and performed in the United States or Europe. A decreased numerical Level of Evidence is associated with an increase in AAS score, but there is no association between AAS score and citation rate. Clinical Relevance: The increasing amount of science and health information shared freely through open-access journals, online servers, and numerous social media channels makes it difficult to measure the impact of research. Using measures such as the Altmetric Attention Score, in isolation or addition to measures of researcher or journal impact, has the potential to provide comprehensive information about the impact of research in the modern world.

Background Many patients use online resources to educate themselves on surgical procedures and make well-informed healthcare decisions. The aim of our study was to evaluate the quality and readability of online resources exploring shoulder arthroplasty. Methods An internet search pertaining to shoulder arthroplasty (partial, anatomic, and reverse) was conducted using the three most popular online search engines. The top 25 results generated from each term in each search engine were included. Webpages were excluded if they were duplicates, advertised by search engines, subpages of other pages, required payments or subscription, or were irrelevant to our scope. Webpages were classified into different source categories. Quality of information was assessed by HONcode certification, Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) criteria, and DISCERN benchmark criteria. Webpage readability was assessed using the Flesch reading ease score (FRES). Results Our final dataset included 125 web pages. Academic sources were the most common with 45 web pages (36.0%) followed by physician/private practice with 39 web pages (31.2%). The mean JAMA and DISCERN scores for all web pages were 1.96±1.31 and 51.4±10.7, respectively. The total mean FRES score was 44.0±11.0. Only nine web pages (7.2%) were HONcode certified. Websites specified for healthcare professionals had the highest JAMA and DISCERN scores with means of 2.92±0.90 and 57.96±8.91, respectively (P

Background Reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) has evolved continuously over recent years, with expanded indications and better outcomes. YouTube is one of the most popular sources for health-related information available to patients. Evaluating the quality of YouTube videos concerning RSA is important to ensure proper patient education. Methods YouTube was queried for the term “reverse shoulder replacement.” The first 50 videos were evaluated using three different scores: Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) benchmark criteria, the global quality score (GQS), and the reverse shoulder arthroplasty-specific score (RSAS). Multivariate linear regression analyses were conducted to determine the presence of a relationship between video characteristics and quality scores. Results The average number of views was 64,645.78±264,160.9 per video, and the average number of likes was 414 per video. Mean JAMA, GQS, and RSAS scores were 2.32±0.64, 2.31±0.82, and 5.53±2.43, respectively. Academic centers uploaded the highest number of videos, and surgical techniques/approach videos was the most common video content. Videos with lecture content predicted higher JAMA scores whereas videos uploaded by industry predicted lower RSAS scores. Conclusions Despite its massive popularity, YouTube videos provide a low quality of information on RSA. Introducing a new editorial review process or developing a new platform for patients’ medical education may be necessary. Level of evidenceNot applicable.

Background: Transosseous rotator cuff repair provides robust fixation and broad footprint compression without the risk of foreign body reaction that may be seen with suture anchors. We present our technique for anchorless transosseous repair using a modern device to efficiently create bone tunnels and assist in suture passage. Indications: Tears of the supraspinatus tendon, with or without extension to the infraspinatus, in patients with acute or chronic tears, with good bone quality, and who fail appropriate nonoperative management. Technique: The beach-chair position with an articulating arm holder is preferred for this procedure. A glenohumeral diagnostic arthroscopy is performed, and intra-articular pathology is addressed as needed. The arthroscope is brought into the subacromial space, and a lateral viewing portal is established. A thorough bursectomy with or without acromioplasty is performed to attain visualization of the cuff. After the tear is identified, the tendon edges are debrided. It is critical to determine the tear pattern, the reduction maneuvers necessary, and the number of bone tunnels that are warranted. The desired location of the bone tunnel is marked with a pilot hole. The device is positioned over the pilot hole and a power drill is advanced through the lateral cortex. The device assists in creating a bone tunnel through the greater tuberosity and passes a nitinol loop through the tunnel. The loop is retrieved by the device and is brought to the lateral portal. Sutures are loaded into the loop and are brought through the bone tunnel. The sutures are then passed through the tendon using a curved retrograde suture passer in simple fashion and are tied to secure the tendon to the footprint. For larger tears, 2 or 3 tunnels may be used to widen the area for footprint compression. The specific configuration used will depend on the tear size, pattern, and surgeon preference. Results: Arthroscopic transosseous repairs have yielded promising results. Healing rates are comparable to anchor-based techniques, with the benefit of avoiding foreign bodies at the footprint. Discussion: Anchorless transosseous rotator cuff repair may be reproducibly performed with the use of a modern device for bone tunnel creation and suture passage. However, this technique should be used with caution in patients with osteoporosis or poor bone quality due to theoretical concerns of greater tuberosity fracture or suture pullout through the tunnels. Patient Consent Disclosure Statement: The author(s) attests that consent has been obtained from any patient(s) appearing in this publication. If the individual may be identifiable, the author(s) has included a statement of release or other written form of approval from the patient(s) with this submission for publication.

The use of solar energy for drying is considered one of the most environmentally friendly ways to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. The purpose of this experimental study is to determine how absorption plate design affects the evaporation rate of a solar food dryer in Baghdad, Iraq. Tests were performed on four different absorbent panel models. This dryer design consists of a section for heating solar air and one for preserving food. There is insulation at the back of the dining cabinet, which is made of wood. As food samples, orange slices were selected. Except for the absorb plate design, all four models have identical measurements. Matte black aluminum absorbent plate is featured on the Model-1. Both Models 2 and 3 have perforated cylindrical fins arranged uniformly and vertically in Model 2 and horizontally in Model 3. Model 4 uses horizontal fins and an absorber plate coated with 15 % silicon content. A fruit cabinet holds sliced fruit in five movable mesh trays. According to experimental results, the shape of the absorbent plate directly affects the temperature of the outlet air, which in turn affects the rate at which water is evaporated from fruit slices and the overall drying process. Model-1 solar air heaters could be improved by approximately 17 % by coating them with 15 % silicon. The efficiency of Models 2, 3, and 4 is increased by 20 %, 40 %, and 65 % by adding fins and tint over Model 1. Models 1, 2, 3, and 4 had moisture contents of 28 %, 25 %, 20 %, and 18 %, respectively, at 15 p.m. A solar dryer has been demonstrated to be suitable for successfully drying fruits and vegetables in Iraq's atmosphere through practical experiments.

The objective of this research work is to evaluate the variation in mechanical, thermal, dielectric and physico-chemical properties of Cannabis indica fibers fortified unsaturated polyester composites with respect to fiber proportions and type of surface functionalization techniques employed. The various surface functionalization techniques utilized were mercerization and silane, benzoyl chloride and acrylic acid/acrylonitrile graft copolymerization. To optimize fibers proportions, portrayal of polymer composites has been done by considering their mechanical properties like tensile, compressive and flexural strength, and the optimized values have been noted to be 22.66, 51.7 and 53.27 MPa, respectively, when stacked with 30% benzoylated fibers. These composite materials have additionally been assessed for their water absorbance, chemical strength and dampness absorbance behavior, and best properties were observed in case of benzoyl chloride and acrylonitrile grafted fibers. The optimized samples were then characterized by scanning electron microscopy and thermal gravimetric analysis techniques. Additionally, these composites have likewise been assessed for their dielectric properties and combustibility. Furthermore, the ability of magnesium hydroxide and zinc borate fire retardant fillers on the fire resistance properties of Cannabis indica fibers fortified polyester composites has also been examined and was noticed to increase the limiting oxygen index values of polymer composites from 20 to 23%.

Background YouTube has become a popular source of healthcare information in orthopedic surgery. Although quality-based studies of YouTube content have been performed for information concerning many orthopedic pathologies, the quality and accuracy of information on the rotator cuff have yet to be evaluated. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the reliability and educational content of YouTube videos concerning the rotator cuff. Methods YouTube was queried for the term “rotator cuff.” The first 50 videos from this search were evaluated. Video reliability was assessed using the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) benchmark criteria (range, 0–5). Educational content was assessed using the global quality score (GQS; range, 0–4) and the rotator cuff-specific score (RCSS; range, 0–22). Results The mean number of views was 317,500.7±538,585.3. The mean JAMA, GQS, and RCSS scores were 2.7±2.0, 3.7±1.0, and 5.6±3.6, respectively. Non-surgical intervention content was independently associated with a lower GQS (β=–2.19, p=0.019). Disease-specific video content (β=4.01, p=0.045) was the only independent predictor of RCSS. Conclusions The overall quality and educational content of YouTube videos concerned with the rotator cuff were low. Physicians should caution patients in using such videos as resources for decision-making and should counsel them appropriately.

ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to study the interrelations of demoralization, depression, and resilience in patients with Parkinson disease, and, more specifically, to determine if higher resilience in patients with Parkinson disease is associated with lower demoralization, lower depression, or both.MethodsOutpatients with Parkinson disease (N = 95) were assessed for demoralization, depression, and resilience, as well as sociodemographic, clinical, and treatment-related variables. Bivariable associations, standard regressions, linear regression with copula correction, and correspondence analysis were used to analyze the data.ResultsAlthough the bivariable association between resilience and depression was statistically significant, the association ceased to be significant when demoralization was taken into consideration in both standard regressions and linear regression with copula correction. By contrast, the association between resilience and demoralization was significant when depression was not taken into consideration and continued to be significant when depression was taken into consideration. Correspondence analysis revealed that low resilience was strongly related to demoralization combined with depression, whereas normal resilience was closely correlated with depression without demoralization.ConclusionThese results expand our understanding of resilience by suggesting that it is a mechanism evolved to reduce or prevent demoralization and not just depression. Reducing demoralization and strengthening resilience as part of a comprehensive treatment plan are likely to improve the prognosis of Parkinson disease.

Background: The quadriceps tendon is crucial in allowing knee extension, attaching distally to the patella. While ruptures of the tendon are rare, retear can lead to muscle atrophy and complex tendon deficits with retraction which may make revision repairs difficult to perform. To avoid re-rupture, the repair is commonly augmented with an allograft or autograft, theoretically strengthening the repair. Indications: Patients are indicated for surgery when presenting with a chronic, symptomatic quadriceps rupture verified on provocative testing and advanced imaging. Technique Description: Adhesions and fibrotic tissues around the vastus muscles and tendon are released. Sutures and anchor materials from the previous reconstruction are removed. Fibrotic tissues at the distal end of the retracted quad tendon are removed. The tendon is then loosened from the proximal aspect with the applied traction through the suspension suture placed distal to the tendon. The gap is measured and a V-Y quadricepsplasty was performed at twice the length of the measured gap. In the proximal aspect of the tendon, the limbs of the V-plasty are left incomplete. Next, traction is applied to allow for a tightening exertion to the patella. The proximal Y limb is sutured together in a side-to-side fashion to allow for tendon distalization while retaining the distal traction of the patellar tendon. The medial and lateral limbs were then closed with a suture, completing the tendon advancement. Fibrotic tissues around the superior pole of the patella are removed to prepare for tendon reattachment. Two anchors on the medial and lateral sides are placed, and the suture threads from both anchors are tied in a Krackow configuration. The medial and lateral-sided suture knots are then tied together over the tendon and covered again with the Achilles allograft, completing the repair. Results: Outcomes of revision quadriceps repair have been promising, with good to excellent functional outcomes, successful return to activities, and objective outcomes. Discussion/Conclusion: Although initial studies report favorable outcomes following current repair techniques, there is a lack of quality literature on outcomes following primary or revision quadriceps repair. Future studies are necessary to determine the reliability, efficacy, and clinical outcomes following this procedure. Patient Consent Disclosure Statement: The author(s) attests that consent has been obtained from any patient(s) appearing in this publication. If the individual may be identifiable, the author(s) has included a statement of release or other written form of approval from the patient(s) with this submission for publication.

Early epidemic reports have linked low average 25(OH) vitamin D levels with increased COVID-19 mortality. However, there has been limited updated research on 25(OH) vitamin D and its impact on COVID-19 mortality. This study aimed to update the initial report studying the link between vitamin D deficiency and COVID-19 mortality by using multi-country data in 19 European countries up to the middle of June 2023. COVID-19 data for 19 European countries included in this study were downloaded from Our World in Data from 1 March 2020, to 14 June 2023, and were included in the statistical analysis. The 25(OH) vitamin D average data were collected by conducting a literature review. A generalized estimation equation model was used to model the data. Compared to European countries with 25(OH) vitamin D levels of ≤50 nmol/L, European countries with 25(OH) vitamin D average levels greater than 50 nmol/L had lower COVID-19 mortality rates (RR = 0.794, 95% CI: 0.662–0.953). A statistically significant negative Spearman rank correlation was observed between 25(OH) vitamin D average levels and COVID-19 mortality. We also found significantly lower COVID-19 mortality rates in countries with high average 25(OH) vitamin D levels. Randomized trials on vitamin D supplementation are needed. In the meantime, the issue of vitamin D use should be debated in relation to the ongoing discussions of national post-COVID-19 resilience against future pandemics.

Abstract Next-generation site-specific cysteine-based antibody–drug-conjugates (ADCs) broaden therapeutic index by precise drug-antibody attachments. However, manufacturing such ADCs for clinical validation requires complex full reduction and reoxidation processes, impacting product quality. To overcome this technical challenge, we developed a novel antibody manufacturing process through cysteine (Cys) metabolic engineering in Chinese hamster ovary cells implementing a unique cysteine-capping technology. This development enabled a direct conjugation of drugs after chemoselective-reduction with mild reductant tris(3-sulfonatophenyl)phosphine. This innovative platform produces clinical ADC products with superior quality through a simplified manufacturing process. This technology also has the potential to integrate Cys-based site-specific conjugation with other site-specific conjugation methodologies to develop multi-drug ADCs and exploit multi-mechanisms of action for effective cancer treatments.

Magra sheep reared around the Bikaner area of Rajasthan, India is famous for producing lustrous fleece as compared to other wool-producing native sheep breeds. Three clips of Magra wool, namely, February, July, and October months of the year are showing variations in luster and gross appearance. Present work has been conducted to unravel seasonal variations, in transcript expression patterns in major type I and type II keratin genes, that occur in wool follicles of lustrous wool-producing Magra sheep. Wool samples randomly collected were graded in high and low luster by Gloss 60° values. Wool follicles of the sheep with low (gloss 60° values; < 2.5) and high (gloss 60° values; > 2.5) luster were used for the analysis of type I and type II keratin transcripts. The results of Quantitative PCR had shown up-regulated expression of keratin genes in high-lustrous sheep as compared to low-lustrous sheep. K32, K40, and K82 transcript expression differed significantly (P ≤ .05) between high- and low-lustrous sheep. Nucleotide sequence analysis of the K40 and K82 genes revealed five and four non-synonymous mutations, respectively. From the present study, it can be speculated that the higher amount of keratin protein may play a crucial role in determining the luster property of the wool.

Introduction Proximal MCA occlusion has variable presentation and clinical course, ranging from MCA syndrome with completed infarct at presentation to asymptomatic, discovered incidentally on imaging. This variability is likely dictated by variable collateral circulation that ultimately fails on variable time courses. For discussion we can divide these into (1) rapid progressors, (2) standard, (3) slow progressors, (4) situationally symptomatic, and (5) asymptomatic. There is clear evidence for the role of endovascular therapy for those who are significantly symptomatic and progress along an acute timeline when combined with imaging criteria (1 and 2), but there is no clear guidance for those patients who progress slowly or are minimally symptomatic (3‐5). Methods We present selected cases of patients with left MCA occlusion from groups 3–5 along with their presentation and collateral flow as assessed by non‐invasive imaging and DSA. Results Case 1. Slow Progressor. A 63‐year‐old woman with past occipital lobe strokes presented with progressive aphasia of insidious onset that began at some point the previous day. NIHSS 4 for aphasia and LOC questions. Initial CTA revealed a left M1 occlusion with ASPECTS 9. Despite low NIHSS and extended time to LKW, she was brought to the angiography suite. Initial angiogram confirmed M1 occlusion with extensive collateralization via the left ACA and anterior temporal artery, but no reconstitution of the MCA proper. Thrombectomy was completed with TICI2B recanalization. Followup MRI revealed minimal infarct in the left insula. The patient was discharged with an NIHSS of 1 for a baseline hemianopia not appreciated on initial exam. Case 2. Situationally Symptomatic. A 55‐year‐old man with symptomatic epilepsy from bilateral subdural hygromas was admitted for video EEG monitoring of episodic dizziness and word‐finding difficulty. Initial exam revealed only orthostatic light‐headedness. Further history revealed these events often happed at night upon standing. No epileptiform events were captured. MRA revealed a complete occlusion of the proximal M1 with reconstitution at the M2 bifurcation in the sylvian fissure. Given lack of persistent clinical deficit and absence of infarct on MRI, DSA was deferred. The patient is followed outpatient without further symptom progression. Case 3. Asymptomatic. A 38 year‐old‐man with TBI presented to the emergency department with thunderclap headache. Initial exam was without deficits. CTA and MRA revealed complete occlusion of the left MCA. We proceeded to the angiography suite where DSA revealed complete left M1 occlusion with distal reconstitution at the M2 bifurcation primarily via the Recurrent Artery of Huebner in addition to ACA collaterals. Lumbar puncture was benign and his headache responded completely to typical migraine treatment. The patient was discharged to outpatient follow up without further sequalae. Conclusions We present a series of illustrative cases of patients with MCA occlusion of variable collateral supply and clinical course, none of whom met conventional criteria for endovascular intervention. More research is needed to establish clinical and imaging criteria to separate patients who would benefit from endovascular intervention from those who are best managed medically in these scenarios.

Background: The incidence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries has rapidly increased. Patients with ACL injuries frequently present with concomitant meniscal pathologies. Posterior medial meniscal root tears (PMMR) are less commonly seen with acute ACL injuries as compared with lateral tears and are often degenerative in nature or more rarely in an acute setting. Clinical studies have demonstrated medial meniscal deficiency to be a significant risk factor for graft failure and poor postoperative clinical outcomes. As such, given its demonstrated efficacy, there has been growing interest in transtibial meniscal repair mechanisms in combination with an ACL reconstruction as a potential solution to this challenging pathology. Indication: Patients are indicated for surgery when presenting with symptomatic ACL deficiency verified on provocative testing and advanced imaging and objective insufficiency of the medial meniscal root. Contraindications for this procedure include advanced osteoarthritis (Kellgren–Lawrence grade ≥3) on weight-bearing x-rays, age 30 as well as poor-quality meniscal tissue and unrepairable chondral defects. Technique Description: The ACL stump is debrided and a burr hole is created. A femoral aiming guide is used to drill the femoral tunnel. Following medial collateral ligament (MCL) release, a healing bony bed is prepared with a curette and shaver at the anatomic tibial footprint. An aiming device is then used through the anterior medial portal to create 2 transosseous tibial tunnels. A vertical mattress suture and simple suture are placed through the meniscal root, shuttled through the posterior and anterior transosseous tunnels, respectively. The tibial ACL tunnel is placed using a standard guide to avoid tunnel convergence with the root tunnels and prevent graft tunnel mismatch. After graft passage, interference screws are inserted while maintaining graft tension. The sutures are then tied over a cortical button over the tibia. Results: Within 2 years postoperatively, patients are expected to have improved overall knee-specific quality of life, reduced pain, and a successful return to activities with low rates of graft failure. Discussion/Conclusion: Recent advancements in our understanding of the relationship between the medial meniscus and the ACL should prompt surgeons to continue considering such combined treatments in indicated patients. Patient Consent Disclosure Statement: The author(s) attests that consent has been obtained from any patient(s) appearing in this publication. If the individual may be identifiable, the author(s) has included a statement of release or other written form of approval from the patient(s) with this submission for publication.

Nosocomial resistance in staphylococci and enterococci is challenging. The aim of this work was to conduct a multipoint study using molecular detections, antimicrobial resistances profiles, patient demographics and disease patterns for objective assessments of Staphilococcus aureus and other Gram-positive pathogens recovered from clinical infections in the Ha’il region. We have surveyed 188 non-duplicate Gram-positives against 22 antimicrobials for molecular-differentiation, resistance, patient demographics, and disease patterns from January–April 2021. According to definitions for acquired resistance, Staphylococcus aureus was the most frequent with multidrug resistant (65.4%), where MRSA was 60% (n = 72 out of 121). In age-identified patients, 43% were seniors ≥50 years, 38% 21–49 years, and 19% 0–20 years. In gender-identified patients, 63% were males, and 37% were females. While 25% of specimens were from the ICU, the majority (60%) of specimens were from surgical infection in other wards. Staphylococcus epidermidis was the second (15.4%) species of infection identified with 81% from bloodstream infections at the ICU and other wards. The majority of S. epidermidis patients (69%) were seniors ≥50 years, while other age groups 0–20 and 21–49 each had 14% isolates. Although S. epidermidis was multidrug-resistant, it was susceptible to many drugs. Enterococcus faecalis (13%) ranked third with two major infections; bloodstream (64%) and urinary-tract infections (36%) in mainly seniors (86%). Its isolates were fully resistant to oxacillin, penicillin, cefoxitin, and cefotaxime but nearly 100% susceptible to seven others. Other Gram-positive bacteria (6%) were susceptible to many antibiotics. The use of combinations of objective criteria is a well thought out approach in infection control. While the low-frequency of Gram-positives is an impressive achievement, future large-scale investigations should include all private hospitals, clinics and other cities over a longer sampling time to gain more insights. Although geriatric susceptibility can be justified by age and comorbidities, the staphylococcal infections in young adults and children is a global concern and warrants more vertical studies.

Background: Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstructions have become increasingly common, particularly in youth overhead throwing athletes. These injuries are most commonly due to overuse and repetitive trauma on the inner elbow. Throwers with a deficient UCL often report decreased pitching speeds in addition to elbow pain and instability. Indication: The indications for this procedure include symptomatic valgus elbow instability during overhead throwing motions and a verified rupture of the UCL on advanced imaging. Technique Description: The ipsilateral gracilis tendon is harvested and prepared as an autograft. A 5-cm incision is then made centered over the medial epicondyle. The ulnar nerve is identified and neurolysis is performed both proximally and distally. The fascia overlying the flexor carpi ulnaris is incised, and the two heads of the muscle are split. From this base, the sublime tubercle is identified, and the UCL is opened longitudinally in line with its fibers. A standard guide is used to drill holes in the posterior and anterior aspects of the sublime tubercle. These holes are then connected using a curved curette, and a suture is passed along the tunnels for later graft passage. A 15-mm blind-end tunnel is drilled two-thirds from the tip to the base of the epicondyle. Two smaller tunnels are then drilled with K-wires to pass sutures through the posterior aspect of the epicondyle. The native UCL is closed, and the graft is then passed through the sublime tubercle tunnels. One end of the graft is docked into the epicondylar tunnel, and a docking procedure is then undertaken so that both ends are docked within the humeral tunnel. Stay sutures are tied over a bone bridge, and the two limbs of the graft are sutured together to appropriately tension the graft. Results: In our experience, 94% of athletes return to previous levels of play and experience high patient-reported outcome scores. Discussion/Conclusion: Advancements in UCL reconstruction techniques and our understanding of elbow anatomy should prompt surgeons to continue considering this treatment for patients with significant throwing pain and a strong desire to return to high levels of throwing. Patient Consent Disclosure Statement: The author(s) attests that consent has been obtained from any patient(s) appearing in this publication. If the individual may be identifiable, the author(s) has included a statement of release or other written form of approval from the patient(s) with this submission for publication.

Background: The incidence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, reconstructions, and re-ruptures has rapidly increased. Patients with failed ACL reconstructions have been reported to suffer from far worse outcomes as compared with those with primary reconstructions, prompting the advancement of surgical and biologic techniques. Effective treatment of re-tears has been shown to be achieved either utilizing a 1-stage or 2-staged approach, with the latter preferred if the patient presents with significant bone loss, previously malpositioned tunnels, or unacceptable tunnel expansion. Recent literature has shown the efficacy of bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) in improving clinical outcomes and graft integration as well as accelerated ligamentization. Indication: Patients are indicated for surgery when presenting with chronic ACL graft failure and objective insufficiency as well as concerns regarding tunnel overlap, enlargement, or interference. Contraindications for revision involve influences of concurrent injuries that may be secondary causes of the ACL injury. Technique Description: After bone marrow aspiration is performed, the tibial and femoral tunnel apertures are debrided of fibrous tissue with a combination of a shaver and curettes. A threaded guide wire is passed and the interference screws are removed, revealing the residual ruptured graft. A shaver and radiofrequency ablation device are utilized to clean off remaining graft remnants. Sequential debridement and reaming are performed to remove any residual fibrous tissue or sclerotic bone from the tunnel. The demineralized bone matrix is then combined with the prepared BMAC in a syringe with a cannula extension and subsequently injected into the tunnels. A freer elevate is used to tamp and smooth the graft to match the surrounding contour. A 12-mm cannulated allograft bone dowel is then passed up into the tibial tunnel and gently tamped into place. Results: Within 2 years postoperatively, patients are expected to have improved overall knee-specific quality of life, reduced pain, and a successful return to activities. No differences in outcomes have been noted in the literature between 1-staged and 2-staged ACL reconstructions. Discussion/Conclusion: Recent advancements in our understanding of the effects of BMAC in the setting of an ACL reconstruction should prompt surgeons to consider such treatments in indicated patients. Patient Consent Disclosure Statement: The author(s) attests that consent has been obtained from any patient(s) appearing in this publication. If the individual may be identifiable, the author(s) has included a statement of release or other written form of approval from the patient(s) with this submission for publication.

Background: The meniscal roots are essential for preserving the structural and biomechanical properties of the tibiofemoral joint. Posterior meniscal root avulsions can cause meniscal extrusion, joint space narrowing, and progressive knee arthritis. Iatrogenic avulsions after malpositioning of the transtibial tunnels during anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction have previously been reported in the literature to account for poor long-term outcomes seen in some patients following ACL reconstruction. Therefore, correct transtibial tunnel placement during ACL reconstruction is essential to avoid iatrogenic meniscal damage. Indication: Patients are indicated for surgery when presenting with a verified, symptomatic, complete meniscal root tear seen on advanced imaging or diagnostic arthroscopy. Contraindications for a root repair include the development of advanced osteoarthritis in the ipsilateral compartment, older age, and malalignment in the affected compartment. Technique Description: The ACL graft was appreciated and noted to be vertical and posterior relative to its native anatomical position, violating the lateral posterior horn root attachment. A full lateral posterior meniscal root avulsion was then confirmed directly adjacent to the graft tunnel. A curette was used to prepare the footprint of the lateral meniscal root on the posterolateral tibia for the 2-tunnel transtibial pull-out tunnels, and a grasper was used to position the torn meniscal root back into its anatomical site. Two ultrabraided sutures were passed through the posterior horn of the lateral meniscus using a suture passer. These were then passed through the tunnels into the body of the meniscal root and reduced to its native anatomical position. The suture repair was then secured over an Endobutton Fixation Device at 90° of knee flexion through each tunnel into its native anatomical position while confirming its adequate tension by viewing arthroscopically. Results: Within 2 years postoperatively, patients are expected to have improved overall knee-specific quality of life, reduced pain, and a successful return to activities. Discussion/Conclusion: This injury underscores the importance of an accurate tibial tunnel placement during ACL reconstruction to avoid posterior meniscal root injuries and other associated complications. Physicians should consider such pathology in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with persistent pain and instability following a primary ACL reconstruction. Patient Consent Disclosure Statement: The author(s) attests that consent has been obtained from any patient(s) appearing in this publication. If the individual may be identifiable, the author(s) has included a statement of release or other written form of approval from the patient(s) with this submission for publication.

# Introduction Avulsion fracture of the ischial tuberosity is uncommon. Patients typically present with symptoms consistent with hamstring strain. The purpose of this case report is to describe an avulsion fracture of the ischial tuberosity and subsequent recovery in an athlete with an endocrine disorder. # Case Description A 15-year-old United States of America Gymnastics level 9 gymnast presented with right hamstring pain after regular practice. She had been diagnosed with isolated growth hormone deficiency at age 4 and was treated with growth hormone replacement therapy until age 14. Six months before presentation, she experienced the insidious onset of dull, aching pain in her right hamstring, near the junction of the thigh and buttocks, that was believed to be the result of a chronic hamstring strain. The pain increased gradually over a year and was relieved with rest, massage, and dry needling. Two days before presentation, she felt a "snap" and pain while performing a switch leap during regular practice. She had sharp localized pain in the proximal hamstring with walking and sitting. She was diagnosed with a minimally displaced avulsion fracture of the ischial tuberosity. # Outcome With nonoperative treatment, the fracture healed at three months, which is longer than the expected six weeks. Although return to sports is expected three months after this injury, it did not occur until six months in this patient. She was unable to participate in competitive level 9 gymnastics until 12 months after injury. # Discussion This case highlights that delayed recovery can occur after avulsion fracture of the ischial tuberosity in adolescent athletes with a history of growth hormone deficiency and treatment using growth hormone. # Level of Evidence 5

Engineering microfluidic devices relies on the ability to manufacture sub-100 micrometer fluidic channels. Conventional lithographic methods provide high resolution but require costly exposure tools and outsourcing of masks, which extends the turnaround time to several days. The desire to accelerate design/test cycles has motivated the rapid prototyping of microfluidic channels; however, many of these methods (e.g., laser cutters, craft cutters, fused deposition modeling) have feature sizes of several hundred microns or more. In this paper, we describe a 1-day process for fabricating sub-100 µm channels, leveraging a low-cost (USD 600) 8K digital light projection (DLP) 3D resin printer. The soft lithography process includes mold printing, post-treatment, and casting polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) elastomer. The process can produce microchannels with 44 µm lateral resolution and 25 µm height, posts as small as 400 µm, aspect ratio up to 7, structures with varying z-height, integrated reservoirs for fluidic connections, and a built-in tray for casting. We discuss strategies to obtain reliable structures, prevent mold warpage, facilitate curing and removal of PDMS during molding, and recycle the solvents used in the process. To our knowledge, this is the first low-cost 3D printer that prints extruded structures that can mold sub-100 µm channels, providing a balance between resolution, turnaround time, and cost (~USD 5 for a 2 × 5 × 0.5 cm3 chip) that will be attractive for many microfluidics labs.

Purpose: To compare social media attention and citation rates between technique articles and matched original research articles (ORAs) regarding surgical procedures. Methods: All technique articles published from August 2019 through July 2020 in the free, electronic versions of Arthroscopy Techniques and JBJS Essential Surgical Techniques were matched by topic to articles in the “Original Research” sections of Arthroscopy, Sports Medicine, and Rehabilitation and JBJS Open Access in a 4:1 ratio within this time frame. The primary outcome was the Altmetric Attention Score (AAS). Secondary outcomes included citations, bibliometrics, and social media metrics. Independent t tests were used to compare primary and secondary outcomes between technique articles and ORAs. A multivariate linear regression analysis was performed to determine the association between article type and social media attention while controlling for confounding bibliometric characteristics. Results: A total of 285 matched research articles (n = 57, 20.0%) and technique articles (n = 228, 80.0%) were included. The mean AAS among all technique articles was 3.63 ± 10.08 (range, 0-96) whereas the mean AAS among all ORAs was 1.30 ± 3.98 (range, 0-25), representing a statistically significant difference (P = .016). The mean citation rate among all technique articles was not significantly different from that among ORAs (P = .73). Multivariate linear regression analysis showed a statistically significant positive association between AAS and article type, with an additional mean increase in the AAS of 2.91 (95% confidence interval, 0.04-5.77; P = .047) for every technique article compared with an ORA. Furthermore, a significant positive relation was noted between the article origin and the AAS, with an increase in the AAS of 3.00 (95% confidence interval, 0.82-5.17; P = .007) for every article published in North America compared with an article originating from another continent. Conclusions: Technique articles resulted in significantly greater AASs and social media attention in comparison with open-access ORAs on similar topics. Publications that described technical procedures in a technique journal and studies from North America were positively associated with greater AASs and greater numbers of citations received by articles. Clinical Relevance: An improved understanding of how much attention is given to technique articles versus matched ORAs by social media may influence the methods authors and journals use for distributing content. The present study suggests that one option to increase the amount of social media attention received for a particular study may be to utilize an accompanying surgical technique video or illustrations as these are easily shareable on social media and offer rapid dissemination of knowledge, similar to that of an infographic. However, physicians who view multimedia within technique articles should be encouraged to review the accompanying articles and the supporting original research as a primary source before making changes in their clinical practice.

Aims: The study aims to evaluate the blood level changes of basic Fibroblast Growth Factor (bFGF) during pulp cell homing procedure of teeth with incomplete apices in dogs, and to evaluate the root canal disinfection recommendation of American Association of Endodontist protocol used in pulp revascularization procedure. Materials and Methods: Twelve local breed dogs randomly selected form different areas of Mosul City. The study was included four stages, the bFGF levels in the blood samples were measured by canine bFGF ELISA kit, stage I control (Induce infection),stage II (Disinfection),stage III (Treatment),and stage IV (3 month follow up).In stage II there are two microbial samples have taken from the root canals before and after AAE disinfection protocol ,and also after final irrigation in stage III by the aid of paper point These microbial samples were diluted and spread on blood agar and after 24hr the colony forming unit per milliliter was calculated CFU/ml to evaluate the effectiveness of AAE disinfection protocol. Results: The aid of ANOVA for Repeated Measure Statistical Test, the levels of bFGF in all stages were statistically analyzed. The result show significance at 5% level of significant P-value=0.04. The microbial counting result showed a highly significant difference at 1% P-value=0.000. These three samples have been statistically analyzed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Conclusion: There is a difference in the levels of bFGF in the blood between the stages during pulp cell homing, also AAE protocol for disinfection is an effective method to disinfect the open apex root canal system.

Background: Root tears are functionally compromising injuries that require an anatomic repair for functional restoration of native joint mechanics. Posterior root tears of the lateral meniscus are commonly associated with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures as lateral root tears contribute to anterolateral rotational instability. Two-tunnel transtibial root repair allows for root repair with superior pullout strength and can be combined with ACL reconstruction to treat this injury pattern. Indications: Two-tunnel transtibial root repair is indicated in active patients with meniscal root tears that have low-grade chondromalacia (grade II or less). It is contraindicated in patients with advanced degenerative changes (grade III-IV), severe mal-alignment, and extrusion related to advanced degenerative changes; those who cannot complete postoperative rehabilitation; and patients with significant medical comorbidities. Technique Description: After repairing a vertical horn tear of the posterior medial meniscus, a vertical tear of the posterior root of the lateral meniscus was observed. Following preparation of the anatomic footprint, 2 transtibial tunnels were drilled and sutures were passed and secured using a surgical button over the anterior tibial cortex. Horizontal repair of the tear was then performed using 2 all-inside devices. Subsequently, an ACL reconstruction was performed. Results: At 11 months postoperative, the patient has continued to progress as expected. She was able to ambulate without pain, had a symmetric and balanced gait, and was able to return to running. Discussion/Conclusion: Lateral meniscal root repairs using 2 transtibial tunnels and concomitant ACL reconstruction have yielded good and reliable clinical outcomes with low failure rates and low rates of revision surgery.

Background: Patellofemoral arthroplasty (PFA) is a salvage procedure for patients presenting with bone-on-bone isolated patellofemoral osteoarthritis. Previous studies comparing PFA with total knee arthroplasties found that patients recover more quickly and have better average knee function following PFA, as care is taken to spare healthy cartilage, bone, and ligaments during the procedure. This allows preservation of native knee kinematics, resulting in better patient-reported outcomes, as well as mid-term and long-term results. Indication: PFA is indicated in patients with isolated primary or post-traumatic patellofemoral osteoarthritis. In some cases, the procedure may be indicated in patients suffering from patellar instability or trochlear dysplasia with associated arthritis. Contraindications for PFA include multicompartmental arthritis in the medial or lateral tibiofemoral compartments, inflammatory joint disease, tibiofemoral instability, malalignment, or lesions of 6 mm or more in diameter. Technique Description: After the initial lateral patellofemoral approach, degenerative changes in the patellofemoral joint were observed. Following preparation of the patella and femur, the trochlear implant is impacted on the prepared femoral surface. Cement is digitally impacted into the reamed patella, followed by placement of the final patellar implant and compression until the cement is dried. Results: Within 2 years postoperatively, patients are expected to have improved overall knee-specific quality of life, reduced pain, and a successful return to activities. Discussion/Conclusion: New PFA techniques have yielded significant improvement in patient-reported outcomes and high rates of survivorship following surgery.

Background: Prior literature has demonstrated variability in the preparation of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for knee osteoarthritis, but it is unclear if study design and postoperative outcomes have been standardized for this intervention. Objective: To determine the variability in study design and outcome reporting across randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining intra-articular PRP injections for knee osteoarthritis. Data source: The Cochrane Database, PubMed, EMBASE, and MEDLINE. Study eligibility criteria, participants, and interventions: Level I and II RCTs examining intra-articular PRP injections for knee osteoarthritis were included. Study appraisal and synthesis methods: The Jadad score was utilized. Results: Twenty-seven studies were included. Five studies conducted repeat imaging postoperatively. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) Pain (63%) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) (59.3%) were the 2 most utilized PROMs, followed by Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) (29.6%). Twelve (44%) RCTs reported 3 or more PROM (ie, VAS, KOOS, WOMAC). Most RCTs did not report objective outcome measures (70.4%). Limitations: The findings were largely descriptive in nature with limited utilization of statistical evaluation. Conclusions and implications of key findings: RCTs examining outcomes after intra-articular PRP injection for knee OA demonstrate substantial variability. Standardizing the population of most benefit with respect to arthritis grade may help in limiting population heterogeneity for future study comparison and pooling. In addition, PROs should be reported in a domain-specific manner allowing for assessment of pain, function, and health-related quality of life. Systematic review registry number: This review was not registered with PROSPERO. Level of Evidence: II; Systematic Review of Level I-II RCTs.

In a hot and dry climate like the weather of Iraq, near-to-net zero energy buildings (NNZEBs) can become one of the effective solutions to reduce energy demands in the residential buildings sector. Therefore, the current work aims to cornerstone of the developed solution combined the different scenarios for residential building with a total living area of 240 m2 has been considered. The investigated scenarios include different building constructions, orientations, control strategies, and using solar PV panels as renewable energy techniques. The proposed scenarios have been developed and simulated using TRNSYS models/components. The energy demand for space cooling, space heating, and electrical energy outcomes from an NNZEB model was developed using the TRNSYS simulation workspace. The data input of the residential multi-zone building envelope is configured using TRNBuild (i.e., building simulation software) and then introduced into TRNSYS. Moreover, the solar PV panels tool is developed in TRNSYS to evaluate the impact of renewable energy on energy consumptions. A full cost analysis of the energy consumption has been carried out to see if this technology is viable. In terms of maximum energy demand, the preliminary building requires 340 kWh/m2 per year as a cooling demand compared with 65 kWh/m2 per year as a heating demand. The results showed that the maximum reduction rate in energy demand for cooling demand of 33.9% was achieved by changing the construction, ventilation, and control systems. The scenarios of using double glaze and insulating the building showed the most significant impact on the reducing of energy demand with a total reduction rate ratio of 34.40% compared with other scenarios. From economic analysis, it can be concluded that the increase in the energy tariff led to an increase in the yearly energy cost for the preliminary building without solar PV panels. The results highlighted that the effects of key investigated scenarios should be considered in combination through a parametric investigation.

Abstract Background Individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) commonly experience exacerbations, which may require hospital admission. Early detection of exacerbations, and therefore early treatment, could be crucial in preventing admission and improving outcomes. Our previous research has demonstrated that the pattern analysis of peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) fluctuations provides novel insights into the engagement of the respiratory control system in response to physiological stress (hypoxia). Therefore, this pilot study tested the hypothesis that the pattern of SpO2 variations in overnight recordings of individuals with COPD would distinguish between stable and exacerbation phases of the disease. Methods Overnight pulse oximetry data from 11 individuals with COPD, who exhibited exacerbation after a period of stable disease, were examined. Stable phase recordings were conducted overnight and one night prior to exacerbation recordings were also analyzed. Pattern analysis of SpO2 variations was carried examined using sample entropy (for assessment of irregularity), the multiscale entropy (complexity), and detrended fluctuation analysis (self‐similarity). Results SpO2 variations displayed a complex pattern in both stable and exacerbation phases of COPD. During an exacerbation, SpO2 entropy increased (p = 0.029) and long‐term fractal‐like exponent (α2) decreased (p = 0.002) while the mean and standard deviation of SpO2 time series remained unchanged. Through ROC analyses, SpO2 entropy and α2 were both able to classify the COPD phases into either stable or exacerbation phase. With the best positive predictor value (PPV) for sample entropy (PPV = 70%) and a cut‐off value of 0.454. While the best negative predictor value (NPV) was α2 (NPV = 78%) with a cut‐off value of 1.00. Conclusion Alterations in SpO2 entropy and the fractal‐like exponent have the potential to detect exacerbations in COPD. Further research is warranted to examine if SpO2 variability analysis could be used as a novel objective method of detecting exacerbations.

Purpose: To establish an infection rate following primary arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR) from a single institutional database and to ascertain whether there is a relationship between the use of preoperative corticosteroid injection (CSI) and the risk of postoperative infection. Methods: All medical records at a single institution were retrospectively reviewed to identify patients who had undergone arthroscopic repair from January 2016 to December 2018. Patient charts were reviewed for CSI treatment within 6 months of surgery, superficial or deep infection within 2 months postoperatively, and specific treatment of the infection. Patient characteristics were summarized by descriptive statistics using means with standard deviations for continuous variables and frequencies with percentages for categorical variables. A χ2 correlation analysis was performed to determine the association between receiving an injection and having an infection. Results: A total of 1773 patients were included for analysis with an average age of 59.24 ± 9.4 years. The overall infection rate was 0.11% (2/1773 patients). Both patients were treated with oral antibiotics. Of the included patients, 616 had a preoperative CSI within 6 months of their surgery, and 102 injections were administered within 1 month of surgery. None of these patients had a postoperative infection. A χ2 correlation analysis showed a negligible relationship between preoperative injections and postoperative infection (φ = 0.02, χ2 = 0.84). Conclusions: Through this single-institution, large cohort retrospective review, we found an overall 0.11% rate of postoperative infection following primary arthroscopic RCR. In addition, we found no correlation between the use of preoperative CSI ahead of elective ARCR at any time point and risk of developing a postoperative infection. Infection is uncommon following ARCR, and preoperative steroid injection did not increase infection risk in our study population. Level of Evidence: Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Genomic variants of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) preS/S protein are well-known to occur. Typically, immunity is gained through recovered HBV infection or by immunization. Very rarely, there are certain mutations that may enable HBV escape from the immune detection. PreS/S mutants may present with unpredictable pathobiologic, clinical, and transmittable implications. Standard laboratory testing for genomic HBV variants is not routinely performed by reference guidelines. s-variant HBV management remains challenging. Herein is a case of s-variant chronic HBV infection in a 55-year-old man. Diagnosis and treatment are described.

Residual femoroacetabular impingement syndrome due to incomplete resection of a cam deformity is the leading cause of failed hip arthroscopy. The reliability of the alpha angle has been shown for quantifying cam deformities in femoroacetabular impingement syndrome. An intraoperative navigation tool that provides the ability to compare alpha angle measurements side by side on pre- and post-resection fluoroscopic images has recently been introduced. This tool uses fluoroscopic images obtained in 6 different hip positions. The reliability of these standardized hip positions has been shown by correlation with computed tomography in localization and visualization of cam deformities. The purpose of this Technical Note is to give technical tips about the application of this tool.

Modern polyethylene components for total hip arthroplasty have shown excellent long-term wear properties. However, among 204 primary total hip arthroplasty procedures performed by one surgeon using the Exactech Connexion GXL Liner, we identified 5 cases of severe polyethylene wear and osteolysis which occurred within 5 years of the index surgery. Among the 5 cases, all patients had a size 36 head with an acetabular component from size 52 to 56 mm. All patients had a UCLA activity scale score of at least 6 at the time that the osteolysis was detected. The average wear rate was 0.265 mm ± 0.207 mm per year. This review of 5 cases of catastrophic early polyethylene wear demonstrates a concerning trend with the use of the Exactech Connexion GXL liner. Further investigation is warranted to evaluate material characteristics which may have caused this accelerated wear and to prevent recurrences of this complication in the future.

Arthroscopic reduction–internal fixation (ARIF) is an increasingly popular option for surgical management of displaced tibial eminence fractures. Although a variety of ARIF techniques have been described, anatomic reduction and stable fixation remain challenging. As a result, complications such as malunion, nonunion, anterior instability, arthrofibrosis, and hardware issues persist. In an effort to reduce complications and improve outcomes, modern suture-based ARIF techniques have been developed. However, the optimal technique and construct remain elusive. This article presents a technique for ARIF of tibial eminence fractures using a transosseous suture bridge construct with extracortical fixation. This technique uses a commercially available suture-passage device and meniscal root repair system for accurate tunnel placement, efficient suture management, and reliable fixation.

In the middle of a pandemic, patients with cough and fever are thought to have SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2). It should be remembered that in the desert southwest of the United States, we have an ongoing epidemic of coccidioidomycosis (CM). There are additionally many other respiratory illnesses that could be confused with CoV-2 or overlooked. This is a case report of CoV-2 engrafted on chronic cavitary pulmonary CM. In a time where the coronavirus pandemic is becoming rampant, we demonstrate the case of a coinfection with cavitary pulmonary CM. In this case, the importance of detection of the coronavirus and treatment of the coinfection is explored.

Background: Cultural differences between continents may also affect the outcome on interventions. This study compared an Asian and North American cohort of total knee replacement (TKR) patients. Questions/purposes: This study aims to compare the patient-reported outcome measures as well as a functional outcome after TKR between these two different patient populations with a different cultural societal background in two different countries. Patients and Methods: A retrospective study on two cohorts of 76 Asian TKR patients and 64 North American TKR patients were compared. Demographics, patient-reported outcome measures (Knee Society Score (KSS), Patient-Administered Questionnaire (PAQ), and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC)), knee range of motion (RoM), and radiographic component position were compared. Results: The Asian cohort had more females compared to the North American and significantly worse preoperative RoM, and worse KSS function score and PAQ pain scores. The preoperative KSS knee score and WOMAC scores were comparable between the two groups. Postoperatively, the differences in WOMAC and KSS knee scores were significant, while KSS function and PAQ were comparable between groups. Conclusions: Even though Asian TKR patients had significantly worse preoperative scores, their postoperative outcomes were comparable to North Americans. The higher preoperative functional deficit and the higher pain levels in the Asian population might be due to cultural differences and/or socioeconomic reasons, which made Asian patients present with more severe conditions in the preoperative consultation for a possible surgical treatment compared to North Americans. More research is needed to investigate the difference between these cultural impacts on TKR outcomes. Level of Evidence: Level III/Retrospective cohort study.

Next-generation sequencing of primary tumors is now standard for transcriptomic studies, but microarray-based data still constitute the majority of available information on other clinically valuable samples, including archive material. Using prostate cancer (PC) as a model, we developed a robust analytical framework to integrate data across different technical platforms and disease subtypes to connect distinct disease stages and reveal potentially relevant genes not identifiable from single studies alone. We reconstructed the molecular profile of PC to yield the first comprehensive insight into its development, by tracking changes in mRNA levels from normal prostate to high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia, and metastatic disease. A total of nine previously unreported stage-specific candidate genes with prognostic significance were also found. Here, we integrate gene expression data from disparate sample types, disease stages and technical platforms into one coherent whole, to give a global view of the expression changes associated with the development and progression of PC from normal tissue through to metastatic disease. Summary and individual data are available online at the Prostate Integrative Expression Database (PIXdb), a user-friendly interface designed for clinicians and laboratory researchers to facilitate translational research.

Pulse oximetry is routinely used for monitoring patients' oxygen saturation levels with little regard to the variability of this physiological variable. There are few published studies on oxygen saturation variability (OSV), with none describing the variability and its pattern in a healthy adult population. The aim of this study was to characterize the pattern of OSV using several parameters; the regularity (sample entropy analysis), the self-similarity [detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA)] and the complexity [multiscale entropy (MSE) analysis]. Secondly, to determine if there were any changes that occur with age. The study population consisted of 36 individuals. The “young” population consisted of 20 individuals [Mean (±1 SD) age = 21.0 (±1.36 years)] and the “old” population consisted of 16 individuals [Mean (±1 SD) age = 50.0 (±10.4 years)]. Through DFA analysis, OSV was shown to exhibit fractal-like patterns. The sample entropy revealed the variability to be more regular than heart rate variability and respiratory rate variability. There was also a significant inverse correlation between mean oxygen saturation and sample entropy in healthy individuals. Additionally, the MSE analysis described a complex fluctuation pattern, which was reduced with age (p < 0.05). These findings suggest partial “uncoupling” of the cardio-respiratory control system that occurs with aging. Overall, this study has characterized OSV using pre-existing tools. We have showed that entropy analysis of pulse oximetry signals carries information about body oxygenation. This may have the potential to be used in clinical practice to detect differences in diseased patient subsets.

Background: Velopharyngeal dysfunction produces a nasal speech pattern because of the inability to close the nasal airway during speech, most often associated with anatomical abnormalities of the palate. Case Report: We describe two cases of possible velopharyngeal dystonia, a task-specific movement disorder causing a speech pattern similar to velopharyngeal dysfunction. Both patients experienced treatment response with anticholinergic medication. Discussion: Dystonia affecting speech via involvement of the pharyngeal musculature may be an unrecognized etiology of voice disorders.

Clinical Vignette: A 67-year-old female with advanced Parkinson's disease (PD), medically refractory tremor, and a history of significant depression presents for evaluation of deep brain stimulation (DBS) candidacy. Clinical Dilemma: Traditionally, stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) has been the preferred target for patients with significant PD tremor. However, STN stimulation is avoided in patients with a significant pre-surgical history of mood disorder. Clinical Solution: Bilateral DBS of the globus pallidus interna led to significant short term improvement in PD motor symptoms, including significant tremor reduction. Gap in Knowledge: There is insufficient evidence to support or refute clinicians' traditional preference for STN stimulation in treating refractory PD tremor. Similarly, the available evidence for risk of worsening depression and/or suicidality after STN DBS is mixed. Both questions require further clarification to guide patient and clinician decision-making.

Context: Literature suggests glottic view is better with straight blades while tracheal intubation is easier with curved blades. Aims: To compare glottic view and ease of intubation with Macintosh, Miller, McCoy blades and the Trueview® laryngoscope. Settings and Design: This prospective randomised study was undertaken in operation theatres of a 550 bedded tertiary referral cancer centre after approval from the Institutional Review Board. Methods: We compared the Macintosh, Miller, McCoy blades and the Trueview® laryngoscope for glottic visualisation and ease of tracheal intubation; in 120 patients undergoing elective cancer surgery; randomly divided into four groups. After induction of anaesthesia laryngoscopy was performed and trachea intubated. We recorded: Visualisation of glottis (Cormack Lehane grade), ease of intubation, number of attempts; need to change the blade and need for external laryngeal manipulation. Statistical Analysis: Demographic data, Mallampati classification were compared using the Chi-square test. A P

When increasing ambulation speed in Parkinson's disease, step cadence increases more than stride length, indicating movement scaling difficulties that affect step generation in particular. We investigated whether step length variation when increasing ambulation speed was related to disease progression. Patients with Parkinson's disease (N = 39) and controls (N = 152) performed two timed ambulation tasks: at a 'free' (self-selected) pace and then at 'maximal' speed. The total number of steps (including during turns) and time to complete the task were clinically measured. The relative contribution of step length and cadence to increased ambulation speed was determined using two methods: the ratios of change in step length or in cadence to the change in ambulation speed, and the step length index. While the relative contribution of step length and cadence to increased ambulation speed was independent of age in both control and patient groups, in Parkinson's disease there was a negative correlation between time from diagnosis and the ratio of change in step length to change in ambulation speed (R = 0.54; p = 0.0004) and the step length index (R = 0.56, p = 0.0002). In parallel, there was a positive correlation between time since diagnosis and the ratio of change in cadence to change in ambulation speed (R = 0.57; p = 0.0002). The relative contribution of step length and cadence to increased ambulation speed is age invariant but a marker of Parkinson's disease advancement, and can be easily determined in the clinical setting.