The effects of lipopolysaccharide exposure on social interaction, cytokine expression, and alcohol consumption in male and female mice.

Much recent research has demonstrated a role of inflammatory pathways in depressive-like behavior and excess alcohol consumption. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a cell wall component of gram-negative bacteria that can be used to trigger a strong inflammatory response in rodents in a preclinical research setting to study the mechanisms behind this relationship. In our study, we exposed male and female mice to LPS and assessed depressive-like behavior using the social interaction (SI) test, alcohol consumption in the two-bottle choice procedure, and expression of inflammatory mediators using quantitative PCR. We found that LPS administration decreased SI in female mice but had no significant impact on male mice when assessed 24 h after injection. LPS resulted in increased proinflammatory cytokine expression in both male and female mice; however, some aspects of the cytokine upregulation observed was greater in female mice as compared to males. A separate cohort of male and female mice underwent drinking for 12 days before receiving a saline or LPS injection, which we found to increase alcohol intake in both males and females. We have previously observed a role of the neurokinin-1 receptor (NK1R) in escalated alcohol intake, and in the inflammatory and behavioral response to LPS. The NK1R is the endogenous target of the neuropeptide SP, and this system has wide ranging roles in depression, anxiety, drug/alcohol seeking, pain, and inflammation. Thus, we administered a NK1R antagonist prior to alcohol access. This treatment reduced escalated alcohol consumption in female mice treated with LPS but did not affect drinking in males. Taken together, these results indicate that females are more sensitive to some physiological and behavioral effects of LPS administration, but that LPS escalates alcohol consumption in both sexes. Furthermore, NK1R antagonism can reduce alcohol consumption that is escalated by LPS treatment, in line with our previous findings.

Distortion of the spermathecae of phytoseiid mites (Acari: Phytoseiidae) in slide preparation.

The shape and dimensions of the spermathecae are taxonomically important characteristics in phytoseiid mites. In experiments with Neoseiulus californicus (McGregor) and Typhlodromus pyri Scheuten, the shape of the cervix of the spermatheca changed considerably and its diameter was increased by 42-49% when mites were flattened, compared to being mounted with 140 microm spacers underneath the coverslips. Dimensions of the dorsal shield were also affected by flattening. increasing by 3-5%.

Biological control of strawberry tarsonemid mite Phytonemus pallidus and two-spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae on strawberry in the UK using species of Neoseiulus (Amblyseius) (Acari: Phytoseiidae).

Two species of Neoseiulus, N. californicus and N. cucumeris, showed potential for biocontrol of phytophagous mites on strawberry. N. californicus controlled Tetranychus urticae on potted strawberry plants in a gauze-sided glasshouse at temperatures comparable to early summer in the UK (8-20 degrees C). Both species of phytoseiid reduced numbers of the tarsonemid Phytonemus pallidus on potted strawberry plants under glasshouse conditions (15-23 degrees C). In several experiments reductions in the range of 71-81% in numbers of tarsonemid active stages and eggs, compared to non-release plants, were obtained. The importance of establishing a suitable predator: prey ratio at an early stage was demonstrated in an experiment where an initial ratio of 1 N. cucumeris: 10 P. pallidus gave a greater degree of control than 1:20 or 1:40.

Differences in biological characteristics in organophosphorus-resistant strains of the phytoseiid mite Typhlodromus pyri.

Strains of Typhlodromus pyri were collected from orchards in SW England, where populations differed in their response to organophosphorus insecticides compared with strains collected in the SE. Biological characteristics of these strains were compared with those in OP-resistant strains collected from the SE and OP- susceptible strains. There were significant differences in size of eggs and adult mites from the different strains, but these differences did not appear to be related to resistance status of the mites. Female OP-susceptible mites had a longer development time than other strains. Over all strains total development time for female mites was 0.8 day less than for males. There were significant differences between strains for pre-oviposition period, but not oviposition or post-oviposition periods. There were significant differences in total numbers of eggs produced between strains, with a standard OP-resistant strain producing the most and an OP-susceptible strain the fewest eggs. There were significant differences in male longevity between strains, but this did not appear to be related to resistance status. This study highlights the fact that strains may differ in biological characteristics that contribute to fitness regardless of their pesticide resistance status.

The Valenti procedure for hallux limitus: a long-term follow-up and analysis.

A retrospective analysis of the long-term efficacy of the Valenti procedure for hallux limitus was performed from 1989 to 1997. A total of 33 patients (36 procedures) were selected, surveyed, and examined. Preoperative and postoperative radiographic evaluations and levels of function and pain were obtained from medical records. Complications and patient satisfaction data were collected and reviewed. The patients were evaluated clinically and radiographically. The average age of the patient at the time of surgery was 50.6 years (range, 35-75 years) with an average follow-up of 4.16 years (range, 1-9 years). The average grade of hallux limitus/rigidus was grade II. Five patients were classified as grade I, 23 as grade II, five as grade III, and none as grade IV, based on the modified Drago/Regnauld grading system. Subjective results were calculated based on the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society clinical rating system. Twenty-two patients were rated as having an excellent result, 11 had good results, two had fair results, and one patient had a poor result. We conclude that the Valenti arthroplasty for symptomatic hallux rigidus/limitus is a good procedure for arthritic and degenerated first metatarsophalangeal joints where implant arthroplasty, osteotomy, or arthrodesis are not viable options. Advantages include increased range of motion, decreased postoperative pain, technical ease of performance, maintenance of intrinsic musculature, and rapid return to closed footgear.

Reconstruction of the rheumatoid forefoot.

The authors discuss the forefoot manifestations of RA and their effects on the biomechanics of the foot. Surgical intervention should be performed to alleviate the patient's pain and to restore and maintain stability of the forefoot. Each patient should be considered individually, and the best procedure for him or her should be selected as opposed to one procedure that is applied to all. Furthermore, each patient should be counseled about the progressive nature of his or her disease. Surgery should not be viewed as a cure. Reconstructive surgery can restore function and relieve pain, which is very rewarding for the surgeon and the patient.

Magnetic resonance imaging of ankle ligament injuries correlated with time.

Ankle sprain is one of the most commonly treated injuries of the lower extremity. The treatment depends on the severity of the injury and the time at which it occurred. The physician must rely on the history as related by the patient to determine the age of the injury. Magnetic resonance imaging has been proven to help determine the severity of the injury but has not been used to determine the age of the injury. The present study was conducted to identify the typical findings of acute and chronic ankle sprains as a means of dating an ankle sprain based on its appearance on magnetic resonance imaging.

Inherent stability of proximal first metatarsal osteotomies: a comparative analysis.

Proximal first metatarsal osteotomies have been criticized for their instability leading to the dorsal displacement of the first metatarsal head. The purpose of this study was to compare inherent stability of fixated proximal oblique wedge and crescentic first metatarsal osteotomies against simulated vertical ground reactive forces. The authors evaluated four groups of 10 models each with various proximal osteotomy and fixation configurations. Group I was a control group of bone models without osteotomies; group II had oblique closing wedge osteotomies with one 2.7-mm, fully threaded, cortical screw fixation; group III had oblique closing wedge osteotomies with two 2.7-mm, fully threaded, cortical screw fixation; and group IV had proximal crescentic osteotomies with one 4.0-mm, partially threaded, cancellous screw fixation. All 40 bone models were stressed with simulated vertical ground reactive forces. Maximum load to achieve catastrophic failure was higher in the crescentic group (67.7 N, SD 15.1 N, p < or = .005), but the energy required to displace the osteotomy during the stressing sequence was higher in the two-screw oblique closing wedge osteotomy (390.6 N.mm, SD 153.4 N.mm, p < or = .01). The single-screw oblique closing wedge osteotomies showed the least ability to resist simulated vertical ground reactive forces (39.6 N, SD 19.1 N, p < or = .005).

Brachymetatarsia. Case report and surgical considerations.

The authors present a case of congenital idiopathic brachymetatarsia of the fourth metatarsal. A combination of techniques was used to address the components of the deformity and its correction, which include preoperative soft tissue stretching, Z-skin plasty, Z-tendon lengthening, Z-lengthening metatarsal osteotomy with internal screw fixation, and bone allografting. Conventional autograft harvesting complications and external fixation were avoided. This case demonstrates the correction of a brachymetatarsal using combined and modified techniques.

Subtalar and talonavicular joint dislocation as a presentation of diabetic neuropathic arthropathy with salvage by triple arthrodesis.

Ligamentous laxity is a common component of diabetic neuropathic osteoarthropathy. In some cases soft tissue instability leads to spontaneous dislocations or subluxations without any bone destruction. This leads to marked instability in gait and chronic ulcerations. A case report is presented in which talonavicular and subtalar joint dislocation occurred with Charcot osteoarthropathy. The conservative and surgical management including salvage by triple arthrodesis is discussed with follow-up care.

Complications in minimal incision surgery.

The potential for complications after minimal incision surgery is rare. When complications do arise, they may have a devastating affect on foot function and comfort. Three possible complications that can occur and cause an adverse affect on the foot are surgical wound infections of soft tissue, bone, or both; malunion, delayed union, nonunion, and pseudoarthrosis of bone; and functional joint limitation of motion, with or without joint stiffness and pain. This article addresses these three topics from the perspective of clinical recognition, appropriate postoperative management, and prevention.

A micro-technique for preparing homogenates of biological samples.

A method is described for preparing homogenates of insects, mites, nematodes, or fungal spores for electrophoretic analysis which overcomes the disadvantages of existing methods. It is also applicable to the homogenization of microsamples of animal tissue. The method involves grinding the samples in glass tubes, closed at one end, prepared from melting-point capillaries. A range of plungers is fabricated from the stainless-steel plungers from broken microsyringes, or from stainless-steel wire. The plunger is operated by hand to homogenize a sample in 2-20 microliter of buffer in a tube. The techniques for handling the samples before and after homogenization and for labeling and centrifuging them are described. Compared with existing methods, the procedure minimizes sample loss and risk of cross-contamination and eliminates the possibility of overheating the sample during homogenization.

Postsurgical complications and their clinical management.

Thus, we have briefly touched upon several sources of potential postsurgical complications. When these various conditions arise, they most often interfere with the overall healing process or total recovery period. In addition to causing aggravation and concern to the surgeon, they frequently complicate the operative impressions of the patient. The basic prevention techniques discussed should provide a substantial decrease in postsurgical complications. In summary, proper medical history and physical examination, vascular evaluation, biomechanical, radiographic, and laboratory studies are important. To employ good surgical preparation and sterile technique is also an important preventive measure. Plan your site of incision to maximize the approach to the bone correction while minimizing trauma to the underlying soft tissue structures. Always be prepared with adequate and back up instrumentation, including new surgical blades, burs, or Brophies. Use the instrumentation that best accomplishes the work proposed or contemplated. Good tissue handling and dissection along with adequate flushing of the wound site with sterile saline solutions are necessary. The well-informed patient can also reduce or prevent postoperative complications by the fact that they have been educated and informed about the pre-, intra-, and postoperative course of events. In conclusion, we have presented the most common postsurgical complications, their possible etiology, prevention, and management. Hopefully, these subjects will stimulate the practitioner to be more aware of such complications and therefore recognize and treat these less than desirable events appropriately.

Indications and uses of prophylactic antibiosis in podiatric surgery.

A literature review of the use of prophylactic antibiosis , and the protocol for its specific usage in conjunction with podiatric surgery is presented. Attention is raised to the many manifestations that require prophylactic antibiosis in foot and ankle surgery. With proper understanding of prophylactic antibiosis in podiatric surgery, the surgeon has an excellent skill to add to his armamentarium.

Osteocartilaginous exostosis.

An osteocartilaginous exostosis (osteochondroma) is a developmental defect in which there is a disturbance in the location and direction of cartilaginous growth. It is found in children and adolescents, and several theories are found in the literature regarding its growth and etiology. When the lesion causes discomfort because of pressure on peripheral nerves and vessels, surgical excision is indicated. The authors discuss a case of osteocartilaginous exostosis in a 12-year-old black male whose postoperative course was uneventful. To date there has been no regrowth of the lesion.