The complete genome sequences of two isolates of potato black ringspot virus and their relationship to other isolates and nepoviruses.

The complete nucleotide sequences of RNA 1 and RNA 2 of the nepovirus potato black ringspot virus (PBRSV) from two different isolates were determined, as well as partial sequences from two additional isolates. RNA1 is 7,579-7,598 nucleotides long and contains one single open reading frame (ORF), which is translated into a large polyprotein with 2,325 amino acids and a molecular weight of 257 kDa. The complete sequence of RNA2 ranges from 3857 to 3918 nt between the different isolates. It encodes a polyprotein of 1079-1082 amino acids with a molecular weight of 120 kDa. Sequence comparison using the Pro-Pol region and CP showed that all four isolates formed two distinct groups, corresponding to potato and arracacha, that were closely related to each other and also to tobacco ringspot virus (TRSV). Comparing our data to those obtained with other nepoviruses, our results confirm that PBRSV belongs to a distinct species and is a member of subgroup A in the genus Nepovirus based on its RNA2 size, genome organization, and nucleotide sequence.

First Report of Potato yellowing virus (Genus Ilarvirus) in Solanum phureja from Ecuador.

A bacilliform virus, named Potato yellowing virus (PYV), causing chlorosis of leaves was reported in 1992 in potato (Solanum tuberosum) fields in Peru (1) and symptomless wild potatoes (S. fernandezianum) in Chile (4). PYV is reported as an alfamo-like virus (1) (family Bromoviridae) but no sequence information is available for this virus, making its taxonomic position inside the Bromoviridae uncertain (currently this family is organized into five genera: Alfamovirus, Bromovirus, Cucumovirus, Ilarvirus, and Oleavirus). Herein we report the presence of PYV in native potatoes (Solanum phureja) collected from Ecuador where the crop constitutes an important source of income in rural communities. Forty accessions of S. phureja collected in Ecuador in June 1986 and maintained in vitro at the International Potato Center (CIP) germplasm bank were analyzed by double-antibody sandwich (DAS)-ELISA with antiserum raised against a Peruvian isolate of PYV (1). PYV was detected in six accessions (15% of the material) corresponding to cultivars Chaucha Tomate and Chaucha Blanca (from the province of Cañar), Chaucha Negra Ojona and Chaucha Amarilla (Loja Province), and Cuica and Chaucha (Azuay Province). Mechanical inoculation of the indicator plant Physalis floridiana with leaf extracts of these six plants, a PYV isolate from Peru (1) (positive control), and an additional four plants testing negative for PYV (negative controls) induced symptoms of mosaic and leaf deformation only with the six clones from Ecuador and the PYV isolate from Peru. To further confirm the presence of the virus, we used universal PCR primers designed for the Bromoviridae (Ilar1F5: 5'-GCNGGWTGYGGDAARWCNAC-3' and Ilar1R7: 5'-AMDGGWAYYTGYTYNGTRTCACC-3') that target the helicase motif (RNA1) (3). Total RNA was extracted from 200 mg of leaf material (from potato and mechanically inoculated P. floridiana) using Trizol (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, CA) following the manufacturer's instructions and cDNA was synthesized using random hexamer primers. We obtained a reverse transcription-PCR amplified band only from samples that were DAS-ELISA positive to PYV. To identify the virus at the genus level, we cloned the PCR fragments (265 nucleotides) from four of the samples from Ecuador and the Peruvian isolate into plasmid vectors (pGEM-T Easy Vector cloning system; Promega, Madison, WI) for Sanger sequencing (Macrogen, Seoul, Korea). Phylogenetic analysis grouped PYV sequences with those of the genus Ilarvirus. Among the ilarviruses, Fragaria chiloensis latent virus (2) was the closest relative of PYV, with which it shares 77% nucleotide and 85% amino acid sequence identity. PYV isolates from Ecuador split into two different variants (91% identity) that shared 93% nucleotide and 99% amino acid sequence identity with the Peruvian isolate. Collectively, the data suggest that PYV is a distinct ilarvirus and that it is more widely spread among South American potatoes than previously suggested. The GenBank Accession Numbers for the sequences described are: HQ141053 (Loja1), HQ141054 (Azuay), HQ141055 (Cañar), and HQ141056 (Loja2) for the isolates from Ecuador and HQ141057 (PYV-Cañete) for the isolate from Peru. References: (1) S. Fuentes and U. Jayasinghe. Fitopatología 28:22, 1993. (2) I. E. Tzanetakis and R. R. Martin. Virus Res. 112:32, 2005. (3) M. Untiveros et al. J. Virol. Methods 165:97, 2010. (4) J. P. T. Valkonen et al. Potato Res. 35:411, 1992.

Endoscopic release of the median nerve in the proximal third of the forearm. A new approach. / Liberación endoscópica del nervio mediano en el tercio proximal del antebrazo. Nuevo abordaje.

INTRODUCTION: Pronator syndrome has classically required open surgery that leaves a large scar; initial endoscopic techniques required approaches of an average 4cm without achieving release of all structures. The purpose of this study was to describe a new endoscopic approach that allows the median nerve to be safely and completely decompressed, leaving a smaller and less visible scar. METHODS: Description of a new approach for decompression of the median nerve in the proximal third of the forearm with minimal incision and endoscopic technique in cryopreserved cadaveric specimens, describing incision, endoscopic anatomy, safe corridors and decompression sites. RESULTS: In 20 elbows of cadavers, an endoscopic approach of the median nerve in the proximal forearm with a 4mm endoscope and 0° of angulation was performed. The advantages and limitations of the technique and surgical details are presented for release in the most common compression points of the nerve in the forearm. We performed this technique in 3 patients with good results without complications. DISCUSSION: Release of the median nerve and section of potential aponeurotic compression structures by endoscopy is possible. The ulnar head of the pronator and the aponeurotic arch of the flexor digitorum superficialis are frequently implicated in the syndrome. The scar is aesthetically good. It is a relatively new technique, with lower morbidity that allows faster recovery of patients. CONCLUSIONS: It is possible to perform a complete decompression of the median nerve in the forearm using an endoscopic approach, safely with lower comorbidity for the patient.

Complications associated with the techniques for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in patients under 18 years old: a systematic review. / Complicaciones asociadas a las diferentes técnicas de reconstrucción del ligamento cruzado anterior en menores de 18 años: Revisión sistemática.

OBJECTIVE: Determine the complications related to the different techniques for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in patients under 18 years old. METHODOLOGY: Systematic review using the databases Medline, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and Embase (until July 2016), additional studies were included conducting a search of the references of previous studies. The terms included in the search were: «cruciate¼, «ligament¼, «anterior¼, «immature¼, «complications¼, «outcome¼, «acl reconstruction¼,« cruciate ligament anterior reconstruction¼, «children¼, «child¼, «infants¼, «adolescent¼, «open physis¼, «growth plate¼ and «skeletally immature¼. RESULTS: A number of 73 studies were included; 1300 patients in total, average age 13 years, 70% were male, medial and lateral meniscal lesions in 26% and 30% respectively. Eleven cases of length discrepancy (0,8%): 4 cases were presented with physeal-sparing techniques (1,4%), 3 cases with partial physeal-sparing techniques (2.2%) and 4 cases were presented with transphyseal techniques (0.4%). There were 22 cases of axis deviation: 6 cases with physeal-sparing techniques (2%), 3 cases with partial physeal-sparing techniques and 13 cases with transphyseal techniques (1.4%). The use of allograft achilles tendon allograft and fascia lata was associated with increased length discrepancy and axis deviation (25%). There was no difference according to Tanner. CONCLUSIONS: The different anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction techniques in patients under 18 years old had low complications related to lower limb growth, arthrofibrosis and review. There was a higher percentage of cases of length discrepancy and axis deviation with physeal-sparing techniques than with the other surgical techniques. The evidence level studies cannot determine causality.

Test-retest reliability of measurements of abdominal and multifidus muscles using ultrasound imaging in adults aged 50-79 years.

Test-retest reliability of the combined process of ultrasound imaging (USI) and image measurement of thickness of abdominal and upper lumbar multifidus (MF) muscles and MF cross sectional area (CSA) of older adults has not been established. Imaging muscles of older adults can be challenging due to age-related changes in the spine and skeletal muscle so establishing test-retest reliability in this population is important. This study aimed to evaluate test-retest reliability of USI of abdominal and MF muscle thickness and MF CSA for adults aged 50-79 years. One operator took single sets of ultrasound images of abdominal and MF muscles of 23 adults aged 50-79 years participating in a clinical trial of vitamin D supplementation for knee osteoarthritis, on two occasions, one week apart. Images were subsequently measured by a single examiner. Test-retest reliability for abdominal muscle thickness and MF CSA was substantial (intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) > 0.81) and for MF thickness ranged from fair to substantial (ICC 0.55-0.86). The standard error of measurement (SEM) was low (0.02-0.21) in every case. ICCs were low and SEM values were high for percentage thickness change. The substantial test-retest reliability of abdominal and MF (L4-L5) muscle thickness and of MF CSA supports the use of USI as a clinical and research tool to assess abdominal and MF muscle thickness and MF CSA of older adults.

The assessment of abdominal and multifidus muscles and their role in physical function in older adults: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Age-related changes in the trunk (abdominal and lumbar multifidus) muscles and their impact on physical function of older adults are not clearly understood. OBJECTIVES: To systematically summarise studies of these trunk muscles in older adults. DATA SOURCES: Cochrane Library, Pubmed, EMBASE and CINAHL were searched using terms for abdominal and MF muscles and measurement methods. STUDY SELECTION: Two reviewers independently assessed studies and included those reporting measurements of abdominal muscles and/or MF by ultrasound, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging or electromyography of adults aged ≥50 years. DATA SYNTHESIS: A best evidence synthesis was performed. RESULTS: Best evidence synthesis revealed limited evidence for detrimental effects of ageing or spinal conditions on trunk muscles, and conflicting evidence for decreased physical activity or stroke having detrimental effects on trunk muscles. Thicknesses of rectus abdominis, internal oblique and external oblique muscles were 36% to 48% smaller for older than younger adults. Muscle quality was poorer among people with moderate-extreme low back pain and predicted physical function outcomes. LIMITATIONS: Study heterogeneity precluded meta-analysis. CONCLUSION: Overall, the evidence base in older people has significant limitations, so the role of physiotherapy interventions aimed at these muscles remains unclear. The results point to areas in which further research could lead to clinically useful outcomes. These include determining the role of the trunk muscles in the physical function of older adults and disease; developing and testing rehabilitation programmes for older people with spinal conditions and lower back pain; and identifying modifiable factors that could mitigate age-related changes.