MicroRNA expression signature in gastrointestinal stromal tumour & their molecular & histological features.

Background & objectives In gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST), not only genetic abnormalities are responsible for adverse clinical events, but epigenetic modifications also play a crucial role. MicroRNA (miRNA) dysregulation plays a significant role in carcinogenesis as miRNAs serve as natural silencer for their targets. Our study aimed to explore the miRNAs expression and its association with molecular and histopathological characteristics of GIST. Methods Fifty GIST samples, including 45 formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) and fresh tissues were included. Peripheral non-tumour tissues were used as controls. All the cases were confirmed using immunohistochemistry. RNA was extracted using miRNA-specific kit, and the expression was performed using RT-qPCR. The data were evaluated using AriaMx software version 1.5 (Agilent, US). MiRNAs expression was analyzed by using the relative quantification method (ΔΔCT). Results miR-221, miR-222, miR-494 and miR-34a showed significant down-regulation in tumours relative to non-tumour tissues. The expression levels of these miRNAs were significantly down-regulated in c-KIT (proto-oncogene encoding the tyrosine kinase transmembrane receptor)-positive tumours compared to c-KIT-negative. Further analysis revealed that reduced expression was associated with spindle subtypes and gastric localization. However, there was no significant correlation with other histological features. Additionally, miR-221/222, and miR-494 were down-regulated in most of the KIT exon 11 mutant subtypes, while miRNA-34a was associated with platelet derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRA) mutations. Interpretation & conclusions The present study showed that the down-regulation of these miRNAs may help better molecular classification and characterization of GISTs. Our results offer new insight into the association between miRNAs and histological features, enabling a more thorough understanding of GISTs at the molecular level.

Comparison of Interventions for Lateral Elbow Tendinopathy: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis for Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation Pain Outcome.

PURPOSE: There is controversy regarding the optimal treatment for lateral elbow tendinopathy (LET), and not all available treatment options have been compared directly with placebo/control. A network meta-analysis was conducted to compare the effectiveness of different LET treatments directly and indirectly against control/placebo based on a validated outcome, the Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE) pain score. METHODS: Randomized, controlled trials comparing different treatment methods for LET were included, provided they reported outcome data using the PRTEE pain score. A network meta-analysis with random effect was used to combine direct and indirect evidence between treatments compared with placebo in the short term (up to six weeks) and midterm (more than six weeks and up to six months) after intervention. RESULTS: Thirteen studies with 12 comparators including control/placebo were eligible. The results indicated no significant improvement in PRTEE pain score in the short term across all treatments compared with control/placebo. In the midterm, physiotherapy/exercise showed benefit against placebo (mean difference: -4.32, 95% confidence interval: -7.58 and -1.07). Although steroid injections, dry needling, and autologous blood also exhibited potential treatment effects, it is crucial for the clinician to consider certain pitfalls when considering these treatments. The limited number of small studies and paucity of data call for caution in interpreting the results and need for further evidence. CONCLUSIONS: Patients should be informed that there is currently no strong evidence that any treatment produces more rapid improvement in pain symptoms when compared with control/placebo in the short and medium terms. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic I.

Postoperative mobilization after terrible triad injury: systematic review and single-arm meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Terrible triad injury is a complex injury of the elbow, involving elbow dislocation with associated fracture of the radial head, avulsion or tear of the lateral ulnar collateral ligament, and fracture of the coronoid. These injuries are commonly managed surgically with fixation or replacement of the radial head and repair of the collateral ligaments with or without fixation of the coronoid. Postoperative mobilization is a significant factor that may affect patient outcomes; however, the optimal postoperative mobilization protocol is unclear. This study aimed to systematically review the available literature regarding postoperative rehabilitation of terrible triad injuries to aid clinical decision making. METHODS: We systematically reviewed the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature) databases in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The inclusion criteria were studies with populations aged ≥16 years with terrible triad injury in which operative treatment was performed, a clear postoperative mobilization protocol was defined, and the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) was reported. Secondary outcomes were pain, instability, and range of motion (ROM). Postoperative mobilization was classified as either "early," defined as active ROM commencement before or up to 14 days, or "late," defined as active ROM commencement after 14 days. RESULTS: A total of 119 articles were identified from the initial search, of which 11 (301 patients) were included in the final review. The most common protocols (6 studies) favored early mobilization, whereas 5 studies undertook late mobilization. Meta-regression analysis including mobilization as a covariate showed an estimated mean difference in the pooled mean MEPS between early and late mobilization of 6.1 (95% confidence interval, 0.2-12) with a higher pooled mean MEPS for early mobilization (MEPS, 91.2) than for late mobilization (MEPS, 85; P = .041). Rates of instability reported ranged from 4.5% to 19% (8%-11.5% for early mobilization and 4.5%-19% for late mobilization). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that early postoperative mobilization may confer a benefit in terms of functional outcomes following surgical management of terrible triad injuries without appearing to confer an increased instability risk. Further research in the form of randomized controlled trials between early and late mobilization is advised to provide a higher level of evidence.

Feasibility of Using a GENEActiv Accelerometer with Triaxial Acceleration and Temperature Sensors to Monitor Adherence to Shoulder Sling Wear Following Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Self-reported adherence to sling wear is unreliable due to recall bias. We aim to assess the feasibility and accuracy of quantifying sling wear and non-wear utilising slings pre-fitted with a GENEActiv accelerometer that houses triaxial acceleration and temperature sensors. METHODS: Ten participants were asked to wear slings for 480 min (8 h) incorporating 180 min of non-wear time in durations varying from 5-120 min. GENEActiv devices were fitted in sutured inner sling pockets and participants logged sling donning and doffing times. An algorithm based on variability in acceleration in three axes and temperature change was developed to identify sling wear and non-wear and compared to participants' logs. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between algorithm detected non-wear duration (mean ± standard deviation = 172.0 ± 6.8 min/participant) and actual non-wear (179.7 ± 1.0 min/participant). Minute-by-minute agreement of sensor-detected wear and non-wear with participant reported wear was 97.3 ± 1.5% (range = 93.9-99.0), with mean sensitivity 94.3 ± 3.5% (range = 86.1-98.3) and specificity 99.1 ± 0.8% (range = 93.7-100). CONCLUSION: An algorithm based on accelerometer-assessed acceleration and temperature can accurately identify shoulder sling wear/non-wear times. This method may have potential for assessing whether sling wear adherence after shoulder surgeries have any bearing on patient functional outcomes.

Long term surgical results and safety profile of the novel CM T Flex scleral fixated intraocular lens.

PURPOSE: To report the long term visual outcomes and complications with use of the novel CM-T Flex scleral fixated intraocular lens (CMT-SFIOL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: 116 eyes that underwent CMT-SFIOL were reviewed and 57 eyes with CMT-SFIOL that completed a 2-year follow-up were included. Main outcome measures noted were best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and complications. Postoperatively, follow-ups were done at 1 week (1w), 1 month (1 m), 1 year (1y) and 2-year (2y) intervals. RESULTS: 40 (70.17%) of 57 eyes received CMT-SFIOL for surgical aphakia. Mean follow up was 39.77 ± 8.44 months. BCVA for distance & near improved from 1.26 ± 0.84 to 0.76 ± 0.77, 0.50 ± 0.72 and 0.51 ± 0.73 & 1.28 ± 0.58 to 0.98 ± 0.49, 0.92 ± 0.44 and 0.89 ± 0.40 at 1 m, 1y and 2y respectively (p < 0.001 for all). At 1w, 10 eyes (17.54%) had corneal edema (CE) and 8 eyes (14.03%) had anterior chamber (AC) reaction. Two eyes (3.50%) had IOP > 30 mm Hg and 1 eye (1.75%) had vitreous hemorrhage (VH). At 1 m, 3 eyes (5.26%) had CE and 5 eyes (8.77%) had AC reaction. Two eyes (3.50%) had IOP > 30 mm Hg and 1 eye (1.75%) had VH. Cystoid macular edema was noted in 3 eyes (5.26%). At 1y and 2y, 2 eyes (3.5%) and 1 eye (1.75%), had CE. No decentration, dislocation, haptic exposure or retinal detachment was noted. No eyes required resurgery. CONCLUSION: CM-T Flex SFIOL is an effective method to correct aphakia, with reliable and safe long-term results.

Gmx_qk: An Automated Protein/Protein-Ligand Complex Simulation Workflow Bridged to MM/PBSA, Based on Gromacs and Zenity-Dependent GUI for Beginners in MD Simulation Study.

Open-source MD simulation tools provide academics and low-income countries with the ability to compete in drug discovery advancements. Gromacs is a well-known and established MD simulation tool, among others. Although command-line tools offer full flexibility to users, they require expertise and familiarity with the UNIX operating system. In this context, we have developed an automated bash workflow that enables users with minimal knowledge of UNIX or command-line tools to run protein/protein-ligand complex simulations bridged to MM/PBSA calculations. The workflow provides information to the user using Zenity widgets and requires minimal intervention, such as energy minimization, simulation duration, and output file naming. It initiates MD simulations within a few seconds (energy minimization, NVT, NPT, and MD) after taking input files and parameters, which takes 20-30 min in a command-line-based protocol. The single workflow also helps users to produce reproducible research results with fewer errors. The workflow is available at the GitHub repository: https://github.com/harry-maan/gmx_qk.

The use of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in radiocarpal fractures: a diagnostic test accuracy meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Occult radiocarpal fractures often present a diagnostic challenge to the emergency department. Accurate diagnosis of these injuries is crucial as a missed fracture can lead to significant morbidity. Cone-beam CT (CBCT) scan is a novel imaging modality, with minimal radiation exposure and comparatively fast acquisition time. Our aim was to evaluate its use in the diagnosis of cortical fractures in the upper limb extremity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a systematic review of literature and included all studies that evaluated the use of CBCT in the diagnosis of radiocarpal fractures. We used a mixed-effects logistic regression bivariate model to estimate the summary sensitivity and specificity and constructed hierarchical summary receiver operative characteristic curves (HSROC). RESULTS: We identified 5 studies, with 439 patients, and observed CBCT to be 87.7% (95% CI 77.6-93.6) sensitive and 99.2% (95% CI 92.6-99.9) specific for scaphoid fractures. For carpal fractures, CBCT was observed to have a pooled sensitivity and specificity of 90.6% (95% CI 72.7-97.2) and 100% (95% CI 99-100) respectively. For distal radius fractures, CBCT sensitivity was 90% (95% CI 67-98) and specificity was 100% (95% CI 10-100). The overall inter-rater agreement effect was shown to be 0.89 (95% CI 0.82-0.96), which is deemed to be almost perfect. CONCLUSION: CBCT is an accurate diagnostic tool for occult radiocarpal cortical fractures, which could replace or supplement radiographs. We believe CBCT has a promising role in the acute radiocarpal fracture diagnostic algorithm in both emergency and trauma departments.

Total shoulder arthroplasty vs. hemiarthroplasty in patients with primary glenohumeral arthritis with intact rotator cuff: meta-analysis using the ratio of means.

BACKGROUND: Glenohumeral arthritis is a degenerative disease of the shoulder joint. There is limited evidence in the literature in superiority of outcomes between total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) and hemiarthroplasty (HA) for patients when the rotator cuff is intact. The purpose of this systematic review was to compare patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and rate of complication between these 2 interventions in patients with primary glenohumeral arthritis and an intact rotator cuff. Previous systematic reviews have focused only on results from randomized controlled trials, demonstrating mixed outcomes in PROMs and no difference in postoperative complications or rate of revision. Our study is the first, to our knowledge, to assess all comparative studies including prospective and retrospective observational studies, assessing a combined 1317 patients. Using the ratio of means, data from different PROMs were pooled to analyze and compare the total combined relative effect change following intervention. METHODS: We undertook literature review of the reference databases until March 2021. We included randomized controlled trials in addition to comparative observational studies and case series (more than 10 patients). Study participants were adults who had primary glenohumeral arthritis with an intact rotator cuff. Meta-analysis was performed by the ratio of means for PROMs and risk ratio for revision and complication data. RESULTS: Comparing clinical outcome of TSA against HA from 10 studies, meta-analyses using ratio of means demonstrated an 8% significantly improved relative increase in the postoperative PROMs in the TSA cohort (ratio of means 1.08, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.04-1.12, P < .01). The TSA cohort additionally demonstrated a significantly lower revision rate (relative risk 1.84, 95% CI 1.05-3.24, P = .03). Although the risk of complication was nonsignificant, pooling revision and complications data revealed a 2-fold increased risk in the HA group compared with TSA (relative risk 2.09, 95% CI 1.17-3.74, P = .01). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis with an intact rotator cuff, TSA is favored to HA in terms of clinical outcome, risk of revision surgery, and postoperative complications.

Early versus delayed repair of traumatic rotator cuff tears. Does timing matter on outcomes?

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to determine if delay (before or after 4 months) in repairing a symptomatic traumatic rotator cuff tear affected clinical outcome, re-rupture rates and use of interpositional dermal grafts. METHODS: This was a case matched (age + tear size) series of patients who underwent an early (≤ 4 months) or delayed (> 4 months) rotator cuff repair following a traumatic tear. If a direct repair could not be achieved a dermal interposition graft was used. Outcomes were collected at a median time of 30 months post-operatively using the Oxford, Constant and EQ5D scores. RESULTS: Twenty patients underwent rotator cuff repair within 4 months (1-4) of injury. Twenty age and cuff tear size-matched patients were identified who had undergone a delayed repair (4.1-24 months) after injury. We found no significant difference (p > 0.05) in patient reported outcomes scores between the early and delayed repair. [Oxford scores; Early 43(13-48), Delayed 45 (31-48); Constant scores; Early 73 (21-94), Delayed 73.5 (44-87); EQ5D; Early 0.75 (0.25-1), Delayed 0.77 (0.4-1)]. Time to full recovery was significantly longer (14 vs 33.8 months) for the delayed repair group (P > 0.05). When cuff tears were subdivided into < 3 cm tears or ≥ 3 cm tears, no significant difference outcome scores were founds. However, use of dermal interposition graft was 44% in delayed group for tears ≥ 3 cm. No grafts were used in early repair group. There was one symptomatic re-tear in our series which was in the early repair group. CONCLUSION: When compared to the delayed repair group, patients that underwent early repair of traumatic rotator cuff tears had shorter time of recovery, and less need for allograft augmentation for tears 3 cm or greater. However, at mid-term follow-up, this study found no difference in patient reported outcomes following early versus delayed repair of traumatic rotator cuff tears. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

Biomechanical Comparison of Periprosthetic Femoral Fracture Risk in Three Femoral Components in a Sawbone Model.

BACKGROUND: The increasing use of orthopedic total hip arthroplasty implants has led to a consequent rise in the incidence of associated periprosthetic fractures (PPFs). Analysis of the National Joint Registry data showed the choice of cemented hip stem influenced the risk of a PPF occurring. However, the effect of implant design in relation to the risk of PPFs has not been investigated. METHODS: The main objective is to compare the biomechanics of PPFs as a failure of the Exeter V40, CPT, and DePuy C-Stem stems in a composite Sawbone model to identify whether a difference in the risk of fracture exists between them. Twenty-six Sawbones were divided into 3 groups, cemented with the Stryker Exeter, Zimmer CPT, or DePuy C-Stem and then torqued to fracture. RESULTS: When compared with the Exeter, the CPT- and C-Stem-implanted Sawbone models would sustain PPFs at a statistically significantly lower rotation to failure (20.1° and 26.7° vs 33.6°, P < .01) and torque to failure (124 Nm and 143 Nm vs 174 Nm, P < .01) values. The energy release rate at failure for the Exeter was significantly higher than that for the CPT and C-Stem (61.2 Nm vs 21.8 Nm and 38.6 Nm, P < .01), which led to more comminution. CONCLUSION: The CPT- and C-Stem-implanted femurs, although fracturing earlier, fractured in a simple pattern with less comminution. The differences in stem design mean higher stress at the critical point of failure in the CPT implanted femur compared with the Exeter and DePuy, which is likely the reason behind the observed increased risk of PPFs with the CPT implant.

A drone-based networked system and methods for combating coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus. It is similar to influenza viruses and raises concerns through alarming levels of spread and severity resulting in an ongoing pandemic worldwide. Within eight months (by August 2020), it infected 24.0 million persons worldwide and over 824 thousand have died. Drones or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are very helpful in handling the COVID-19 pandemic. This work investigates the drone-based systems, COVID-19 pandemic situations, and proposes an architecture for handling pandemic situations in different scenarios using real-time and simulation-based scenarios. The proposed architecture uses wearable sensors to record the observations in Body Area Networks (BANs) in a push-pull data fetching mechanism. The proposed architecture is found to be useful in remote and highly congested pandemic areas where either the wireless or Internet connectivity is a major issue or chances of COVID-19 spreading are high. It collects and stores the substantial amount of data in a stipulated period and helps to take appropriate action as and when required. In real-time drone-based healthcare system implementation for COVID-19 operations, it is observed that a large area can be covered for sanitization, thermal image collection, and patient identification within a short period (2 KMs within 10 min approx.) through aerial route. In the simulation, the same statistics are observed with an addition of collision-resistant strategies working successfully for indoor and outdoor healthcare operations. Further, open challenges are identified and promising research directions are highlighted.

Genetic parameter estimates for reproductive traits in Chokla ewes of India.

Early selection of ewes for better reproductive performance may reduce generation interval and increase genetic gains. Considering this, the present study aimed to derive the genetic parameter estimates of ten reproductive traits in 1172 maiden Chokla ewes over a period of 22 years. Initially, the traits, namely age at first service (AFS), weight at first service (WFS), age at first successful service (ASS), weight at first successful service (WSS), age at first lambing (AFL), ewe's weight at first lambing (WFL), first lambing interval (LI1), first service period (SP1), first parity lamb survival (SUR1) and first service fertility rate (FER1) were analysed for the effects of genetic and non-genetic factors. The significant effects were fitted into six animal models to estimate the genetic parameters. The heritability estimates were low for the age traits and FER1 (0.06-0.09) but moderate for the rest of the traits (0.16-0.23), indicating the suitability of these traits for improvement through direct selection. The maternal direct and permanent effects were meagre for all the traits. The ewe weights had strongly negative correlations with the age of sexual maturity and positive correlations with lamb survival. The results emphasise the need to optimize the weights of maiden ewes to improve reproductive performance.

Is regional ankle block needed in conjunction with general anaesthesia for first ray surgery? A randomised controlled trial of ultrasound guided ankle block versus "blind" local infiltration.

BACKGROUND: Regional anaesthesia is commonly utilised for foot and ankle surgery. Debate remains at to the level of regional anaesthesia that is required. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether surgeon-delivered "blind" local anaesthetic infiltration around the first ray (metatarsal block without ultrasound guidance) was as effective as an ultrasound guided ankle block in providing post-operative analgesia after osseous first ray surgery performed under general anaesthetic. METHODS: 50 patients were recruited to a single surgeon and anaesthetist double-blinded randomised controlled trial at a single-centre. 20mls of 0.5% levobupivacaine was used to perform either an ankle or metatarsal nerve block. RESULTS: Forty-eight patients completed the study: 25 in the ankle block treatment arm and 23 in the metatarsal block arm. The demographics were comparable between groups. There was no statistical difference in visual analogue pain scores at two (21.3 vs 15.2), six (23.6 vs 20.8) and 24 (42.2 vs 50.4) hours following the procedure between the two groups (metatarsal block vs ankle block). Metatarsal block groups had a faster return of normal sensation (2.3 vs 2.8h) but there was no difference in time to safe mobilisation (2.6 vs 2.8h). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the efficacy and safety of surgeon delivered "blind" metatarsal block is comparable to an ultrasound guided ankle block for first ray surgery performed under general anaesthetic. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 1.

The Effect of Extensor Tendon Adhesions on Finger Motion.

PURPOSE: To quantify the amount and pattern of finger range of motion loss at the metacarpophalangeal (MCP), proximal interphalangeal (PIP), and distal interphalangeal (DIP) joints with a simulated extensor tendon adhesion at the level of the proximal phalanx or metacarpal. METHODS: In 10 cadaveric specimens, traction sutures were placed in the forearm extensor digitorum communis and flexor digitorum profundus tendons of the middle and ring fingers. Active motion was simulated by suspending weights from the traction sutures via pulleys. The angles of the MCP, PIP, and DIP joints were measured at the position of maximum flexion and extension. Extensor tendon adhesions were simulated alternately at the proximal phalanx and metacarpal levels of the middle and ring fingers, using suture anchors. Repeat measurements were taken using the same amount of force. RESULTS: There was an average total loss of flexion of 38° and of extension of 6° with a proximal phalanx adhesion, with a greater contribution of flexion loss at the PIP joint. The loss of flexion was 17° and of extension was 50° with a metacarpal adhesion, with a loss of extension mostly at the MCP joint. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study identified clear patterns of motion loss that are associated with isolated simulated adhesions in different locations along the extensor mechanism. The greatest motion loss occurred at the joint immediately distal to the simulated adhesion. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Although extrapolation of these findings to clinical relevance remains unclear, the ability to predict the level of adhesion by the pattern of motion restriction may allow for a targeted tenolysis procedure. This would reduce the amount of soft tissue dissection required, which in turn, could be expected to reduce the degree of repeat adhesion formation.

Radial head replacement versus reconstruction for the treatment of the terrible triad injury of the elbow: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The terrible triad injury of the elbow (TTIE) remains challenging to manage and has been associated with high complication rates and poor outcomes. There is a trend towards performing radial head replacement (REP) in preference to radial head reconstruction (REC) as arthroplasty provides early stability and may allow mobilisation sooner, potentially resulting in a better functional outcome. This systematic review compares the outcome of patients with TTIE treated with either REC or REP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MEDLINE, Embase, and CINAHL were searched for studies published in English involving at least ten patients exclusively with a TTIE managed operatively, including both patients with either REC or REP. Data collection was in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis protocol. The outcomes of interest were Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) and range of motion (ROM). Post-operative complications were also compared. RESULTS: 9 studies involving 210 patients were included (98 REPs and 112 RECs). There was no statistically significant difference (p = 0.51) demonstrated between in the mean MEPS of the REP group (mean 88.6) and REC group (mean 88.5). Similarly, there was no statistically significant difference demonstrated between the REP and REC groups in terms of ROM. The risk of re-operation was high in both the REP (18.4%) and REC (17.9%) group. The overall complication rate of all patients included in the study was high (65%). CONCLUSIONS: Comparable results with good outcomes in terms of functional scores and ROM can be achieved with both REP and REC when treating TTIE, although the re-operation rate for both remains relatively high. Given there is no apparent clear advantage between the two treatment groups, we would suggest that REC should be performed when a satisfactory fixation can be achieved as the longevity of REP in young patients with a TTIE is currently uncertain.

Growth of the New Thumb Metacarpal After Pollicization for Thumb Hypoplasia.

PURPOSE: To investigate the radiographic length and width of the new thumb metacarpal in relation to the middle finger proximal phalanx; to assess the incidence of premature physeal closure of the new metacarpal; and to consider whether there is a relationship between growth characteristics and the presence of union or nonunion of the new trapezium to the retained index finger metacarpal base. METHODS: Forty pollicizations were assessed with preoperative or immediate postoperative radiographs and follow-up radiographs to establish the growth characteristics of the new thumb metacarpal. Functional outcomes comprising grip strength, pinch strength, and range of motion were correlated with radiological findings of presence or absence of open physes and presence or absence of union of the new trapezium to the metacarpal base. RESULTS: The new thumb metacarpal physis was open in 28 pollicizations and closed in 12. In the latter group, all physes of the hand had closed indicating skeletal maturity. The length and width indices of the new thumb metacarpal in relation to the middle finger proximal phalanx were equivalent to or greater than the perioperative growth indices. There was a reduced postoperative length ratio in those patients with nonunion of the new trapezium to the base of the metacarpal. There was no change in strength and range of motion parameters with growth other than that related to normal improvement with age. CONCLUSIONS: We are unable to demonstrate premature physeal closure following routine pollicization. The growth of the metacarpal continues in a normal manner to skeletal maturity. A failure of union of the new trapezium to the metacarpal base may compromise growth. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Agreement between patient-based and clinician-based assessment of the shoulder.

BACKGROUND: Patient home-based self-assessments after shoulder surgery have the potential to aid clinicians in reducing clinic time and decreasing follow-up requirements. The purpose of this systematic review was to determine the correlation between patient-based and physician-assessed outcome measures for range of motion (ROM), strength, and shoulder function. METHODS: This systematic review adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases were searched. All studies comparing patient-reported and clinician-based assessments of shoulder ROM, strength, and function were eligible for inclusion. Studies that included patient or clinician assessment only, description of shoulder diseases or treatments only, and animal- or cadaveric-based studies were excluded. More than 250 abstracts were searched, and 4 studies were found eligible. RESULTS: Patients assessed their shoulder ROM, strength, and function with moderate-to-high accuracy compared with clinical assessment. There was less agreement between patients and clinicians regarding the symptomatic shoulder compared with the contralateral shoulder. There was less agreement between patients and clinicians on rotation than forward elevation. Patients who were less satisfied with their shoulder had less agreement with clinicians. CONCLUSION: There is moderate-to-high agreement between patients and clinicians in the assessment of the shoulder after surgery. Methods of assessment of rotation could be reviewed to create a more exact self-assessment tool.

Formulation development and evaluation of nifedipine as pylorospasm inhibitor.

INTRODUCTION: In this study, different nifedipine-loaded formulations were prepared to treat pylorospasm, a sphincter muscle disorder characterized by delayed gastric emptying process. The efficacy of formulation was evaluated in patients by subjective assessment, gamma scintigraphic approaches, and confocal microscopy. METHODS: Nifedipine-loaded different formulations such as sucrose bead, pellets, and microparticles (slugging method, ionotropic gelation, and chemical denaturation) were designed. The studies were performed on 50 subjects, of which 30 subjects were treated with optimized nifedipine loaded microcapsules while 20 subjects were given capsule becosule-Z as a control. The efficacy of formulation was assessed by comparing symptoms like dyspepsia, abdominal pain, abdominal fullness, poor appetite, nausea, vomiting, and irregular motion. The effectiveness of formulation was also assessed by gamma scintigraphic studies by determining the rate of emptying of a radioactivity labeled standard meal from patients' stomach into the duodenum. Confocal microscopy was used to assess targeting potential of developed formulation. RESULTS: Drug-loaded alginate-chitosan microcapsules were found to be satisfactory, in terms of controlled drug release, surface morphology, and bioadhesive properties and thus selected for in vivo studies. Clinical studies revealed the efficacy of formulation in abolishing various GI symptoms at high altitude. Associated symptoms such as dyspepsia, abdominal pain, poor appetite, nausea, vomiting, and irregular motion were recovered by 75, 62, 76.5, 86.7, 85.7, and 37.5%, respectively in nifedipine-treated patients. In comparison, 73.7, 40, 33.3, 40, 20, and 0% recoveries were observed in patients given control treatment only. Gamma Scintigraphic studies in lab also revealed 2.425 ± 0.245 (p < .05) times improvement in gastric emptying rate in patients with diabetic gastroparesis. Confocal analysis showed better targeting and penetration in pyloric region when formulation was administered in form of high-density microcapsules. CONCLUSIONS: Results strongly suggest that nifedipine loaded mucoadhesive formulation has a targeting potential which accelerates gastric emptying process in gastroparesis patients, and thus the formulation might prove useful as a potent prokinetic agent.

A systematic review of management of scapular fractures.

There is no agreement within literature regarding management of scapula fractures. Our aim was to carry out a systematic review of literature on management of the scapular fractures. Our search across multiple medical databases for studies on the scapular fractures until February 2014 yielded 32 studies. We have excluded case series <7 patients, case reports, review articles, articles without abstract, observational studies and articles on fractures following shoulder arthroplasty. There were 8 prospective case series and one cohort study, however, majority of the included studies were retrospective studies. There were 1237 patients, follow up data were available for 941 patients who underwent either conservative (629) or operative management (512). Non-operative management scapular body fractures had satisfactory results. The scapular neck fractures displaced <10mm have satisfactory outcome following non-operative management. Operative management of displaced glenoid fossa fractures and scapular neck fractures displaced >10mm lead in a better functional outcome.

Electrogoniometer measurement and directional analysis of wrist angles and movements during the Sollerman hand function test.

STUDY DESIGN: Clinical measurement. INTRODUCTION: To investigate the characteristics of wrist motion (area, axis, and location) during activities of daily living (ADL) using electrogoniometry. METHODS: A sample of 83 normal volunteers performed the Sollerman hand function test (SHFT) with a flexible biaxial electrogoniometer applied to their wrists. This technique is accurate and reliable and has been used before for assessment of wrist circumduction in normal volunteers. A software package was used to overlay an ellipse of best fit around the 2-dimensional trace of the electrogoniometer mathematically computing the area, location, and axis angle of the ellipse. RESULTS: Most ADL could be completed within 20% of the total area of circumduction (3686°° ± 1575°°) of a normal wrist. An oblique plane in radial extension and ulnar flexion (dart-throwing motion plane) was used for rotation (-14° ± 32°) and power grip tasks (-29° ± 25°) during ADL; however, precision tasks (4° ± 28°), like writing, were performed more often in the flexion extension plane. In the dominant hand, only 2 power tasks were located in flexion region (cutting play dough [ulnar] and pouring carton [radial]), precision tasks were located centrally, and rotation and other power tasks were located in extension region. DISCUSSION: This study has identified that wrist motion during the ADL requires varying degrees of movement in oblique planes. Using electrogoniometry, we could visualize the area, location, and plane of motion during ADL. This could assist future researchers to compare procedures leading to loss of motion in specific quadrants of wrist motion and its impact on patient's ability in performing particular ADL. It could guide hand therapists to specifically focus on retraining the ADL that may be affected when wrist range of motion is lost after injury. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic level III.