CRISPR/Cas9-Based Lateral Flow and Fluorescence Diagnostics.

Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR/Cas) proteins can be designed to bind specified DNA and RNA sequences and hold great promise for the accurate detection of nucleic acids for diagnostics. We integrated commercially available reagents into a CRISPR/Cas9-based lateral flow assay that can detect severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) sequences with single-base specificity. This approach requires minimal equipment and represents a simplified platform for field-based deployment. We also developed a rapid, multiplex fluorescence CRISPR/Cas9 nuclease cleavage assay capable of detecting and differentiating SARS-CoV-2, influenza A and B, and respiratory syncytial virus in a single reaction. Our findings provide proof-of-principle for CRISPR/Cas9 point-of-care diagnosis as well as a scalable fluorescent platform for identifying respiratory viral pathogens with overlapping symptomology.

Comparison of plate osteosynthesis versus non-operative management for mid-shaft clavicle fractures-A prospective study.

INTRODUCTION: Treatment for mid-shaft clavicle fractures has recently seen a paradigm shift towards surgical management. The aim of the study was to compare clinical and functional outcome between plate osteosynthesis and conservative line of management in middle-third clavicle fractures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective randomized study was conducted on 69 patients with closed displaced clavicle fractures between May 2014 and May 2016. Patients with medial or lateral third clavicle fractures, polytrauma and compound fractures were excluded from the study. Patients treated with plating were in group A (n = 36) while those treated with arm pouch were in group B (n = 33). RESULTS: The mean age of the patient in group A was 32.4 ±â€¯43 and group B was 31.7 ±â€¯26 years. 48 (69.9%) females were involved in the study. History of fall was the most common mechanism of injury affecting 51 (73.9%) patients. All the patients were type 2 B as per the Robinson classification system. The average operative duration was 78.3 ±â€¯12.4 min. Union was seen at 15.6 ±â€¯0.8 in group A and 22.8 ±â€¯0.4 in group B (p < 0.0001). Two (6%) of the patients in group B had non-union. One (2.7%) patient in group A had mal-union. Two (5.5%) patients had plate prominence. One (2.7%) patient had superficial infection. The Constant and Murley scoring at 24 months was 89.42 and 76.24 in group A and group B respectively. CONCLUSION: Plating for displaced mid-shaft clavicle fractures is can lead to better functional and radiological outcomes with minimal complications as compared to the conservative modality of treatment.