Optimization of a reduced volume PCR amplification for PowerPlex® Fusion kit using FTA™ cards and generation of population genetic data for Brunei population.

The commercial PowerPlex® Fusion kit is an autosomal STR multiplex kit that has high discrimination power and is more informative in forensic, paternity, and relationship-testing cases. Key features of this multiplex system are the possibility to direct amplify FTA™ card punches as well as non-FTA cards and commonly used swabs; optimised inhibitor tolerance and high sensitivity generating full profiles from amount as little as 100 pg of human DNA. This study focused on the optimization of performance variables such as FTA™ punch sizes, reduced reaction volumes, and FTA™ purification reagent aiming to increase the analytical sensitivity, decrease the sample consumption, and cost effectiveness. LOD and LOQ values demonstrated high sensitivity of the PowerPlex® Fusion system. In addition, population databases of Brunei Malay and Chinese from the Brunei Darussalam were established, and parameters of forensic importance were calculated. Overall, the forensic parameters indicated an enhanced utility of the PowerPlex® Fusion kit for forensic evidence analysis and paternity testing in Brunei Malay and Chinese populations.

Comparison of percutaneous minimally invasive versus open posterior spine surgery for fixation of thoracolumbar fractures: A retrospective matched cohort analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Percutaneous minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) is a treatment option for thoracolumbar fractures and we aim to evaluate its outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective matched cohort study of all patients with thoracolumbar fractures treated with MISS or open posterior approach. RESULTS: We included 100 MISS and 155 open patients. After controlling for patient characteristics, our results statistically favor MISS in mean operative time, mean intraoperative blood loss, and number of patients requiring postoperative blood transfusions within 48 h. CONCLUSIONS: Advantages of using MISS for treatment of thoracolumbar fractures are decreased operative time, decreased blood loss, and fewer patients requiring transfusions.

A Comparison of Open and Percutaneous Techniques in the Operative Fixation of Spinal Fractures Associated with Ankylosing Spinal Disorders.

BACKGROUND: The operative care of patients with ankylosing spinal conditions such as ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) after a spine fracture is not well represented in the literature. This work seeks to determine the effect of minimally invasive techniques on patients with spinal fractures and ankylosing spinal conditions through a retrospective case-control analysis. METHODS: The operative logs from 1996-2013 of seven fellowship-trained spine surgeons from two academic, Level I trauma centers were reviewed for cases of operatively treated thoracic and lumbar spinal fractures in patients with ankylosing spinal disorders. RESULTS: A total of 38 patients with an ankylosing spinal condition and a spinal fracture were identified. The minimally invasive group demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in estimated blood loss, operative time, and need for transfusion when compared to either the hybrid or open group. There was no difference between the three subgroups in overall hospital stay or mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with ankylosing spinal conditions present unique challenges for operative fixation of spinal fractures. Minimally invasive techniques for internal fixation offer less blood loss, operative time, and need for transfusion compared to traditional techniques; however, no difference in hospital stay or mortality was reflected in this series of patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Ankylosing spinal disorders are increasingly common in an aging population.