Xylosandrus crassiusculus (Motschulsky) on Cocoa Pods (Theobroma cacao L.): Matter of Bugs and Fungi.

Exudation of mucilage from pinhead-sized boreholes in cocoa pods was recorded in Karnataka, India, during 2021. Further investigations showed the association of scolytine beetles with infested pods. The identity of the pest, Xylosandrus crassiusculus, was confirmed through morphological characterization and sequencing of the mitochondrial COI gene. We studied the predisposing factors for its infestation, visible and concealed damaging symptoms, and fungal symbionts. In addition to its well-known symbiotic fungus, Ambrosiella roeperi, a new association of yeast, Ambrosiozyma monospora, was discovered. We also traced the possible role of the mirid bug, Helopeltis theivora, in host selection by X. crassiusculus. Overall results indicated that a 'mirid bug-ambrosia beetle-pathogen complex' is responsible for the severe damage to cocoa pods in South India.

Symptomatic venous thromboembolism following circular frame treatment for tibial fractures.

INTRODUCTION: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality following tibial fractures. The risk is as high as 77% without prophylaxis and around 10% with prophylaxis. Within the current literature there are no figures reported specifically for those individuals treated with circular frames. Our aim was to evaluate the VTE incidence within a single surgeon series and to evaluate potential risk factors. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed our consecutive single surgeon series of 177 patients admitted to a major trauma unit with tibial fractures. All patients received standardised care, including chemical thromboprophylaxis within 24h of injury until independent mobility was achieved. We comprehensively reviewed our prospective database and medical records looking at demographics and potential risk factors. RESULTS: Seven patients (4.0% ± 2.87%) developed symptomatic VTE during the course of frame treatment; three deep vein thrombosis (DVTs) and four pulmonary embolisms (PEs). Those with a VTE event had significantly increased body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.01) when compared to those without symptomatic VTE. No differences (p > 0.05) were observed between the groups in age, gender, smoking status, fracture type (anatomical allocation or open/closed), delay to frame treatment, weight bearing status post-frame, inpatient stay or total duration of frame treatment. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that increased BMI is a statistically significant risk factor for VTE, as reported in current literature. In addition, we calculated the true risk of VTE following circular frame treatment for tibial fracture in our series is from 1.13% to 6.87%, which is at least comparable to other forms of treatment.

Malignant transformation of posterior fossa epidermoid cyst.

The authors report the case of a 45-year-old man who presented with a short duration of a painful ophthalmoparesis. Initial magnetic resonance imaging revealed an extraaxial petroclival mass characteristic of an epidermoid cyst, with the exception of a contiguous contrast-enhancing lobule. A subtotal resection was performed with the histopathological diagnosis revealing malignant transformation of an epidermoid cyst. Despite aggressive postoperative adjuvant therapy, the patient developed leptomeningeal metastasis and died shortly thereafter. The presence of contrast enhancement at the site of an epidermoid cyst combined with an acute, progressive neurological deficit should alert the treating physician to the possibility of a malignant transformation. When transformation does occur, the clinical and radiological course is quite aggressive as compared with the indolent growth of epidermoid cysts. Treatment options include surgery with adjuvant chemotherapy or radiotherapy. We review the pertinent features of this case along with the relevant literature regarding primary intracranial squamous cell carcinomas.

Dall-Miles cable and plate fixation for the treatment of peri-prosthetic femoral fractures-analysis of results in 13 cases.

We present a retrospective review of 13 patients with periprosthetic femoral fractures treated with the Dall-Miles cable and plate fixation system between 1995 and 1999. Of these, 12 fractures were in relation to hip arthroplasty and one was proximal to the femoral component of a total knee replacement. Mean age at presentation was 77 years (range 66-87) with the male female ratio of 6:7. All patients were followed up until there was evidence of clinical and radiological union. The average follow-up period was 6.5 months (range 2.5-24). We achieved satisfactory results in ten patients with average time to union of 4.4 months. The results were unsatisfactory in three patients who required further revision procedures due to failure of fixation or non-union. Internal fixation of the fracture with the loose femoral component left in-situ led to failure of union in one patient. Varus mal-alignment of the femoral component to the shaft of more than 6 degrees was associated with unsatisfactory outcome in two patients. The Dall-Miles cable and plate system is a useful method of internal fixation for majority of periprosthetic femoral fractures. This method may not be suitable if the femoral component is loose or if it is in varus angulation of more than 6 degrees to the shaft of the femur.