Negative impact of Interleukin-9 on synovial regulatory T cells in rheumatoid arthritis.

In Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), regulatory T cells (Tregs) have been found to be enriched in the synovial fluid. Despite their accumulation, they are unable to suppress synovial inflammation. Recently, we showed the synovial enrichment of interleukin-9 (IL-9) producing helper T cells and its positive correlation with disease activity. Therefore, we investigated the impact of IL-9 on synovial Tregs in RA. Here, we confirmed high synovial Tregs in RA patients, however these cells were functionally impaired in terms of suppressive cytokine production (IL-10 and TGF-ß). Abrogating IL-9/ IL-9 receptor interaction could restore the suppressive cytokine production of synovial Tregs and reduce the synovial inflammatory T cells producing IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-17. However, blocking these inflammatory cytokines failed to show any effect on IL-9 producing T cells, highlighting IL-9's hierarchy in the inflammatory network. Thus, we propose that blocking IL-9 might dampen synovial inflammation by restoring Tregs function and inhibiting inflammatory T cells.

Decreased motion with normal strength after Latarjet procedure has minimal impact on return to activity.

PURPOSE: The Latarjet procedure can affect the range of motion (ROM) and strength of the shoulder, which determine the time to return to the preinjury level of activity. This study prospectively assessed whether the Latarjet procedure leads to a decrease in range of motion and muscle strength, affecting the time to return to the previous level of activity. METHODS: Fifty-one consecutive patients who underwent the Latarjet procedure for recurrent dislocation of the shoulder were included prospectively. The ROM, strength, Walch-Duplay score, and Rowe score were measured every 3 months for 1 year and then every 6 months for 2 years. Radiological assessments were performed to confirm the graft location, union, and the humeral head position in abduction and external rotation (ER). RESULTS: Out of 51 patients, 49 completed all follow-ups. The median age was 27 years (17-45 years), and the dominant side was involved in 36 patients. The median number of dislocations was 11 (5-50). Twelve patients were sleep dislocators. There was a significant loss (p < 0.0001) of abduction, forward flexion (FF), ER, and internal rotation (IR) in the affected shoulder compared to the contralateral shoulder. Recovery plateaued at 12 months. There was near complete recovery of muscle strength after the Latarjet procedure, and the difference between the affected and contralateral shoulders was not significant (n.s.). The modified Rowe score was excellent in 44 (90%) patients, and the Walch-Duplay score was excellent in 43 patients (88%) at 24 months. Suboptimal results were associated with non-compliance with rehabilitation in two (4%) patients and neglected unreduced dislocation in one (2%) patient. The coracoid graft position was below the equator in 44 patients (90%). Forty-six patients (94%) could return to the previous level of activity. CONCLUSION: The Latarjet procedure results in a restricted ROM of the shoulder, but there is no loss of muscle strength. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Interleukin-9 Facilitates Osteoclastogenesis in Rheumatoid Arthritis.

In rheumatoid arthritis (RA), inflammatory cytokines play a pivotal role in triggering abnormal osteoclastogenesis leading to articular destruction. Recent studies have demonstrated enhanced levels of interleukin-9 (IL-9) in the serum and synovial fluid of patients with RA. In RA, strong correlation has been observed between tissue inflammation and IL-9 expression in synovial tissue. Therefore, we investigated whether IL-9 influences osteoclastogenesis in patients with RA. We conducted the study in active RA patients. For inducing osteoclast differentiation, mononuclear cells were stimulated with soluble receptor activator of NF-kB ligand (sRANKL) and macrophage-colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) in the presence or absence of recombinant (r) IL-9. IL-9 stimulation significantly enhanced M-CSF/sRANKL-mediated osteoclast formation and function. Transcriptome analysis revealed differential gene expression induced with IL-9 stimulation in the process of osteoclast differentiation. IL-9 mainly modulates the expression of genes, which are involved in the metabolic pathway. Moreover, we observed that IL-9 modulates the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which are critical players in bone degradation. Our results indicate that IL-9 has the potential to influence the structural damage in the RA by promoting osteoclastogenesis and modulating the expression of MMPs. Thus, blocking IL-9 pathways might be an attractive immunotherapeutic target for preventing bone degradation in RA.

Analysis of modified double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with implantless fixation on tibial side.

PURPOSE: To avoid potential problems of double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), various modifications have been reported. This study analyzed a novel technique of modified double-bundle (MDB) ACLR without implant on tibial side in comparison to single-bundle (SB) ACLR. METHODS: Eighty cases of isolated anterior cruciate ligament tear (40 each in SB group or MDB group) were included. SB ACLR was performed by outside in technique with quadrupled hamstring graft fixed with interference screws. In MDB group, ACLR harvested tendons were looped over each other at the center and free ends whipstitched. Femoral tunnel was created by outside in technique. Anteromedial tibial tunnel was created with tibial guide at 55°. The anatomic posterolateral aiming guide (Smith-Nephew) was used to create posterolateral tunnel. With the help of shuttle sutures, the free end of gracillis was passed through posterolateral tunnel to femoral tunnel followed by semitendinosus graft through anteromedial tunnel to femoral tunnel. On tibial side the graft was looped over bone-bridge between external apertures of anteromedial and posterolateral tunnel. Graft was fixed with interference screw on femoral side in 10° knee flexion. International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), Tegner score, Pivot shift and knee laxity test (KLT, Karl-Storz) were recorded pre- and post-surgery. At one year magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was done. Statistical analysis was done by SPSS software. RESULTS: Mean preoperative KLT reading of (10.00 ± 1.17) mm in MDB group improved to (4.10 ± 0.56) mm and in SB group it improved from (10.00 ± 0.91) mm to (4.80 ± 0.46) mm. The mean preoperative IKDC score in MDB group improved from (49.49 ± 8.00) to (92.5 ± 1.5) at one year and that in SB group improved from (52.5 ± 6.9) to (88.4 ± 2.6). At one-year 92.5% cases in MDB group achieved their preinjury Tegner activity level as compared to 60% in SB group. The improvement in IKDC, KLT and Tegner scale of MDB group was superior to SB group. MRI confirmed graft integrity at one year and clinically at 2 years. CONCLUSION: MDB ACLR has shown better outcome than SB ACLR. It is a simple technique that does not require fixation on tibial side and resultant graft is close to native ACL.

Bilateral Floating Knee Injuries Managed by Intramedullary Nailing - An Unusual Injury.

Introduction: Floating knee injuries were first described in 1975 by McBryde as concurrent femur and tibial fractures in an ipsilateral limb. They usually occurred in a polytrauma setting and presented with poor functional outcomes with frequent post-operative complications. Management of this injury was based on patient and fracture characteristics and can be done by external fixators, plating, and nailing. Case Report: A 24-year-old female presented with bilateral floating knees. She was operated on for a left femoral fracture with retrograde nailing when she developed tachycardia and underwent external fixation of the remaining fractures. She later developed a fat embolism which was managed accordingly for the same. After adequate stabilization, her right femur and tibia fractures were fixed by intramedullary nailing through a single percutaneous approach along with nailing for the left tibial fracture. She has satisfactory clinical outcomes on follow-up. Conclusion: Bilateral floating knee injuries are extremely rare injuries and should be managed on an emergency basis. Intraoperative and post-operative complications should be anticipated and managed accordingly. Good functional outcomes can be obtained by intramedullary nailing.

Anopheles culicifacies sibling species in Odisha, eastern India: First appearance of Anopheles culicifacies E and its vectorial role in malaria transmission.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the Anopheles culicifacies sibling species complex and study their vectorial role in malaria endemic regions of Odisha. METHODS: Mosquitoes were collected from 6 malaria endemic districts using standard entomological collection methods. An. culicifacies sibling species were identified by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using cytochrome oxidase subunit II (COII) region of mitochondrial DNA. Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) sporozoite rate and human blood fed percentage (HBF) were estimated by PCR using Pf- and human-specific primers. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis were performed to confirm the type of sibling species of An. culicifacies found in Odisha. RESULTS: Multiplex PCR detected An. culicifacies sibling species A, B, C, D and E in the malaria endemic regions of Odisha. An. culicifacies E was detected for the first time in Odisha, which was further confirmed by molecular phylogenetics. Highest sporozoite rate and HBF percentage were observed in An. culicifacies E in comparison with other sibling species. An. culicifacies E collected from Nawarangapur, Nuapara and Keonjhar district showed high HBF percentage and sporozoite rates. CONCLUSION: An. culicifacies B was the most abundant species, followed by An. culicifacies C and E. High sporozoite rate and HBF of An. culicifacies E indicated that it plays an important role in malaria transmission in Odisha. Appropriate control measures against An. culicifacies E at an early stage are needed to prevent further malaria transmission in Odisha.

Double row reconstruction of achilles tendon (speedbridge technique) for haglund syndrome results in early weight bearing.

Background: Reconstruction of tendoachilles (TA) tendon using double row reconstruction (speedbridge technique) following excision of haglund deformity is relatively newer technique. The purpose was to assess the clinical outcome and effects of early postoperative mobilization with speedbridge technique. Methods: This was a prospective observational study performed between January 2018 to February 2019. All the patients underwent open excision of haglund deformity after complete detachment of TA tendon. Reconstruction of TA tendon was done using fibretape and 4.75 mm biocomposite Swivelock [ArthrexAchilles SpeedBridge Convenience Pack (AR-8928 BC-CP)].Clinical evaluation was done using American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Hind Foot Score (HFS) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Patients were followed at 6weeks, 6 months,12 months,18 months and 2 years. Results: 11 female and 2 male patients (16 feet) with mean age of 53.00 ± 4.93 years were analyzed. Full weight bearing mobilization was started on an average of 10 days postoperatively.The mean postoperative HFS, at 24 months of postoperative period, was 87.61 ± 4.69 compared to mean preoperative HFS of 53.07 ± 5.93. Conclusion: Haglund deformity excision and reconstruction of Tendoachilles using double row technique is an agile construct for early mobilization with an excellent clinical outcome.

The Role of Conservative Management in the Avascular Necrosis of the Femoral Head: A Review of Systematic Reviews.

Introduction/Background: Multiple medical and surgical treatments have been described in the early stages of Avascular Necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head which delay the disease progression. Similarly, multiple studies, trials, reviews, and systematic reviews exist for the various treatments described and their outcomes but with no consensus over which is superior. So in this study, we reviewed the systematic reviews of all the conservative therapies for AVN of the femoral head systematically to identify a single or a combination of non-surgical treatment choices in the initial stages of the disease. Methodology: A thorough literature search has been carried out in January 2022 through the use of Pubmed, EMBASE, and Cochrane electronic databases using PRISMA guidelines. The Mesh words and Keywords used were "femoral head AVN", "Conservative management", and "Systematic Reviews". The inclusion criteria used during the screening were, any systematic reviews which included patients with AVN either idiopathic or secondary, who are managed with conservative therapies like bisphosphonates, Hyper Baric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), Shock wave therapies like Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT), or electrical therapy like Pulsed Electro Magnetic Field (PEMF). The quality of the included systematic reviews was assessed using AMSTAR-2 criteria. Results: The initial search yielded 364 studies which on screening based on our inclusion criteria finally resulted in seven systematic reviews to be included in the present study. There were two systematic reviews for Hyper Baric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), two for Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT), one for electrical stimulation modalities like Pulsed Electro Magnetic Field (PEMF), and two for bisphosphonates. The follow-up of the patients in the included systematic reviews varied from 6 weeks to 10 years. The total number of patients varied from 77 to over 1000 across the systematic reviews. Almost all of the studies included a control group that either received the intended treatment with adjuncts or did not receive any treatment at all. Because of the heterogeneous nature of included articles in the systematic reviews, meta-analysis was performed in only three of the included systematic reviews. Conclusion: Of all the modalities of treatment described, bisphosphonates are easily available and cost-effective and do not require any hospital resources/machinery for delivering the treatment. So they can be used as an initial line of treatment for patients with early stages of AVN (Ficat and Arlet 1-3) and based on the hospital availability of resources could be supplemented with any of the biophysical modalities (ESWT/PEMF/HBOT) for maximum efficacy to delay the disease progression. Level of Clinical Evidence: Systematic review. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s43465-023-00818-5.

Transfibular ankle arthrodesis with use of sagitally split fibula as a biological plate leads to excellent outcome: A retrospective analysis.

Background: We studied ankle arthrodesis with a transfibular approach using sagitally spilitted fibula as a biological plate (onlay grafting) as well as other half of fibula as morcellised local interpositional graft (inlay grafting) to achieve bony union. Material and methods: Retrospective clinico-radiological evaluation of 36 operated cases was done at 3, 6, 12 and 30 months follow-ups. Clinically union was considered once ankle became pain free on full weight bearing. Pain assessment was done by using VAS (visual analogue scale) score and functional evaluation was done by AOFAS (American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society) hind foot score preoperatively and at different follow ups. Radiologically, sagittal plane ankle alignment and fusion status was determined at each follow up. Results: Mean age of patients was 40.36 ± 10.56 years (range 18-55), who were evaluated for mean duration of 33.32 ± 11.25 months (range 24-65). Thirty-three (91.7%) ankles were fused adequately and mean duration to achieve bony union was 5.09 ± 1.3 months (range 4-9 months). Mean post-operative AOFAS score at final follow up was 76.65 ± 4.87 in comparison to 45.76 ± 3.38, preoperatively. VAS score improved significantly from 7.8 (pre-operative) to 2.3 (final follow-up). Non-union in three patients (8.3%) and ankle malalignment in one patient was observed. Conclusion: Transfibular ankle arthrodesis achieves excellent bony unions and functional outcomes in severe ankle arthritis. Biologically incompetent fibula that to be judged individually by the operating surgeon to use it as a graft. Patients having inflammatory arthritis have more dissatisfaction than other aetiologies.

Development and evaluation of a single-step multiplex PCR to differentiate the aquatic stages of morphologically similar Aedes (subgenus: Stegomyia) species.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a single-step multiplex PCR to differentiate the aquatic stages of Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus and Aedes vittatus collected from different breeding spots in arbovirus endemic/epidemic areas and to detect the most abundant species by the multiplex PCR. METHODS: Aquatic stages of different mosquito species were sampled by inspecting artificial and natural breeding sites in domestic and peridomestic areas. DNA was isolated from different stages of the three Aedes species. Using novel primers based on 18S rDNA sequence, a single-step multiplex PCR was developed to clearly distinguish the three Aedes species. It was then evaluated in the aquatic stages of Aedes species collected from different areas. RESULTS: A total of 1150 aquatic stages were collected from 294 breeding spots, of which 156 contained Aedes species. Discarded tires were the major breeding spots of Aedes species. The aquatic stages were clustered into 230 pools; Ae. albopictus was detected in the largest number of pools, followed by Ae. aegypti and Ae. vittatus. CONCLUSIONS: The Multiplex PCR clearly differentiated the aquatic stages of the three Aedes species and detected that Ae. albopictus was most profuse in different breeding spots surveyed, hence indicating to be the main vector in this region. So control measures can be designed against Ae. albopictus at an early stage to prevent any arboviral outbreak. This method is a convenient tool for precise identification of Aedes vectors during entomological surveys in arbovirus endemic/epidemic areas where several species coexist.

Human lymphatic filariasis: genetic polymorphism of endothelin-1 and tumor necrosis factor receptor II correlates with development of chronic disease.

BACKGROUND: Hydrocele and elephantiasis are 2 clinically very diverse and often mutually exclusive chronic manifestations of human bancroftian filariasis. Plasma levels of endothelin-1 (ET-1), a major angiogenic factor, and tumor necrosis factor receptors (TNFRs) that regulate host inflammation have been associated with development of chronic filariasis, although their genetic basis are not known. METHODS: We studied polymorphisms of ET-1 (Ala288Ser) and TNFR-II (Met196Arg) genes by means of the polymerase chain reaction confronting 2 pairs primers method and restriction fragment length polymorphism, respectively. Plasma ET-1 level was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Met196Arg genotype frequency of TNFR-II polymorphism was significantly greater in hydrocele patients, compared with elephantiasis patients (OR, 4.34 [95% CI, 2.04-9.20]). Conversely, a significantly high prevalence of the Ala288Ser mutation of ET-1 was observed in elephantiasis patients, compared with hydrocele cases (OR, 2.15 [95% CI, 1.13-4.10]). Decreased plasma ET-1 levels associated significantly with Ala288Ser mutation in the study population. A combined analysis indicated a 23-fold higher risk for developing elephantiasis in individuals with TNFR-II (Met196Met) and ET-1 mutants (Ala288Ser + Ser288Ser). CONCLUSIONS: ET-1 (Ala288Ser) and TNFR-II (Met196Arg) polymorphisms are associated with development of one or the other form of chronic disease in bancroftian filariasis.

Morcellized local grafts as cost effective option for interbody fusion in thoracolumbar fracture dislocation: Seven years follow up of 53 patients.

Study design: Retrospective cohort study. Purpose: Traumatic fracture dislocation of the spine injury is essentially a three column injury that optimally needs surgical intervention to decompress, stabilize and fuse the spinal column. This study evaluate the outcome of posterior and posterolateral decompression, instrumentation and 360° fusion achieved with help of locally harvested autologus morcellized grafts in traumatic fracture dislocation of thoracolumbar spine. Methods: 53 patients were included in this retrospective study. Patients aged 16-55 years, single level fracture dislocation of thoraco-lumbar spine (D5-L5) were included. Patients with multiple level fractures, coexisting degenerative diseases of spine,pathological fractures, patients presenting more than three weeks after initial trauma, patients with concomitant severe head injury that necessitated emergency surgery for the same were excluded from the study. Patients underwent posterior and posterolateral decompression, posterior instrumentation and interbody as well as posterolateral fusion with use of morcellized bone from resected posterior elements. Follow up data at immediate post operative period, 12 months and yearly thereafter up to minimum 7 years was obtained from previous record. Results: There were 46 males and 7 females. Mean age was 31.15 ± 9.64 yrs. Mean follow up period was 7.4 yrs (range 7-10 yrs). Thoracolumbar dislocation was most frequently noted at thoraco lumbar junction (T10-L2). Thirty six patients had complete neurological deficit (ASIA A) and sixteen had incomplete neurology. At one year follow up, osseous fusion was noted in 48 (90.56%) patients and 5 patients (9.44%) had fibrous union which was determined on CT scan. Immediete post operative, one year and 7 year kyphosis angle was calculated and change in kyphosis angle was not statistically significant. There was no implant failure till last follow up. Conclusion: Morcellized locally harvested autologus grafts are sufficient to achieve 360° spinal fusion in fracture dislocation of thoracolumbar spine.

Is there evidence to recommend transcatheter arterial embolisation in adhesive capsulitis: A review of literature.

BACKGROUND: Hypervascularity of the rotator interval with increased expression of the vascular endothelial growth factor may be the causative factor of conventionally managed adhesive capsulitis. Hence, transcatheter arterial embolisation(TAE) has emerged as an alternative treatment option to occlude the target neovessels by infusing an embolic agent. The present study reviews the literature regarding the efficacy of the TAE for adhesive capsulitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The systematic review was performed following PRISMA guidelines. MEDLINE, Google Scholar, Scopus and Cochrane database of systemic reviews (CDSR) were searched for relevant publication (from 1960 to 2021). The search algorithm used was Transcatheter arterial embolisation and resistant adhesive capsulitis or refractory adhesive capsulitis or vascular adhesive capsulitis. The database search produced a total of 12026 publications. After exclusion of the non relevant titles, 113 abstracts were reviewed. From these abstracts, three full-text articles were obtained for final review. RESULTS: All the studies were analyzed in depth. Patients with no or minimal improvement with conservative treatment for at least 3 months underwent TAE. Pre and post embolisation visual analog score(VAS), shoulder range of motion(ROM) were noted. Any additional therapy was also taken into account. Significant improvement of the VAS score and shoulder ROM was noted immediately after surgery and maintained till final follow up at 24.5 months. CONCLUSION: Resistant cases of adhesive capsulitis can be managed successfully with TAE. But ample evidence is lacking regarding the appropriate patient selection and efficacy of TAE as a sole management option of resistant AC.

Outcomes of Anterior Decompression and Anterior Instrumentation in Thoracolumbar Burst Fractures-A Prospective Observational Study With Mid-Term Follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the functional, neurological, and radiological outcomes after anterior surgery in thoracolumbar burst fractures. DESIGN: Prospective observational study. SETTING: Tertiary care hospital. PATIENTS: Thirty-six patients with thoracolumbar burst fractures (T11-L2). INTERVENTION: Anterior decompression, anterior column reconstruction with mesh cage, and instrumented stabilization. OUTCOME: Functional (Visual Analog Score, Oswestry Disability Index, and Spinal Cord Independence Measure), neurological (ASIA Impairment Scale), and radiological (kyphosis, anterior vertebral height loss, canal encroachment %) parameters. RESULTS: Patients were prospectively followed for a mean duration of 5.9 ± 3.2 years (2.4-10 years). Statistically significant improvement was noted in functional outcomes from preop values (P-value < 0.001). 29 patients (80.5%) had improvement in neurology after surgery at the final follow-up with a positive correlation with % change in canal encroachment (r = 0.64, P -0.018). The mean preoperative kyphosis of 29.1 ± 11.9 degrees got corrected to 9.4 ± 3.8 degrees in immediate postop and 15.7 ± 11.8 at the final follow-up(P < 0.001). Preoperative mean canal encroachment of 58.5 ± 15.7% was reduced to 6.5 ± 3.2% postoperatively (P < 0.001). Two patients developed neurological complications (subacute progressive ascending myelopathy), and 5 patients developed pulmonary complications. No pseudarthrosis, implant loosening, or cage migration was noted in any patient. CONCLUSION: Anterior surgery performed in 36 patients with thoracolumbar burst fractures in our study showed good outcomes. 80.5% of patients improved in neurology after surgery by at least one ASIA Impairment Scale grade. There was statistically significant improvement noted in radiological outcome (Kyphosis and Canal encroachment %) and functional outcome (Visual Analog Score, Oswestry Disability Index, and Spinal Cord Independence Measure score) after surgery in immediate postop and at the final follow-up. Only 13.8% of patients developed pulmonary complications that were managed successfully with chest drain. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

The mosquitocidal activity of methanolic extracts of Lantana cramera root and Anacardium occidentale leaf: role of glutathione S-transferase in insecticide resistance.

Larvicidal activity of methanolic plant extracts of Lantana cramera (P1) root and Anacardium occidentale (P2) leaf was investigated against the larvae of the three mosquito species (Culex quinquefasciatus, Anopheles stephensi, and Aedes aegypti reared in the laboratory), and the respective glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity was analyzed as an index of protection against the extracts. The LC50 (extract concentration that shows 50% mortality) values of P1 extract for An. stephensi, Ae. aegypti, and Cx. quinquefasciatus were 132.55, 27.82, and 11.68 ppm, respectively, whereas those of P2 extract were 56.81, 912, and 10.79 ppm, respectively. In general, in the untreated groups, the level of GST activity was significantly higher in Ae. aegypti in comparison with An. stephesi and Cx. quinquefasciatus. However, the enzyme activity failed to show any response when treated with either of the plant extracts in Ae. aegypti. However, an increase in the GST activity was recorded in extract-treated larvae of both An. stephensi and Cx. quinquefasciatus. The results of the current study suggest that both the plant extracts show species-specific mosquitocidal potential. Induction of GST activities in survived An. stephensi and Cx. quinquefasciatus larvae suggests the role of this enzyme in conferring resistance to the plant extracts.

Freeman-Sheldon Syndrome with Stiff Knee Gait - A Case Report.

Introduction: Freeman-Sheldon syndrome (FSS), also known as the distal arthrogryposis (DA) type 2A, is a rare congenital anomaly. We report a unique case of the DA type 2A with mixed clinical features and the unusual presentation of bilateral congenital dislocation of the knee but had unassisted stiff knee gait. Case Report: A 5-year-old female child presented to the clinic with the complaint of inability to bend both knees since birth. She had an unassisted bipedal gait, but could not squat, cross-leg sit, run, and climb stairs without assistance. Her youngest brother had a similar presentation but succumbed to death at the age of 5 months due to respiratory distress. Clinical features were in the favor of FSS. Her serum creatinine kinase level was normal and the electromyography of bilateral tibialis anterior and abductor pollicis brevis was not suggestive of the myotonia. Radiograph of the skull showed cooper beaten skull appearance whereas bilateral pelvis with the hip showed following changes in the right hip; decrease femoral epiphysis height, horizontal proximal femoral physis, and the coxa brevia. She was initially managed conservatively by weekly stretching, manipulation, and casting. As a result, she could flex her knee up to 20°. Although the quadricepsplasty might be helpful for the persistent extension deformity, there was marked quadriceps weakness which could make it harder for the child to stand and walk. In addition, the abnormal muscle physiology in FSS may result in unfavorable outcomes after the surgery. Moreover, a consideration of the surgical aspect is not free of risks which include difficult endotracheal intubation, vein access, and malignant hyperthermia. Conclusion: FSS is a rare congenital anomaly that should be differentiated from another syndrome of the close resemblance, Sheldon Hall syndrome and Schwartz Jampel syndrome which are other rare autosomal recessive disorders characterized by myotonia and the chondrodysplasia. Conservative management has still a role in bilateral knee involvement especially if the patient is an independent walker.

Management of Neglected Peroneal Tendon Dislocation of Iatrogenic Etiology: A Case Report.

Introduction: Neglected peroneal tendon dislocation with iatrogenic etiology has been rarely reported in the literature and its management has not been fully understood to date. Case Report: We present a case of a 25-year-old male who presented with pain over the posterolateral aspect of his left ankle which was diagnosed to be a case of neglected peroneal tendon dislocation of iatrogenic etiology. Peroneal groove deepening with superior retinaculum repair was done in the patient along with loose body removal and osteophyte excision. Subsequent fibrosis augmented with the deepening of the groove maintained peroneal tendon position in the retromalleolar groove. On post-operative follow-up, the patient was completely satisfied with relief of pain and no complications. He also regained full range of motion and could walk without support. Conclusion: Surgical intervention of fibular groove deepening with superior peroneal retinaculum reconstruction results in an excellent outcome for neglected peroneal tendon dislocation.

Distribution of sibling species of Anopheles culicifacies s.l. and Anopheles fluviatilis s.l. and their vectorial capacity in eight different malaria endemic districts of Orissa, India.

The study was undertaken in eight endemic districts of Orissa, India, to find the members of the species complexes of Anopheles culicifacies and Anopheles fluviatilis and their distribution patterns. The study area included six forested districts (Keonjhar, Angul, Dhenkanal, Ganjam, Nayagarh and Khurda) and two non-forested coastal districts (Puri and Jagatsingpur) studied over a period of two years (June 2007-May 2009). An. culicifacies A, B, C and D and An. fluviatilis S and T sibling species were reported. The prevalence of An. culicifacies A ranged from 4.2-8.41%, B from 54.96-76.92%, C from 23.08-33.62% and D from 1.85-5.94% (D was reported for the first time in Orissa, except for occurrences in the Khurda and Nayagarh districts). The anthropophilic indices (AI) were 3.2-4.8%, 0.5-1.7%, 0.7-1.37% and 0.91-1.35% for A, B, C and D, respectively, whereas the sporozoite rates (SR) were 0.49-0.54%, 0%, 0.28-0.37% and 0.41-0.46% for A, B, C and D, respectively. An. fluviatilis showed a similarly varied distribution pattern in which S was predominant (84.3% overall); its AI and SR values ranged from 60.7-90.4% and 1.2-2.32%, respectively. The study observed that the co-existence of potential vector sibling species of An. culicifacies (A, C and D) and An. fluviatilis S (> 50%) was responsible for the high endemicity of malaria in forested districts such as Dhenkanal, Keonjhar, Angul, Ganjam, Nayagarh and Khurda (> 5% slide positivity rate). Thus, the epidemiological scenario for malaria is dependent on the distribution of the vector sibling species and their vectorial capacity.

Vectorial role of Anopheles subpictus Grassi and Anopheles culicifacies Giles in Angul District, Orissa, India.

Malaria transmission by Anopheles subpictus Grassi, 1899 and Anopheles culicifacies Giles, 1901 was studied from March 2004 to February 2007 in Angul District, Orissa, India, which is highly endemic for malaria. Adult mosquitoes were collected from human dwellings using sucking tubes and a mechanical aspirator. After identification, some An. subpictus and An. culicifacies specimens were subjected to a precipitin test to determine their anthropophilic index and the remaining samples were preserved in isopropyl alcohol for sporozoite detection by nested PCR. An. subpictus was the most prevalent (29.0%) anopheline species detected, followed by An. culicifacies (11.6%). The anthropophilic index for the An. subpictus was higher than An. culicifacies and was highest during the summer season. Malaria sporozoite rates of 0.52% and 1.82% were detected for An. subpictus and An. culicifacies, respectively. Sporozoites were detected during the summer in An. subpictus and during the rainy season and winter in An. culicifacies. The slide positivity rate (SPR) was high during the summer. The high anthropophilic index and presence of sporozoites in An. subpictus during the summer indicate An. subpictus is a contributory factor for the high SPR during the summer, and An. culicifacies is a contributory factor for the high SPR during the rainy and winter seasons, along with other anophelines. In the present study An. subpictus has been incriminated as a vector of malaria for the first time in Orissa.