Norovirus disease surveillance using google internet query share data

Google Internet query share (IQS) data for gastroenteritis-related search terms correlated strongly with contemporaneous national (R(2)?=?0.70) and regional (R(2)?=?0.74) norovirus surveillance data in the United States. IQS data may facilitate rapid identification of norovirus season onset, elevated peak activity, and potential emergence of novel strains.     

Use of Internet search data to monitor impact of rotavirus vaccination in the United States

Google-based Internet query share (IQS) for rotavirus search terms correlated well with US rotavirus laboratory detections from 2004 to 2010 (r = 0.88; P < .001), capturing the reduction observed during postvaccine years (2008-2010). IQS analysis could become an inexpensive and reliable supplement for monitoring the impact of rotavirus vaccination in the United States.     

A decoupler-free simple paper microchip capillary electrophoresis device for simultaneous detection of dopamine,epinephrine and serotonin

This paper demonstrates a new and simplified configuration for capillary electrophoresis-amperometric detection (CE-AD) using a paper microfluidic chip incorporating inexpensive wax printing and screen printing based methods and then used for electrophoretic separation and simultaneous in-channel amperometric detection of three clinically relevant neurochemicals in a single run without using any decouplers. Detection of neurochemicals e.g., dopamine, epinephrine and serotonin is crucial for early prediction of neurological disorders including Parkinson''s, Alzheimer''s, dementia, as well as progressive neuro-psychiatric conditions such as depression, anxiety, as well as certain cardiovascular diseases. The plasma concentrations of such neurochemicals are as important as those present in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and can be useful for rapid and convenient biosensing. However, simultaneous detection of such neurochemicals in a complex mixture such as human serum requires their separation prior to detection. With the developed microchip, separation and detection of the neurochemicals were exhibited within 650 seconds without pre-treatment and the procedure was validated with spiked fetal bovine serum samples. Beside this, the developed paper microfluidic chip has potential to be integrated in point-of-care diagnosis with onsite detection ability. Moreover, the use of a straight channel capillary, a screen-printed carbon electrode without decoupler, in-channel amperometric detection and low sample volume requirements (2 μL) are shown as additional advantages.

This paper demonstrates a simplified configuration for capillary electrophoresis-amperometric detection using paper microfluidic chip for separation and simultaneous detection of three clinically relevant neurochemicals without using any decouplers.     

Biomechanical evaluation of a low profile, anchored cervical interbody spacer device in the setting of progressive flexion-distraction injury of the cervical spine

Introduction

Anterior cervical decompression and fusion is a well-established procedure for treatment of degenerative disc disease and cervical trauma including flexion-distraction injuries. Low-profile interbody devices incorporating fixation have been introduced to avoid potential issues associated with dissection and traditional instrumentation. While these devices have been assessed in traditional models, they have not been evaluated in the setting of traumatic spine injury. This study investigated the ability of these devices to stabilize the subaxial cervical spine in the presence of flexion-distraction injuries of increasing severity.

Methods

Thirteen human cadaveric subaxial cervical spines (C3–C7) were tested at C5–C6 in flexion–extension, lateral bending and axial rotation in the load-control mode under ±1.5 Nm moments. Six spines were tested with locked screw configuration and seven with variable angle screw configuration. After testing the range of motion (ROM) with implanted device, progressive posterior destabilization was performed in 3 stages at C5–C6.

Results

The anchored spacer device with locked screw configuration significantly reduced C5–C6 flexion–extension (FE) motion from 14.8 ± 4.2 to 3.9 ± 1.8°, lateral bending (LB) from 10.3 ± 2.0 to 1.6 ± 0.8, and axial rotation (AR) from 11.0 ± 2.4 to 2.5 ± 0.8 compared with intact under (p < 0.01). The anchored spacer device with variable angle screw configuration also significantly reduced C5–C6 FE motion from 10.7 ± 1.7 to 5.5 ± 2.5°, LB from 8.3 ± 1.4 to 2.7 ± 1.0, and AR from 8.8 ± 2.7 to 4.6 ± 1.3 compared with intact (p < 0.01). The ROM of the C5–C6 segment with locked screw configuration and grade-3 F-D injury was significantly reduced from intact, with residual motions of 5.1 ± 2.1 in FE, 2.0 ± 1.1 in LB, and 3.3 ± 1.4 in AR. Conversely, the ROM of the C5–C6 segment with variable-angle screw configuration and grade-3 F-D injury was not significantly reduced from intact, with residual motions of 8.7 ± 4.5 in FE, 5.0 ± 1.6 in LB, and 9.5 ± 4.6 in AR.

Conclusions

The locked screw spacer showed significantly reduced motion compared with the intact spine even in the setting of progressive flexion-distraction injury. The variable angle screw spacer did not sufficiently stabilize flexion–distraction injuries. The resulting motion for both constructs was higher than that reported in previous studies using traditional plating. Locked screw spacers may be utilized with additional external immobilization while variable angle screw spacers should not be used in patients with flexion-distraction injuries.     

The impact of a corrective tether on a scoliosis porcine model: a detailed 3D analysis with a 20 weeks follow-up

Purpose

Non-fusion treatment for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis generates interest due to the potential for growth preservation and mobility. Using an established porcine scoliotic model, this study aims to evaluate the global alignment and the morphology of the spine with and without application of a non-fusion corrective tether.

Methods

At 12 weeks of age, 21 immature Yorkshire pigs had an induction of scoliosis. Once a 50° Cobb angle was obtained; animals were placed into one of the following groups: a scoliosis model group (SM, n = 11) where animals were euthanized, tether release group (TR, n = 5) where the inducing tether was removed, and an anterior correction group (AC, n = 5) where the inducing tether was removed and non-fusion corrective tether was applied. TR and AC were observed for a further 20 weeks and then euthanized. Post-mortem CT scans were used to create 3D spinal reconstructions to obtain global and morphologic parameters.

Results

Maximal Cobb angle of the scoliotic deformity was significantly lower for AC (27.9° ± 12.0°) than for the two other groups (TR 52.7° ± 10.0°, SM 48.3° ± 7.6°). AC experienced an increase in kyphosis (24.2° ± 15.9°) compared to TR (7.1° ± 6.4°). Correction in the axial plane was also observed in AC versus TR. Correction of vertebral wedging was found for AC compared to SM and TR in the three apical vertebrae.

Conclusions

3D realignment of scoliotic curves was observed with application of the corrective tether. The correction was the product of both mechanical action and growth modulation. These findings are encouraging for future development of a non-fusion device for the treatment of immature scoliotic curves.