Community-developed checklists for publishing images and image analyses

Images document scientific discoveries and are prevalent in modern biomedical research. Microscopy imaging in particular is currently undergoing rapid technological advancements. However, for scientists wishing to publish obtained images and image-analysis results, there are currently no unified guidelines for best practices. Consequently, microscopy images and image data in publications may be unclear or difficult to interpret. Here, we present community-developed checklists for preparing light microscopy images and describing image analyses for publications. These checklists offer authors, readers and publishers key recommendations for image formatting and annotation, color selection, data availability and reporting image-analysis workflows. The goal of our guidelines is to increase the clarity and reproducibility of image figures and thereby to heighten the quality and explanatory power of microscopy data.

Explainable machine learning identifies multi-omics signatures of muscle response to spaceflight in mice

The adverse effects of microgravity exposure on mammalian physiology during spaceflight necessitate a deep understanding of the underlying mechanisms to develop effective countermeasures. One such concern is muscle atrophy, which is partly attributed to the dysregulation of calcium levels due to abnormalities in SERCA pump functioning. To identify potential biomarkers for this condition, multi-omics data and physiological data available on the NASA Open Science Data Repository (osdr.nasa.gov) were used, and machine learning methods were employed. Specifically, we used multi-omics (transcriptomic, proteomic, and DNA methylation) data and calcium reuptake data collected from C57BL/6 J mouse soleus and tibialis anterior tissues during several 30+ day-long missions on the international space station. The QLattice symbolic regression algorithm was introduced to generate highly explainable models that predict either experimental conditions or calcium reuptake levels based on multi-omics features. The list of candidate models established by QLattice was used to identify key features contributing to the predictive capability of these models, with Acyp1 and Rps7 proteins found to be the most predictive biomarkers related to the resilience of the tibialis anterior muscle in space. These findings could serve as targets for future interventions aiming to reduce the extent of muscle atrophy during space travel.

Viral activation and ecological restructuring characterize a microbiome axis of spaceflight-associated immune activation

Maintenance of astronaut health during spaceflight will require monitoring and potentially modulating their microbiomes, which play a role in some space-derived health disorders. However, documenting the response of microbiota to spaceflight has been difficult thus far due to mission constraints that lead to limited sampling. Here, we executed a six-month longitudinal study centered on a three-day flight to quantify the high-resolution microbiome response to spaceflight. Via paired metagenomics and metatranscriptomics alongside single immune profiling, we resolved a microbiome "architecture" of spaceflight characterized by time-dependent and taxonomically divergent microbiome alterations across 750 samples and ten body sites. We observed pan-phyletic viral activation and signs of persistent changes that, in the oral microbiome, yielded plaque-associated pathobionts with strong associations to immune cell gene expression. Further, we found enrichments of microbial genes associated with antibiotic production, toxin-antitoxin systems, and stress response enriched universally across the body sites. We also used strain-level tracking to measure the potential propagation of microbial species from the crew members to each other and the environment, identifying microbes that were prone to seed the capsule surface and move between the crew. Finally, we identified associations between microbiome and host immune cell shifts, proposing both a microbiome axis of immune changes during flight as well as the sources of some of those changes. In summary, these datasets and methods reveal connections between crew immunology, the microbiome, and their likely drivers and lay the groundwork for future microbiome studies of spaceflight.

The Posttraumatic Tarsometatarsal Joints

Tarsometatarsal joint injuries can be painful and debilitating and are most commonly due to direct or indirect trauma. Posttraumatic arthritis is a well-known long-term complication, with incidence as high as 58%. Conservative treatment options include shoe modifications, orthotic inserts, topical or oral anti-inflammatories, and intra-articular corticosteroid injections. There are various joint prep and fixation techniques reported in the literature, many with positive clinical and radiographic outcomes. This article discusses nonoperative and operative management of posttraumatic tarsometatarsal joint arthritis, reviews available literature, and includes the authors' tips and techniques.

Community-developed checklists for publishing images and image analyses

Images document scientific discoveries and are prevalent in modern biomedical research. Microscopy imaging in particular is currently undergoing rapid technological advancements. However for scientists wishing to publish the obtained images and image analyses results, there are to date no unified guidelines. Consequently, microscopy images and image data in publications may be unclear or difficult to interpret. Here we present community-developed checklists for preparing light microscopy images and image analysis for publications. These checklists offer authors, readers, and publishers key recommendations for image formatting and annotation, color selection, data availability, and for reporting image analysis workflows. The goal of our guidelines is to increase the clarity and reproducibility of image figures and thereby heighten the quality and explanatory power of microscopy data is in publications.

A Comparison of Ankle Fractures Relative to Other Fragility Fractures: A Review and Analysis of the American Orthopaedic Association's Own the Bone Database

BACKGROUND

Ankle fragility fractures (AFX) continue to increase in the elderly population. There is limited knowledge of AFX characteristics compared to nonankle fragility fractures (NAFX). The American Orthopaedic Association's Own the Bone (OTB) is a fragility fracture initiative. This robust data set was used to examine and compare characteristics of patients presenting with AFX to those with NAFX.

METHODS

The OTB database contained 72,617 fragility fractures between January 2009 and March of 2022 and were reviewed in our secondary cohort comparative analysis. After exclusions, AFX accounted for 3229 patients and 54,772 patients were in the NAFX cohort. Bivariate analysis and logistic regression compared the AFX and NAFX groups concerning demographics, bone health factors, medication use, and prior fragility fracture.

RESULTS

AFX patients were found to have a higher likelihood to be younger (67.6 years old), female (81.4%), non-Caucasian (11.7%) and have a higher BMI (30.6) compared to NAFX. Prior AFX predicted the risk of a future AFX. The probability of an AFX increased with increased age and BMI.

CONCLUSION

A prior AFX is independently predictive of subsequent AFX. Therefore, these fractures should be considered a sentinel event. These patients are more likely to have higher BMI, to be of female gender, non-Caucasian race, and are younger compared to patients with NAFX.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, retrospective cohort.

Management of Subchondral Lesions in the Foot and Ankle

The treatment of subchondral lesions is an area with limited focus within the foot and ankle literature. The literature has shown an association between disruption of the subchondral bone plate and the formation of subchondral cysts. The primary causes of subchondral lesions are acute trauma, repetitive microtrauma, as well as idiopathic means. Evaluation of these injuries should be done carefully and often requires advanced imaging including MRI and computed tomography. Treatment does vary depending on the presentation of the subchondral lesion with or without the presence of an osteochondral lesion.

Challenges and considerations for single-cell and spatially resolved transcriptomics sample collection during spaceflight

Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and spatially resolved transcriptomics (SRT) have experienced rapid development in recent years. The findings of spaceflight-based scRNA-seq and SRT investigations are likely to improve our understanding of life in space and our comprehension of gene expression in various cell systems and tissue dynamics. However, compared to their Earth-based counterparts, gene expression experiments conducted in spaceflight have not experienced the same pace of development. Out of the hundreds of spaceflight gene expression datasets available, only a few used scRNA-seq and SRT. In this perspective piece, we explore the growing importance of scRNA-seq and SRT in space biology and discuss the challenges and considerations relevant to robust experimental design to enable growth of these methods in the field.

Validating Causal Diagrams of Human Health Risks for Spaceflight: An Example Using Bone Data from Rodents

As part of the risk management plan for human system risks at the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the NASA Human Systems Risk Board uses causal diagrams (in the form of directed, acyclic graphs, or DAGs) to communicate the complex web of events that leads from exposure to the spaceflight environment to performance and health outcomes. However, the use of DAGs in this way is relatively new at NASA, and thus far, no method has been articulated for testing their veracity using empirical data. In this paper, we demonstrate a set of procedures for doing so, using (a) a DAG related to the risk of bone fracture after exposure to spaceflight; and (b) four datasets originally generated to investigate this phenomenon in rodents. Tests of expected marginal correlation and conditional independencies derived from the DAG indicate that the rodent data largely agree with the structure of the diagram. Incongruencies between tests and the expected relationships in one of the datasets are likely explained by inadequate representation of a key DAG variable in the dataset. Future directions include greater tie-in with human data sources, including multiomics data, which may allow for more robust characterization and measurement of DAG variables.

Postoperative Infection Rates After Total Ankle Arthroplasty: A Comparison With and Without the Use of a Surgical Helmet System

Following total joint arthroplasty, surgical site infections (SSI) and periprosthetic joint infections (PJI) are associated with increased patient morbidity and healthcare utilization. Current positive-pressure surgical sterile helmet system (SHS) were developed as a feasible, useful version of the body exhaust system.The use of SHS has not yet been proven to decrease infection rates in the orthopedic literature. The primary purpose of this study is to compare the infection rates between patients who underwent total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) with a surgical team wearing SHS versus without SHS.A retrospective chart review in patients undergoing primary TAA with the surgeon wearing SHS (Group 1) or standard surgical attire (Group 2) was conducted. The primary outcome was postoperative SSI and PJI. The rate of wound complications, revision rates, and associated procedures were also analyzed. We identified 109 patients in Group 1 and 151 patients in Group 2. The rate of SSI was 12.8% in Group 1 and 14.6% in Group 2 (p = .411). The rate of PJI was 0.92% in Group 1 and 2.6% in Group 2 (p = .411). There was no difference in revision rates between the two groups. This study suggests that SHS does not appear to protect against postoperative SSI or PJI after TAA. Conversely, we did not find a higher infection rate compared to standard surgical attire despite recent in-vitro studies suggesting SHS as a source of wound contamination. The utility of SHS does not appear to influence the prevalence of postoperative SSI or PJI.

A Comparison of Outcomes of Revision Surgical Options for the Treatment of Failed Bulk Talar Allograft Transfer: A Systematic Review

Talar bulk osteochondral allograft transplantation is a useful treatment strategy for large, uncontained osteochondral lesions of talus. Complications and high revision rates from osteochondral talar allograft transfer can be common. Talar graft failure is a devastating complication that results from failure of allograft incorporation within the host bone and subsequent resorption and sometimes subsidence can occur. Treatment options and outcomes for graft failure have rarely been reported. The purpose of this study is to evaluate treatment options and their outcomes for treating talar allograft failure. A systematic review was completed to find all reports of salvage treatments for talar graft failure and outcomes of these reports were analyzed. Eleven studies involving a total of 522 ankles, in 520 patients, met the inclusion criteria. The allograft failure rate was 11.5% in these studies with a reoperation rate of 18.9%. With limited reports, satisfactory outcomes for treatment of graft failure with ankle arthrodesis were 77.3%, 50% for revision allograft procedures, and 50% for total ankle arthroplasty. Considering the large failure rate and reoperation rate for bulk talar allograft transplantations, superior revision, and salvage options are needed. More prospective cohort studies focusing on consistent and standard outcome measures are needed to further assess revision options for failed talar allograft procedures.

Fundamental Biological Features of Spaceflight: Advancing the Field to Enable Deep-Space Exploration

Research on astronaut health and model organisms have revealed six features of spaceflight biology that guide our current understanding of fundamental molecular changes that occur during space travel. The features include oxidative stress, DNA damage, mitochondrial dysregulation, epigenetic changes (including gene regulation), telomere length alterations, and microbiome shifts. Here we review the known hazards of human spaceflight, how spaceflight affects living systems through these six fundamental features, and the associated health risks of space exploration. We also discuss the essential issues related to the health and safety of astronauts involved in future missions, especially planned long-duration and Martian missions.

Varying levels of serum estradiol do not alter the timing of the early endometrial secretory transformation

STUDY QUESTION

Do supraphysiologic estradiol (E2) levels in the ranges attained during normal and high response superovulation cycles modify the onset of endometrial secretory transformation?

SUMMARY ANSWER

Highly supraphysiologic levels of E2 do not alter the ability of physiologic levels of progesterone (P4) to induce secretory transformation.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

Previous studies have demonstrated that premature P4 elevations during IVF cycles are associated with a decrement in clinical pregnancy rates after fresh embryo transfer due to shifts in the window of implantation (WOI). However, alterations in the onset of secretory transformation may not apply uniformly to all patients. High responders with supraphysiologic E2 levels accompanied by similar subtle increases in P4 have not been shown to have decreased sustained implantation rates. This prospective investigation in which whole-genome transcriptomic and methylomic analysis of the endometrium is performed for individual patients under a range of E2 concentrations brings clarity to a long-debated issue.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

A randomized, prospective and paired trial was conducted in which 10 participants were enrolled and randomized to the order in which they completed three distinct uterine stimulation cycles, each at a specific E2 concentration: physiologic (∼180 pg/ml), moderately supraphysiologic (600-800 pg/ml) or supraphysiologic (2000 pg/ml). Target E2 ranges were selected to mimic those seen in natural, controlled ovarian stimulation and IVF cycles. E2 valerate was administered in order to maintain stable E2 levels for 12 days followed by intramuscular P4 in oil 10 mg/day for two doses, after which an endometrial biopsy was performed. A total of 30 endometrial biopsies were included in a whole-genome transcriptomic and methylomic analysis.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

Healthy volunteers without a history of infertility were included in this study at a single large infertility center. DNA was isolated from the endometrial biopsy specimens and bisulfite sequencing was performed to construct a methylation array. Differential methylation analysis was conducted based on differences in M-values of individuals across treatment groups for each probe as well as carrying out t-tests. RNA was isolated for RNA-Seq analysis and gene expression values were compared using DESeq2. All analyses were performed in a pairwise fashion to compare among the three stimulation cycles within individuals and secondarily to compare all participants in each of the cycles.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

The mean peak E2 and P4 levels were 275 pg/ml and 4.17 ng/ml in the physiologic group, 910 pg/ml and 2.69 ng/ml in the moderate group was, and 2043 pg/ml and 2.64 ng/ml in the supraphysiologic group, respectively. Principal component analysis of 834 913 CpG sites was performed on M-values of individuals within the low, moderate and supraphysiologic conditions in a paired approach. There were no differences in genome-wide methylation within participants across E2 groups. A paired analysis revealed that gene expression profiles did not differ within the same individual at each of the three E2 levels. No significant alterations in gene expression as related to endometrial physiology were identified between the low, moderate and supraphysiologic groups in an inter-participant analysis.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

Although each participant completed a physiologic cycle in which E2 levels were maintained in a range that would simulate a natural cycle, our findings are limited by lack of an unmedicated control to assess if there was a potential effect from E2V. Additionally, our results were obtained in fertile individuals, who may have a different endometrial response compared to an infertile population. Despite the whole genomic endometrial assessment and rigorous, paired study design, the sample size was limited.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

Given that the endometrial response to P4 is unaffected by E2 levels in the supraphysiologic range, diminutions in implantation seen in stimulated cycles may result from embryonic-endometrial dyssynchrony following early P4 elevations or slowly blastulating embryos, which occur independently of the magnitude of the E2 rise.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

This study was funded by the Foundation for Embryonic Competence, Basking Ridge, NJ, USA. Dr E.S. reports consultancy work for The Foundation for Embryonic Competence, Basking Ridge, NJ, USA. The other authors declare no conflict of interests related to this topic.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT02458404.

American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons Clinical Consensus Statement: Appropriate Clinical Management of Adult-Acquired Flatfoot Deformity

This clinical consensus statement of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons focuses on the highly debated subject of the management of adult flatfoot (AAFD). In developing this statement, the AAFD consensus statement panel attempted to address the most relevant issues facing the foot and ankle surgeon today, using the best evidence-based literature available. The panel created and researched 16 statements and generated opinions on the appropriateness of the statements. The results of the research on this topic and the opinions of the panel are presented here.

Knowledge Network Embedding of Transcriptomic Data from Spaceflown Mice Uncovers Signs and Symptoms Associated with Terrestrial Diseases

There has long been an interest in understanding how the hazards from spaceflight may trigger or exacerbate human diseases. With the goal of advancing our knowledge on physiological changes during space travel, NASA GeneLab provides an open-source repository of multi-omics data from real and simulated spaceflight studies. Alone, this data enables identification of biological changes during spaceflight, but cannot infer how that may impact an astronaut at the phenotypic level. To bridge this gap, Scalable Precision Medicine Oriented Knowledge Engine (SPOKE), a heterogeneous knowledge graph connecting biological and clinical data from over 30 databases, was used in combination with GeneLab transcriptomic data from six studies. This integration identified critical symptoms and physiological changes incurred during spaceflight.

Complications of En Bloc Osteochondral Talar Allografts and Treatment of Failures: Literature Review and Case Report

Reoperation rates and complication rates can be high for patients receiving an osteochondral talar allograft transplant. Complications can include graft failure, delamination of the graft, arthrofibrosis, advancing osteoarthritis, nonunion of malleolar osteotomies, and partial or complete osteonecrosis of the talus. Graft failure refers to failure of graft incorporation with subsequent necrosis and subsidence. Treatment options for talar graft failure are limited, and outcomes for these treatments have rarely been reported. We present a review of the published data on the complications and treatments for failed talar allograft transplantation. A case report is presented on a young woman who experienced graft failure and osteonecrosis of her talar allograft transplant. Because of the size of the present osteonecrosis, an ankle arthrodesis was performed as the initial revision procedure. Talar necrosis was removed and revascularized from the ankle fusion with solid fusion was confirmed with computed tomography. Symptomatic adjacent joint pain quickly developed in the hindfoot after the ankle fusion, and 12 months later an ankle fusion conversion to total ankle arthroplasty was performed. The patient has returned to normal activity with significant reduction in pain at most recent follow-up visit. This patient was followed for 7 years from initial osteochondral talar allograft transplantation and for 2 years from conversion of ankle fusion to total ankle arthroplasty. It is important to understand the techniques, indications, and outcomes for the various revision options for talar allograft failure. This case report illustrates how multiple revision options can be used to provide the best outcome for the patient.

Diminished ovarian reserve and poor response to stimulation in patients <38 years old: a quantitative but not qualitative reduction in performance

STUDY QUESTION

Do infertile women aged <38 years with quantitative evidence of diminished ovarian reserve and/or poor response to stimulation also exhibit poor oocyte quality as measured by blastulation rates, aneuploidy rates, and live birth rates?

SUMMARY ANSWER

Young women with evidence of accelerated follicular depletion, either by precycle ovarian reserve testing or postcycle evidence of low oocyte yield, exhibit equivalent blastulation rates, aneuploidy rates and live birth rates per euploid embryo transfer as age-matched controls with normal precycle and postcycle parameters.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

Previous studies are conflicted as to whether women with evidence of diminished ovarian reserve and/or poor ovarian response are also at increased risk of exhibiting evidence of poor oocyte quality. Most prior studies have failed to adequately control for the confounding effect of female age on typical markers of oocyte quality in poor responders. The rate of follicular depletion occurs at around 38 years on average; thus, evidence of quantitative depletion before this would indicate a premature diminution of ovarian reserve and allow evaluation of whether markers of oocyte quality are tied to quantitative markers.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

This was a retrospective cohort study at a single center between 2012 and 2016. This time frame was specifically chosen as all embryos were cultured to the blastocyst stage at this center during the study period (no cleavage stage transfers were performed). Two comparisons were made: precycle assessment of ovarian reserve (based on anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) level) and postcycle oocyte yield results. For each comparison, patients in <10th percentile were compared to patients in the interquartile range (IQR) with respect to blastulation rate, aneuploidy rate and live birth rate. A mixed effects model was created to control for female age (in the <38 year old range) and correlation among oocytes from a given cohort.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

For the precycle blastulation analysis, only patients with AMH data available were included (345 patients with AMH in the <10th percentile versus 1758 patients with AMH in the 25th to 75th percentile (IQR)). To compare aneuploidy rates, the subset of these patients who pursued preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) was then analyzed (124 patients in the <10th percentile versus 782 patients in the IQR). For the postcycle blastulation analysis, all patients who proceeded to retrieval (whether or not they also had AMH data available) were included (535 patients with oocyte yield in the <10th percentile versus 2675 patients in the IQR). To compare aneuploidy rates, the subset of these patients who pursued PGT-A was then analyzed (156 patients in the <10th percentile versus 1100 patients in the IQR).

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

The adjusted odds of a given fertilized oocyte developing to a blastocyst, being aneuploid or leading to a live birth after euploid transfer were no different if the oocyte was retrieved from a cycle with ovarian reserve parameters or oocyte yield in the <10th percentile compared to an oocyte retrieved in a cycle with those parameters in the 25-75th percentile. An AMH level in the <10th percentile did more commonly result in cycle cancellation prior to retrieval and after retrieval prior to transfer due to global arrest of embryos.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

The timing of retrieval in patients with fewer oocytes may be more optimal given the greater ability to discern the overall maturity of the cohort, thus enhancing performance per retrieved oocyte. Analyses included only first cycles. Subsequent adjustment of protocol due to prior performance may mean that some patients in the <10th percentile for oocyte yield are actually better prognosis patients than their first cycle indicates. Data on whether or not patients were on oral contraceptives at time that AMH level drawn was not available. Other unknown biases are also likely to be present given retrospective nature of the study.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

While young women with evidence of quantitative depletion of ovarian reserve have lower live birth rates per stimulation cycle, this not attributable to poor oocyte quality because the blastulation rate per fertilized oocyte and live birth rate per embryo transfer are equivalent to that in women with normal quantitative markers of ovarian reserve. Thus, the pathophysiology mediating a premature quantitative decline in ovarian reserve appears different than that which mediates markers of oocyte quality, such as aneuploidy. Young poor responders may use this information to help guide embryo accumulation strategies when considering their family building plans.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

None.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

N/A.

When next-generation sequencing-based preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) yields an inconclusive report: diagnostic results and clinical outcomes after re biopsy

PURPOSE

To describe diagnostic results following re-biopsy of blastocysts with inconclusive results on preimplantation genetic screening for aneuploidy (PGT-A) and to evaluate the reproductive potential of re-biopsied blastocysts.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included all trophectoderm biopsies submitted for PGT-A by a large in vitro fertilization center to a single genetics laboratory from June 2016 to October 2018. PGT-A was performed using next-generation sequencing (NGS). No-result blastocysts that underwent re-biopsy were subsequently classified as euploid, aneuploid, mosaic/segmental, or no-result. Ongoing pregnancy and clinical loss rates were assessed following transfer of re-biopsied blastocysts. Logistic regressions were conducted to account for age and blastocyst morphology.

RESULTS

Of the trophectoderm biopsies submitted for PGT-A, 635/25,199 (2.5%) were categorized as no-result. Those that underwent re-biopsy (n = 250) had a 95.2% diagnostic rate with 140 (56.0%) receiving euploid diagnoses. Thirty-six re-biopsied blastocysts deemed euploid were subsequently transferred, resulting in 18 (50.0%) ongoing pregnancies and 5 (13.9%) clinical losses. After adjusting for age and blastocyst morphology, there remained a lower ongoing pregnancy rate and a trend towards higher clinical loss rate following transfer of a re-biopsied blastocyst. When compared to blastocysts that underwent the same number of vitrification-warming cycles but only one biopsy, there were no differences in outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Failure to obtain an analytical result does not change the probability that a given blastocyst is euploid. Pregnancy outcomes following transfer of re-biopsied blastocysts are favorable, but further data must be accrued for an adequately powered comparison with outcomes after transfer of blastocysts biopsied once.

Worth the wait? Day 7 blastocysts have lower euploidy rates but similar sustained implantation rates as Day 5 and Day 6 blastocysts

STUDY QUESTION

Does the reproductive potential of embryos change when blastocyst development takes longer than the traditionally accepted 5 days when accounting for aneuploidy and endometrial-embryo asynchrony?

SUMMARY ANSWER

Aneuploidy increases with increasing duration of blastulation, but if blastocyst morphologic quality and endometrial-embryo asynchrony are controlled for, euploid Day 7 embryos have similar sustained implantation as compared to Days 5 and 6 euploid blastocysts.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

The relative contributions of diminished embryo quality versus endometrial and embryo asynchrony to poor outcomes associated with embryos cultured past Day 6 are not clear. Asynchrony can be eliminated by embryo vitrification with transfer in a subsequent month after retrieval.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

Retrospective cohort study of patients from a single center attempting conception through ICSI and utilizing preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy screening (PGT-A) from January 2017 to September 2018. Cycles were excluded if they utilized surgical sperm or preimplantation genetic testing for monogenetic/single gene defects. ICSI cycle outcomes from 2586 patients were evaluated for ploidy status of embryos.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

Only patients undergoing single, euploid frozen embryo transfer were included when analyzing cycle outcomes by day of blastocyst expansion of the transferred embryo (n = 2130). Ploidy rates by the day upon which an embryo was considered to be usable (denoted, ‘usable blastulation day’) were determined so as to assess the contribution of aneuploidy to slow embryo development. Outcomes of euploid frozen single embryo transfers (SET) of Day 7 embryos were evaluated to assess the reproductive potential associated with embryos that were slowly developing for reasons other than aneuploidy. Analyses were adjusted by maternal age and blastocyst morphology.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

Overall, 67.7% (n = 3508) of usable Day 5 blastocysts were euploid, 52.1% (n = 5560) of usable Day 6 blastocysts were euploid and 43.1% (n = 229) of usable Day 7 embryos were euploid (Day 5 versus Day 6: odds ratio (OR) 0.7 (95% CI, 0.64–0.76), P < 0.001; Day 5 versus Day 7: OR 0.56 (95% CI, 0.46–0.69), P < 0.001; Day 6 versus Day 7: OR 0.81 (95% CI, 0.67–0.99), P = 0.036). Stratified by Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology maternal age groups, a reduction in the prevalence of euploidy by increasing time to embryo blastulation was still seen. The sustained implantation rate (SIR) was similar after euploid SET of Days 5 and 6 embryos (overall, 68.9% (95% CI, 66.0–71.6) and 66.8% (95% CI, 63.8–69.7), respectively; P = 0.81). SIR after euploid Day 7 SET appeared slightly lower than that of Days 5 and 6 embryos (52.6% (95% CI, 35.8–69.0); (Day 5 versus Day 7: OR, 0.67 (95% CI, 0.32–1.41), P = 0.29; Day 6 versus Day 7: OR 0.58 (95% CI, 0.28–1.2), P = 0.14)) but did not achieve statistical significance.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

The primary limitation is the low number of Day 7 blastocyst transfers that limits statistical power. Additionally, the retrospective nature of this study may prevent full elucidation of potential biases with respect to culture, morphologic assessment and selection of Day 7 embryos for transfer.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

Routine culture through Day 7 may successfully increase the pool of transferrable embryos for patients who would otherwise have no usable embryos if culture terminated on Day 6. This is particularly true for older patients (i.e. greater than 35 years of age), whose embryos take longer to blastulate and, therefore, are more susceptible to cycle cancelation. Additionally, as evidenced by an adequate overall SIR of 52.6% after euploid SET of Day 7 blastocysts, embryos developing to a usable blastocyst on Day 7 are likely within the ‘window of blastulation.’

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

None.

Allograft Bone: What Is the Role of Platelet-Derived Growth Factor in Hindfoot and Ankle Fusions

Arthrodesis of the ankle or foot is a common procedure for chronic pain and disability. Nonunion remains a prevalent complication among arthrodesis procedures. Some patients present with an inherent risk of developing a nonunion. Allograft biologics have gained popularity in an effort to reduce complications such as nonunion. Various biologics bring unique properties while maintaining a singular purpose. Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) may be introduced into a fusion site to facilitate healthy bony consolidation. The purpose of this article is to review the benefits and modalities of PDGF and how it can improve patient outcomes in ankle and hindfoot fusions.

Radiographic Assessment of a Medullary Total Ankle Prosthesis: A Test of Agreement and Reliability

Total ankle replacement (TAR) is a viable alternative to ankle fusion in certain patients with end-stage ankle arthritis. Despite the importance of understanding alignment and movement of the prosthesis, there is no standardized radiographic method for evaluating the position and movement of the INBONE 2 prosthesis. The aims of this study were to describe a radiographic measurement protocol for INBONE 2 for clinical practice and research while determining the interobserver and intraobserver reliability using standard weightbearing radiographs. Fifteen patients were randomly selected with operative dates from January 2011 to January 2014 who underwent primary TAR using the INBONE 2 prosthesis. Most recent preoperative and first postoperative weightbearing anteroposterior and lateral radiographs were pulled and deidentified. Three foot and ankle surgeons blinded from the patient selection and deidentification, measured the described measurements on separate occasions. Intraobserver reliability: surgeon 1 had acceptable reliability for 9 of 13 continuous radiographic measurements (69.2%), surgeon 2 had acceptable reliability for 8 of 13 measurements (61.5%), and surgeon 3 had acceptable reliability for 12 of 13 measurements (92.3%). Interobserver reliability: among the first measurements, 6 of 13 continuous radiographic measurements (46.2%) had acceptable reliability. Among the second measurements, 7 of 13 measurements (53.8%) had acceptable reliability. Among the first and second measurements combined, 7 of 13 measurements (53.8%) had acceptable reliability. This study promotes the need for meticulous evaluation of annual radiographic findings following TAR in an effort to avoid catastrophic failure and represents moderate agreement can be obtained by employing the proposed measurements for surveillance of INBONE 2 TAR at annual postoperative visits. Measurements on the anteroposterior radiograph appear to demonstrate more consistent results for surveillance than lateral measurements. The intraobserver reliability results were somewhat superior to the interobserver reliability, implying more relevance for a single surgeon applying these measurements annually for postoperative surveillance.

LEVELS OF EVIDENCE

Diagnostic, Level III.

Plantar Fasciitis Treatment With Particulated Human Amniotic Memebrane

Category:

Basic Sciences/Biologics

Introduction/Purpose:

Plantar Fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain in adults, and is estimated to affect nearly 1 million patients annually. Conservative treatments include rest, orthotics, night splint, stretching and non-steroidal anti- inflammatory drugs and are successful in nearly 90% of patients. However, more invasive treatments are required for patients whose symptoms persist greater than six months. Fetal tissues, including the umbilical cord (UC) and amniotic membrane (AM) have been increasingly used to modulate healing in different parts of the body over the last two decades. These tissues have been demonstrated to possess anti-inflammatory and anti-scarring properties in addition to containing growth factors, cytokines, and matrix components to promote healing, and offer a potential therapy for plantar fasciitis.

Methods:

In this series, we aim to evaluate the efficacy of cryopreserved, particulate UC/AM tissues as a treatment for plantar fasciitis as well as to determine if multiple injections provide an even greater benefit compared to a single injection. A multicenter prospective study was performed where patients were randomized to receive 25, 50, or 100 mg UC/AM tissue and either a single injection or two injections (at baseline and six weeks). All injections were administered under ultrasound guidance into the plantar fascia. At six, 12, and 18 weeks, patients returned and data on foot pain as well as the FAAM questionnaire were collected.

Results:

Interim six-week data for 18 patients has been collected. Patient foot pain was found to be reduced by approximately 50% from baseline (7.1 to 3.5 on a 10 point scale). FAAM scores also improved significantly. All patients showed variable degrees of improvement with no patients showing any deterioration.

Conclusion:

Hanselman et al evaluated the safety and efficacy of cryopreserved, particulate human amniotic membrane (cHAM) injections against a corticosteroid. They found cHAM injections safe and comparable to corticosteroids. In addition, the outcomes suggested a possible additive effect, with multiple injections of cHAM tissue showing a greater improvement in foot pain. The finding of our study are similar to the average verbal percentage improvement compared to baseline reported by Hanselman et al for the cHAM study group (46% improvement at six weeks). Overall, a total of 60 subjects will be enrolled in the present study.

Free vitamin D does not vary through the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle

The importance of vitamin D (25OHD) in general health and reproductive success has been a focus in the setting of the 25OHD deficiency epidemic. However, there are challenges to understanding 25OHD's effects. The free and bioavailable levels are affected by 25OHD binding protein (DBP) and it is not known how estradiol fluctuations during the menstrual cycle affect these binding parameters. This may impact the most appropriate time to measure 25OHD when determining deficiency. This study characterizes 25OHD throughout the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle. Patients undergoing natural cycle IVF were included. Serum was drawn throughout the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle; 25OHD, DBP, albumin, and estrogen levels were determined for each time point allowing for mathematical calculation of free and bioavailable 25OHD. Early, mid, and late follicular phases were designated by estrogen tertiles among patients. Mean Levels of 25OHD (total, free, bioavailable) and DBP for each tertile were compared with Kruskil-Wallis test for non-parametric groups. Linear regression with GEE was employed due to repeated measures within participants. A total of 33 patients were included with 202 total serum measurements. There was no difference in mean levels of 25OHD (p = 0.77), free 25OHD (p = 0.91), and bioavailable 25OHD (p = 0.76) when measured throughout the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle. Vitamin D metabolism does not fluctuate as estradiol changes in the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle. This data indicates that assessment of 25OHD, in particular when assessed for associations with reproductive outcomes, can be measured reliably at any point during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle.

Endometrial microbiome at the time of embryo transfer: next-generation sequencing of the 16S ribosomal subunit

PURPOSE

Characterization of the human microbiome has become more precise with the application of powerful molecular tools utilizing the unique 16S ribosomal subunit's hypervariable regions to greatly increase sensitivity. The microbiome of the lower genital tract can prognosticate obstetrical outcome while the upper reproductive tract remains poorly characterized. Here, the endometrial microbiome at the time of single embryo transfer (SET) is characterized by reproductive outcome.

METHODS

Consecutive patients undergoing euploid, SET was included in the analysis. After embryo transfer, performed as per routine, the most distal 5-mm portion of the transfer catheter was sterilely placed in a DNA free PCR tube. Next-generation sequencing of the bacteria specific 16S ribosome gene was performed, allowing genus and species calls for microorganisms.

RESULTS

Taxonomy assignments were made on 35 samples from 33 patients and 2 Escherichia coli controls. Of the 33 patients, 18 had ongoing pregnancies and 15 did not. There were a total of 278 different genus calls present across patient samples. The microbiome at time of transfer for those patients with ongoing pregnancy vs. those without ongoing pregnancy was characterized by top genera by sum fraction. Lactobacillus was the top species call for both outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

The data presented here show the microbiome at the time of embryo transfer can successfully be characterized without altering standard clinical practice. This novel approach, both in specimen collection and analysis, is the first step toward the goal of determining physiologic from pathophysiologic microbiota. Further studies will help delineate if differences in the microbiome at the time of embryo transfer have a reliable impact on pregnancy outcome.

Osteotomies for the Management of Charcot Neuroarthropathy of the Foot and Ankle

Patients with diabetic neuropathy that develop unstable Charcot neuroarthropathy not only have an autoimmune disease that prolongs the healing process, they also often have an inability to maintain a non-weight bearing status. Charcot neuroarthopathy is often devastating to the structure and stability of the foot and ankle. This disease may require permanent bracing, reconstructive surgical stabilization, and in some cases lower leg amputation. Successful management of Charcot neuroarthopathy requires diligence and surveillance by physician and patient alike.

Supramalleolar Osteotomies: An Algorithm for the Deformed Ankle

Supramalleolar osteotomies are powerful osteotomies that realign the tibiotalar and optimize hindfoot position in the presence of varus, valgus, procurvatum, recurvatum, as well as internal and external rotation of the tibia. Although used in the pediatric and hemophilic population earlier, supramalleolar osteotomy is a relatively new reconstructive surgical technique that was introduced in 1995. Conducted primarily in cancellous bone, supramalleolar osteotomies offer rapid, reliable bony consolidation compared with dome osteotomies and complex arthrodesis.

Screw fixation diameter for fifth metatarsal jones fracture: a cadaveric study

The fifth metatarsal Jones fracture is a well-documented injury occurring at the proximal diaphyseal-metaphyseal junction. Conservative versus surgical intervention has been discussed in published studies for the management of Jones fractures. Solid intramedullary fixation relies on accurate matching of the screw diameter to the intraosseous diameter. The purpose of the present cadaveric study was to determine the average intraosseous diameter of the proximal fifth metatarsal as it relates to screw size selection for Jones fracture stabilization. Twenty fresh-frozen cadaver legs were used for examination. The fifth metatarsal was completely dissected. A transverse osteotomy was performed from laterally to medially along the midline of the metatarsal. A digital caliper was used to measure the diameter of the medullary canal of the fifth metatarsal. The measurement was taken at the narrowest portion of the medullary canal just distal to the proximal metaphysis. The mean dorsal to plantar diameter of the fifth metatarsal was 6.475 ± 1.54 (range 4 to 12) mm and the mean medial to lateral diameter was 4.6 ± 0.85 (range 3 to 6) mm. Intramedullary screw fixation has shown beneficial results in the treatment protocol of fifth metatarsal Jones fractures. Our study has demonstrated that a 4.5-mm cannulated screw is the narrowest diameter screw that can be used in the average fifth metatarsal and still obtain adequate intraosseous purchase. When selecting the appropriate screw, the surgeon must be comfortable selecting the largest screw that will achieve the maximal interface with the dense cortical bone in both the medial to lateral and dorsal to plantar plane.

Medial double arthrodesis with lateral column sparing and arthrodiastasis: a radiographic and medical record review

Correction of valgus hindfoot deformity can be successfully achieved with arthrodesis of the subtalar and talonavicular joints through a single medial based incision. The advantages of medial double arthrodesis compared with the standard triple arthrodesis 2-incision approach include the absence of a lateral incision and a few degrees of residual mobility through the unfused calcaneocuboid joint (CCJ). The CCJ has often been noted to distract and decompress with the abduction correction achieved through medial double fusion. The primary goal of the present retrospective study was to identify the frequency of CCJ decompression, measure the radiographic changes at the CCJ, and evaluate the flatfoot correction using this operative approach. A total of 46 patients (47 feet) were identified as possible subjects. Twenty patients (20 feet) with a mean follow-up period of 9.2 ± 4.1 (range 6 to 21) months met our inclusion criteria. Distraction of the CCJ using medial double fusion resulted in increased joint space and improvement of at least 1 grade of arthritis in 50% of the patients. In the patients with severe CCJ arthrosis, the improvement was less predictable, with only 20% showing radiographic improvement. Correction of flatfoot as measured on standard radiographs showed excellent results. Subchondral bone changes as measured by the CCJ arthrosis scale improved in patients with mild to moderate arthritis after distraction arthrodiastasis. However, those with severe preoperative CCJ had less predictable improvement. Medial double arthrodesis for severe flatfoot deformity provides predictable correction of the deformity and improvement in the CCJ arthritis scale when the preoperative arthritis of the CCJ is mild to moderate.

Structures at risk with medial double hindfoot fusion: a cadaveric study

Although discussed as an alternative to triple arthrodesis for hindfoot correction, the published data surrounding the medial double arthrodesis, or fusion of the subtalar and talonavicular joints, has not addressed the proximity of the anatomic structures at risk. A total of 10 cadaver specimens were used to examine the risk of damage to the neurovascular and tendinous structures of the posterior medial hindfoot when performing the medial double arthrodesis. The distance of the reviewed structures was measured in relation to the standardized point of the middle facet of the calcaneus (mean ± standard deviation and range). The proximity of the middle facet to the posterior tibial tendon was 1.88 ± 2.65 (range 0 to 6.65) mm, to the flexor digitorum longus tendon was 5.34 ± 4.79 (range -3.14 to 12.79) mm, to the flexor hallucis longus tendon was 19.08 ± 4.84 (range 13.04 to 27.31) mm, and to the neurovascular bundle was 21.19 ± 7.84 (range 8.36 to 34.26) mm. At the level of the middle facet, the posterior tibial tendon was the largest tendon, measuring 7.14 ± 2.21 (range 3.31 to 10.23) mm by 2.95 ± 0.88 mm (range 1.86 to 4.24 mm; area 22.37 ± 12.23 mm(2), range 6.16 to 43.38 mm) followed by the flexor digitorum longus tendon at 4.25 ± 1.25 (range 1.74 to 5.95) mm by 2.25 ± 0.96 mm (range 1.41 to 4.79 mm; area 8.88 ± 2.62 mm(2), range 6.12 to 14.52 mm) and flexor hallucis longus tendon at 5.75 ± 2.05 (range 2.27 to 8.91) mm by 2.75 ± 0.82 mm (range 1.35 to 4.13 mm; area 16.81 ± 10.05 mm(2), range 4.81 to 36.80 mm). During dissection for the medial double arthrodesis, one can encounter critical anatomic structures, including artery, vein, nerve, and tendon. Our cadaveric investigation found a mean safe distance of more than 2 cm between the middle facet of the talocalcaneal articulation and the inferiorly located neurovascular bundle using the medial double arthrodesis approach.

A retrospective comparison of cost and efficiency of the medial double and dual incision triple arthrodeses

While the medial double arthrodesis has gained significant popularity for hindfoot arthrodesis in recent years, much has been touted about the efficiency and cost savings of the procedure in comparison to its triple counterpart without any literature to reinforce this claim. The purpose of this retrospective study was to compare the hardware costs and operative time between the medial double and triple arthrodeses. A total of 276 patients (277 feet) were identified via CPT codes with 47 hindfoot cases (47 feet) meeting the inclusion criteria consisting of 21 medial double (6 males, 15 females) and 26 triple (8 males, 18 females) arthrodeses. No significant difference was noted in age, body mass index, gender, chronic steroid use, preoperative osteopenia/osteoporosis, tobacco abuse, surgical side, presence of diabetes, immune compromised state, kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis, or liver disease. Mean medial double operative (OR) time 106 ± 31 minutes (range = 73-201 minutes) with a procedure time of 84 ± 29 minutes (range = 44-163 minutes) was identified versus an OR time of 127 ± 23 minutes (range = 91-200 minutes) and procedure time of 104 ± 23 minutes (range = 50-169 minutes) for the triple arthrodesis group. The mean fixation cost for the triple arthrodesis was found to be higher with the mean triple hardware cost $2932.75 ± $736.60 (range = $1434.00 to $3980.00) against the medial double's $1197.59 ± $635.57 (range = $463.20 to $2019.00). Both efficiency and cost were found to favor the medial double for hindfoot arthrodesis at a level of statistical significance level (P = .0028 for OR time, P = .0033 for procedure time, and P < .0001 for cost).

The correlation of Achilles tendinopathy and body mass index

With this study we intend to determine if there is a correlation between body mass index (BMI) and Achilles tendon pathology. A retrospective chart review of 197 patients was performed with CPT codes of Achilles tendinosis/tendonitis. These 197 patients were then compared with 100 random new patient encounters excluding Achilles pathology, plantar fasciitis, and surgical consults. Statistical analysis was then performed to identify correlation of BMI to incidence of Achilles tendinosis compared with patients without Achilles pathology. A total of 197 Achilles tendon pathology patients (113 male, 84 female) were analyzed and had a mean age of 52.77 ± 11.8 years (21-82) with a BMI of 34.69 ± 7.54 (17.9-75.9). The control group had a mean age of 42.74 ± 12.1 years (21-78) and mean BMI of 30.56 ± 7.55 (19.7-61.5). A significant difference was found in mean BMI between the Achilles tendinopathy group versus the control group (P < .001). There was a very significant difference in age noted between the 2 cohorts (52.77 years vs 42.74 years, P < .001), perhaps reenforcing the involvement of age-related degenerative changes. In this study, patients with Achilles pathology exhibited a significantly higher BMI than non-Achilles patients (P < .001) even after accounting for age.

LEVELS OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic Level II.

Ankle valgus after hindfoot arthrodesis: a radiographic and chart comparison of the medial double and triple arthrodeses

The medial double arthrodesis, comprised of subtalar and talonavicular joint fusions, has become a popular way to correct hindfoot deformity. There is potential concern for an increase in ankle valgus postoperatively owing to extended medial dissection and possible disruption of the deltoid ligament. Although this approach is often used to correct a valgus hindfoot, little attention has been paid to date on this procedure's effect on the tibiotalar joint. Although the medial double arthrodesis has been shown to produce reproducible outcomes without violating the lateral hindfoot structures, our hypothesis was that this approach would increase the ankle valgus deformity compared with its triple counterpart. The primary goal of the present retrospective study was to identify the frequency and severity of ankle valgus after the medial double arthrodesis compared with the triple arthrodesis. A total of 77 patients (78 feet) met our inclusion criteria. Their mean age was 61.3 ± 10.7 (range 27 to 79) years, and the follow-up period was 15.7 ± 9.9 (range 6 to 46) months. There were 16 and 61 patients (62 feet) in the medial double and triple arthrodesis groups, respectively. Overall, the preoperative ankle valgus was 1.24° ± 2.02° (range 0° to 6°), and there was no statistical difference of preoperative ankle valgus noted between groups (p = .060). Collectively, postoperative ankle valgus was 3.01° ± 3.54° (0° to 17°) with an increase in ankle valgus in 4 of 16 medial double and 34 of 62 triple arthrodesis patients. With a mean follow-up of 8.75 ± 4.02 (6 to 21) months, the medial double arthrodesis cohort's ankle valgus increased from 0.5° ± 1.55° (0° to 6°) to 1.5° ± 3.14° (1° to 10°) postoperatively. The triple arthrodesis group had a mean follow-up 17.53 ± 10.17 (6 to 46) months and ankle valgus increased from 1.44° ± 2.09° (0 to 6°) to 3.40° ± 3.56° (0° to 17°). Postoperative ankle valgus was statistically significant between groups (U = 303.50, p = .013). The odds of having an increase in the valgus ankle angle for patients in the triple group was 3.64 times that for patients in the double group, while holding all other variables in the model constant.

The PROTOE intramedullary hammertoe device: an alternative to Kirschner wires

Hammertoe digital deformity correction is a very controversial topic among foot and ankle surgeons. Hammertoes are characterized by an extension deformity at the metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) and flexion deformity at the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ). Current treatment options are often guided by the patient's discomfort as well as the reducibility of the affected digit. Kirschner wires (K-wires) have long been considered the gold standard for hammertoe digital repair. Although K-wires are simplistic to use as fixation, they carry inherit risks such as pin tract infections, migration, and breakage. This has lead to multiple intramedullary hammertoe devices including the PROTOE intramedullary device. This paper will discuss the usage and benefits the PROTOE has to offer over the conventional K - wire.

Design comparison of the INBONE I versus INBONE II total ankle system

Degenerative joint disease of the ankle is a debilitating etiology, in which treatment has been disputed in the literature among healthy active patients. Total ankle arthroplasty had recently gained popularity as long-term outcomes are being reported and advancement in the design of the implants themselves evolves. Multiple implants are available on today's market including the INBONE (Wright Medical technologies, Arlington, TN) Total Ankle System. The second generation INBONE total ankle arthroplasty was launched and approved for use in the United States by the FDA in 2005. The second generation INBONE implant has a talar sulcus, allowing for a more biomechanically stable articulation between the polyethelene insert and the talar component (Figure 1). The initial INBONE implant had a flat articulation with the poly leading to instability. This paper will help to demonstrate the advantages of INBONE II versus INBONE I Total Ankle System in management of arthrosis of the ankle joint.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level V: Expert opinion.

Calcaneal Z osteotomy for extra-articular correction of hindfoot valgus

The lateral column lengthening procedure has been used in the surgical management of congenital and adult-acquired pes planus. Lateral column lengthening allows correction of the abducted forefoot and subsequent improvement in the medial longitudinal arch. However, owing to the inconsistent healing times and complications, we opted to pursue a novel approach to the lateral column lengthening procedure, the calcaneal Z osteotomy.

Agility to INBONE: anterior and posterior approaches to the difficult revision total ankle replacement

Total ankle replacement is now acknowledged as a viable alternative to ankle arthrodesis for end-stage ankle arthritis. The authors present a series of 14 patients who were converted from the Agility total ankle replacement to an INBONE total ankle replacement. This report is unique in that anterior and posterior approaches are discussed and detailed. Although the authors present successful conversion of the Agility total ankle replacement to an INBONE total ankle replacement, the difficulty of this procedure is demonstrated by the high complication rate and 2 early failures.

Strength evaluation of lateral calcaneal wall with circular external fixation application in cadaveric specimens

Circular external fixation is a useful treatment option for the correction of complex trauma, extremity deformity, osteomyelitis, and reconstruction of the foot and ankle. The goal of the present study was to determine the degrees of bolt rotation required to create enough wire tension to cause structural failure of the lateral calcaneal wall when stressed with both olive and smooth wires in a cadaveric model. Ten fresh, thawed, below-the-knee specimens were tested at the San Diego Cadaveric Academic Research Symposium. The mean bolt rotation required to pull an olive wire through the lateral wall of the calcaneus was 79.8° ± 32.81°, and the mean bolt rotation required to "walk" a skinny wire (narrow diameter) and create 1 mm of cortical bone failure was 50.5° ± 30.91°. The results of the present investigation further define and elucidate the appropriate "Russian tensioning" technique applicable for external fixation of the calcaneus using olive or skinny wires in the case of fracture repair or compression arthrodesis.

Embryos whose polar bodies contain isolated reciprocal chromosome aneuploidy are almost always euploid

STUDY QUESTION

When a chromosome aneuploidy is detected in the first polar body and a reciprocal loss or gain of the same chromosome is detected in the second polar body, is the resulting embryo usually aneuploid for that chromosome?

SUMMARY ANSWER

When reciprocal aneuploidy occurs in polar bodies, the resulting embryo is usually normal for that chromosome, indicating that premature separation of sister chromatids (PSSC)—not non-disjunction—likely occurred in meiosis I.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

Single-nucleotide polymorphism-based microarray analysis can be used to accurately determine the chromosomal status of polar bodies and embryos. Sometimes, the only abnormality found is a reciprocal gain or loss of one or two chromosomes in the two polar bodies. Prediction of the status of the resulting embryo in these cases is problematic.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

Blinded microarray analysis of previously diagnosed aneuploid embryos that had reciprocal polar body aneuploidy.

MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

IVF cycles were performed between 2008 and 2011 in patients aged 40 ± 3 years (range 35–47 years) with an indication for polar body-based aneuploidy screening. Thirty-five aneuploid vitrified Day 3 embryos were warmed, cultured to Day 5 and biopsied for microarray analysis. Predictions were made for the ploidy status of the embryo if PSSC or non-disjunction had occurred. The signal intensity for the aneuploid chromosome in the first polar body was compared between those that resulted in euploid and aneuploid embryos.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

Among 34 embryos with evaluable results, 31 were euploid on re-analysis. Of 43 chromosomes that had reciprocal aneuploidy in the polar bodies, 41 were disomic in the embryo, indicating that PSSC was likely to have occurred 95% (95% confidence interval 85–99%) of the time. The log 2 ratio signal intensity from the chromosomes that underwent non-disjunction, resulting in unbalanced embryos, were outliers when compared with those that underwent PSSC.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

Although most embryos with reciprocal aneuploid polar bodies were euploid, it is unknown whether they maintain equivalent reproductive potential when transferred. Further study is needed to determine whether these embryos should be re-biopsied and considered for transfer.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

This study is consistent with increasing evidence that PSSC is the primary cause of meiosis I errors in embryos from women of advanced reproductive age. Clinicians should be cautious in interpreting results from polar body aneuploidy screening, especially when only the first polar body is tested.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

None.

Role of cellular allograft containing mesenchymal stem cells in high-risk foot and ankle reconstructions

The use of cellular allograft containing mesenchymal stem cells is gaining popularity as an augmentation to foot and ankle arthrodesis. Those with underlying comorbidities (diabetes mellitus, Charcot osteoarthropathy, smoking, suppressive medication, increased body mass index) are more likely to require surgical revision procedures and typically have a greater rate of nonunion than their healthy counterparts. We believe that the use of a mesenchymal stem cell graft will increase the likelihood of a successful fusion during the primary procedure. The present study reviewed the use of stem cell grafting in hindfoot and ankle surgery and the healing times in high-risk patients. Successful fusion was defined as bridging across 3 cortices. In this patient group, the average interval to radiologic union was 11.1 ± 2.0 (range 8 to 15) weeks. The interval to partial weightbearing was 5.5 ± 1.8 (range 3 to 12) weeks, to full weightbearing was 8.4 ± 1.9 (range 5 to 14) weeks, and to shoe wearing was 13.6 ± 3.0 (range 10 to 20) weeks.

A retrospective comparison of first metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodesis using a locked plate and compression screw technique

INTRODUCTION

The historic primary treatment for end-stage first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint arthritis has been fusion. Traditionally, this has been accomplished by metaphyseal apposition between the proximal phalanx and metatarsal using crossed compression screws. Recently, locked plates have been introduced that help support this technique by offering added stability. We present our experience with 45 first MTP fusions in 45 feet using a locked plate and compression screw.

METHODS

A retrospective review of 45 patients who met the study criteria with a hallux rigidus correction using a locked plate with a compression screw was performed. Charts and radiographs were independently reviewed by 2 authors not involved in the index procedures to assess outcomes.

RESULTS

There was a 93% fusion rate (42/45 feet) with 3 nonunions. The mean time to union was 51.1 days (range = 29-116 days, SD = 24.4). The mean patient age was 58.1 years (range = 29-80 years, SD = 10.1). The mean time to partial weight bearing was 7.0 days (range = 0-53 days, SD = 13.8) and the mean time to full weight bearing was 62.0 days (range = 29-57 days, SD = 17.9).

DISCUSSION

We report on the results of first MTP fusion using a compression screw and locked plate technique. The results show that this is an effective means of creating a first MTP joint arthrodesis.

A retrospective comparison of four plate constructs for first metatarsophalangeal joint fusion: static plate, static plate with lag screw, locked plate, and locked plate with lag screw

The primary treatment for progressive first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint arthritis is arthrodesis. Multiple fixation types have been used to accomplish fusion including plating. There have been no published articles reporting the outcomes of these 4 plate and/or screw constructs. We present our experience with 138 first MTP joint fusions using these constructs. A retrospective comparison and radiographic chart review of 132 patients (138 feet) was performed to compare different constructs in regards to successful union and time to fusion. All operations were performed by 4 fellowship-trained foot and ankle surgeons. The radiographs were independently read by 2 authors not involved in the index procedures. Radiographic fusion was determined by bridging cortices across the joint line. The mean time to union (in days) and rate of fusion were static plate: 59, 95%, static plate with lag screw: 56, 86%, locked plate: 66, 92%, and locked plate with lag screw: 53, 96%. There was not a statistically significant difference between the groups in regards to patient age, time to weight bearing, time to fusion, or rate of fusion. We report on the results of fusion comparing 4 different plate and/or screw constructs for first MTP joint fusion. The data reveal no significant difference in time to fusion or rate of fusion between static and locked plates, with or without a lag screw.

Single embryo transfer with comprehensive chromosome screening results in improved ongoing pregnancy rates and decreased miscarriage rates

BACKGROUND

Single embryo transfer (SET) provides the most certain means to reduce the risk of multiple gestation. Regrettably, prospective trials of SET have demonstrated reductions in per-cycle delivery rates. A validated method of comprehensive chromosome screening (CCS) has the potential to optimize SET by transferring only euploid embryos. This retrospective study evaluates the efficacy of SET with CCS in an infertile population.

METHODS

Overall and age-controlled ongoing pregnancy rates (OPR) were compared between women undergoing SET following CCS (CCS-SET, n= 140) and those undergoing SET without aneuploidy screening (control SET, n= 182). All transfers were at the blastocyst stage, with CCS performed after trophectoderm biopsy of expanded blastocysts and analysis with rapid PCR allowing for fresh transfer.

RESULTS

In the CCS-SET and control SET groups, an OPR of 55.0 and 41.8%, respectively, was obtained. The OPR was lower for the control group (P< 0.01) despite a younger age than the CCS group (37.3 ± 3.4 versus 34.2 ± 3.9 years; P< 0.001). Birthweight and gestational age at delivery were equivalent. The proportion of clinical pregnancies resulting in miscarriage was higher in the control group (24.8 versus 10.5%, P< 0.01), with more patients requiring surgical interventions for aneuploid pregnancies. There was one monozygotic twin delivery in the CCS group and none in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with traditional blastocyst SET, SET after trophectoderm biopsy and rapid PCR-based CCS increases OPR and reduces the miscarriage rate. The enhanced selection empowered by CCS with SET may provide a practical way to eliminate multi-zygotic multiple gestation without compromising clinical outcomes per cycle.

A new vicious cycle involving glutamate excitotoxicity, oxidative stress and mitochondrial dynamics

Glutamate excitotoxicity leads to fragmented mitochondria in neurodegenerative diseases, mediated by nitric oxide and S-nitrosylation of dynamin-related protein 1, a mitochondrial outer membrane fission protein. Optic atrophy gene 1 (OPA1) is an inner membrane protein important for mitochondrial fusion. Autosomal dominant optic atrophy (ADOA), caused by mutations in OPA1, is a neurodegenerative disease affecting mainly retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Here, we showed that OPA1 deficiency in an ADOA model influences N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor expression, which is involved in glutamate excitotoxicity and oxidative stress. Opa1(enu/+) mice show a slow progressive loss of RGCs, activation of astroglia and microglia, and pronounced mitochondrial fission in optic nerve heads as found by electron tomography. Expression of NMDA receptors (NR1, 2A, and 2B) in the retina of Opa1(enu/+) mice was significantly increased as determined by western blot and immunohistochemistry. Superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) expression was significantly decreased, the apoptotic pathway was activated as Bax was increased, and phosphorylated Bad and BcL-xL were decreased. Our results conclusively demonstrate that not only glutamate excitotoxicity and/or oxidative stress alters mitochondrial fission/fusion, but that an imbalance in mitochondrial fission/fusion in turn leads to NMDA receptor upregulation and oxidative stress. Therefore, we propose a new vicious cycle involved in neurodegeneration that includes glutamate excitotoxicity, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dynamics.