RESUMO
Numerous methods for human body fluid identification using microbiological markers specific to different human body parts are well-established in forensic science. However, method for vaginal fluid screening have not been standardized yet. Therefore, in this study, a real-time polymerase chain reaction based assay for vaginal fluid identification was devised using bacteria residing in human vagina. This method employed three markers, namely Lactobacillus iners, Lactobacillus crispatus, and Bacteroides fragilis. L. iners and L. crispatus were chosen due to their high abundance in the vagina, whereas B. fragilis resides in the rectum. To examine the suitability of the new method for forensic microbial applications, a study of the distribution of vaginal flora in 143 Korean women was performed, along with characterization of the specificity, and performance of the new assay. Additionally, a casework study based on 130, 21, 20 and 17 DNA samples collected from the vagina, anus, saliva, blood, respectively, was carried out. L. iners (80.4%) and L. crispatus (55.2%) were detected with high abundance in the vagina of Korean women. The specificity of these markers was verified using microbial DNA from 23 species. This method could detect at least 1,000 copies/µL of microorganisms for all markers, thereby highlighting its robust sensitivity for vaginal fluid identification. The casework study confirmed these findings, with 89.2% (116/130) detection of vaginal fluid-derived DNA samples, and no false positives identified from the other sources studied. In conclusion, the developed method is expected to be efficient for preliminary microbiological analysis of vaginal samples in forensics.
RESUMO
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcome of a modified Kidner procedure using a suture bridge technique in symptomatic type II accessory navicular. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2013 and December 2014, a total of 35 cases with symptomatic type II accessory navicular were treated with a modified Kidner procedure using the suture bridge technique. The patients were evaluated preoperatively, 3 months after surgery, and at the latest follow-up (at least six months postoperatively) clinically via the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) midfoot score, visual analogue scale (VAS), and the self-subjective satisfaction score. RESULTS: The mean AOFAS midfoot score demonstrated significant improvement from a mean of 45.3 preoperatively to a mean of 89.2 at 3 months after surgery. At the latest follow-up, the mean AOFAS midfoot score was 92.6 (p<0.001). The mean VAS also improved significantly, decreasing from 6.7 out of 10 preoperatively to 1.8 at 3 months after surgery. At the latest follow-up, the VAS was 1.2 (p<0.001). The mean time of a single-limb heel raise was 4.6 months postoperatively and the self-subjective satisfaction score was 1.4 out of 4 at the latest follow-up. CONCLUSION: The short-term surgical results of the modified Kidner procedure with a suture bridge technique for symptomatic type II accessory navicular were good to excellent in terms of pain, functional and clinical assessments. In conclusion, the modified Kidner procedure with the suture bridge technique is a reasonable treatment option for symptomatic type II accessory navicular.