Learning performance and GABAergic pathway link to deformed wing virus in the mushroom bodies of naturally infected honey bees.

Viral infections can be detrimental to the foraging ability of the western honey bee, Apis mellifera. The deformed wing virus (DWV) is the most common honey bee virus and has been proposed as a possible cause of learning and memory impairment. However, evidence for this phenomenon so far has come from artificially infected bees, while less is known about the implications of natural infections with the virus. Using the proboscis extension reflex (PER), we uncovered no significant association between a simple associative learning task and natural DWV load. However, when assessed through a reversal associative learning assay, bees with higher DWV load performed better in the reversal learning phase. DWV is able to replicate in the honey bee mushroom bodies, where the GABAergic signalling pathway has an antagonistic effect on associative learning but is crucial for reversal learning. Hence, we assessed the pattern of expression of several GABA-related genes in bees with different learning responses. Intriguingly, mushroom body expression of selected genes was positively correlated with DWV load, but only for bees with good reversal learning performance. We hypothesise that DWV might improve olfactory learning performance by enhancing the GABAergic inhibition of responses to unrewarded stimuli, which is consistent with the behavioural patterns that we observed. However, at higher disease burdens, which might be induced by an artificial infection or by a severe, natural Varroa infestation, this DWV-associated increase in GABA signalling could impair associative learning as previously reported by other studies.

Arthroscopic-assisted Treatment of a Posterolateral Tibial Plateau Fracture with an Accompanying Tibial Eminence Fracture. Case Report.

Posterolateral tibial plateau fractures pose a challenge even to the most experienced orthopedic trauma specialists. Arthroscopic fracture management techniques have been emerging as an increasingly popular alternative in the treatment of selected tibial plateau fractures. This technique enables precise visualization of the articular surface of the tibia and its anatomical reduction with lateral meniscus repair, which further enables the restoration of biomechanical function of the meniscus and prevents early degeneration. In addition, this method minimizes soft tissue injury, shortens the duration of hospital stay and postoperative care, and enables treatment of accompanying intra-articular injuries. In our article, we present a case of posterolateral tibial plateau fracture with articular displacement and depression, and loss of support for the posterior margin of the lateral meniscus with an accompanying tibial eminence fracture. The fracture was treated with arthroscopic assistance. Anatomical reduction of the tibial eminence and the fragment of the posterolateral tibial plateau, as well as lateral meniscus repair was achieved intraoperatively. Postoperative radiographic assessment showed anatomical restoration of the articular surface. A full range of motion and pain-free knee stability were achieved following rehabilitation.

Total hip arthroplasty with shortening subtrochanteric Z osteotomy in the treatment of developmental dysplasia with high hip dislocation.

BACKGROUND: The work presents the results of total hip arthroplasty in the treatment of arthrosis secondary to for developmental dysplasia with high hip dislocation or corollary to previous surgery of dysplastic high riding hips. In all patients the cup was placed in its anatomical position. In order to avoid excessive lengthening of the operated limb and the associated complications, the femoral shaft was shortened by subtrochanteric Z osteotomy. The osteotomy site was stabilised with a cementless CDH stem. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The technique was used in 10 women at an average age of 53. 4 years between 2006 and 2011. Five patients were operated on due to the degenerative changes secondary to developmental dysplasia with high dislocation of hip joint. The remaining patients had undergone surgery before. Angular osteotomy of the proximal femur was performed in four patients and total hip arthroplasty with high placement of the acetabular component in one. The average preoperative Harris Hip Score was 43.7. Preoperative shortening of the limb ranged from 4 to 10 cm, with an average of 6. 1 cm. RESULTS: The patients were followed up for a mean of 28. 3 months. No postoperative nerve damage has been observed. The operated limb was lengthened in all patients (range: 2.5 to 5 cm, mean: 3.4 cm). Radiographic union at the osteotomy site was obtained after an average of 4.5 months. All patients reported complete or near-complete pain relief and improved function of the operated limb. By the last follow-up visit, the Harris Hip Score had increased to 86 points on average. CONCLUSIONS: Subtrochanteric osteotomy of the femur reduces the risk of postoperative complications associated with excessive limb lengthening and facilitates access to the acetabulum. Total hip arthroplasty with shortening subtrochanteric Z-type osteotomy is a safe method in the treatment of degenerative changes secondary to developmental dysplasia with high hip dislocation.