Various tests to help in the clinical diagnosis of distal biceps tendon ruptures have been described. In our experience these tests are painful in the acute setting. We suggest a simple alternative test wherein the biceps muscle belly is held by the examiner and translated medially and laterally. This is done with the forearm flexed to 90 degrees. It is first performed with the biceps relaxed and subsequently performed with the forearm flexed against resistance. In the relaxed forearm the biceps easily translates over 50% of its width. When placed under tension (by flexing against resistance) this translation is significantly reduced. In cases of complete distal biceps tendon rupture, the biceps still translates, even under resisted flexion of the forearm. This simple test is less painful than other described tests, is easy to perform, and aids in clinical diagnosis of distal biceps tendon ruptures.
Diagnosis ; Forearm ; Physical Examination ; Rupture* ; Tendon Injuries ; Tendons*

Various tests to help in the clinical diagnosis of distal biceps tendon ruptures have been described. In our experience these tests are painful in the acute setting. We suggest a simple alternative test wherein the biceps muscle belly is held by the examiner and translated medially and laterally. This is done with the forearm flexed to 90 degrees. It is first performed with the biceps relaxed and subsequently performed with the forearm flexed against resistance. In the relaxed forearm the biceps easily translates over 50% of its width. When placed under tension (by flexing against resistance) this translation is significantly reduced. In cases of complete distal biceps tendon rupture, the biceps still translates, even under resisted flexion of the forearm. This simple test is less painful than other described tests, is easy to perform, and aids in clinical diagnosis of distal biceps tendon ruptures.
Diagnosis ; Forearm ; Physical Examination ; Rupture ; Tendon Injuries ; Tendons

Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APML) is considered to be sensitive to all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) which acts as a differentiating agent. ATRA is considered to be a well-tolerated agent and is known to achieve complete remission in acute promyelocytic leukemia. However, a few cases on long term all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) use can develop pseudotumor cerebri. Out of 32 patients with APML who were treated in our Centre over a 4-year-period, we encountered 6 patients who developed ATRA-related pseudotumor cerebri while on maintenance treatment. The patients ranged from 12 to 40 years of age. 3 patients complained of unbearable headache, 2 of diplopia and 1 of gross reduction in visual acuity. CT scans and MRI did not reveal any intracranial lesions. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examination was normal with CSF manometry revealing a high CSF pressure (average of 345mmH2O). Fundoscopy revealed papilledema in 5 patients and optic atrophy in 1 patient. The patients were successfully managed with decrease dose/discontinuation of ATRA, use of acetazolamide, corticosteroids and therapeutic CSF drainage.

Infection due to hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause of fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma in Pakistan. In the current review, pattern of HCV genotypes and subtypes in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province was ascertained in light of the available literature. After thorough analysis, genotype 3 (58.27%) was determined to be the leading HCV genotype, followed by genotypes 2 (12.39%), 1 (9.54%) and 4 (0.86%). The proportions of genotypes 5 and 6 were recorded as 0.09% and 0.22% respectively. Subtype wise, 3a accounted for 48.67%, followed by subtype 2a (10.91%), 3b (9.43%), 1a (5.84%), 1b (3.66%), 2b (1.45%) and genotype 4 with its undefined subtypes contributed a portion of 0.86%. The cumulative share of subtypes 1c, 2c, 3c, 5a and 6a was less than 1%. In 11.51% cases, the subtype was untypeable while in 7.17% cases mixed subtypes were recorded. Gender wise, proportions of most HCV subtypes were marginally higher among males as compared to females. On the basis of studied groups, 3a was pervasive among all groups except in intravenous drug users where 2a was the major HCV subtype. Similarly, based on various geographical locations (provincial divisions), subtype 3a revealed a ubiquitous distribution. Conclusively, HCV 3a persists to be the principal subtype across the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The considerable number of untypeable subtypes in most studies urges for an improved genotyping system on the basis of local sequence data and practice of sequencing for determination of underlying subtype in untypeable cases. Further, studies on identification of subtypes transmission pattern are imperative for assessment of transmission origin and reinforcement of efficient control strategies. In addition, the current review emphasizes the need of attention toward HCV risk groups and ignored southern side of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province for better holistic understanding of HCV genotype distribution pattern in the province.

Skin wound closure occurs when keratinocytes migrate from the edge of the wound and re-epithelialize the epidermis. Their migration takes place primarily before any vascularization is established, that is, under hypoxia, but relatively little is known regarding the factors that stimulate this migration. Hypoxia and an acidic environment are well-established stimuli for cancer cell migration. The carbonic anhydrases (CAs) contribute to tumor cell migration by generating an acidic environment through the conversion of carbon dioxide to bicarbonate and a proton. On this basis, we explored the possible role of CAs in tissue regeneration using mouse skin wound models. We show that the expression of mRNAs encoding CA isoforms IV and IX are increased (~25 × and 4 ×, respectively) during the wound hypoxic period (days 2–5) and that cells expressing CAs form a band-like structure beneath the migrating epidermis. RNA-Seq analysis suggested that the CA IV-specific signal in the wound is mainly derived from neutrophils. Due to the high level of induction of CA IV in the wound, we treated skin wounds locally with recombinant human CA IV enzyme. Recombinant CA IV significantly accelerated wound re-epithelialization. Thus, CA IV could contribute to wound healing by providing an acidic environment in which the migrating epidermis and neutrophils can survive and may offer novel opportunities to accelerate wound healing under compromised conditions.
Animals ; Anoxia ; Carbon Dioxide ; Carbon* ; Carbonic Anhydrases* ; Cell Movement ; Epidermis ; Humans ; Keratinocytes ; Mice ; Neutrophils ; Protein Isoforms ; Protons ; Re-Epithelialization ; Regeneration ; RNA, Messenger ; Skin* ; Wound Healing* ; Wounds and Injuries*