Abstract: A method of trialing an intervertebral disc space, including the steps of creating the disc space, inserting a trial into the disc space, wherein the trial has i) a distal head having an upper surface and a lower surface connected by a pair of side walls, the side walls defining planes, and ii) a proximal rod, so that the head and rod form an obtuse angle and the rod extends through at least one of the planes defined by the side walls of the head.

Abstract: A separate nub component between the plate and an intervertebral fusion cage, wherein the nub is attached to the plate. The nub lessens the undesired pivotal movement of the plate. It is believed that when the nub fits snugly between the endplates of the adjacent vertebral bodies, it acts as a stop against the undesired pivotal movement of the plate.

Abstract: A surgical access system for providing access to a surgical site in a patient includes a surgical access device defining a port and a light emitter coupled to the surgical access device for illuminating the port. The light emitter preferably comprises an elongated shaft having a light transmitting element housed therein, which emits light transmitted to the elongated shaft from a light source. The elongated shaft is configured to be inserted in an elongated channel in the access device. The elongated channel has or forms a window for transmitting light emitted by the light emitter into the interior of the access device.

Abstract: An intervertebral fusion cage having a first polyaxial joint portion adapted to connect to a corresponding polyaxial joint portion on an inserter so as to form an insertion assembly adapted for polyaxial movement. This assembly allows the cage to be laterally inserted into the problematic lower disc spaces of the spine in a manner such that the cage is desirably substantially parallel to the vertebral endplates upon entry.

Abstract: Plate-based fixation system having dual anchors. The plate can include cams. The plates can have a banana-shape. The plates can be adapted to receive a polyaxial bone screw. The plates can be jointed so as to be height-adjustable.

Abstract: A bone plate secured by both a screw and a post. The head of the post may act as a cam that prevents screw backout. Preferably, the shaft of the first post passes partially through the first post through hole so that the distal unthreaded portion of its shaft substantially extends beyond the plate and the proximal threaded portion of its shaft substantially remains in the first post through hole.

Abstract: A separate nub component between the plate and an intervertebral fusion cage, wherein the nub is attached to the plate. The nub lessens the undesired pivotal movement of the plate. It is believed that when the nub fits snugly between the endplates of the adjacent vertebral bodies, it acts as a stop against the undesired pivotal movement of the plate.

Abstract: A method of trialing an intervertebral disc space, comprising the steps of: a) creating the disc space, b) inserting a trial into the disc space, the trial having i) a distal head having an upper surface and a lower surface connected by a pair of side walls, the side walls defining planes, and ii) a proximal rod, wherein the head and rod form an obtuse angle, and wherein the rod extends through at least one of the planes defined by the side walls of the head.

Abstract: A surgical access system for providing access to a surgical site in a patient includes a surgical access device defining a port and a light emitter coupled to the surgical access device for illuminating the port. The light emitter preferably comprises an elongated shaft having a light transmitting element housed therein, which emits light transmitted to the elongated shaft from a light source. The elongated shaft is configured to be inserted in an elongated channel in the access device. The elongated channel has or forms a window for transmitting light emitted by the light emitter into the interior of the access device.

Abstract: A surgical access system for providing access to a surgical site in a patient includes a surgical access device defining a port and a light emitter coupled to the surgical access device for illuminating the port. The light emitter preferably comprises an elongated shaft having a light transmitting element housed therein, which emits light transmitted to the elongated shaft from a light source. The elongated shaft is configured to be inserted in an elongated channel in the access device. The elongated channel has or forms a window for transmitting light emitted by the light emitter into the interior of the access device.

Abstract: A surgical access system for providing access to a surgical site in a patient includes a surgical access device defining a port and a light emitter coupled to the surgical access device for illuminating the port. The light emitter preferably comprises an elongated shaft having a light transmitting element housed therein, which emits light transmitted to the elongated shaft from a light source. The elongated shaft is configured to be inserted in an elongated channel in the access device. The elongated channel has or forms a window for transmitting light emitted by the light emitter into the interior of the access device.

Abstract: An access device for providing access from a skin incision to a surgical site is described. The access device has a first section having a proximal end and a distal end defining a first path therethrough. The access device has a second section having a proximal end and a distal end defining a second path therethrough, the second section is movable relative to the first section, and the first and second sections cooperate to form a continuous path such that movement of the second section changes the length of the path.

Abstract: The present inventors have discovered that a cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase is essential for normal fungal pathogenicity. Specifically, the inhibition of PDE2 gene expression in Magnaportha grisea severely reduces the pathogenicity of the fungus. Thus, PDE2 is useful as a target for the identification of antibiotics, preferably fungicides. Accordingly, the present invention provides methods for the identification of compounds that inhibit PDE2 expression or activity. The methods of the invention are useful for the identification of antibiotics, preferably fungicides.

Abstract: The present inventors have discovered that a histidinol dehydrogenase (HIS4) is essential for normal fungal pathogenicity, Specifically, the inhibition of HIS4 gene expression in Magnaportha grisea severely reduces the pathogenicity of the fungus. Thus, HIS4 is useful as a target for the identification of antibiotics, preferably fungicides. Accordingly, the present invention provides methods for the identification of compounds that inhibit HIS4 expression or activity. The methods of the invention are useful for the identification of antibiotics, preferably fungicides.

Abstract: The present inventors have discovered that adenylosuccinate synthase is essential for normal fungal pathogenicity. Specifically, the inhibition of adenylosuccinate synthase gene expression in fungi results in drastically reduced pathogenicity. Thus, adenylosuccinate synthase can be used as a target for the identification of antibiotics, preferably antifungals. Accordingly, the present invention provides methods for the identification of compounds that inhibit adenylosuccinate synthase expression or activity. The methods of the invention are useful for the identification of antibiotics, preferably antifungals.

Abstract: The present inventors have discovered that amidophosphoribosyltransferase is essential for normal fungal pathogenicity. Specifically, the inhibition of amidophosphoribosyltransferase gene expression in fungi results in drastically reduced pathogenicity. Thus, amidophosphoribosyltransferase can be used as a target for the identification of antibiotics, preferably antifungals. Accordingly, the present invention provides methods for the identification of compounds that inhibit amidophosphoribosyltransferase expression or activity. The methods of the invention are useful for the identification of antibiotics, preferably antifungals.

Abstract: The present inventors have discovered that ALS catalytic and regulatory subunits are essential for normal fungal pathogenicity. Specifically, the inhibition of either ALS catalytic or regulatory subunit gene expression in fungi severely reduces growth and pathogenicity. Thus, ALS catalytic and regulatory subunits are useful as targets for the identification of antibiotics, preferably antifungals. Accordingly, the present invention provides methods for the identification of compounds that inhibit ALS catalytic or regulatory subunit expression or activity. The methods of the invention are useful for the identification of antibiotics, preferably antifungals.

Abstract: The present inventors have discovered that porphobilinogen deaminase (PBG) is essential for normal fungal pathogenicity. Specifically, the inhibition of porphobilinogen deaminase gene expression in fungi abolishes pathogenicity. Thus, porphobilinogen deaminase is useful as a target for the identification of antibiotics, preferably antifungals. Accordingly, the present invention provides methods for the identification of compounds that inhibit porphobilinogen deaminase expression or activity. The methods of the invention are useful for the identification of antibiotics, preferably antifungals.

Abstract: The present inventors have discovered that mannosyltransferase is essential for normal fungal growth and pathogenicity. Specifically, the inhibition of mannosyltransferase gene expression in fungi results in drastically reduced growth and pathogenicity. Thus, mannosyltransferase is useful as a target for the identification of antibiotics, preferably antifungals. Accordingly, the present invention provides methods for the identification of compounds that inhibit mannosyltransferase expression or activity. The methods of the invention are useful for the identification of antibiotics, preferably antifungals.

Abstract: The present inventors have discovered that Asparagine Synthase is essential for fungal pathogenicity. Specifically, the inhibition of Asparagine Synthase gene expression in fungi results in no signs of successful infection or lesions. Thus, Asparagine Synthase can be used as a target for the identification of antibiotics, preferably antifungals. Accordingly, the present invention provides methods for the identification of compounds that inhibit Asparagine Synthase expression or activity. The methods of the invention are useful for the identification of antibiotics, preferably antifungals.