Disturbance-diversity relationships of microbial communities change based on growth substrate.

Disturbance events can impact ecological community dynamics. Understanding how communities respond to disturbances and how those responses can vary is a challenge in microbial ecology. In this study, we grew a previously enriched specialized microbial community on either cellulose or glucose as a sole carbon source and subjected them to one of five different disturbance regimes of varying frequencies ranging from low to high.

Disturbance-Diversity Relationships of Microbial Communities Change Based on Growth Substrate.

Disturbance events can impact ecological community dynamics. Understanding how communities respond to disturbances, and how those responses can vary, is a challenge in microbial ecology. In this study, we grew a previously enriched specialized microbial community on either cellulose or glucose as a sole carbon source, and subjected them to one of five different disturbance regimes of varying frequencies ranging from low to high.

Looking Back to Move Forward: The Current State of Research on the Clinical Applications of Camphor- and Menthol-Containing Agents.

Topically applied compounds containing camphor and menthol have been used to alleviate pain, cold symptoms, and pruritus, historically predominantly in East Asia. Being not studied well, they are less recognized in Western medicine. Given the commonality of pain, pruritus, and cold symptoms in addition to the growing need for non-opioid treatment options, the authors investigated clinical applications of such compounds for their over-counter usage.

A new ferrocene derivative blocks KRAS localization and function by oxidative modification at His95.

Ras proteins are membrane-bound GTPases that regulate essential cellular processes at the plasma membrane (PM). Constitutively active mutations of K-Ras, one of the three Ras isoforms in mammalian cells, are frequently found in human cancers. Ferrocene derivatives, which elevate cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), have shown to block the growth of non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs) harboring oncogenic mutant K-Ras.

Ideal Length and Diameter for Intramedullary Screw Fixation of Metacarpal Fractures: A Biomechanical Study.

Purpose: This biomechanical study evaluated the effect of intramedullary screw diameter and length relative to 3-point bending force and torsional force when used to stabilize metacarpal shaft fractures.

Methods: Transverse osteotomies were made in the proximal metacarpal shaft in 36 middle finger metacarpal fourth-generation composite Sawbones. To compare screw diameters, antegrade intramedullary screws of 30-mm length were placed in 6 metacarpals, which included 4.

Proximal interphalangeal-level fracture in patient with symphalangism.

Symphalangism is a rare, congenital syndrome involving ankylosis of the interphalangeal joints. We present a rare case of fracture at the level of a fused proximal interphalangeal joint in a patient with proximal symphalangism of the hand. Nonoperative management with splinting resulted in osseous healing and restored baseline function.

from Fungus Gardens of Fungus-Growing Ants Produces Antifungals That Inhibit the Specialized Parasite .

Within animal-associated microbiomes, the functional roles of specific microbial taxa are often uncharacterized. Here, we use the fungus-growing ant system, a model for microbial symbiosis, to determine the potential defensive roles of key bacterial taxa present in the ants' fungus gardens. Fungus gardens serve as an external digestive system for the ants, with mutualistic fungi in the genus converting the plant substrate into energy for the ants.

Evaluation of Antegrade Intramedullary Compression Screw Fixation of Metacarpal Shaft Fractures in a Cadaver Model.

Purpose: Surgical options for displaced metacarpal shaft fractures include the use of Kirschner wires, plates and screws, and most recently, intramedullary headless compression screws (IMHCS), which have been reported using only retrograde insertion through the metacarpal head. We evaluated IMHCS fixation of metacarpal shaft fractures through an antegrade approach in a cadaver model.

Methods: We performed antegrade placement of IMHCS in 10 cadaver hands including all 5 digits (total of 50).

An Anatomical Study of Metacarpal Morphology Utilizing CT Scans: Evaluating Parameters for Antegrade Intramedullary Compression Screw Fixation of Metacarpal Fractures.

Purpose: This study evaluated metacarpal morphology for antegrade placement of intramedullary headless compression screws (IMHCS) for metacarpal fracture fixation.

Methods: We analyzed 100 hand computed tomography scans to quantify cortical thickness, intramedullary diameter, and metacarpal lengths. In addition, dorsal or ulnar overhang of the metacarpals over their respective carpal bones was measured.

KRAB-zinc finger protein gene expansion in response to active retrotransposons in the murine lineage.

The Krüppel-associated box zinc finger protein (KRAB-ZFP) family diversified in mammals. The majority of human KRAB-ZFPs bind transposable elements (TEs), however, since most TEs are inactive in humans it is unclear whether KRAB-ZFPs emerged to suppress TEs. We demonstrate that many recently emerged murine KRAB-ZFPs also bind to TEs, including the active ETn, IAP, and L1 families.

Phalloplasty Following Penectomy for Fournier's Gangrene at a Tertiary Care Center.

Treatment of Fournier's gangrene often requires extensive surgical debridements that can ultimately necessitate penile amputation. Reconstruction can be challenging as these patients tend to have medical comorbidities deeming them poor microsurgical candidates. Fournier's gangrene resulting in penectomy is an infrequent occurrence, and treatment with phalloplasty is rarely described in the literature.

Do Websites Provide What Applicants Need? Plastic Surgery Residency Program Websites Versus Applicant Self-reported Needs.

Background: Plastic surgery residency program websites (PSRWs) remain a major resource for applicants to one of the most competitive specialties in medicine, yet it is unclear how the website content aligns with information applicants need.

Objective: To evaluate PSRWs and whether they are meeting applicant needs.

Methods: An anonymous online survey of 2016 plastic and reconstructive surgery applicants evaluated the use of PSRWs and information desired.

Breast Implant-Associated Bilateral B-Cell Lymphoma.

Lymphomas associated with implants are predominantly of T-cell type-with anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) being most reported. That said, to date, 6 cases of B-cell lymphoma associated with breast implants have been reported. All cases exhibited unilateral breast involvement.

Recovery of Elbow Flexion after Nerve Reconstruction versus Free Functional Muscle Transfer for Late, Traumatic Brachial Plexus Palsy: A Systematic Review.

Background: In late presentation of brachial plexus trauma, it is unclear whether donor nerves should be devoted to nerve reconstruction or reserved for free functional muscle transfer. The authors systematically reviewed recovery of elbow flexion after nerve reconstruction versus free functional muscle transfer for late, traumatic brachial plexus palsy.

Methods: A systematic review was performed using the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases to identify all cases of traumatic brachial plexus palsy in patients aged 18 years or older.

DNA Conformation Induces Adaptable Binding by Tandem Zinc Finger Proteins.

Tandem zinc finger (ZF) proteins are the largest and most rapidly diverging family of DNA-binding transcription regulators in mammals. ZFP568 represses a transcript of placental-specific insulin like growth factor 2 (Igf2-P0) in mice. ZFP568 binds a 24-base pair sequence-specific element upstream of Igf2-P0 via the eleven-ZF array.

Anatomic Variations of the Median Nerve Identified during Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release with STRATOS.

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.

A placental growth factor is silenced in mouse embryos by the zinc finger protein ZFP568.

Insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) is the major fetal growth hormone in mammals. We identify zinc finger protein 568 (ZFP568), a member of the rapidly evolving Kruppel-associated box-zinc finger protein (KRAB-ZFP) family linked primarily to silencing of endogenous retroelements, as a direct repressor of a placental-specific transcript (designated ) in mice. Loss of , which causes gastrulation failure, or mutation of the ZFP568-binding site at the promoter causes inappropriate activation.

Successful Arthroplasty Using Cadaveric Meniscus for Osteochondral Defects in the Wrist and Hand Joints.

Background: Osteochondral defects of the radiocarpal, metacarpophalangeal (MCP), and proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints often necessitate joint arthrodesis or mechanical arthroplasty, which has a limited lifespan. In severely arthritic wrist and finger joints, we propose a novel adjunct for joint salvage using cadaveric meniscus for joint resurfacing as an off-the-shelf alternative to address osteochondral defects and restore normal intraarticular contact stress.

Methods: A total of 14 patients with osteochondral defects in 5 radiocapitate, 5 MCP, 3 PIP, and 1 carpometacarpal joints received cadaveric meniscus to facilitate arthroplasty.

Surgical applications of three-dimensional printing: a review of the current literature & how to get started.

Three dimensional (3D) printing involves a number of additive manufacturing techniques that are used to build structures from the ground up. This technology has been adapted to a wide range of surgical applications at an impressive rate. It has been used to print patient-specific anatomic models, implants, prosthetics, external fixators, splints, surgical instrumentation, and surgical cutting guides.

Bilateral Pedicled Superficial Inferior Epigastric Artery Flap in the Treatment of Hidradenitis Suppurativa.

The authors present a new technique in surgically treating hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), a debilitating skin condition. In HS, surgical treatment is often the best option because of the high recurrence rates despite extensive medical treatment. A commonly successful surgical method is using skin flaps after excision of the affected area.

Leptin Is Produced by Parathyroid Glands and Stimulates Parathyroid Hormone Secretion.

Objective: We asked if leptin and its cognate receptor were present in normal and diseased parathyroid glands, and if so, whether they had any functional effects on parathyroid hormone (PTH) secretion in parathyroid neoplasms.

Background: The parathyroid glands acting through PTH play a critical role in the regulation of serum calcium. Based on leptin's recently discovered role in bone metabolism, we hypothesized these glands were the sites of a functional interaction between these 2 hormones.

Surgical Excision and Adjuvant Brachytherapy vs External Beam Radiation for the Effective Treatment of Keloids: 10-Year Institutional Retrospective Analysis.

Background: Surgically excised keloids reportedly recur at a rate of >45%. Post-excision radiation (RT) has been delivered via external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) or interstitial high dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy. Despite historical data showing 10% to 20% keloid recurrences with post-excision RT, there is a paucity of high-quality evidence comparing keloid recurrences between the two RT modalities.