Regulatory elements in (7q21.3) locus contribute to genetic control of coronal nonsyndromic craniosynostosis and bone density-related traits.

Purpose: The etiopathogenesis of coronal nonsyndromic craniosynostosis (cNCS), a congenital condition defined by premature fusion of 1 or both coronal sutures, remains largely unknown.

Methods: We conducted the largest genome-wide association study of cNCS followed by replication, fine mapping, and functional validation of the most significant region using zebrafish animal model.

Results: Genome-wide association study identified 6 independent genome-wide-significant risk alleles, 4 on chromosome 7q21.

Isolated Fibrous Dysplasia of the Bilateral Nasal Bones: Complex Management of the Bony Vault.

Fibrous dysplasia is a benign fibro-osseous process affecting the skeletal system, with resulting cystic and fibrous tissue expansion. Craniofacial fibrous dysplasia represents a small subset of monostotic disease, accounting for approximately 10%-25% of all such cases. Involvement of the frontal, temporal, and sphenoid bones has most commonly been described, with a limited number of reported cases citing disease isolated to the nasal bones.

Thirty-Year Experience Treating Syndromic Craniosynostosis: Long-Term Outcomes following Cranial Expansions.

Background: Children with syndromic craniosynostosis require multiple cranial expansion procedures. The purpose of this study was to determine how many expansions are typically performed through maturity, to assess complication rates, and to identify trends that might reduce the burden of care.

Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted of all consecutive patients undergoing cranial vault enlargement procedures for syndromic craniosynostosis performed by a single surgeon.

Secondary Corrections for Single-Suture Craniosynostosis: Perioperative Outcomes and Predisposing Factors.

Background: Many single-suture craniosynostosis corrections end up needing secondary remodeling procedures. The authors sought to determine whether these more complicated operations carry higher complication rates, and to explore potential predisposing factors.

Methods: The authors performed a retrospective chart review of all patients undergoing primary and secondary remodeling corrections at a single center, between 2010 and 2020.

Left Ophthalmic Segment Internal Carotid Artery Aneurysm Treated with Flow Diversion in a Child with Apert Syndrome: Technical Note.

Introduction: Prevalence of intracranial aneurysms in children with Apert syndrome has not been described, and development of an aneurysm as a complication secondary to craniofacial surgery has never been reported.

Case Presentation: We report the rare case of a 10-year-old boy with Apert syndrome who underwent craniofacial reconstruction surgery consisting of subcranial Le Fort III osteotomies, bilateral lateral canthopexies, and nasal nares dilations for midfacial hypoplasia and resultant obstructive sleep apnea, and on routine follow-up magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) 1 year later, he was found to have a large left ophthalmic internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysm that was not seen on MRI obtained 2 years prior. Immediately after the craniofacial surgery, the patient experienced a severe headache behind his left eye and extraocular movement abnormalities that subsided over the next days to months.

Optic Nerve Atrophy in Syndromic Craniosynostosis.

Background: Numerous children born with syndromic craniosynostosis will develop visual impairments. Based on the hypothesis that elevations in intracranial pressure might have greater impacts on vision than development, this review sought to ascertain the prevalence of optic nerve atrophy in syndromic craniosynostosis and to look for potential predictive factors.

Methods: The authors conducted a retrospective chart review of all children with syndromic craniosynostosis treated at a single center.

Drivers of adoption of crop protection and soil fertility management practices among smallholder soybean farmers in Tolon district of Ghana.

Among the critical challenges affecting crop production and agricultural productivity in most developing countries are declining soil fertility and the incidence of crop pests and diseases. Hence, there have been efforts by scientists and policy-makers especially in sub-Saharan Africa to promote the uptake of agronomic and production practices that address these challenges. This study, therefore, aimed at investigating the drivers of adoption of crop protection and soil fertility (CPSF) management practices among soybean farmers in rural Ghana.

Directions for Research on Climate and Conflict.

The potential links between climate and conflict are well studied, yet disagreement about the specific mechanisms and their significance for societies persists. Here, we build on assessment of the relationship between climate and organized armed conflict to define crosscutting priorities for future directions of research. They include (1) deepening insight into climate-conflict linkages and conditions under which they manifest, (2) ambitiously integrating research designs, (3) systematically exploring future risks and response options, responsive to ongoing decision-making, and (4) evaluating the effectiveness of interventions to manage climate-conflict links.

Long-Term Growth following Trigonocephaly Repairs: Are Overcorrections Necessary?

Background: Does bifrontal width change with growth following trigonocephaly corrections? Postoperative long-term growth was assessed, along with the impacts of phenotypic severity, surgical timing, and operative technique, to determine how wide to surgically set bifrontal width.

Methods: A retrospective review of all trigonocephaly repairs was performed. Exclusion criteria included syndromic conditions, incomplete records, and follow-up under 1 year.

Current Trends in Management of Nonsyndromic Unilateral Coronal Craniosynostosis: A Cross-sectional Survey.

Background: Although the natural history of nonsyndromic unilateral coronal craniosynostosis has been extensively described, optimal management remains controversial due to lack of Level 1 evidence. This study aims to assess the current state of practice among craniofacial surgeons.

Methods: Ninety-four craniofacial surgeons were approached to complete a survey consisting of 15 questions.

Perioperative Outcomes Following Pediatric Cranial Vault Remodeling: Are Improvements Possible?

Purpose: The Pediatric Craniofacial Collaborative Group recently reported pooled perioperative data from 31 North American centers performing open cranial vault remodeling procedures. The authors sought to determine if outcomes were different at a single higher-volume center and if identified, ascertain reasons for any differences and propose strategies for improvement.

Methods: A retrospective review was performed of all open pediatric cranial vault procedures performed at our center during the identical 3.

Climate as a risk factor for armed conflict.

Research findings on the relationship between climate and conflict are diverse and contested. Here we assess the current understanding of the relationship between climate and conflict, based on the structured judgments of experts from diverse disciplines. These experts agree that climate has affected organized armed conflict within countries.

Abandoning the Supraorbital Bandeau in Anterior Craniosynostosis Repairs, for a Single-Segment Reconstruction.

Background: Following correction of anterior sutural fusions, long-term forehead irregularities may arise. Based on the premise that frontal reconstructions using a seamless construct might produce better long-term aesthetic results, the supraorbital bandeau was abandoned for a single-piece frontal reconstruction. The purpose of this review was to compare outcomes and complications between children who underwent reconstruction with the traditional supraorbital bandeau and those who underwent reconstruction with a single bony segment.