Publications by authors named "N G Mercer"
Unlabelled: Biological diversity is declining across the tree of life, including among prokaryotes. With the increasing awareness of host-associated microbes as potential regulators of eukaryotic host physiology, behavior, and ecology, it is important to understand the implications of declining diversity within host microbiomes on host fitness, ecology, and ecosystem function. We used phytoplankton and their associated environmental microbiomes as model systems to test the independent and interactive effects of declining microbiome diversity with and without other stressors often caused by human activity-elevated temperature and altered nutrient availability.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate the impact of mental health disorders (MHDs) on the clinical and functional outcomes following total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) for the treatment of end-stage ankle arthritis.
Methods: A systematic review of the EMBASE, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library databases was conducted in April 2024 following PRISMA guidelines. Data collected included patient demographics, clinical outcomes, complications, and failures.
Introduction: The Minimum Information for Studies Evaluating Biologics in Orthopaedics (MIBO) guidelines were developed in 2017 in order to establish a standardized approach for reporting key characteristics in platelet rich plasma (PRP)-based studies. However, the adherence to the guidelines from authors publishing data on studies related to the use of PPR in the management of osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLTs) has not yet been determined. The purpose of this study was to analyze how well clinical trials on PRP interventions for OLTs adhered to the MIBO guidelines.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate outcomes following intra-articular injection of hyaluronic acid (HA) for the treatment of hallux rigidus.
Methods: During April 2024, a systematic review of the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases was performed based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Data collected and analyzed were number of patients, patient age, follow-up, subjective clinical outcomes, complications, and failures.
Article Synopsis
- Cheilectomy is a common procedure for treating hallux rigidus, but there's no agreement on the outcomes after a minimally invasive form called MIDC.
- A review of six clinical studies involving 348 patients showed significant improvement in patient-reported outcomes, with scores rising from an average of 68.9 before surgery to 87.1 after.
- Despite the improvements, there was an 8.4% complication rate and an 8.7% failure rate, highlighting the need for more high-quality studies to better evaluate MIDC efficacy.