Short-term complication rates of open reduction and plate fixation and intramedullary nailing in the treatment of humeral shaft fractures: a propensity score matched analysis.

INTRODUCTION: This is a retrospective cohort study designed to compare short-term postoperative complication rates between closed humeral shaft fractures treated by open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) versus intramedullary nailing (IMN), as well as secondary independent risk factors for adverse outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database was queried using CPT codes to identify patients that underwent an open reduction and plate fixation or intramedullary nailing procedure for a closed humeral shaft fracture from 2010 to 2021. Cohorts were matched using propensity scores to account for demographic differences and rates of complications were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: From the database, a total of 4,222 patients were identified who met inclusion criteria, with 3,326 and 896 undergoing ORIF and IMN respectively. After propensity score matching, 866 of the nearest-neighbor matches were included in each cohort for a total of 1,732 patients in the final analysis. The rate of any adverse event (AAE) was significantly higher in the ORIF cohort (16.3%) than the IMN cohort (12.1%, p = 0.01). The ORIF group had higher rates of postoperative transfusion (p = 0.002), return to OR (p = 0.005), and surgical site infection (SSI, p = 0.03). After multivariate analysis, ASA class 4, increasing age, increasing operative time, and history of bleeding disorder were found to increase the risk of AAE in both ORIF and IMN patients. CONCLUSIONS: While prior studies have claimed higher complication rates in IMN patients, this study found a significantly higher short-term risk of AAE in ORIF patients when compared in matched cohorts. However, individual 30-day complication rates do not differ significantly between procedures, and both have been shown to be safe and effective tools in the management of humeral shaft fractures.

Improved outcomes with perioperative dietitian-led interventions in patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty: A systematic review.

Background: Nutritional assessment is important for optimization of patients undergoing elective total joint arthroplasty (TJA). Preoperative nutritional intervention is a potentially modifiable optimization target, but the outcomes of such intervention are not well-studied. The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of nutritional interventions on elective TJA outcomes. Methods: Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were utilized to perform a systematic review of the Ovid Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Library systems. Included studies were comprised of patients greater than 18 years of age undergoing a primary unilateral TJA who received a perioperative dietitian-led intervention. Data analyzed included nutritional intervention protocol, patient demographics, length of stay (LOS), postoperative labs and complications, among others. Results: Our initial search identified a total of 1766 articles. Four studies representing 5006 patients met inclusion criteria. The studies utilized a protein-dominant diet, with or without a carbohydrate solution accompanied by dietitian assessment or education. The 4 studies found that the intervention group had significantly decreased LOS, fewer albumin infusions, less wound drainage, lower rates of hypocalcemia and hypokalemia, reduced C-reactive protein (CRP) values, improved time out of bed, and decreased overall costs. Conclusion: The findings support the potential benefits of perioperative dietitian-led intervention on key outcomes for patients undergoing primary TJA. Surgeons should consider nutritional intervention in their preoperative optimization protocols. Future studies could help elucidate the optimum nutritional regimens and monitoring for idealized intervention and surgical timing. Prospero registration number: CRD4202338494.

Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty for Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tear After Radial to Axillary End-to-Side Transfer: A Case Report.

CASE: A 60-year-old man sustained a massive irreparable rotator cuff tear and axillary nerve palsy with deltoid dysfunction after an anterior shoulder dislocation. He underwent staged reverse end-to-side radial-to-axillary nerve transfer with return of deltoid function allowing for subsequent reverse shoulder arthroplasty. At 1 year postoperatively, he returned to full activity. CONCLUSION: Irreparable rotator cuff tears complicated by axillary nerve palsy can be effectively treated with a staged approach of nerve transfer followed by reverse shoulder arthroplasty.

Significant Increase in Early Reoperation After Latarjet-Bristow Procedure Versus Arthroscopic Bankart Repair for Anterior Shoulder Instability: A Propensity-Score Matched Analysis.

PURPOSE: To compare the 30-day outcomes, including length of stay, short-term complications, hospital readmission, all-cause reoperation, and death after arthroscopic Bankart (AB) and Latarjet. METHODS: Patients in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database who had undergone either AB or Latarjet-Bristow (LB) procedures for anterior shoulder instability from 2012 to 2018 were identified using Current Procedural Terminology codes. Nearest neighbor propensity score matching was used to address any potential demographic differences. The 30-day incidence of postoperative complications were compared, and univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used to identify risk factors associated with the incidence of post-operative complications. RESULTS: A total of 7,519 patients were identified, with 6,990 (93.0%) undergoing AB and 529 (7.0%) LB. After propensity score matching, the baseline demographics were not significantly different (P > .05). There was no significant difference in rate of total adverse events between the AB and LB cohorts (P = .06). There was a significant difference in the rate of return to the operating room between LB (1.9%) when compared to AB (0%) (P < .001). Of reoperations, 40% were due to need for revision stabilization (0.8% of all LB cases) and 40% were for irrigation and debridement. There was also a significant difference in operative time (AB = 87 minutes, LB = 131 minutes; P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: Overall 30-day complication rates were low for both groups, with similar rates among AB and LB patients. However, there was a statistically significant increased rate of short-term reoperation or revision stabilization in the LB cohort. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparative prognostic trial.

A Facilitated Peer Mentoring Program With a Dedicated Curriculum to Foster Career Advancement of Academic Hospitalists.

Introduction: In the field of hospital medicine, there is both a limited pool of senior faculty to mentor the rapidly growing number of junior faculty and a lack of career development curricula focused on scholarly activities specific to the needs of the hospitalist. These deficits have resulted in a disproportionately low number of academic hospitalists being promoted to associate and full professor. We implemented a facilitated peer mentoring program with a dedicated curriculum to foster career advancement of academic hospitalists. Methods: We recruited 29 academic hospitalists and divided them into five small groups, each guided by one senior faculty. Peer members participated in a 9-month curriculum consisting of alternating large- and small-group sessions that reviewed topics important for academic advancement. Quantitative analysis assessed feasibility of the program, as measured by participation and knowledge improvement on curriculum topics, with pre- and postprogram surveys. Results: Results demonstrated feasibility of the large-group sessions as measured through participation. Small-group participation was more variable. Pre- and postsurvey results showed significant knowledge improvement (p < .05) in nearly all of the curriculum topics. Discussion: Currently, there is a gap in both mentorship and scholarly skills of academic hospitalists. Our facilitated peer mentoring program with a dedicated curriculum can be used as a framework for other hospitalist programs to support career development.

Female Sex, Older Age, Earlier Surgery, Anticoagulant Use, and Meniscal Repair Are Associated With Increased Risk of Manipulation Under Anesthesia or Lysis of Adhesions for Arthrofibrosis After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Systematic Review.

PURPOSE: To determine what patient or surgical factors are associated with an increased risk of arthrofibrosis requiring manipulation under anesthesia (MUA) or lysis of adhesions (LOA) after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). METHODS: A systematic review was performed in adherence to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Cochrane, Embase, and Medline databases were searched for studies published through February 2023. Inclusion criteria were studies that identified risk factors for MUA and/or LOA after ACLR. Studies investigating arthrofibrosis after multiligamentous knee injuries or ACL repair were excluded. RESULTS: Eleven studies including a total of 333,876 ACLRs with 4,842 subsequent MUA or LOA (1.45%) were analyzed. Increasing age was associated with an increased risk in 3 studies (P < .001, P < .05, P < .01) but was found to have no association another two. Other factors that were identified by multiple studies as risk factors for MUA/LOA were female sex (4 studies), earlier surgery (5 studies), use of anticoagulants other than aspirin (2 studies), and concomitant meniscal repair (4 studies). CONCLUSIONS: In total, 1.45% of the patients who underwent ACLR and were included in this systematic review had to undergo a subsequent MUA/LOA to treat arthrofibrosis. Female sex, older age, earlier surgery, use of anticoagulants other than aspirin, and concomitant meniscal repair were associated with increased risk of MUA/LOA. The modifiable risks, including use of anticoagulants and time between injury and surgery, can be considered when making treatment decisions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, systematic review of Level III/IV evidence.

Lung ultrasound to predict gas-exchange response to prone positioning in COVID-19 patients: A prospective study in pilot and confirmation cohorts.

PURPOSE: To examine whether lung ultrasound prior to prone positioning can predict the resulting gas-exchange response. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a prospective observational study on critically-ill COVID-19 patients with a pilot and confirmation cohort. Lung ultrasound examinations were performed before prone positioning and gas-exchange parameters were recorded before and after position change. RESULTS: A total of 79 patients, 36 in the pilot cohort and 43 in the confirmation cohort, were included. In the pilot cohort, a moderate correlation between pre-turn lung ultrasound score index (LUSI) and change in PaO2/FiO2 after prone positioning was found. These findings were corroborated and extended upon in the confirmation cohort. The confirmation cohort found that anterior LUSI had the strongest correlation with follow-up time-points 1, 6, 12, and 24 h after prone positioning, with strength of correlation gradually increasing up to 24 h. In a multivariate model anterior aeration loss (odds ratio 0.035; 95%CI 0.003-0.319 for anterior LUSI >50%) and higher pre-turn PaCO2 (odds ratio 0.479 95% CI 0.235-0.979) were negatively predictive of a PaO2/FiO2 increase ≥20 mmHg. CONCLUSIONS: Anterior LUSI, in addition to other clinical parameters, may be used to aid COVID-19 respiratory strategy and a clinician's decision to prone.

Adherence to dietary guidelines and risk of dementia: a prospective cohort study of 94 184 individuals.

AIMS: Recent estimates suggest that 40% of dementia cases could be avoided by treating recognised cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, smoking and physical inactivity. Whether diet is associated with dementia remains largely unknown. We tested if low adherence to established dietary guidelines is associated with elevated lipids and lipoproteins and with increased risk of Alzheimer's disease and non-Alzheimer's dementia ­ a dementia subtype with a high frequency of cardiovascular risk factors. METHODS: We used the prospective Copenhagen General Population Study including 94 184 individuals with dietary information and free of dementia at baseline. Mean age at study entry was 58 years, and 55% (N = 51 720) were women and 45% (N = 42 464) were men. Adherence to dietary guidelines was grouped into low, intermediate and high adherence based on food frequency questionnaires. Main outcomes were non-Alzheimer's dementia and Alzheimer's disease. RESULTS: Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and plasma triglyceride levels were higher in individuals with intermediate and low adherence to dietary guidelines compared with individuals with high adherence (all p for trends <0.001). Age and sex-adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for non-Alzheimer's dementia v. individuals with high adherence were 1.19 (95% confidence interval 0.97­1.46) for intermediate adherence, and 1.54 (1.18­2.00) for low adherence. Corresponding HRs in multivariable-adjusted models including APOE genotype were 1.14 (0.92­1.40) and 1.35 (1.03­1.79). These relationships were not observed in individuals on lipid-lowering therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Low adherence to national dietary guidelines is associated with an atherogenic lipid profile and with increased risk of non-Alzheimer's dementia ­ the subtype of dementia with a high frequency of vascular risk factors. This study suggests that implementation of dietary guidelines associated with an anti-atherogenic lipid profile could be important for prevention of non-Alzheimer's dementia.

Biotechnological formation of dairy flavor inducing δ-lactones from vegetable oil.

Agroscope Culture Collection was screened to identify bacterial strains effective in production of dairy flavor inducing lactones using grapeseed oil as a substrate. Lentilactobacillus parafarraginis FAM-1079, Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis FAM-17918, and L. lactis subsp. lactis biovar diacetylactis FAM-22003 showed the most efficient formation of targeted δ-lactones. The application of sublethal heat stress significantly increased target lactone production. The most profound improvement was for L. lactis subsp. lactis biovar diacetylactis where δ-octadecalactone generation was improved by factor of 9. The pre-fermentation step as well as growth phase in which bacteria are harvested did not have a significant impact on lactones yield. The lactone production process from vegetable oil developed in this study offers a new way of developing a natural flavor ingredient for incorporation into plant-based products.

Migraine-Associated Common Genetic Variants Confer Greater Risk of Posterior vs. Anterior Circulation Ischemic Stroke☆.

OBJECTIVE: To examine potential genetic relationships between migraine and the two distinct phenotypes posterior circulation ischemic stroke (PCiS) and anterior circulation ischemic stroke (ACiS), we generated migraine polygenic risk scores (PRSs) and compared these between PCiS and ACiS, and separately vs. non-stroke control subjects. METHODS: Acute ischemic stroke cases were classified as PCiS or ACiS based on lesion location on diffusion-weighted MRI. Exclusion criteria were lesions in both vascular territories or uncertain territory; supratentorial PCiS with ipsilateral fetal posterior cerebral artery; and cases with atrial fibrillation. We generated migraine PRS for three migraine phenotypes (any migraine; migraine without aura; migraine with aura) using publicly available GWAS data and compared mean PRSs separately for PCiS and ACiS vs. non-stroke control subjects, and between each stroke phenotype. RESULTS: Our primary analyses included 464 PCiS and 1079 ACiS patients with genetic European ancestry. Compared to non-stroke control subjects (n=15396), PRSs of any migraine were associated with increased risk of PCiS (p=0.01-0.03) and decreased risk of ACiS (p=0.010-0.039). Migraine without aura PRSs were significantly associated with PCiS (p=0.008-0.028), but not with ACiS. When comparing PCiS vs. ACiS directly, migraine PRSs were higher in PCiS vs. ACiS for any migraine (p=0.001-0.010) and migraine without aura (p=0.032-0.048). Migraine with aura PRS did not show a differential association in our analyses. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest a stronger genetic overlap between unspecified migraine and migraine without aura with PCiS compared to ACiS. Possible shared mechanisms include dysregulation of cerebral vessel endothelial function.

Features and Needs of Autistic Older Adults: A Delphi Study of Clinical Experiences.

OBJECTIVES: In geriatric psychiatry Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are increasingly recognized. This study explores what clinicians know about diagnostic and/or therapeutic aspects of autistic older adults and how aging plays a role in the course of ASD. METHODS: A Delphi study outlines the point of view of 11 clinical experts in the Netherlands and Belgium (Flanders). RESULTS: Regarding diagnostics, age-specific aspects need to be considered. Age-related characteristics (cognitive differences, life events, co-occurring conditions) influence detecting autistic features in older adults. Regarding treatment, counseling methods need to be adapted. Psychoeducation, family therapy, couples therapy, behavioral counseling and psychopharmaca can be helpful in meeting the needs of autistic older adults. There was no consensus on the effects of aging on autistic older adults. CONCLUSIONS: Diagnosis and treatment of ASD need adaptation for autistic older adults. Further research is needed on the validation of measurement tools, recorded treatment, therapy, psychoeducation, and the effects of aging among people on the autism spectrum. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Available knowledge helps clinicians to detect ASD in older adults and adapt to the specific features and needs of autistic older adults. The effects of aging on the course of ASD are unclear yet.

Multi-organ point-of-care ultrasound for detection of pulmonary embolism in critically ill COVID-19 patients - A diagnostic accuracy study.

PURPOSE: Critically ill COVID-19 patients have an increased risk of developing pulmonary embolism (PE). Diagnosis of PE by point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) might reduce the need for computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA), while decreasing time-to-diagnosis. MATERIALS & METHODS: This prospective, observational study included adult ICU patients with COVID-19. Multi-organ (lungs, deep vein, cardiac) POCUS was performed within 24 h of CTPA, looking for subpleural consolidations, deep venous thrombosis (DVT), and right ventricular strain (RVS). We reported the scan time, and calculated diagnostic accuracy measures for these signs separately and in combination. RESULTS: 70 consecutive patients were included. 23 patients (32.8%) had a PE. Median scan time was 14 min (IQR 11-17). Subpleural consolidations' diagnostic accuracy was: 42.9% (95%CI [34.1-52.0]). DVT's and RVS' diagnostic accuracy was: 75.6% (95%CI [67.1-82.9]) and 74.4% (95%CI [65.8-81.8]). Their sensitivity was: 24.0% (95%CI [9.4-45.1]), and 40.0% (95%CI [21.3-61.3]), while their specificity was: 88.8% (95%CI [80.8-94.3]), and: 83.0% (95%CI [74.2-89.8]), respectively. Multi-organ POCUS sensitivity was: 87.5% (95%CI [67.6-97.3]), and specificity was: 25% (95%CI [16.9-34.7]). CONCLUSIONS: Multi-organ rather than single-organ POCUS can be of aid in ruling out PE in critically ill COVID-19 and help select patients for CTPA. In addition, finding RVS can make PE more likely, while a DVT would preclude the need for a CTPA. REGISTRATION: www.trialregister.nl: NL8540.

Human unintentional and intentional interpersonal coordination in interaction with a humanoid robot.

In order to establish natural social synchrony between two humans, two requirements need to be fulfilled. First, the coupling must be bi-directional. The two humans react to each other's actions. Second, natural social bodily synchronization has to be intentional or unintentional. Assuming that these essential aspects of human-human interactions are present, the present paper investigates whether similar bodily synchrony emerges between an interacting human and an artificial agent such as a robot. More precisely, we investigate whether the same human unintentional rhythmic entrainment and synchronization is present in Human Robot Interaction (HRI). We also evaluate which model (e.g., an adaptive vs non adaptive robot) better reproduces such unintentional entrainment. And finally, we compare interagent coordination stability of the HRI under 1) unidirectional (robot with fixed frequency) versus bidirectional (robot with adaptive frequency) rhythmic entrainment and 2) human intentional versus unintentional coupling. Fifteen young adults made vertical arm movements in front of the NAO robot under five different conditions of intentional/unintentional and unidirectional/bidirectional interactions. Consistent with prior research investigating human-human interpersonal coordination, when humans interact with our robot, (i) unintentional entrainment was present, (ii) bi-directional coupling produced more stable in-phase un-intentional and intentional coordination, (iii) and intentional coordination was more stable than unintentional coordination. To conclude, this study provides a foundation for modeling future social robots involving unintentional and bidirectional synchronization-aspects which seem to enhance humans' willingness to interact with robots.

Perceptions of Communication Between Emergency Medicine and Internal Medicine physicians.

As part of an institutional effort to develop an atmosphere of communication and encourage mutual appreciation of respective viewpoints, we used a cross-sectional survey to investigate the perceptions of emergency (EM) and internal medicine (IM) residents and faculty, particularly, their attitudes about collaboration, mutual respect, and mistreatment. This cross-sectional survey was administered to the EM and IM faculty and residents of a county, academic hospital with a Level 1 Trauma Center to evaluate each specialty's current perception of professional behavior and observations of unprofessional behavior in order to identify areas for improvement. The survey items were answered using a 5-point Likert scale and was analyzed using the unpaired t-test. A total of 68 residents and faculty completed the survey, 32 (59.4% residents) from EM and 36 (94.4% residents) from IM. Among all EM and IM clinicians, 48.6% felt that there was a culture of clinical collaboration. Approximately half of the respondents (51.5%) felt that the state of professionalism between the two departments was below that of other departments. About 10% (11.8%) of all respondents reported experiencing unprofessional behaviors from the other department at least once a month. Challenges identified by EM faculty and residents included time to consult, recommendations, and disposition. Challenges identified by IM included difficulty contacting EM providers and lack of communication regarding patient's clinical status changes. Both specialties emphasized the importance of improved patient care transitional processes. This study is an important first look at the prevalence of negative attitudes and misperceptions between EM and IM providers. These perspectives can occur due to breakdown of communication and differing expectations. Such asynchronies can cause a toxic workplace environment, diminished performance, and poor patient outcomes.

Cascading effects of composts and cover crops on soil chemistry, bacterial communities and the survival of foodborne pathogens.

AIMS: Recent foodborne disease outbreaks have caused farmers to re-evaluate their practices. In particular, concern that soil amendments could introduce foodborne pathogens onto farms and promote their survival in soils has led farmers to reduce or eliminate the application of animal-based composts. However, organic amendments (such as composts and cover crops) could bolster food safety by increasing soil microbial diversity and activity, which can act as competitors or antagonists and reduce pathogen survival. METHODS AND RESULTS: Leveraging a study of a 27-year experiment comparing organic and conventional soil management, we evaluate the impacts of composted poultry litter and cover crops on soil chemistry, bacterial communities and survival of Salmonella enterica and Listeria monocytogenes. We found that bacterial community composition strongly affected pathogen survival in soils. Specifically, organic soils managed with cover crops and composts hosted more macronutrients and bacterial communities that were better able to suppress Salmonella and Listeria. For example, after incubating soils for 10 days at 20°C, soils without composts retained fourfold to fivefold more Salmonella compared to compost-amended soils. However, treatment effects dissipated as bacterial communities converged over the growing season. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that composts and cover crops may be used to build healthy soils without increasing foodborne pathogen survival. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Our work suggests that animal-based composts do not promote pathogen survival and may even promote bacterial communities that suppress pathogens. Critically, proper composting techniques are known to reduce pathogen populations in biological soil amendments of animal origin, which can reduce the risks of introducing pathogens to farm fields in soil amendments. Thus, animal-based composts and cover crops may be a safe alternative to conventional fertilizers, both because of the known benefits of composts for soil health and because it may be possible to apply amendments in such a way that food-safety risks are mitigated rather than exacerbated.

Following the Mangroves: diversification in the banded lampeye Aplocheilichthys spilauchen (Duméril, 1861) (Cyprinodontiformes: Procatopodidae) along the Atlantic coast of Africa.

Available ecological information, an extensive distributional range, conflicting osteological data, and a proposed early Miocene origin provide the impetus for the present study which investigates genetic structuring, biogeographic, and phylogenetic relationships within the Aplocheilichthys spilauchen lineage. Through the analysis of the mitochondrial gene COI, species delimitation methods (ABGD, GB, GMYC, bPTP) were applied, recognizing 6-7 OTUs with absolute pairwise genetic distances ranging between 8 and 22%. The onset of diversification is estimated to be within the middle Miocene and both dispersal and vicariance-shaped A. spilauchen diversity and distribution, as suggested by time-calibrated and ancestral range reconstruction (S-DIVA) analyses. We report for the first time, a pattern of diversification within a lineage of brackish water fish that is concordant with the historical distribution of coastal mangroves forests, shaped by a series of historical events that likely affected forest cover since the middle Miocene (e.g. major climate shifts and sea-level fluctuations, onset of the modern Congo River outlet, increased volcanism in the Cameroon Volcanic Line). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s10750-020-04497-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.