Contemporary Prevalence of Oral Clefts in the US: Geographic and Socioeconomic Considerations

Background: Socio-economic status, living environments, and race have been implicated in the development of different congenital abnormalities. As orofacial clefting is the most common anomaly affecting the face, an understanding of its prevalence in the United States and its relationship with different determinants of health is paramount. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to determine the modern prevalence of oral-facial clefting in the United States and its association with different social determinants of health. Methods: Utilizing Epic Cosmos, data from approximately 180 US institutions were queried. Patients born between November 2012 and November 2022 were included. Eight orofacial clefting (OC) cohorts were identified. The Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) was used to assess social determinants of health. Results: Of the 15,697,366 patients identified, 31,216 were diagnosed with OC, resulting in a prevalence of 19.9 (95% CI: 19.7-20.1) per 10,000 live births. OC prevalence was highest among Asian (27.5 CI: 26.2-28.8) and Native American (32.8 CI: 30.4-35.2) patients and lowest among Black patients (12.96 CI: 12.5-13.4). Male and Hispanic patients exhibited higher OC prevalence than female and non-Hispanic patients. No significant differences were found among metropolitan (20.23/10,000), micropolitan (20.18/10,000), and rural populations (20.02/10,000). SVI data demonstrated that OC prevalence was positively associated with the percentage of the population below the poverty line and negatively associated with the proportion of minority language speakers. Conclusions: This study examined the largest US cohort of OC patients to date to define contemporary US prevalence, reporting a marginally higher rate than previous estimates. Multiple social determinants of health were found to be associated with OC prevalence, underscoring the importance of holistic prenatal care. These data may inform clinicians about screening and counseling of expectant families based on socio-economic factors and direct future research as it identifies potential risk factors and provides prevalence data, both of which are useful in addressing common questions related to screening and counseling.

Epidemiology of distal radius fractures: Elucidating mechanisms, comorbidities, and fracture classification using the national trauma data bank

BACKGROUND

An update on the epidemiology of distal radius fractures in the United States is necessary, particularly as the elderly population grows. Additionally, age and frailty have been associated with complications following surgical fixation of DRFs. Herein, we utilize the National Trauma Data Bank, a robust nationwide resource, to investigate the relationship between demographics, comorbidities, injury and fracture characteristics, and admission details.

METHODS

Patients with isolated distal radius fractures were identified from the National Trauma Data Bank (2016-2019) according to ICD-10 codes. Univariate and multivariate regressions were conducted to determine independent risk factors for bilateral fractures, displaced fractures, open fractures, as well as length of hospital stay and adverse discharge disposition for patients undergoing inpatient surgical fixation.

RESULTS

The incidence of DRFs was 3.6/1,000 trauma-related emergency department visits and 10.8/1,000 upper extremity traumas. Trauma mechanism was significantly associated with displaced and open fractures. Age (OR 1.01, 95% CI 1.01-1.01), BMI (OR 1.02, 95% CI 1.01-1.02), smoking (OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.15-1.57), and alcohol level (trace: OR 2.18, 95% CI 1.41-3.29; intoxicated: OR 2.20, 95% CI 1.63-2.95) were significantly associated with open fractures. Machinery (β=2.04, 95% CI 1.00-3.08) and MVT (β=0.39, 95% CI 0.08-0.69) mechanisms were independent risk factors for longer length of stay. mFI-5 was an independent risk factor, in a stepwise fashion, for both length of stay and adverse discharge disposition.

CONCLUSIONS

High-energy mechanisms and risk factors for poor skin quality were significantly associated with open fractures. mFI-5 was an independent risk factor for longer length of stay and non-routine discharges in patients of all ages, despite controlling for other comorbidities, unrelated complications, and mechanism of injury. Trauma mechanism was an independent risk factor for prolonged length of stay only, particularly in patients younger than 65 years of age.

The Impact of Body Mass Index on Adverse Outcomes Associated with Panniculectomy: A Multimodal Analysis

BACKGROUND

Overhanging pannus may be detrimental to ambulation, urination, sexual function, and social well-being. Massive weight loss patients often have high residual body mass index (BMI) and comorbidities presenting a unique challenge in panniculectomy patient selection. This study aims to better characterize the role of BMI in post-operative complications following panniculectomy.

METHODS

A meta-analysis attempted to assess the impact of BMI on complications following panniculectomy. Cochrane Q and I 2 test statistics measured study heterogeneity, with subsequent random effects meta-regression investigating these results. After this, all panniculectomy patients in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) years 2007-2019, were analyzed. Univariate and multivariable tests assessed the relative role of BMI on 30-day postoperative complications.

RESULTS

Thirty-four studies satisfied inclusion criteria, revealing very high heterogeneity (Cochrane Q = 2453.3; I 2 = 99.1%), precluding further meta-analysis results. Receiver operator curves demonstrated BMI was a significant predictor of both all causes (area under the curve (AUC): 0.64, 95%CI:0.62-0.66) and wound complications (AUC:0.66, 95%CI:0.63-0.69). BMI remained significant following multivariable regression analyses. Restricted cubic spines demonstrated marginal increases in complication incidence above 33.2 and 35 for all-cause and wound complications respectively.

CONCLUSION

Reported literature regarding postoperative complications in panniculectomy patients is highly heterogeneous, and may limit evidence-based care. Complication incidence positively correlated with BMI, though ROC demonstrated its limitations as the sole predictive variable. Further, RSC demonstrated diminishing marginal predictive capacity of BMI for incremental increases in BMIs above 33.2-35 kg/m 2. These findings support a re-evaluation of the role of BMI cut-offs in panniculectomy patient selection.

Combined Face and Whole Eye Transplantation: Cadaveric Rehearsals and Feasibility Assessment

Background

In properly selected patients, combined face and whole eye transplantation (FWET) may offer a more optimal aesthetic and potentially functional outcome while avoiding the complications and stigma of enucleation and prosthetics. This study presents the most comprehensive cadaveric assessment for FWET to date, including rehearsal allograft procurement on a brain-dead donor.

Methods

Over a 2-year period, 15 rehearsal dissections were performed on 21 cadavers and one brain-dead donor. After identification of a potential recipient, rehearsals assessed clinical feasibility and enabled operative planning, technical practice, refinement of personalized equipment, and improved communication among team members. Operative techniques are described.

Results

Facial allograft procurement closely followed previously described face transplant techniques. Ophthalmic to superficial temporal (O-ST) vessel anastomosis for globe survival was assessed. Craniectomy allowed for maximal optic nerve and ophthalmic vessel pedicle length. Appropriate pedicle length and vessel caliber for O-ST anastomosis was seen. Research procurement demonstrated collateral blood flow to the orbit and surrounding structures from the external carotid system as well as confirmed the feasibility of timely O-ST anastomosis. Personalized cutting guides enabled highly accurate bony inset.

Conclusions

This study formalizes an approach to FWET, which is feasible for clinical translation in judiciously selected patients. O-ST anastomosis seems to minimize retinal ischemia time and allow perfusion of the combined allograft on a single external carotid pedicle. Although restoration of vision likely remains out of reach, globe survival is possible.

Splicing factor SRSF1 controls autoimmune-related molecular pathways in regulatory T cells distinct from FoxP3

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are vital for maintaining immune self-tolerance, and their impaired function leads to autoimmune disease. Mutations in FoxP3, the master transcriptional regulator of Tregs, leads to immune dysregulation, polyendocrinopathy, enteropathy, X-linked (IPEX) syndrome in humans and the early lethal "scurfy" phenotype with multi-organ autoimmune disease in mice. We recently identified serine/arginine-rich splicing factor 1 (SRSF1) as an indispensable regulator of Treg homeostasis and function. Intriguingly, Treg-conditional SRSF1-deficient mice exhibit early lethal systemic autoimmunity with multi-organ inflammation reminiscent of the scurfy mice. Importantly, SRSF1 is decreased in T cells from patients with the autoimmune disease systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and low SRSF1 levels inversely correlate with disease severity. Given that the Treg-specific deficiency of SRSF1 causes similarly profound autoimmune disease outcomes in mice as the deficiency/mutation in FoxP3, we aimed to evaluate the genes and molecular pathways controlled by these two indispensable regulatory proteins. We performed comparative bioinformatic analyses of transcriptomic profiles of Tregs from Srsf1-knockout mice and two Foxp3 mutant mice--the FoxP3-deficient ΔFoxp3 and the Foxp3 M370I mutant mice. We identified 132 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) unique to Srsf1-ko Tregs, 503 DEGs unique to Foxp3 M370I Tregs, and 1367 DEGs unique to ΔFoxp3 Tregs. Gene set enrichment and pathway analysis of DEGs unique to Srsf1-ko Tregs indicate that SRSF1 controls cytokine and immune response pathways. Conversely, FoxP3 controls pathways involved in DNA replication and cell cycle. Besides the distinct gene signatures, we identified only 30 shared genes between all three Treg mutants, mostly contributing to cytokine and immune defense pathways. Prominent genes included the chemokines CXCR6 and CCL1 and the checkpoint inhibitors FASLG and PDCD1. Thus, we demonstrate that SRSF1 and FoxP3 control common and distinct molecular pathways implicated in autoimmunity. Our analyses suggest that SRSF1 controls crucial immune functions in Tregs contributing to immune tolerance, and perturbations in its levels lead to systemic autoimmunity via mechanisms that are largely distinct from FoxP3.

Productivity and Efficiency of a Department Resident Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Clinic

Background

There has been increasing demand for aesthetic surgery procedures in the United States, highlighting the critical importance of the competence of plastic surgery residents and rigorous methods of aesthetic surgery training.

Objectives

The objective of this study was to review procedures and outcomes from our plastic surgery resident aesthetic clinic. Outcomes and costs were compared to national averages and reports from the literature.

Methods

A retrospective chart review identified all adult patients who presented to the Resident Aesthetic Surgery Clinic at NYU Langone Health in 2021. Patient demographics, comorbidities, procedural data, postoperative complications, revisions, and surgeon fees were compiled. A brief confidence survey was distributed to participating residents before and after their clinic rotation. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS software (Armonk, NY).

Results

In 2021, 144/379 consultations led to an operation (38.0% conversion rate), resulting in 420 distinct surgical procedures. The majority (53.3%) of procedures involved the head and neck. Complication and revision rates were 5.5% and 1.0%, respectively, with surgeon fees consistently below the national average. Residents reported being significantly more confident performing face lifts, rhinoplasties, and aesthetic surgery in general following their clinic rotation.

Conclusions

These data represent the largest annual reported study of plastic surgery resident aesthetic procedures and outcomes, demonstrating the high volume and productivity of the NYU Resident Aesthetic Surgery Clinic. These results further support resident aesthetic clinics as a robust training modality.

Level of Evidence 4

Splicing factor SRSF1 controls distinct molecular programs in regulatory and effector T cells implicated in systemic autoimmune disease

Systemic autoimmune diseases are characterized by hyperactive effector T cells (Teffs), aberrant cytokines and chemokines, and dysfunctional regulatory T cells (Tregs). We previously uncovered new roles for serine/arginine-rich splicing factor 1 (SRSF1) in the control of genes involved in T cell signaling and cytokine production in human T cells. SRSF1 levels are decreased in T cells from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and low levels correlate with severe disease. Moreover, T cell-conditional Srsf1-deficient mice recapitulate the autoimmune phenotype, exhibiting CD4 T cell hyperactivity, dysfunctional Tregs, systemic autoimmunity, and tissue inflammation. However, the role of SRSF1 in controlling molecular programs in Teffs and Tregs and how these pathways are implicated in autoimmunity is not known. Here, by comparative bioinformatics analysis, we demonstrate that SRSF1 controls largely distinct gene programs in Tregs and Teffs in vivo. SRSF1 regulates 189 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) unique to Tregs, 582 DEGs unique to Teffs, and 29 DEGs shared between both. Shared genes included IL-17A, IL-17F, CSF1, CXCL10, and CXCR4, and were highly enriched for inflammatory response and cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction pathways. SRSF1 controls distinct pathways in Tregs, which include chemokine signaling and immune cell differentiation, compared with pathways in Teffs, which include cytokine production, T cell homeostasis, and activation. We identified putative mRNA binding targets of SRSF1 which include CSF1, CXCL10, and IL-17F. Finally, comparisons with transcriptomics profiles from lupus-prone MRL/lpr mice reveal that SRSF1 controls genes and pathways implicated in autoimmune disease. The target genes of SRSF1 and putative binding targets we discovered, have known roles in systemic autoimmunity. Our findings suggest that SRSF1 controls distinct molecular pathways in Tregs and Teffs and aberrant SRSF1 levels may contribute to their dysfunction and immunopathogenesis of systemic autoimmune disease.

Urinary cell transcriptomics and acute rejection in human kidney allografts

BACKGROUNDRNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) is a molecular tool to analyze global transcriptional changes, deduce pathogenic mechanisms, and discover biomarkers. We performed RNA-Seq to investigate gene expression and biological pathways in urinary cells and kidney allograft biopsies during an acute rejection episode and to determine whether urinary cell gene expression patterns are enriched for biopsy transcriptional profiles.METHODSWe performed RNA-Seq of 57 urine samples collected from 53 kidney allograft recipients (patients) with biopsies classified as acute T cell-mediated rejection (TCMR; n = 22), antibody-mediated rejection (AMR; n = 8), or normal/nonspecific changes (No Rejection; n = 27). We also performed RNA-Seq of 49 kidney allograft biopsies from 49 recipients with biopsies classified as TCMR (n = 12), AMR (n = 17), or No Rejection (n = 20). We analyzed RNA-Seq data for differential gene expression, biological pathways, and gene set enrichment across diagnoses and across biospecimens.RESULTSWe identified unique and shared gene signatures associated with biological pathways during an episode of TCMR or AMR compared with No Rejection. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis demonstrated enrichment for TCMR biopsy signature and AMR biopsy signature in TCMR urine and AMR urine, irrespective of whether the biopsy and urine were from the same or different patients. Cell type enrichment analysis revealed a diverse cellular landscape with an enrichment of immune cell types in urinary cells compared with biopsies.CONCLUSIONSRNA-Seq of urinary cells and biopsies, in addition to identifying enriched gene signatures and pathways associated with TCMR or AMR, revealed genomic changes between TCMR and AMR, as well as between allograft biopsies and urinary cells.

Electron microscopy of surface structures of Blastocystis sp. from different hosts

Samples of Blastocystis sp. obtained from humans, monkeys, pigs and chickens were examined by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy to compare surface structures. The surface coat of Blastocystis sp. cells from each host species showed some morphological variations, but these were not sufficiently different to allow judgement to be made on speciation. The surface structure morphology appeared similar for samples of Blastocystis sp. from the same host species. The surface coat of the cultured human isolate of B. hominis was much thinner than that of cells from fresh human faecal material, and the cell surface appeared to be smoother and without the small projections seen in the fresh forms. Bacteria were frequently found in association with the surface coat of Blastocystis sp. from all fresh faecal material. Possible functions of the surface coat, especially in relation to protection against osmotic shock, are discussed.

Morphology of Blastocystis sp. from domestic birds

A study of Blastocystis sp. from domestic birds was undertaken to determine if morphological differences occurred. Fresh faecal material from domestic chickens, ducks and geese and from commercially farmed ostriches was obtained. Blastocystis sp. from chickens was morphologically very different from that from the other hosts, having within the nucleus discrete spots of chromatin rather than a crescentic band (ducks and geese) or an elliptical band (ostrich). A thick surface coat surrounded all Blastocystis sp. cells in the faecal material, with isolates from the ostrich having the thickest surface coat relative to the cell diameter. Cysts were more commonly found in the chicken samples but were also detected in the duck and ostrich samples. This study suggests that three morphologically distinct groups are represented: one in the chicken, one in the ostrich and another in ducks and geese. These tentative conclusions require confirmation by molecular techniques.

Morphology of Blastocystis sp. isolated from circus animals

Blastocystis sp. is reported for the first time from faecal samples collected from a camel, a llama, a highland bull and a lion in a travelling circus. Fresh faecal specimens were examined by light and electron microscopy, and vacuolar and cyst forms of similar morphology were present in all three ungulates. These cells were smaller than cultured vacuolar cells of Blastocystis hominis isolated from humans and contained only a single vacuole in comparison to the multivacuolar cell found in fresh human faeces. The taxonomic relationship of Blastocystis isolated from humans and ungulates remains to be determined. The number of parasites present in the lion sample was too small to make valid comparisons.