Incorporating Demographic Structure and Variable Interaction Types into Community Assembly Models

Theoretical studies of ecological food webs have allowed ecologists to remove the constraints of specific location and timescales from their study of ecological communities; food webs are generally complex and thus empirical study is difficult. Further, this theoretical approach allows ecologists to compare ecological processes and outcomes across any possible food web structures. However, these simulated communities are only as useful as the model from which they were constructed. Modifying existing considerations in these models, and generating new ones, are the jobs of theoretical ecologists that seek to achieve the shared goal of a majority of simulations: representation of real natural systems. However, there are many different models that have been developed, all by individuals with varying approaches to achieving biologically realistic results. The difficulty of comparing and combining every single model is not a feat any one study or model can be expected to accomplish. Instead, the paired studies presented here seek to examine two ubiquitous features of ecological communities that are often omitted from food web models: stage-structured interactions, and networks of varied ecological interaction types. By generating the results of these differing models, the effects of combining approaches on the assembly and stability of communities can be examined

Unstable distal radius fractures fixation with a 2.4 mm volar variable-angle locking plate: radiological and functional assessment

Background: The main objective of this observational study was to evaluate the functional and radiological outcome of variable angle volar plates in intra-articular distal end radius fractures. Methods: Patients with distal end radius fractures (AO type 3C) treated operatively between Jan 2020 and Dec 2020 and then followed up for at least 12 months. A total of 32 patients (11 men and 21 women) with a mean age of 51.9 years were included in the study. The functional outcome was assessed by using modified Mayo wrist score (MMWS), disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) score, wrist range of motion (ROM) and grip strength relative to the uninjured side and radiological assessment of radial height, volar tilt, and radial inclination. Results: MMWS and DASH scores improved postoperatively over time. Signs of radiographic union started around 12 weeks after surgery. The most common complication observed was finger and wrist stiffness, which was resolved with active wrist and finger movements. Non-union or hardware-related complications/ late complications such as tendon irritation/attrition were not observed with variable angle volar locking plates. Conclusions: Distal end radius fracture fixation with variable angle plate gives favourable radiological and clinical outcomes. These results can be owed to features such as low profile, variable locking, anatomical design and implant biomechanics. The surgeon determined angulation of the distal row of screw fixation may decrease the incidence of joint penetration and improve fixation of radial styloid and lunate facet stability

Utility of circulating tumor DNA for predicting prognosis in the management of resectable pancreatic cancer

Background: The measurement of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) has been studied in several malignancies, including metastatic pancreatic cancer, but less is known about its utility in monitoring treatment response and recurrence in resectable pancreatic cancer. Methods: We conducted a systematic review of the literature examining the association of ctDNA with overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival. Results: Five articles met our exclusion criteria. Baseline and/or postoperative ctDNA was found to be associated with decreased OS and recurrence-free survival. Discussion: ctDNA has the potential to be used as a prognostic biomarker and to guide therapy in resectable pancreatic cancer

Combating the COVID-19 pandemic in a resource-constrained setting: insights from initial response in India

The low-and-middle-income country (LMIC) context is volatile, uncertain and resource-constrained. India, an LMIC, has put up a complex response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Using an analytic approach, we have described India’s response to combat the pandemic during the initial months (from 17 January to 20 April 2020). India issued travel advisories and implemented graded international border controls between January and March 2020. By early March, cases started to surge. States scaled up movement restrictions. On 25 March, India went into a nationwide lockdown to ramp up preparedness. The lockdown uncovered contextual vulnerabilities and stimulated countermeasures. India leveraged existing legal frameworks, institutional mechanisms and administrative provisions to respond to the pandemic. Nevertheless, the cross-sectoral impact of the initial combat was intense and is potentially long-lasting. The country could have further benefited from evidence-based policy and planning attuned to local needs and vulnerabilities. Experience from India offers insights to nations, especially LMICs, on the need to have contextualised pandemic response plans