Hormonal basis of sex differences in anesthetic sensitivity.

General anesthesia-a pharmacologically induced reversible state of unconsciousness-enables millions of life-saving procedures. Anesthetics induce unconsciousness in part by impinging upon sexually dimorphic and hormonally sensitive hypothalamic circuits regulating sleep and wakefulness. Thus, we hypothesized that anesthetic sensitivity should be sex-dependent and modulated by sex hormones.

Inequalities in Meningioma Survival: Results from the National Cancer Database.

Background Meningiomas are the second most common primary tumors of the central nervous system. However, there is a paucity of literature examining how healthcare, demographic, and socioeconomic factors impact patient outcomes. Methods We conducted a retrospective study of 65,812 patients from the National Cancer Database (NCDB; 2004-2012) who received treatment for their meningioma.

Predictors of Neurological Outcome Following Subaxial Cervical Spine Trauma.

Background The treatment of traumatic subaxial cervical spine injuries remains controversial. The American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) impairment scale (AIS) is a widely-used metric to score neurological function after spinal cord injury (SCI). Here, we evaluated the outcomes of patients who underwent treatment of subaxial cervical spine injuries to identify predictors of neurologic function after injury and treatment.

Learning active sensing strategies using a sensory brain-machine interface.

Diverse organisms, from insects to humans, actively seek out sensory information that best informs goal-directed actions. Efficient active sensing requires congruity between sensor properties and motor strategies, as typically honed through evolution. However, it has been difficult to study whether active sensing strategies are also modified with experience.

Growth of Lumbosacral Perineural (Tarlov) Cysts: A Natural History Analysis.

Background: Tarlov cysts (TC) are commonly found spinal perineural cysts. Symptomatic TCs are rare, however, and there is no consensus on their pathogenesis and optimal management.

Objective: To characterize cyst growth in patients with symptomatic TCs.

Predictors of Failure of Nonoperative Management Following Subaxial Spine Trauma and Creation of Modified Subaxial Injury Classification System.

Background: Subaxial cervical spine injuries may be treated with either nonoperative stabilization or surgical fixation. The subaxial injury classification (SLIC) provides 1 method for suggesting the degree of necessity for surgery. In the current study, we examined if the SLIC score, or other preoperative metrics, can predict failure of nonoperative management.

Outcome differences in adolescent blunt severe polytrauma patients managed at pediatric versus adult trauma centers.

Background: Previous research suggests adolescent trauma patients can be managed equally effectively at pediatric and adult trauma centers. We sought to determine whether this association would be upheld for adolescent severe polytrauma patients. We hypothesized that no difference in adjusted outcomes would be observed between pediatric trauma centers (PTCs) and adult trauma centers (ATCs) for this population.

A Preliminary Analysis of Compassion Satisfaction and Compassion Fatigue With Considerations for Nursing Unit Specialization and Demographic Factors.

Compassion fatigue (CF), or vicarious traumatization, is a state of physical/emotional distress that results from caring for those experiencing pain. We sought to characterize levels of CF in intensive care unit (ICU) and oncology nursing populations with subanalyses comparing specific personal/professional demographic factors. The Professional Quality of Life (ProQOL) scale, a validated tool for assessing CF, burnout (BO), and compassion satisfaction (CS), was distributed to the ICU and oncology divisions of a community hospital.

An epidemiologic overview of 13 years of firearm hospitalizations in Pennsylvania.

Background: Gun violence is a controversial public health issue plagued by a lack of recent research. We sought to provide a 13-y overview of firearm hospitalizations in Pennsylvania, analyzing trends in mode, intent, and outcome. We hypothesized that no adjusted change in mortality or functional status at discharge (FSD) would be observed for gunshot wound (GSW) victims over the study period.

Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation and Warfarin: A Lethal Combination in Traumatic Brain Injury.

Polyunsaturated fatty acids such as omega-3 eicosapentaenoic acid and omega-6 docosahexaenoic acid, found in over-the-counter fish oil supplements, are often consumed for their beneficial, prophylactic, anti-inflammatory effects. Although the mechanisms of action are not fully known, a diet rich in polyunsaturated fats may reduce the risk of hyperlipidemia, atherosclerosis, high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, hypertension, and inflammatory diseases. Masked by its many benefits, the risks of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation are often underappreciated, particularly its ability to inhibit platelet aggregation and promote bleeding in patients taking anticoagulant medications.

Big children or little adults? A statewide analysis of adolescent isolated severe traumatic brain injury outcomes at pediatric versus adult trauma centers.

Background: The appropriate managing center for adolescent trauma patients is debated. We sought to determine whether outcome differences existed for adolescent severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI) patients treated at pediatric versus adult trauma centers. We hypothesized that no difference in mortality, functional status at discharge (FSD), or overall complication rate would be observed between center types.