Functional Outcomes and Successful Predictors of Lumbar Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injections (LTFESIs) for Lumbar Radiculopathy Under Fluoroscopic Guidance: A Prospective Study.

Background: Lumbar radiculopathy, a common and debilitating condition, often necessitates a multimodal approach for effective management. Lumbar transforaminal epidural steroid injection (LTFESI) has emerged as a valuable therapeutic option when conservative measures fall short. Recent interest in long-acting and non-particulate steroids prompts a critical examination of their impact on LTFESI outcomes.

Two new species of Pseudosmittia Edwards, 1932 from India with a key to Oriental species adult males (Diptera: Chironomidae: Orthocladiinae).

In this study, we described and illustrated two new species, Pseudosmittia luna and Pseudosmittia valida based on the adult males from the plains of West Bengal, India. A DNA barcode of Pseudosmittia luna sp. n.

A grid matrix-based Raman spectroscopic method to characterize different cell milieu in biopsied axillary sentinel lymph nodes of breast cancer patients.

Raman spectroscopy which is based upon inelastic scattering of photons has a potential to emerge as a noninvasive bedside in vivo or ex vivo molecular diagnostic tool. There is a need to improve the sensitivity and predictability of Raman spectroscopy. We developed a grid matrix-based tissue mapping protocol to acquire cellular-specific spectra that also involved digital microscopy for localizing malignant and lymphocytic cells in sentinel lymph node biopsy sample.

Innovative telementoring for pain management: project ECHO pain.

Introduction: Project ECHO Pain, the innovative telementoring program for health professionals, was developed in 2009 at the University Of New Mexico Health Sciences Center to fill considerable gaps in pain management expertise. Substantive continuing education for clinicians who practice in rural and underserved communities convenes weekly by means of telehealth technology. Case-based learning, demonstrations, and didactics are incorporated into the interprofessional program that helps to improve pain management in the primary care setting.

Building capacity to reduce disparities in diabetes: training community health workers using an integrated distance learning model.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine whether an innovative interactive distance training program is an effective modality to train community health workers (CHWs) to become members of the diabetes health care team. The University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center has developed a rigorous diabetes training program for CHWs involving both distance and hands-on learning as part of Project ECHO™ (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes).

Methods: Twenty-three diverse CHW participants from across New Mexico were enrolled in the first training session.