Intercostal Nerve Cryoablation During Lobectomy for Postsurgical Pain: A Safe and Cost-Effective Intervention.

Introduction: The cost benefit of intercostal nerve cryoablation during surgical lobectomy for postoperative pain management is unknown. The current study compared hospital economics, resource use, and clinical outcomes during the index stay and accompanying short-term follow-up. Patients who underwent lobectomy with standard of care treatment for postsurgical pain management and cryoablation were compared to those with standard of care treatment only.

Engineering a "muco-trapping" ACE2-immunoglobulin hybrid with picomolar affinity as an inhaled, pan-variant immunotherapy for COVID-19.

Soluble angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) can act as a decoy molecule that neutralizes severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) by blocking spike (S) proteins on virions from binding ACE2 on host cells. Based on structural insights of ACE2 and S proteins, we designed a "muco-trapping" ACE2-Fc conjugate, termed ACE2-(GS)-Fc, comprised of the extracellular segment of ACE2 (lacking the C-terminal collectrin domain) that is linked to mucin-binding IgG1-Fc via an extended glycine-serine flexible linker. ACE2-(GS)-Fc exhibits substantially greater binding affinity and neutralization potency than conventional full length ACE2-Fc decoys or similar truncated ACE2-Fc decoys without flexible linkers, possessing picomolar binding affinity and strong neutralization potency against pseudovirus and live virus.

Evaluation of Cervical Vertebral Motion and Foraminal Changes During the Spurling Test Using Zero Echo Time Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Computed Tomography-Based Micromotion Analysis.

Study Design: Clinical experimental diagnostic study.

Objective: The objective of the study was to investigate cervical spine dynamics including changes in the cervical foramina in patients experiencing intermittent arm radiculopathy.

Background: Cervical foraminal stenosis is a frequent cause of radicular arm pain.

Machine learning-powered compact modeling of stochastic electronic devices using mixture density networks.

The relentless pursuit of miniaturization and performance enhancement in electronic devices has led to a fundamental challenge in the field of circuit design and simulation-how to accurately account for the inherent stochastic nature of certain devices. While conventional deterministic models have served as indispensable tools for circuit designers, they fall short when it comes to capturing the subtle yet critical variability exhibited by many electronic components. In this paper, we present an innovative approach that transcends the limitations of traditional modeling techniques by harnessing the power of machine learning, specifically Mixture Density Networks (MDNs), to faithfully represent and simulate the stochastic behavior of electronic devices.

Studying Translesion DNA Synthesis Using Xenopus In Vitro Systems.

Cell-free extracts derived from Xenopus eggs have been widely used to decipher molecular pathways involved in several cellular processes including DNA synthesis, the DNA damage response, and genome integrity maintenance. We set out assays using Xenopus cell-free extracts to study translesion DNA synthesis (TLS), a branch of the DNA damage tolerance pathway that allows replication of damaged DNA. Using this system, we were able to recapitulate TLS activities that occur naturally in vivo during early embryogenesis.

A practical guide to adopting Bayesian analyses in clinical research.

Background: Bayesian statistical approaches are extensively used in new statistical methods but have not been adopted at the same rate in clinical and translational (C&T) research. The goal of this paper is to accelerate the transition of new methods into practice by improving the C&T researcher's ability to gain confidence in interpreting and implementing Bayesian analyses.

Methods: We developed a Bayesian data analysis plan and implemented that plan for a two-arm clinical trial comparing the effectiveness of a new opioid in reducing time to discharge from the post-operative anesthesia unit and nerve block usage in surgery.

A phase 3 active-controlled trial of liposomal bupivacaine via sciatic nerve block in the popliteal fossa after bunionectomy.

Study Objective: To investigate the efficacy, safety, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacokinetics of liposomal bupivacaine (LB) administered via ultrasound-guided sciatic nerve block in the popliteal fossa in participants undergoing bunionectomy.

Design: Two-part, randomized, double-blind, active-controlled trial (NCT05157841).

Setting: Operating room, postanesthesia care unit, and health care facility (6 sites).

Cervical Foraminal Changes in Patients with Intermittent Arm Radiculopathy Studied with a New MRI-Compatible Compression Device.

Diagnosing cervical foraminal stenosis with intermittent arm radiculopathy is challenging due to discrepancies between MRI findings and symptoms. This can be attributed to the fact that MRI images are often obtained in a relaxed supine position. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility of the Dynamic MRI Compression System (DMRICS) and to assess possible changes in cervical foramina, with both quantitative measurements and qualitative grading systems, with MRI during a simulated Spurling test.

Adult Cannabis Use: An Exploratory Case Study.

Cannabis use is on the rise among adults and older adults managing chronic health conditions in the United States. There is limited understanding of this trend and the factors influencing cannabis use in the health care community. The current study explores the perceptions and experiences of adults and older adults with chronic health conditions who use cannabis regularly.

MRI evaluation of foraminal changes in the cervical spine with assistance of a novel compression device.

Standard supine Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) does not acquire images in a position where most patients with intermittent arm radiculopathy have symptoms. The aim of this study was to test the feasibility of a new compression device and to evaluate image quality and foraminal properties during a Spurling test under MRI acquisition. Ten asymptomatic individuals were included in the study (6 men and 4 women; age range 27 to 55 years).

Xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis: diagnostic complexity and review of the literature.

We report the case of a 39-year-old male presenting with acute onset vomiting and diarrhoea. Initially treated empirically for gastroenteritis, imaging later confirmed a complicated episode of cholecystitis with fistular formation and intra-abdominal cyst. Following cholecystectomy, histology confirmed a case of xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis (XGC).

Stable nebulization and muco-trapping properties of regdanvimab/IN-006 support its development as a potent, dose-saving inhaled therapy for COVID-19.

The respiratory tract represents the key target for antiviral delivery in early interventions to prevent severe COVID-19. While neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (mAb) possess considerable efficacy, their current reliance on parenteral dosing necessitates very large doses and places a substantial burden on the healthcare system. In contrast, direct inhaled delivery of mAb therapeutics offers the convenience of self-dosing at home, as well as much more efficient mAb delivery to the respiratory tract.

Sublingual Sufentanil vs. Intravenous Fentanyl for the Treatment of Acute Postoperative Pain in the Ambulatory Surgery Center: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Objectives: Sublingual sufentanil is a novel opioid medication to treat moderate to severe pain postoperatively. This study's aim was to determine if a single dose of a sublingual sufentanil tablet (SST) is as efficacious as a single dose of intravenous (IV) fentanyl in readiness to discharge from ambulatory surgery.

Methods: This was a two-arm, parallel group, randomized prospective outcomes study conducted at a single, free-standing ambulatory surgery center.

Axial Loading during MRI Induces Lumbar Foraminal Area Changes and Has the Potential to Improve Diagnostics of Nerve Root Compromise.

Lumbar foraminal stenosis is a common cause of lumbar radiculopathy and conventionally assessed with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in supine-positioned patients. An MRI acquired during spine loading may unmask pathology not otherwise revealed in a relaxed position. Therefore, we investigated how spine loading during MRI affects lumbar foramina.

A systematic review of validated classification systems for cervical and lumbar spinal foraminal stenosis based on magnetic resonance imaging.

Purpose: Foraminal stenosis is commonly investigated with radiological methods in patients with radiating pain in extremities. However, there is a lack of consensus regarding the methodology to assess compression of the nerve roots. This systematic review was performed to identify validated classification systems for foraminal stenosis in the lumbar and cervical spine based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Comparing liposomal bupivacaine plus bupivacaine to bupivacaine alone in interscalene blocks for rotator cuff repair surgery: a randomized clinical trial.

Background: Single-injection interscalene brachial plexus blocks are used for analgesia for rotator cuff repair (RCR) but have limited duration. The value of adding liposomal bupivacaine (LB) to prolong single-injection interscalene blocks is unclear. The purpose of this trial is to evaluate the addition of LB to regular bupivacaine interscalene blocks for patients undergoing arthroscopic RCR.

Evaluation of Diaphragmatic Function after Interscalene Block with Liposomal Bupivacaine: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Interscalene blocks provide analgesia for shoulder surgery but also cause phrenic nerve paralysis. Liposomal bupivacaine is approved for use in interscalene blocks with the potential to provide longer pain control. However, the impact of liposomal bupivacaine on the phrenic nerve has not been evaluated.

Bridging the gap: increasing collaboration between research mentors and career development educators for PhD and postdoctoral training success.

National reports and funding mandates have called for trainee-centered PhD and postdoctoral training and the need to support diverse career outcomes. As a result, career and professional development (CPD) resources have expanded at several institutions. Despite the growth of innovative and impactful CPD resources, access to and awareness of resources have been inconsistent and inequitable for graduate and postdoctoral trainees.

TAILORING SCIENTIFIC COMMUNICATIONS FOR AUDIENCE AND RESEARCH NARRATIVE.

For success in research careers, scientists must be able to communicate their research questions, findings, and significance to both expert and nonexpert audiences. Scientists commonly disseminate their research using specialized communication products such as research articles, grant proposals, poster presentations, and scientific talks. The style and content of these communication products differ from language usage of the general public and can be difficult for nonexperts to follow and access.

Trends in nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment concentrations and loads in streams draining to Lake Tahoe, California, Nevada, USA.

Lake Tahoe, a large freshwater lake of the eastern Sierra Nevada in California and Nevada, has 63 tributaries that are sources of nutrients and sediment to the lake. The Tahoe watershed is relatively small, and the surface area of the lake occupies about 38% of the watershed area (1313 km). Only about 6% of the watershed is urbanized or residential land, and as part of a plan to maintain water clarity, wastewater is exported out of the basin.