Recent Advances in Perioperative Analgesia in Thoracic Surgery: A Narrative Review.

Thoracic surgery is associated with significant postoperative pain, which can hinder recovery and elevate morbidity risks. Traditionally, epidural anesthesia has been the cornerstone for pain management, but its drawbacks including technical challenges, side effects, and complications necessitate exploring alternative methods. This narrative review examined recent advances in perioperative analgesic strategies in thoracic surgery, focusing on regional anesthetic techniques like paravertebral blocks (PVBs), erector spinae plane blocks (ESPBs), intercostal blocks, and serratus anterior blocks.

Health Care Utilisation and Unmet Needs in Survivors of Head and Neck Cancer in Regional Australia: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

Background: The post-treatment survivorship period marks the transition away from acute care and poses distinct challenges for individuals with head and neck cancer (HNC). This can be especially challenging for people in regional areas who travel long distances to access care and experience unique challenges in accessing health services.

Aim: To investigate unmet needs and healthcare utilisation of survivors of HNC in regional areas.

Epidemiology of watersport related traumatic spinal cord injuries in New Zealand (2007-2021).

Background: To investigate the incidence, demographic characteristics, etiologies, surgical interventions, hospital stays, and neurologic outcomes associated with watersport-related traumatic spinal cord injuries (TSCI) in New Zealand.

Methods: Retrospective study collected data from New Zealand's two spinal rehabilitation units, the Auckland Spinal Rehabilitation Unit (ASRU) and the Burwood Spinal Unit (BSU). It included adults aged over 16 years, between January 2007 and December 2021 with new TSCI secondary to traumatic watersport activities.

An emerging fungal disease is spreading across the globe and affecting the blueberry industry.

Powdery mildew is an economically important disease caused by c. 1000 different fungal species. Erysiphe vaccinii is an emerging powdery mildew species that is impacting the blueberry industry.