Publications by authors named "M Whitney"
Purpose Of Review: Chronic pain affects approximately 1.5 billion people worldwide, representing the leading cause of disability and a significant financial burden on healthcare systems. Conventional treatments, such as opioids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, are frequently linked to adverse effects, including dependency and gastrointestinal issues, and often offer limited long-term relief.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- - Menopause occurs between ages 45 and 55, marking the end of a woman's reproductive years, and often involves overlooked pain such as musculoskeletal discomfort, headaches, and vulvovaginal pain.
- - The causes of menopausal pain are complex, tied to hormonal changes, psychosocial factors, and genetics, which can worsen perception of pain due to issues like mood disorders and lack of sleep.
- - The article calls for more research to better understand menopausal pain and emphasizes the importance of effective management strategies to improve the wellbeing and quality of life for women during this transition.
Perineuronal nets (PNNs), a specialized form of extra cellular matrix (ECM), surround numerous neurons in the CNS and allow synaptic connectivity through holes in its structure. We hypothesize that PNNs serve as gatekeepers that guard and protect synaptic territory and thus may stabilize an engram circuit. We present high-resolution and 3D EM images of PNN-engulfed neurons in mice brains, showing that synapses occupy the PNN holes and that invasion of other cellular components is rare.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Sugammadex, aprepitant, and fosaprepitant are increasingly used perioperatively. These medications may interfere with the effectiveness of hormonal contraception. This study assessed anesthesia providers' use of sugammadex and aprepitant, their knowledge of interactions with hormonal birth control, and patient counseling practices to identify possible knowledge gaps or opportunities for practice improvement.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFStudents as Teachers is a 7-month student-led elective that equips first- and second-year medical students with teaching skills. Pre- and post-course surveys measured participants' knowledge and confidence level in the course's learning objectives such as creating lesson plans, engaging learners, and assessing understanding. Eleven students participated in the course and 10 students completed the pre- and post-course surveys.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF