Race-modified estimated glomerular filtration rate underestimates chronic kidney disease prevalence in Black patients undergoing partial and radical nephrectomy: Implications for surgical planning.

Introduction: In estimated glomerular filtration rate equations (eGFR), the race multiplier (RM) yields greater eGFR values and may assign less severe chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages to black individuals. When deciding on appropriateness for partial nephrectomy (PN), patients with CKD are often considered a relative or absolute indication. We hypothesize that the eGFR RM may have ramifications for patients being counseled for radical nephrectomy (RN) versus PN to manage their renal tumor.

Hand functioning in progressive multiple sclerosis improves with tDCS added to daily exercises: A home-based randomized, double-blinded, sham-controlled clinical trial.

Background: Many individuals with progressive multiple sclerosis (PMS) are challenged by reduced manual dexterity and limited rehabilitation options. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) during motor training can improve rehabilitation outcomes. We developed a protocol for remotely supervising tDCS to deliver sessions of stimulation paired with training at home.

Medical malpractice litigation after total shoulder arthroplasty: a comprehensive analysis based on the Westlaw legal database.

Introduction: Orthopedic surgery is one of the most common subspecialties subject to medical malpractice claims. Although total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) is associated with favorable patient outcomes and relatively low complication rates, surgeons performing this procedure may be subject to malpractice litigation leading to significant economic and psychological burden on the provider. The purpose of this study is to characterize and describe malpractice claims against orthopedic surgeons performing TSA using the Westlaw legal database.

Tolerability and feasibility of at-home remotely supervised transcranial direct current stimulation (RS-tDCS): Single-center evidence from 6,779 sessions.

Introduction: The ability to deploy transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) at home is a key usability advantage to support scaling for pivotal clinical trials. We have established a home-based tDCS protocol for use in clinical trials termed remotely supervised (RS)-tDCS.

Objective: To report the tolerability and feasibility of tDCS sessions completed to date using RS-tDCS in clinical trials.

Virtual reality is a feasible intervention platform in multiple sclerosis: A pilot protocol and acute improvements in affect.

Background: People living with multiple sclerosis (MS) experience a high symptom burden that interferes with daily functioning. Virtual reality (VR) is an emerging technology with a range of potential therapeutic applications that may include ameliorating the experience of some common MS symptoms.

Objective: We tested the feasibility and tolerability of a VR intervention and its preliminary effects on affect.

Upper Extremity Motor Fatigability as an Early Indicator in Pediatric Onset Multiple Sclerosis.

Aim: To adopt a computer-based protocol to assess grip fatigability in patients with pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis to provide detection of subtle motor involvement identifying those patients most at risk for future decline.

Method: Pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis patients were recruited during routine outpatient visits to complete a grip assessment and compared to a group of healthy age- and sex-matched controls. All participants completed a computer-based measurement of standard maximal grip strength and repetitive and sustained grip performance measured by dynamic and static fatigue indices.

Real-time PCR-based serotyping of Streptococcus agalactiae.

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is an encapsulated, gram-positive pathogen that is an important cause of neonatal invasive infections, including sepsis and meningitis. There are ten known GBS serotypes based on distinct capsule compositions (Ia, Ib, II-IX), and current candidate capsular polysaccharide conjugate vaccines target only a subset of these. Serotyping of GBS isolates is important for understanding local epidemiology and for monitoring for serotype replacement or capsular switching.