The selective DReceptor antagonist VK4-116 reverses loss of insight caused by self-administration of cocaine in rats.

Chronic psychostimulant use causes long-lasting changes to neural and cognitive function that persist after long periods of abstinence. As cocaine users transition from drug use to abstinence, a parallel transition from hyperactivity to hypoactivity has been found in orbitofrontal-striatal glucose metabolism and striatal D/D-receptor activity. Targeting these changes pharmacologically, using highly selective dopamine D-receptor (DR) antagonists and partial agonists, has shown promise in reducing drug-taking, and attenuating relapse in animal models of cocaine and opioid use disorder.

Perioperative use of low dose haloperidol safely reduces episodes of postoperative nausea/vomiting and length of stay following elective minimally invasive bariatric surgery.

Introduction: While total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) protocols include Dexamethasone and Ondansetron prophylaxis, bariatric patients continue to be considered at particularly high risk for postoperative nausea/vomiting (PONV). A multimodal approach for prophylaxis is recommended by the Bariatric Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Society however, there remains a lack of consensus on the optimal strategy to manage PONV in these patients. Haloperidol has been shown at low doses to have a therapeutic effect in treatment of refractory nausea and in PONV prophylaxis in other high risk surgical populations.

The selective D3-Receptor antagonist VK4-116 effectively treats behavioral inflexibility in rats caused by self-administration and withdrawal from cocaine.

Chronic psychostimulant use can cause long lasting changes to neural and cognitive function that persist even after long periods of abstinence. As cocaine users transition from drug use to abstinence, a parallel transition from hyperactivity to hypoactivity has been found in orbitofrontal-striatal glucose metabolism, and striatal D2/D3 receptor activity. Targeting these changes pharmacologically, using highly selective dopamine D3 receptor (DR) antagonists and partial agonists, has shown significant promise in reducing drug-taking, and attenuating relapse in animal models of cocaine and opioid use disorder.

Otolaryngology consultations for COVID-19 patients: A retrospective cohort study of indications, interventions, and considerations.

Objective: To identify differences in inpatient otolaryngology consultations and interventions for patients based on COVID-19.

Methods: Records were reviewed for all patients for whom otolaryngology was consulted at a high-volume tertiary care hospital from April 30, 2020 to October 1, 2020. Demographic information, length of stay, COVID-19 status, indication for consultation, and otolaryngology interventions were recorded.

Perceptions, training experiences, and preferences of surgical residents toward laparoscopic simulation training: a resident survey.

Introduction: Simulation training for surgical residents can shorten learning curves, improve technical skills, and expedite competency. Several studies have shown that skills learned in the simulated environment are transferable to the operating room. Residency programs are trying to incorporate simulation into the resident training curriculum to supplement the hands-on experience gained in the operating room.

A rare cause of submandibular swelling in a 12-year-old child: pleomorphic adenoma.

Pleomorphic adenoma is rare in pediatric populations, where viral and congenital problems are the usual culprits responsible for submandibular masses. We report the case of a 12-year-old child who presented with a painless right submandibular mass that had developed over the course of 4 months. The patient denied fever, erythema, and edema.

Do laparoscopic skills transfer to robotic surgery?

Background: Identifying the set of skills that can transfer from laparoscopic to robotic surgery is an important consideration in designing optimal training curricula. We tested the degree to which laparoscopic skills transfer to a robotic platform.

Methods: Fourteen medical students and 14 surgery residents with no previous robotic but varying degrees of laparoscopic experience were studied.

Construct and face validity of a virtual reality-based camera navigation curriculum.

Introduction: Camera handling and navigation are essential skills in laparoscopic surgery. Surgeons rely on camera operators, usually the least experienced members of the team, for visualization of the operative field. Essential skills for camera operators include maintaining orientation, an effective horizon, appropriate zoom control, and a clean lens.

Transvaginal NOTES hybrid cholecystectomy.

Background: Initial reports confirm the safety and feasibility of natural orifice transluminal eendoscopic surgery (NOTES) transvaginal hybrid cholecystectomy (TVC). Benefits of TVC include no visible scars, less pain, and shorter recovery. The authors describe a single surgeon's initial experience with TVC through his first 20 cases.

Video assisted thoracoscopic resection of a posterior mediastinal Castleman's tumor.

Castleman's disease (CD) or angiofollicular lymph node hyperplasia is a rare spectrum of lymphoproliferative disorders. CD tumors are commonly localized in the mediastinum and are usually asymptomatic. The mainstay of treatment is surgical resection and has typically been performed using open thoracotomy.