Implementation of an evidence-based accelerated pathway: can hospital length of stay for children with blunt solid organ injury be safely decreased?

Background: Recent work has demonstrated that an accelerated pathway for pediatric patients with blunt solid organ injuries is safe; however, this is not well-studied in a dual trauma center. We hypothesized that implementation of an accelerated pathway would decrease length of stay (LOS) and hospitalization cost without increased mortality.

Methods: Retrospective review of patients < 15 years presenting to a dual level 1 trauma center between 2015 and 2020 with traumatic blunt liver and splenic injuries.

Patient Knowledge of Safe Use of ER/LA Opioid Analgesics Following Implementation of the Class-Wide REMS: A Survey Study.

Background/rationale: The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) for extended release/long-acting (ER/LA) opioids in 2012. The purpose of this study was to assess patient knowledge of the safe use of these products following implementation of the REMS and to determine possible effects of the REMS, including impact on medication access.

Objective: To assess patient knowledge of safe use of ER/LA opioids and use of REMS patient education tools such as the Medication Guide (MG) and Patient Counseling Document (PCD).

Automated detection of lung nodules and coronary artery calcium using artificial intelligence on low-dose CT scans for lung cancer screening: accuracy and prognostic value.

Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) in diagnostic radiology is undergoing rapid development. Its potential utility to improve diagnostic performance for cardiopulmonary events is widely recognized, but the accuracy and precision have yet to be demonstrated in the context of current screening modalities. Here, we present findings on the performance of an AI convolutional neural network (CNN) prototype (AI-RAD Companion, Siemens Healthineers) that automatically detects pulmonary nodules and quantifies coronary artery calcium volume (CACV) on low-dose chest CT (LDCT), and compare results to expert radiologists.

Patterns and processes of pathogen exposure in gray wolves across North America.

The presence of many pathogens varies in a predictable manner with latitude, with infections decreasing from the equator towards the poles. We investigated the geographic trends of pathogens infecting a widely distributed carnivore: the gray wolf (Canis lupus). Specifically, we investigated which variables best explain and predict geographic trends in seroprevalence across North American wolf populations and the implications of the underlying mechanisms.

Causes of early mortality in pediatric trauma patients.

Background: Trauma is the leading cause of death in children, and most deaths occur within 24 hours of injury. A better understanding of the causes of death in the immediate period of hospital care is needed.

Methods: Trauma admissions younger than 18 years from 2009 to 2019 at a Level I pediatric trauma center were reviewed for deaths (n = 7,145).

The Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland consensus guidelines in emergency colorectal surgery.

Aim: There is a requirement for an expansive and up to date review of the management of emergency colorectal conditions seen in adults. The primary objective is to provide detailed evidence-based guidelines for the target audience of general and colorectal surgeons who are responsible for an adult population and who practise in Great Britain and Ireland.

Methods: Surgeons who are elected members of the Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland Emergency Surgery Subcommittee were invited to contribute various sections to the guidelines.