Phase 1 study of concomitant tumor treating fields and temozolomide chemoradiation for newly diagnosed glioblastoma.

Background: Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and aggressive primary brain tumor and has limited effective therapies. Tumor treating fields (TTF; Optune Gio) is an FDA-approved device with data supporting a significant survival benefit and minimal toxicity when added to maintenance chemotherapy. Uptake in clinical practice is not universal and might improve if a shorter duration of treatment is feasible.

Mechanisms of Swallowing, Speech and Voice Disorders in Parkinson's Disease: Literature Review with Our First Evidence for the Periperal Nervous System Involvement.

The majority of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) develop swallowing, speech, and voice (SSV) disorders. Importantly, swallowing difficulty or dysphagia and related aspiration are life-threatening conditions for PD patients. Although PD treatments have significant therapeutic effects on limb motor function, their effects on SSV disorders are less impressive.

Focal Application of Neurotrophic Factors Augments Outcomes of Nerve-Muscle-Endplate Grafting Technique for Limb Muscle Reinnervation.

Background:  We have developed a novel muscle reinnervation technique called "nerve-muscle-endplate grafting (NMEG) in the native motor zone (NMZ)." This study aimed to augment the outcomes of the NMEG-NMZ (NN) by focal application of exogenous neurotrophic factors (ENFs) for limb reinnervation.

Methods:  Adult rats were used to conduct NN plus ENF (NN/ENF) and autologous nerve grafting (ANG, technique control).

Reinnervation of Paralyzed Limb Muscle by Nerve-Muscle-Endplate Grafting Technique.

Background: We have developed a novel reinnervation technique called nerve-muscle-endplate grafting in the native motor zone (NMEG-NMZ). However, it remains unknown whether the NMEG-NMZ is effective for limb reinnervation.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of the NMEG-NMZ in limb muscle reinnervation.

Histopathologic findings in laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: is routine full pathologic evaluation indicated?

Background: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is the most commonly performed bariatric surgery. The resected gastric segment is routinely sent for pathology evaluation. No formal national recommendation exists that mandates pathology review.

Hydroxychloroquine, azithromycin and methylprednisolone and in hospital survival in severe COVID-19 pneumonia.

Severe COVID-19 pneumonia has two phases that are not mutually exclusive. Repurposed drugs target only one phase and the association of combination therapy to survival is unknown. To determine the association of hydroxychloroquine, azithromycin, and methylprednisolone versus methylprednisolone only to in hospital survival.

Natural killer cells activity against multiple myeloma cells is modulated by osteoblast-induced IL-6 and IL-10 production.

Background: Natural killer (NK) cells are part of the innate arm of the immune system; as such NK cells can be activated rapidly to target virus-infected cells and tumor cells without prior sensitization. The human NK-92MI cell line is among the most widely used NK cell in preclinical research studies and has also been approved for clinical applications. Previous studies have shown that osteoblasts (OSB) confer drug resistance in multiple myeloma (MM) and other cancers that metastasize to the bone marrow.

Racial/ethnic disparities on inflammation and response to methylprednisolone in severe COVID-19 pneumonia.

Background: Racial/ethnic minorities are at higher risk for severe COVID-19. This may be related to social determinants that lead to chronic inflammatory states. The aims of the study were to determine if there are racial/ethnic disparities with inflammatory markers and association of methylprednisolone to in hospital survival.

Methylprednisolone, venous thromboembolism, and association with heparin to 30 days in hospital survival in severe Covid-19 pneumonia.

Background: Mortality in severe COVID-19 pneumonia is associated with thrombo-inflammation. Corticosteroids are given to attenuate the inflammation, but they are associated with thrombosis. The aims of this study were to determine the risk of venous thromboembolism between no methylprednisolone and methylprednisolone (dose versus duration) and to evaluate any synergistic dose-dependent association of heparin and methylprednisolone to 30 days in hospital survival.

Morphometric and Immunohistochemical Characteristics of the Adult Human Soft Palate Muscles.

The soft palate is the only structure that reversibly separates the respiratory and gastrointestinal systems. Most species can eat and breathe at the same time. Humans cannot do this and malfunction of the soft palate may allow food to enter the lungs and cause fatal aspiration pneumonia.

Limb Muscle Reinnervation with the Nerve-Muscle-Endplate Grafting Technique: An Anatomical Feasibility Study.

Background: Peroneal nerve injuries results in tibialis anterior (TA) muscle paralysis. TA paralysis could cause "foot drop," a disabling condition that can make walking difficult. As current treatment methods result in poor functional recovery, novel treatment approaches need to be studied.

Efficacy of expressive helping in adult hematologic cancer patients undergoing stem cell transplant: protocol for the Writing for Insight, Strength, and Ease (WISE) study's two-arm randomized controlled trial.

Background: During, shortly after, and sometimes for years after hematopoietic stem cell transplant, a large proportion of hematological cancer patients undergoing transplant report significant physical and psychological symptoms and reduced health-related quality of life. To address these survivorship problems, we developed a low-burden, brief psychological intervention called expressive helping that includes two theory- and evidence-based components designed to work together synergistically: emotionally expressive writing and peer support writing. Building on evidence from a prior randomized control trial showing reductions in physical symptoms and distress in long-term transplant survivors with persistent survivorship problems, the Writing for Insight, Strength, and Ease (WISE) trial will evaluate the efficacy of expressive helping when used during transplant and in the early post-transplant period, when symptoms peak, and when intervention could prevent development of persistent symptoms.

Adherence to a strict medication protocol can reduce length of stay in hospitalized patients with Parkinson's Disease.

Background: Patients with Parkinson's Disease (PD) are at higher risk of complications when admitted to the hospital. Delays in PD medications and use of contraindicated medications contribute to the increased risk and prolong their lengths of stay (LOS). Using a hospital-wide PD protocol, we aimed to ensure PD medications were placed with "custom" timing to resemble the home schedules, and also to avoid ordering or administering contraindicated medications.

Methylprednisolone and 60 Days in Hospital Survival in Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pneumonia.

Objectives: To determine methylprednisolone's dose, duration, and administration from onset of symptoms and association with 60 days in hospital survival of coronavirus disease 2019 pneumonia.

Design: Cohort study.

Setting: Thirteen hospitals in New Jersey, United States during March to June 2020.

Efficacy of anastrozole in the treatment of hypogonadal, subfertile men with body mass index ≥25 kg/m.

Background: Anastrozole is a non-steroidal fourth generation aromatase inhibitor that stops the conversion of testosterone to estradiol and has been used as empiric medical therapy for the treatment of male infertility in men with an abnormal testosterone-to-estradiol ratio <10 in order to increase endogenous testosterone levels. This study sought to evaluate the efficacy of anastrozole in the treatment of hypogonadal, subfertile men with body mass index greater than 25 mg/kg with respect to hormonal profile, semen parameters and overall fertility status.

Methods: Retrospective chart review was performed of hypogonadal, subfertile men with body mass index ≥25 kg/m who were treated with anastrozole (1 mg daily).

Persistence of symptoms and quality of life at 35 days after hospitalization for COVID-19 infection.

Background: Characterizing the prevalence and persistence of symptoms associated with COVID-19 infection following hospitalization and their impact is essential to planning post-acute community-based clinical services. This study seeks to identify persistent COVID-19 symptoms in patients 35 days post-hospitalization and their impact on quality of life, health, physical, mental, and psychosocial function.

Methods And Findings: This prospective cohort study used the PROMIS® Instruments to identify symptoms and quality of life parameters in consecutively enrolled patients between March 22 and April 16, 2020, in New Jersey.

What happens to 35 week infants that receive delivery room continuous positive airway pressure?

Objective: Delivery room (DR) continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is increasing. Our study examined the risk for neonatal morbidities after DR CPAP in 35 week neonates.

Study Design: A retrospective study of 259 infants born at 35 weeks gestational age between January 1, 2017-December 31, 2018 at a single center.

Innervation of human soft palate muscles.

Our objective was to determine the branching and distribution of the motor nerves supplying the human soft palate muscles. Six adult specimens of the soft palate in continuity with the pharynx, larynx, and tongue were processed with Sihler's stain, a technique that can render large specimens transparent while counterstaining their nerves. The cranial nerves were identified and dissection followed their branches as they divided into smaller divisions toward their terminations in individual muscles.

Early Detection of Deep Venous Thrombosis in Trauma Patients.

Background This study was performed to determine whether trauma patients are at an increased risk of developing deep venous thrombosis (DVT) within the first 48 hours of hospitalization. Materials and methods A retrospective review was performed using a prospectively maintained database of patients admitted to a trauma center during a five-year time period. Patients hospitalized for greater than 48 hours who received a screening venous duplex for DVT were included in the study.

Insurance-Mandated Medical Weight Management Programs in Sleeve Gastrectomy Patients Do Not Improve Postoperative Weight Loss Outcomes at 1 Year.

Background/introduction: Qualification for bariatric surgery is based upon strict medical guidelines, but individual insurance companies may introduce additional requirements for approval and coverage as they deem necessary. A mandatory preoperative medical weight loss management (MWM) program is commonly such a requirement.

Objective: The primary objective of this study is to assess the effect of MWM programs on weight loss outcomes.

Geriatric Consultation Reduces High-risk Medication Usage at Discharge in Elderly Trauma Patients.

Background Traumatic injury in a growing geriatric population is associated with higher mortality and complication rates. Geriatric consultation (GC) is vital in reducing risk factors that contribute to adverse outcomes. This study aims to determine if receiving a GC had an impact on high-risk medication usage.

Large series examining laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding as a salvage solution for failed gastric bypass.

Background: The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) has long been considered the gold standard of weight loss procedures. However, there is limited evidence on revisional options with both minimal risk and long-term weight loss results.

Objective: To examine percent excess weight loss, change in body mass index (BMI), and complications in patients who underwent laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) over prior RYGB.