mSphere of Influence: Revisiting the central dogma, again!

Dr. Parimal Samir works in the field of host-pathogen interactions. In this mSphere of Influence article, he reflects on how the manuscript entitled " gene synthesis by an antiviral reverse transcriptase" by Samuel Sternberg and colleagues made an impact by reminding him that there is still so much to discover in life sciences.

Middle meningeal artery embolization alone versus combined with conventional surgery in the management of chronic subdural hematoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: To compare outcomes of middle meningeal artery embolization (MMAE) alone versus combined with conventional surgery in the management of chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH).

Methods: A systematic literature search was performed on PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and CINAHL, followed by a meta-analysis comparing recurrence rates, surgical rescue, mortality, in-hospital complications, and length of hospital stay was conducted. Mean differences and risk ratios were pooled using a random effects model, with subgroup analysis performed using Cochrane RevMan 5.

Design, fabrication, and calibration of a micromachined thermocouple for biological applications in temperature monitoring.

This paper presents a microneedle thermocouple probe designed for temperature measurements in biological samples, addressing a critical need in the field of biology. Fabricated on a Silicon-On-Insulator (SOI) wafer, the probe features a doped silicon (Si)/chrome (Cr)/gold (Au) junction, providing a high Seebeck coefficient, rapid response times, and excellent temperature resolution. The microfabrication process produces a microneedle with a triangular sensing junction.

Mild burn amplifies the locomotive depression in demyelinated mice without muscle pathophysiological changes.

Introduction: Patients with mild burns take most accounts, however, the impact of mild burns is less known. Nerve destruction leads to muscle atrophy. We posit that even mild burn injury could worsen demyelinated nerves related to muscle pathophysiological impairment.

The Controversy over Price Transparency: Patients and Plastic Surgeons Disagree.

Background: The No Surprises Act (NSA) went into effect on January 1, 2022. This federal law is designed to minimize surprise bills for emergency care, out of network (OON) care, and care for uninsured or self-pay individuals. To achieve these goals, the NSA relies heavily on physicians providing cost estimates to patients prior to administering care.

Racial and Ethnic Differences in Traumatic Brain Injury Outcomes From 2009 to 2023: Protocol for a Systematic Review.

Background: In 2009, Gary and colleagues reviewed prior research examining racial and ethnic differences in outcomes after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Over the past 15 years, advances in research and changes in the demographic composition of the United States warrant a comprehensive understanding of racial and ethnic disparities after TBI.

Objective: A systematic review will be conducted to examine racial and ethnic differences in TBI outcomes from 2009 to 2023.

Differences in Advanced Therapeutic Modalities for Overactive Bladder in the United States by Race.

Objective: To investigate the impact of race on prescription patterns of therapies for overactive bladder (OAB).

Methods: The TriNetX Diamond network was queried to identify adult females with a diagnosis of urinary urgency incontinence (UUI) or OAB, excluding those with stress incontinence or mixed incontinence. Treatments were defined as behavioral, medical, or minimally invasive in accordance with American Urological Association (AUA) guidelines.

Health literacy after traumatic brain injury: characterisation and control comparison.

Background Little is known about health literacy in traumatic brain injury (TBI) survivors. The aims of this study were to compare health literacy in individuals with TBI with that of a control group; to examine the association between health literacy in individuals with TBI and demographic, injury, and cognitive factors; and compare the relationship between health literacy and physical and mental health outcomes. Methods A cross-sectional observational study design was used.

Return to play and performance after patellar fracture in American professional sports: a case-control cohort analysis.

Objectives: This study describes the effects of patellar fracture on return to play (RTP) and functional outcomes among athletes in American professional sports.

Methods: Professional athletes from the National Football League (NFL), National Basketball Association (NBA), Major League Baseball (MLB), and National Hockey League (NHL) who suffered a patellar fracture between January 1965 and December 2021 were identified through injury reports and public archives. Performance scores, play time, and games played were collected for the season preceding patellar fracture and 2 seasons after RTP, and differences in recorded metrics compared to pre-injury levels and matched controls were analyzed.

Surgical Specialty Outcome Differences for Major Spinal Procedures in Low-Acuity Patients.

Study Design: Retrospective Cohort Study.

Objectives: There is an ongoing debate as to the influence of specialty training on spine surgery. Alomari et al.

The John Sealy Hospital Fire Evacuation.

Advances in fire safety and building construction have made fires in modern health care facilities uncommon and easily contained. Therefore, emergent hospital evacuations resulting from an internal fire are rare. On January 4, 2017, a fire occurred at the John Sealy Hospital, part of the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, resulting in emergent evacuation of the hospital building and an adjacent office and patient care building.

Approach to Patients with Cancer Going to Surgery.

The preoperative care of patients with cancer plays a pivotal role in ensuring optimal outcomes and enhancing the overall quality of life for individuals undergoing surgical interventions. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the key considerations, challenges, and strategies involved in the preoperative management of oncology patients. We delve into the multidisciplinary approach required to address the unique needs of this patient population, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among surgeons, oncologists, anesthesiologists, primary care physicians, hospitalists, and other health care professionals.

Assessing the Impact of Nicotine Dependence on 90-Day Major Complications and 2-Year Hardware Outcomes in Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of the Distal Radius Fracture.

Background: This study aims to assess the impact of nicotine dependence on both 90-day major postoperative outcomes and 2-year implant-related outcomes in patients undergoing open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) for distal radius fractures.

Methods: We queried TriNetX, a national research database that provides real-time access to deidentified medical records, for patients of all ages who underwent an ORIF of the distal radius (Current Procedural Technology codes 25607, 25608, 25609) between 2001 and 2021. Patients were categorized by nicotine dependence history (International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision code: F17), with groups 1:1 propensity matched for age, sex, race, ethnicity, body mass index, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cerebrovascular disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.