Blood Product Utilization in Thromboelastography-Aided Transfusion in Gastrointestinal Bleeding: A Single-Center Experience.

Background: Gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) is a common cause for intensive care unit (ICU) admissions and is associated with high mortality rates. Effective resuscitation is essential prior to definitive procedural intervention. Thromboelastography (TEG) assesses patients' dynamic coagulation profiles and has been shown to reduce blood product usage and mortality in specific patient populations; however, its role in the management of GIB remains controversial.

The Impact of Video-assisted Thoracoscopic Versus Percutaneous Tunneled Pleural Catheter Techniques on Pleurodesis Outcomes: A Retrospective, Single-center Study.

Background: Tunneled pleural catheters (TPCs) generate an inflammatory reaction, which, along with frequent drainage, aids in achieving pleurodesis enabling removal in 30% to 50% of patients. However, it is unknown whether the technique of TPC placement influences pleurodesis outcomes.

Methods: This is a retrospective, single-center study of patients who underwent TPC placement from 2010 through 2018.

Bronchoscopic lung volume reduction in emphysema: a review.

Purpose Of Review: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) poses a substantial burden on the healthcare system and is currently considered the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. Emphysema, as evidenced by severe air-trapping in patients with COPD, leads to significant dyspnea and morbidity. Lung volume reduction via surgery or minimally invasive endobronchial interventions are currently available, which improve lung function and quality of life.

The role of bronchoscopy in the multidisciplinary approach to benign tracheal stenosis.

Benign tracheal stenosis can cause dyspnea, wheezing, and cough mimicking other obstructive lung diseases which often leads to a delay in the diagnosis. Risk factors and etiologies for tracheal strictures include autoimmune diseases, infection, gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD), radiation injury and iatrogenic factors such as post-intubation and post-tracheostomy. Once suspected, tracheal strictures are diagnosed by performing a thorough evaluation involving clinical exam, laboratory workup, pulmonary function test, chest imaging and bronchoscopy.

Advanced Imaging for Robotic Bronchoscopy: A Review.

Recent advances in navigational platforms have led bronchoscopists to make major strides in diagnostic interventions for pulmonary parenchymal lesions. Over the last decade, multiple platforms including electromagnetic navigation and robotic bronchoscopy have allowed bronchoscopists to safely navigate farther into the lung parenchyma with increased stability and accuracy. Limitations persist, even with these newer technologies, in achieving a similar or higher diagnostic yield when compared to the transthoracic computed tomography (CT) guided needle approach.

Post hypoxic myoclonus: A tale of two minds.

Post hypoxic myoclonus (PHM) is considered a poor prognostic sign and may influence decisions regarding withdrawal of treatment. PHM is generally categorized in literature as either acute or chronic (also commonly referred to as Lance-Adams Syndrome) based on the onset of myoclonus. However, it may be more accurate to differentiate between the various presentations of PHM based on the clinical characteristics and electroencephalogram (EEG) findings for prognostication.

Rapid Intensive Care Unit Onboarding in Response to a Pandemic.

Background: In the wake of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, hospital resources have been stretched to their limits. We introduced an innovative course to rapidly on-board a group of non-intensive care unit (ICU) nurse practitioners as they begin to practice working in a critical care setting.

Objective: To assess whether a brief educational course could improve non-ICU practitioners' knowledge and comfort in practicing in an intensive care setting.

Bilateral Bilothorax: An Unusual Cause of Bilateral Exudative Pleural Effusion.

Bilothorax is an uncommon cause of exudative pleural effusion; the majority of reported cases are right-sided while a bilateral presentation is extremely rare. The majority of cases are secondary to biliary obstruction, an extension of hepatic infections, and iatrogenic complications following percutaneous procedures or surgical interventions. Imaging studies and a diagnostic pleural tap can confirm the diagnosis.

3D-printing a 'family' of biomimetic models to explain armored grasping in syngnathid fishes.

Seahorses and pipehorses evolved at least two independent strategies for tail grasping, despite being armored with a heavy body plating. To help explain mechanical trade-offs associated with the different designs, we created a 'family' of 3D-printed models that mimic variations in the presence and size of their armored plates. We measured the performance of the biomimetic proxies across several mechanical metrics, representative of their protective and prehensile capacities.

3D-printing and mechanics of bio-inspired articulated and multi-material structures.

3D-printing technologies allow researchers to build simplified physical models of complex biological systems to more easily investigate their mechanics. In recent years, a number of 3D-printed structures inspired by the dermal armors of various fishes have been developed to study their multiple mechanical functionalities, including flexible protection, improved hydrodynamics, body support, or tail prehensility. Natural fish armors are generally classified according to their shape, material and structural properties as elasmoid scales, ganoid scales, placoid scales, carapace scutes, or bony plates.