Diet-induced obesity in mice increases carotid body chemosensitivity via the leptin-TRPM7 pathway.

Diet-induced obesity (DIO) is associated with increased circulating level of the hormone leptin. We have previously shown that leptin augments hypoxic ventilatory response in mice, and the response is abolished by carotid body (CB) denervation, and that leptin induces hypertension in DIO acting on transient receptor potential melastatin 7 (Trpm7) channels in CB. However CB chemosensory responses in DIO have not been sufficiently elucidated.

Quantitative Analysis of Videofluoroscopy Following Total Laryngectomy Using the ASPEKT Method.

Introduction: Swallowing dysfunction is a common postoperative challenge for patients following total laryngectomy. Videofluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS) can be used to assess the mechanism of swallowing dysfunction in patients; however, many standardized protocols do not account for the anatomical changes in patients who have undergone total laryngectomy. In this study, we aim to utilize the ASPEKT (Analysis of Swallowing Physiology: Events, Kinematics & Timing) Method to quantify swallowing mechanics in a cohort of post-laryngectomy patients.

Trends in Female Authorship at American Academy of Otolaryngology-HNS Annual Meetings From 2007 to 2022.

Objective: This study aims to trends in female authorship in poster and oral presentations at American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) annual meetings.

Study Design: Retrospective analysis of AAO-HNS annual meeting presentations.

Setting: Abstract data from scientific contributions at AAO-HNS annual meetings.

Serum fibrinogen is not elevated in patients with myasthenia gravis.

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune, autoantibody-mediated disease characterized by fatigable weakness of skeletal muscles. MG is a heterogeneous disease that currently lacks a robust biomarker for diagnosing all subtypes. Residual serum fibrinogen was found to be elevated 1000-fold in patients with MG in one study and posited to represent a universal diagnostic biomarker for MG.

Targeting melanocortin 4 receptor to treat sleep-disordered breathing in mice.

Weight loss medications are emerging candidates for pharmacotherapy of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). A melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) agonist, setmelanotide (Set), is used to treat obesity caused by abnormal melanocortin and leptin signaling. We hypothesized that Set can treat SDB in mice with diet-induced obesity.

Should we redefine the age of geriatric trauma? An insight from American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Improvement Program database 30-day mortality risk.

Background: Older injured patients have higher mortality compared with their younger counterparts, and their outcomes worsen with each decade of life. However, the exact age to classify a patient as "geriatric" is not universally defined. Identifying an evidence-based age cutoff for "geriatric" trauma activations is important to preserve hospital and human resources by not superfluously including younger patients but also not depriving older high-risk patients of resources needed to achieve their best recovery.

Phenobarbital Addition to Alcohol Withdrawal Treatment Offers Better Outcomes than Dexmedetomidine in Hospitalized Patients.

BackgroundThis study directly compares outcomes of phenobarbital and dexmedetomidine as adjuncts to symptom-triggered benzodiazepine treatment for alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS).MethodsThis is a retrospective cohort analysis at a single tertiary referral institution in a major urban center in the United States. In hospitalized patients above 18 years with AWS between May 1, 2018, and July 31, 2021 we compared the hospital length of stay (LOS), ICU LOS, mechanical ventilation incidence and duration of patients who received dexmedetomidine versus phenobarbital as adjuncts to lorazepam-based treatment.

The Intersection of Race, Ethnicity, and Sex on Postoperative Complications in Otolaryngology.

Objective: Racial and ethnic patient health disparities are well-documented within surgical specialties; however, an intersectional lens studying the combined impact of multiple identities has not been evaluated in this context. We aim to explore the multiplicative effect of race, ethnicity, and sex on postoperative complications across a variety of otolaryngologic procedures.

Study Design: Cross-sectional analysis of retrospective data.

Examining Disparities in the Evaluation and Management of Cesarean Birth Pain Among Patients With and Without a Psychiatric Condition.

Background Postoperative pain management is an important aspect of postpartum care following cesarean delivery (CD). This study aimed to determine whether differences exist in pain assessments and opioid administration after CD between patients with psychiatric illness and those without. Methodology This was a retrospective cohort study of 490 patients who underwent CD at an urban tertiary care center.

Completion of Colonoscopy After Positive Fecal Occult Blood Test Screening at a Community Health Center.

Introduction: Screening for colorectal cancer decreases mortality. Fecal occult blood testing (FOBT) decreases some barriers to screening, however positive results require colonoscopy. We evaluated factors associated with colonoscopy completion for community health center (CHC) patients after positive FOBT.

Correlation of predelivery Rotational Thromboelastometry readings with the risk of postpartum hemorrhage during delivery: The ROTEM Study.

BackgroundInconsistency in defining postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), and the inability of current tools and approaches to accurately predict PPH have led to the exploration of innovative methods. Rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) point-of-care technology provides real-time assessment of the clotting process facilitating time-efficient hemostatic interventions. Our study investigates the utility of ROTEM parameters for predicting individual risk of PPH.

Leptin receptor downregulation in the carotid body treats obesity-induced hypertension.

Obesity and comorbid sleep disordered breathing (SDB) lead to high cardiovascular morbidity and mortality via multiple mechanisms including hypertension. Obesity also leads to high levels of leptin, which is produced in adipocytes. Increased leptin levels have also been implicated in increased sympathetic activity and the pathogenesis of hypertension in obesity.

Effectiveness and tolerability of cenobamate: A single center experience.

Introduction: Medication-resistant epilepsy (MRE) is characterized by the failure of adequate trials of two antiseizure medications (ASMs). Numerous studies have shown that once two ASMs fail to control seizures, the likelihood of subsequent ASM regimens providing seizure control diminishes significantly. Recent clinical data on cenobamate (CNB) suggest it may offer higher rates of seizure freedom in MRE patients.

Evaluating the effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy to treat mastectomy skin flap ischemia in breast reconstruction: A single-institution retrospective analysis.

Background: Mastectomy skin flap ischemia is a well-known postoperative complication following mastectomy and breast reconstruction. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has shown promising results for reducing the adverse effects associated with mastectomy skin flap ischemia and associated necrosis; however, there is paucity of literature regarding the indications for HBOT following breast cancer surgery. This study aimed to assess HBOT efficacy in treating and mitigating complications from postoperative tissue ischemia.

Preliminary isotopic assessment of weaning in bonobos shows evidence for extended nursing, sibling competition and invested first-time mothers.

Although considered a hallmark in early ontogeny, weaning from breastmilk is difficult to monitor in wild primates and weaning ages remain unknown for wild bonobos (Pan Paniscus). Here, we calculated inter-birth intervals from demographic data and measured the isotopic offsets (ΔN and ΔC) between mother (n = 17) and offspring (n = 28) fecal sample pairs (n = 131, total n = 246) in the LuiKotale bonobos to assess nutritional weaning for the first time. We tested the effects of infant age, female parity, and sibling competition on ΔN and ΔC values.

Evaluating the Effect of MarginProbe Use on Re-excisions After Partial Mastectomy: A Single-Institution Analysis.

Background: Breast conservation therapy is a widely accepted approach in treating breast cancer, yet the average re-excision rates are approximately 25% despite surgical advancements. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved MarginProbe device uses radiofrequency spectroscopy for intraoperative margin assessment, potentially reducing re-excision rates. This study evaluated the effectiveness of MarginProbe in reducing re-excisions compared with standard of care (SOC).

Risk of Bleeding Versus Venous Thromboembolism After Surgery for Breast Cancer: A National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Analysis.

Introduction: Patients who undergo surgery for breast cancer are at risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE) and bleeding, which can lead to significant consequences on outcomes. This study examined factors related to VTE and bleeding risk in breast cancer surgery, with and without reconstruction. We also investigated the relationship between operative time and resident involvement on bleeding and VTE risk.

Trends of female authorship in head and neck surgery publications over the last decade.

Background: While other otolaryngology subspecialties have established female authorship trends, there is no comprehensive study within head and neck surgery (HNS).

Methods: Five researchers recorded the gender identity of first and senior authors from HNS subspecialty papers (head and neck oncology, endocrine surgery, salivary gland pathology, and microsurgery) derived from 10 journals in otolaryngology and oncology in the years 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2022.

Results: From 3457 articles, 6901 unique author identities were analyzed.

Efficacy of cytoreductive radical cystectomy in metastatic urothelial bladder cancer based on site and number of metastases.

Background: Recent studies have highlighted the overall survival (OS) benefit of cytoreductive radical cystectomy (CRC) in metastatic bladder cancer (mBCa). Cytoreductive surgery has been established in other urologic cancers. However, the efficacy of CRC and optimal criteria for patient selection in mBCa is unclear.

Race and Ethnicity Independently Predict Adverse Outcomes Following Head and Neck Autograft Surgery.

Objective: There is growing attention toward the implications of race and ethnicity on health disparities within otolaryngology. While race is an established predictor of adverse head and neck oncologic outcomes, there is paucity in the literature on studies employing national, multi-institutional data to assess the impact of race and ethnicity on head and neck autograft surgery.

Methods: Using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database, trends in 30 days outcomes were assessed.

Transition to siblinghood causes a substantial and long-lasting increase in urinary cortisol levels in wild bonobos.

In animals with slow ontogeny and long-term maternal investment, immatures are likely to experience the birth of a younger sibling before reaching maturity. In these species, the birth of a sibling marks a major event in an offspring's early life as the older siblings experience a decrease in maternal support. The transition to siblinghood (TTS) is often considered to be stressful for the older offspring, but physiological evidence is lacking.

Drinking frequency in wild lactating chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii) and their offspring.

Maintaining water balance is essential for organismal health, and lactating females must balance individual needs with milk production and offspring hydration. Primate milk is dilute and presumed to be the primary source for infant hydration for a considerable time period. Few studies have investigated the hydration burden that lactation may place on female primates.

In vivo deciduous dental eruption in LuiKotale bonobos and Gombe chimpanzees.

Objectives: Existing data on bonobo and chimpanzee dental eruption timing are derived predominantly from captive individuals or deceased wild individuals. However, recent advances in noninvasive photographic monitoring of living, wild apes have enabled researchers to characterize dental eruption in relatively healthy individuals under naturalistic conditions. At present, such data are available for only one population of wild chimpanzees.