Rationale and Design for the BLOCK-SAH Study (Pterygopalatine Fossa Block as an Opioid-Sparing Treatment for Acute Headache in Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage): A Phase II, Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial with a Sequential Parallel Comparison Design.

BACKGROUND: Acute post-subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) headaches are common and severe. Management strategies for post-SAH headaches are limited, with heavy reliance on opioids, and pain control is overall poor. Pterygopalatine fossa (PPF) nerve blocks have shown promising results in treatment of acute headache, including our preliminary and published experience with PPF-blocks for refractory post-SAH headache during hospitalization. The BLOCK-SAH trial was designed to assess the efficacy and safety of bilateral PPF-blocks in awake patients with severe headaches from aneurysmal SAH who require opioids for pain control and are able to verbalize pain scores. METHODS: BLOCK-SAH is a phase II, multicenter, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial using the sequential parallel comparison design (SPCD), followed by an open-label phase. RESULTS: Across 12 sites in the United States, 195 eligible study participants will be randomized into three groups to receive bilateral active or placebo PPF-injections for 2 consecutive days with periprocedural monitoring of intracranial arterial mean flow velocities with transcranial Doppler, according to SPCD (group 1: active block followed by placebo; group 2: placebo followed by active block; group 3: placebo followed by placebo). PPF-injections will be delivered under ultrasound guidance and will comprise 5-mL injectates of 20 mg of ropivacaine plus 4 mg of dexamethasone (active PPF-block) or saline solution (placebo PPF-injection). CONCLUSIONS: The trial has a primary efficacy end point (oral morphine equivalent/day use within 24 h after each PPF-injection), a primary safety end point (incidence of radiographic vasospasm at 48 h from first PPF-injection), and a primary tolerability end point (rate of acceptance of second PPF-injection following the first PPF-injection). BLOCK-SAH will inform the design of a phase III trial to establish the efficacy of PPF-block, accounting for different headache phenotypes.

Leveraging machine learning to develop a postoperative predictive model for postoperative urinary retention following lumbar spine surgery.

Introduction: Postoperative urinary retention (POUR) is the inability to urinate after a surgical procedure despite having a full bladder. It is a common complication following lumbar spine surgery which has been extensively linked to increased patient morbidity and hospital costs. This study hopes to development and validate a predictive model for POUR following lumbar spine surgery using patient demographics, surgical and anesthesia variables. Methods: This is a retrospective observational cohort study of 903 patients who underwent lumbar spine surgery over the period of June 2017 to June 2019 in a tertiary academic medical center. Four hundred and nineteen variables were collected including patient demographics, ICD-10 codes, and intraoperative factors. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operation (LASSO) regression and logistic regression models were compared. A decision tree model was fitted to the optimal model to classify each patient's risk of developing POUR as high, intermediate, or low risk. Predictive performance of POUR was assessed by area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC-ROC). Results: 903 patients were included with average age 60 ± 15 years, body mass index of 30.5 ± 6.4 kg/m2, 476 (53%) male, 785 (87%) white, 446 (49%) involving fusions, with average 2.1 ± 2.0 levels. The incidence of POUR was 235 (26%) with 63 (7%) requiring indwelling catheter placement. A decision tree was constructed with an accuracy of 87.8%. Conclusion: We present a highly accurate and easy to implement decision tree model which predicts POUR following lumbar spine surgery using preoperative and intraoperative variables.

Surrounding and background shades effect on color adjustment of single-shade composites.

This study evaluated the effects of surrounding and background shades on the color adjustment potential (CAP) and visual color match of two single-shade composites, Vittra APS Unique and Charisma Diamond One. Cylinder-shaped specimens were constructed, consisting of either single-shade composites alone (simple) or composites surrounded by the Forma material at shades A1 or A3 (dual). Simple specimens using only the Forma at the specified shades were also prepared. Color measurements of simple specimens were taken against a gray background using a spectrophotometer. For dual specimens, the color of the inner composite was measured against a gray or chromatic (the same shade as the outer composite) background. Color differences (ΔE00) between the single-shade composites and the A1/A3 composite were calculated. CAP was determined by comparing data from simple and dual specimens. Four experienced dentists scored the color match (perfect to unacceptable) for each specimen using a viewing booth illuminated by an illuminant D65. Data were analyzed with repeated-measures ANOVA and the Kruskal-Wallis test. The results showed that both single-shade composites showed the lowest color discrepancies when they were compared to A1 and A3. Using a chromatic background only significantly affected the CAP when the outer composite was A3. The visual analysis showed poor color matches between the single-shade and control chromatic composites, except for Charisma Diamond One surrounded by A1. In conclusion, the CAP values of the evaluated single-shade composites were impacted by both surrounding shade and background color, and the color match of these materials tended to be poor.

Neuro-oncologic Emergencies.

OBJECTIVE: Neuro-oncologic emergencies have become more frequent as cancer remains one of the leading causes of death in the United States, second only to heart disease. This article highlights key aspects of epidemiology, diagnosis, and management of acute neurologic complications in primary central nervous system malignancies and systemic cancer, following three thematic classifications: (1) complications that are anatomically or intrinsically tumor-related, (2) complications that are tumor-mediated, and (3) complications that are treatment-related. LATEST DEVELOPMENTS: The main driver of mortality in patients with brain metastasis is systemic disease progression; however, intracranial hypertension, treatment-resistant seizures, and overall decline due to increased intracranial burden of disease are the main factors underlying neurologic-related deaths. Advances in the understanding of tumor-specific characteristics can better inform risk stratification of neurologic complications. Following standardized grading and management algorithms for neurotoxic syndromes related to newer immunologic therapies is paramount to achieving favorable outcomes. ESSENTIAL POINTS: Neuro-oncologic emergencies span the boundaries of subspecialties in neurology and require a broad understanding of neuroimmunology, neuronal hyperexcitability, CSF flow dynamics, intracranial compliance, and neuroanatomy.

Verification of Death by Neurologic Criteria: A Survey of 12 Organ Procurement Organizations Across the United States.

BACKGROUND: The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services requires Organ Procurement Organizations (OPOs) to verify and document that any potential organ donor has been pronounced dead per applicable legal requirements of local, state, and federal laws. However, OPO practices regarding death by neurologic criteria (DNC) verification are not standardized, and little is known about their DNC verification processes. This study aimed to explore OPO practices regarding DNC verification in the United States. METHODS: An electronic survey was sent to all 57 OPOs in the United States from June to September 2023 to assess verification of policies and practices versus guidelines, concerns about policies and practices, processes to address concerns about DNC determination, and communication practices. RESULTS: Representatives from 12 OPOs across six US regions completed the entire survey; 8 of 12 reported serving > 50 referral hospitals. Most respondents (11 of 12) reported comparing their referral hospital's DNC policies with the 2010 American Academy of Neurology Practice Parameter and/or other (4 of 12) guidelines. Additionally, most (10 of 12) reported independently reviewing and verifying each DNC determination. Nearly half (5 of 12) reported concerns about guideline-discordant hospital policies, and only 3 of 12 thought all referral hospitals followed the 2010 American Academy of Neurology Practice Parameter in practice. Moreover, 9 of 12 reported concerns about clinician knowledge surrounding DNC determination, and most (10 of 12) reported having received referrals for patients whose DNC declaration was ultimately reversed. All reported experiences in which their OPO requested additional assessments (11 of 12 clinical evaluation, 10 of 12 ancillary testing, 9 of 12 apnea testing) because of concerns about DNC determination validity. CONCLUSIONS: Accurate DNC determination is important to maintain public trust. Nearly all OPO respondents reported a process to verify hospital DNC policies and practices with medical society guidelines. Many reported concerns about clinician knowledge surrounding DNC determination and guideline-discordant policies and practices. Educational and regulatory advocacy efforts are needed to facilitate systematic implementation of guideline-concordant practices across the country.

Efficacy of Cyclooxygenase-2 Inhibitors for Headache in Acute Brain Injury: A Systematic Review.

Background: Headache management after acute brain injury (ABI) is challenging. While opioids are commonly used, selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors (COXIBs) may be promising alternatives. However, concerns about cardiovascular effects and bleeding risk have limited their use. We aimed at summarizing available data on efficacy of COXIBs for headache management following ABI. Methods: A systematic review was conducted through MEDLINE and Embase for articles published through 09/2023 (PROSPERO CRD42022320453). No language filters were applied to the initial searches. Interventional or observational studies and systematic reviews assessing efficacy of COXIBs for headache in adults with ABI were eligible. Article selection was performed by two independent reviewers using Distiller SR®. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis, while meta-analysis was unfeasible due to study heterogeneity. Results: Of 3190 articles identified, six studies met inclusion criteria: four randomized controlled trials and two retrospective cohort studies, all conducted in neurosurgical patients (total n=738) between 2006-2022. Five studies used COXIBs in the intervention group only. Of the six studies, four found a reduction in overall pain scores in the intervention group, while one showed improvement only at 6 hours postoperative, and one did not find significant differences. Pain scores decreased between 4-15%, the largest shift being from moderate to mild severity. Three studies found an overall opioid use reduction throughout hospitalization in the intervention group, while one reported a reduction at 12 hours postoperative only. Opioid consumption decreased between 9-90%. Two studies found a decrease in hospital-length-of-stay by ~1 day in the intervention group. The one study reporting postoperative hemorrhage found a statistically non-significant 3% reduction in the intervention group. Conclusions: In adults with ABI, COXIBs may serve as opioid-sparing adjunctive analgesics for headache control, with limited but pointed data to indicate efficacy in the post-neurosurgical setting. However, further safety data remains to be elucidated.

2023 American Heart Association Focused Update on Adult Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support: An Update to the American Heart Association Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care.

Cardiac arrest is common and deadly, affecting up to 700 000 people in the United States annually. Advanced cardiac life support measures are commonly used to improve outcomes. This "2023 American Heart Association Focused Update on Adult Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support" summarizes the most recent published evidence for and recommendations on the use of medications, temperature management, percutaneous coronary angiography, extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and seizure management in this population. We discuss the lack of data in recent cardiac arrest literature that limits our ability to evaluate diversity, equity, and inclusion in this population. Last, we consider how the cardiac arrest population may make up an important pool of organ donors for those awaiting organ transplantation.

Wolf Creek XVII part 9: Wolf Creek Innovator in Cardiac Arrest and Resuscitation Science Award.

The Wolf Creek Conferences on Cardiac Arrest Resuscitation began in 1975, and have served as an important forum for thought leaders and scientists from industry and academia to come together with the common goal of advancing the field of cardiac arrest resuscitation. The Wolf Creek XVII Conference was hosted by the Max Harry Weil Institute of Critical Care Research and Innovation in Ann Arbor, Michigan on June 14-17, 2023. A new component of the conference was the Wolf Creek Innovator in Cardiac Arrest and Resuscitation Science Award competition. The competition was designed to recognize early career investigators from around the world who's science is challenging the current paradigms in the field. Finalists were selected by a panel of international experts and invited to present in-person at the conference. The winner was chosen by electronic vote of conference participants and awarded a $10,0000 cash prize. Finalists included Carolina Barbosa Maciel from the University of Florida, Adam Gottula from the University of Michigan, Rajat Kalra from the University of Minnesota, Ryan Morgan from the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Mitsuaki Nishikimi form Hiroshima University, and Jacob Sunshine from the University of Washington. Ryan Morgan from the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia was selected as the 2023 Wolf Creek Innovator Awardee. This manuscript provides a summary of the work presented by each of the finalists and provides a preview of the future of resuscitation science.

Clinical longevity of metallic versus fiberglass intraradicular posts: a systematic review / Longevidade clínica de pinos intraradiculares metálicos versus de fibra de vidro: uma revisão sistemática

Objective: This systematic review aims to compare the clinical longevity of metallic and fiberglass intraradicular posts in teeth with severely compromised crowns, utilizing randomized clinical trials and case reports published in the last eleven years. Material and Methods: The research was conducted on PubMed, Medline, Lilacs, and BBO databases using the first search strategy with the descriptors 'dental posts,' 'longevity,' 'fiberglass-reinforced posts' or 'metallic posts.' The second search strategy involved analyzing the references of articles identified by the first search. Both studies were carried out with stringent inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: No statistically significant and clinically relevant differences in longevity were observed between metallic and fiberglass posts. Conclusion: The clinical success and durability of the restorative procedure using intraradicular posts primarily depend on the remaining amount around the post (ferrule), the type and position of the tooth in the arch (impacting the masticatory forces exerted on the restored tooth), and the correct application of the cementation technique. It is noteworthy that fiberglass posts offer substantial advantages by presenting a modulus of elasticity similar to dental structure, ensuring a more homogeneous distribution of masticatory forces and reducing the risk of fractures. These findings have practical implications for material selection in restorative procedures involving intraradicular posts.(AU)

Objetivo: Esta revisão sistemática visa comparar a longevidade clínica de pinos intrarradiculares metálicos e de fibra de vidro em dentes com coroas severamente comprometidas, através de estudos clínicos randomizados e relatos de casos, publicados nos últimos onze anos. Material e Métodos: A pesquisa foi conduzida nas bases de dados PubMed, Medline, Lilacs e BBO, utilizando a primeira estratégia de busca com os s 'pinos dentais' e 'longevidade' e 'pinos reforçados com fibra de vidro' ou 'pinos metálicos'. A segunda estratégia de busca consistiu na análise das referências dos artigos identificados pela primeira estratégia. Ambos os estudos foram delineados com critérios rigorosos de inclusão e exclusão. Resultados: Não se constataram diferenças estatisticamente significativas e clinicamente relevantes na longevidade entre pinos metálicos e de fibra de vidro. Conclusão: O êxito clínico e a durabilidade do procedimento restaurador empregando pinos intrarradiculares dependem primordialmente da quantidade de remanescente ao redor do pino (férula), do tipo e posição do dente na arcada (o que impacta nas forças mastigatórias exercidas sobre o dente restaurado) e da aplicação correta da técnica de cimentação.Destaca-se que o pino de fibra de vidro oferece vantagens substanciais ao apresentar módulo de elasticidade similar à estrutura dentária, assegurando uma distribuição mais homogênea das forças mastigatórias e reduzindo o risco de fraturas (AU)

Surrounding and background shades effect on color adjustment of single-shade composites

Abstract This study evaluated the effects of surrounding and background shades on the color adjustment potential (CAP) and visual color match of two single-shade composites, Vittra APS Unique and Charisma Diamond One. Cylinder-shaped specimens were constructed, consisting of either single-shade composites alone (simple) or composites surrounded by the Forma material at shades A1 or A3 (dual). Simple specimens using only the Forma at the specified shades were also prepared. Color measurements of simple specimens were taken against a gray background using a spectrophotometer. For dual specimens, the color of the inner composite was measured against a gray or chromatic (the same shade as the outer composite) background. Color differences (ΔE00) between the single-shade composites and the A1/A3 composite were calculated. CAP was determined by comparing data from simple and dual specimens. Four experienced dentists scored the color match (perfect to unacceptable) for each specimen using a viewing booth illuminated by an illuminant D65. Data were analyzed with repeated-measures ANOVA and the Kruskal-Wallis test. The results showed that both single-shade composites showed the lowest color discrepancies when they were compared to A1 and A3. Using a chromatic background only significantly affected the CAP when the outer composite was A3. The visual analysis showed poor color matches between the single-shade and control chromatic composites, except for Charisma Diamond One surrounded by A1. In conclusion, the CAP values of the evaluated single-shade composites were impacted by both surrounding shade and background color, and the color match of these materials tended to be poor.

Resumo Este estudo avaliou os efeitos da cor do entorno e do fundo no potencial de ajuste de cor (PAC) e na correspondência visual de cor de dois compósitos monocromáticos, Vittra APS Unique e Charisma Diamond One. Amostras em formato cilíndrico foram criadas utilizando os compósitos monocromáticos e de cor A1/A3. Algumas amostras dos compósitos monocromáticos foram circundadas pelos compósitos A1 ou A3, formando amostras duplas. Medidas de cor das amostras simples foram obtidas em um fundo cinza utilizando um espectrofotômetro. Para as amostras duplas, a cor do compósito interno foi medida em um fundo cinza ou cromático (com a mesma cor do compósito externo). As diferenças de cor (ΔE00) entre os compósitos de monocromáticos e os compósitos A1/A3 foram calculadas. O PAC foi determinado comparando os dados das amostras simples e duplas. Quatro dentistas experientes avaliaram a correspondência de cor (de perfeita a inaceitável) para cada espécime utilizando uma cabine de visualização iluminada por uma iluminante D65. Dados foram analisados por ANOVA de medidas repetidas e teste de Kruskal-Wallis test. Os resultados mostraram que ambos os compósitos monocromáticos apresentaram as menores discrepâncias de cor quando comparados a A1 que em relação a A3. O uso de um fundo cromático afetou significativamente o PAC apenas quando o compósito externo era A3. A análise visual mostrou correspondência de cor fraca entre os compósitos monocromáticos e os compósitos cromáticos de controle, com exceção do Charisma Diamond One circundado por A1. Em conclusão, os valores de PAC dos compósitos monocromáticos avaliados foram impactados tanto pela cor do entorno quanto pela cor de fundo, e a correspondência visual de cor desses materiais tendeu a ser ruim.

Motivos de deserción de niños beneficiarios del Programa Alimentario Nutricional Integral en Asunción / Reasons for children dropouts of the Comprehensive Nutritional Food Program in Asunción

Introducción: El Instituto Nacional de Alimentación y Nutrición (INAN) implementa el Programa Alimentario Nutricional Integral (PANI), el cual consiste en un conjunto de actividades de carácter preventivo y de recuperación nutricional. El PANI ha tenido resultados positivos en los años de implementación, pero una problemática constante ha sido el abandono injustificado del Programa. Objetivo: describir los motivos que influyen en la deserción de niños beneficiarios del Programa Alimentario Nutricional Integral, ingresados en el año 2016, en los servicios de salud pública de la ciudad de Asunción. Metodología: Estudio observacional descriptivo de corte transversal, muestreo no probabilístico por conveniencia. Se incluyeron a niños beneficiarios del PANI en Asunción, ingresados en el año 2016. Se utilizaron datos asentados en las tarjetas índice de los beneficiarios en deserción e informes mensuales de deserción del PANI. Se calculó el porcentaje de deserción de beneficiarios en Asunción y se evaluaron los principales factores que influyeron en el abandono del Programa. El análisis de datos se realizó con el paquete estadístico Stata 12. Resultados: 36,9% de los beneficiarios ingresados al PANI en Asunción desertaron el Programa. El principal motivo de deserción fue "No le gusta la leche" (25,2%). Conclusión: La palatabilidad del complemento nutricional es un factor preponderante para la adherencia al PANI. Palabras claves: Asistencia alimentaria, desarrollo infantil, deserción escolar.

Introduction: The National Institute of Food and Nutrition (INAN) implements the Comprehensive Nutritional Food Program (PANI), which consists of a set of preventive activities and nutritional recovery. PANI has had positive results in the years of implementation, but despite this, a constant problem has been the unjustified dropouts of the Program. Objective: describe the reasons for the desertion of children benefiting from the Comprehensive Nutritional Food Program, admitted in 2016, in the public health services of the city of Asunción. Methods: Retrospective descriptive cross-sectional observational study, non-probability sampling for convenience. PANI beneficiary children admitted in the year 2016 in Asuncion were included. Data recorded in the beneficiary cards in desertion and monthly dropouts reports from PANI were used. The percentage of dropouts of beneficiaries in Asuncion was calculated and the main factors affecting the dropouts of the Program were assessed. For the analysis of the data, the statistical package Stata 12 was used. Results:36.9% of the children who joined PANI in Asunción dropped out of the Program. The main reason for desertion was "He does not like the milk" (25.2%). Conclusion: The palatability of the nutritional complement is a preponderant factor for adherence to PANI. Key words: Food Assistance, child development, scholar desertion

Accelerated chemical stability data of O/W fluid emulsions containing the extract of Trichilia catigua Adr. Juss (and) Ptychopetalum olacoides Bentham

Development of topical dosage forms requires physical, physicochemical and chemical assays that provide, as soon as possible, the formulation with the best stability profiles. This study evaluated the stability of O/W fluid emulsions, by total flavonoids determination, expressed in rutin, containing the standardized extract of Trichilia catigua Adr. Juss (and) Ptychopetalum olacoides Bentham. Samples were evaluated for 90 days stored at 24.0 ± 2.0 ºC, 5.0 ± 0.5 ºC and 40.0 ± 0.5 ºC, following a protocol for the assessment of accelerated chemical stability assay, also known as Normal Stability Test. A sensitive UV-spectrophotometric method at 361.0 nm was previously validated for the determination of the active substance. By Normal Stability Test, the O/W fluid emulsions presented acceptable chemical stability, for at least 90 days, when the samples were stored at 24.0 ± 2.0 ºC and 5.0 ± 0.5 ºC. The storage condition at 40.0 ± 0.5 ºC has accelerated the degradation process of the total flavonoids, consequently, those O/W emulsions containing this kind of natural active substance or a similar preparation must not be stored at elevated temperatures.

O desenvolvimento de formas farmacêuticas tópicas necessita ensaios físicos, físico-químicos e químicos que selecionem rapidamente a formulação de melhor desempenho de estabilidade. Este estudo avaliou a estabilidade de emulsões O/A fluidas, por meio da determinação de flavonóides totais, expressos em rutina, contendo o extrato padronizado de Trichilia catigua Adr. Juss (e) Ptychopetalum olacoides Bentham. As amostras foram armazenadas a 24,0 ± 2,0 ºC; 5,0 ± 0,5 ºC e 40,0 ± 0,5 ºC durante 90 dias e foram avaliadas segundo o protocolo para a determinação da estabilidade acelerada, conhecida como Teste de Estabilidade Normal. A quantificação da substância ativa foi determinada por espectrofotometria na região do ultravioleta a 361,0 nm, previamente validado. Após os ensaios de estabilidade, as emulsões O/A fluidas apresentaram estabilidade adequada, pelo menos, no período de 90 dias, quando armazenadas a 24,0 ± 2,0 ºC e 5,0 ± 0,5 ºC. A condição de armazenamento a 40,0 ± 0,5 ºC acelerou a cinética de degradação dos flavonóides totais, expressos em rutina, portanto, preparações possuindo esta categoria de substância ativa natural ou formulações similares não devem ser armazenadas em temperaturas elevadas.