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Background Single-use flexible bronchoscopes eliminate cross contamination from reusable bronchoscopes and are cost-effective in a number of clinical settings. The present bench study aimed to compare the performance of a new single-use bronchoscope (Boston Scientific EXALT Model B) to a marketed single-use comparator (Ambu aScope 4), each in slim, regular and large diameters. Methods Three bronchoscopy tasks were performed: water suction and visualization, “mucus” mass (synthetic mucoid mixture) suctioned in 30 s, and “mucus” plug (thicker mucoid mixture) suction. Suction ability, task completion times, and subjective ratings of visualization and overall performance on a scale of one to 10 (best) were compared. All bronchoscopy tasks were completed by 15 physicians representing diversity in specialization including pulmonary, interventional pulmonary, critical care, anesthesia, and thoracic surgery. Each physician utilized the six bronchoscope versions with block randomization by bronchoscope and task. Results Aspirated mean mass of “mucus” using EXALT Model B Regular was comparable to that for an aScope 4 Large (41.8 ± 8.3 g vs. 41.5 ± 5.7 g respectively, p  = 0.914). In comparisons of scopes with the same outer diameter, the aspirated mean mass by weight of water and “mucus” was significantly greater for EXALT Model B than for aScope 4 ( p  < 0.001 for all three diameters). Mean ratings for visualization attributes were significantly better for EXALT Model B compared to aScope 4 ( p -value range 0.001−0.029). Conclusion A new single-use bronchoscope provided strong suction capability and visualization compared to same-diameter marketed single-use comparators in a bench model simulation.

Background and AimsContrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) is a potential interesting method for assessing accurately Crohn’s disease (CD) activity. We compared the value of intestinal ultrasonography (US) coupled with contrast agent injection with that of magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) in the assessment of small bowel CD activity using surgical histopathology analysis as reference.MethodsSeventeen clinically active CD patients (14 women, mean age 33 years) requiring an ileal or ileocolonic resection were prospectively enrolled. All performed a MRE and a US coupled with contrast agent injection (CEUS) less than 8 weeks prior to surgery. Various imaging qualitative and quantitative parameters were recorded and their respective performance to detect disease activity, disease extension and presence of complications was compared to surgical histopathological analysis.ResultsThe median wall thickness measured by US differed significantly between patients with non-severely active CD (n = 5) and those with severely active CD (n = 12) [7.0 mm, IQR (6.5–9.5) vs 10.0 mm, IQR (8.0–12.0), respectively; p = 0.03]. A non-significant trend was found with MRE with a median wall thickness in severe active CD of 10.0 mm, IQR (8.0–13.7) compared with 8.0 mm, IQR (7.5–10.5) in non-severely active CD (p = 0.07). The area under the ROC curve (AUROC) of the wall thickness assessed by US and MRE to identify patients with or without severely active CD on surgical specimens were 0.85, 95% CI (0.64–1.04), p = 0.03 and 0.80, 95% CI (0.56–1.01), p = 0.07, respectively. Among the parameters derived from the time-intensity curve during CEUS, time to peak and rise time were the two most accurate markers [AUROC = 0.88, 95% CI (0.70–1.04), p = 0.02 and 0.86, 95% CI (0.68–1.04), p = 0.03] to detect patients with severely active CD assessed on surgical specimens.ConclusionThe accuracy of intestinal CEUS is close to that of conventional US to detect disease activity. A thickened bowel and shortened time to peak and rise time were the most accurate to identify CD patients with severe histological disease activity.

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is a lethal muscle disorder, caused by mutations in the DMD gene and affects approximately 1:5000–6000 male births. In this report, we identified dysregulation of members of the Dlk1-Dio3 miRNA cluster in muscle biopsies of the GRMD dog model. Of these, we selected miR-379 for a detailed investigation because its expression is high in the muscle, and is known to be responsive to glucocorticoid, a class of anti-inflammatory drugs commonly used in DMD patients. Bioinformatics analysis predicts that miR-379 targets EIF4G2, a translational factor, which is involved in the control of mitochondrial metabolic maturation. We confirmed in myoblasts that EIF4G2 is a direct target of miR-379, and identified the DAPIT mitochondrial protein as a translational target of EIF4G2. Knocking down DAPIT in skeletal myotubes resulted in reduced ATP synthesis and myogenic differentiation. We also demonstrated that this pathway is GC-responsive since treating mice with dexamethasone resulted in reduced muscle expression of miR-379 and increased expression of EIF4G2 and DAPIT. Furthermore, miR-379 seric level, which is also elevated in the plasma of DMD patients in comparison with age-matched controls, is reduced by GC treatment. Thus, this newly identified pathway may link GC treatment to a mitochondrial response in DMD.

Introduction The inability to sense force applied to tissue is suggested as a limitation to robotic-assisted surgery (RAS). This pre-clinical study evaluated the impact of a novel force feedback (FFB) technology, integrated on a next-generation robotic system that allows surgeons to sense forces exerted at the instrument tips, on suturing performance by novice surgeons during RAS. Methods Twenty-nine novice surgeons (< 50 RAS cases in the last 5 years) were randomized into two groups with ( n  = 15) or without ( n  = 14) FFB sensing. Participants performed interrupted stitches on ex vivo porcine bladder and running stitches on porcine aorta (Fig.  1 A) over four runs. Average forces applied, number of errors, time for exercise completion, and Robotic Anastomosis Competence Evaluation (RACE) technical skill ratings were compared using a three-way mixed-model ANOVA and applicable post hoc tests. Fig. 1 A View from surgeon console of participant performing suturing tasks using Kotobuki dry model (Exercise 1 to 3), Foam dry model (Exercise 4 and 5), Urinary Bladder ex vivo tissue (Exercise 6), and Aorta ex vivo tissue (Exercise 7). B Description of 7 suturing exercises and anatomical models used for each exercise Results FFB sensing significantly lowered the mean force applied (bladder, 1.71 N vs 2.40 N, p  < 0.006; aorta, 1.80 N vs 2.53 N, p  < 0.006), average number of errors (bladder, 0.59 vs 1.76, p  < 0.001; aorta, 0.38 vs 1.14, p  < 0.001), and the time to completion (bladder, 659 s vs 781 s, p  = 0.002; aorta, 460 s vs 570 s, p  = 0.001) (Fig.  1 C). The FFB group applied less tissue trauma with a higher RACE skill score (3.75 vs 3.03, p  = 0.012). Conclusion This study showed that novice surgeons using FFB-enabled instruments completed suturing tasks using less force, with fewer errors, taking less time, and less tissue trauma during RAS. Future studies are required to better understand the impact of FFB technology on surgical performance and potential patient benefits.

Recent advances in the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) have dramatically altered prognosis. Rather than a rapidly lethal disease, SMA type 1, the most severe form with the earliest onset of SMA, has become a disease in which long-term event-free survival with the acquisition of important motor milestones is likely. Prognosis for patients with SMA type 2 has shifted from slow and progressive deterioration to long-term stability. Nevertheless, there is a large heterogeneity in terms of clinical response to currently available treatments, ranging from absence of response to impressive improvement. The only factor identified that is predictive of treatment success is the age of the patient at the initiation of treatment, which is closely related to disease duration. The aim of this paper is to review available evidence that support early intervention using currently available treatment approaches.Recent advances in the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) have dramatically altered prognosis. Rather than a rapidly lethal disease, SMA type 1, the most severe form with the earliest onset of SMA, has become a disease in which long-term event-free survival with the acquisition of important motor milestones is likely. Prognosis for patients with SMA type 2 has shifted from slow and progressive deterioration to long-term stability. Nevertheless, there is a large heterogeneity in terms of clinical response to currently available treatments, ranging from absence of response to impressive improvement. The only factor identified that is predictive of treatment success is the age of the patient at the initiation of treatment, which is closely related to disease duration. The aim of this paper is to review available evidence that support early intervention using currently available treatment approaches.

Tumor biomarkers provide a quantitative tool for following tumor progression and response to therapy. However, investigations of clinically useful tumor biomarkers are time-consuming, costly, and limited by patient and tumor heterogeneity. In addition, assessment of biomarkers as indicators of therapy response is confounded by the concomitant use of multiple therapeutic interventions. Herein we report our use of a clinically relevant orthotopic animal model of malignant pleural mesothelioma for investigating tumor biomarkers. Utilizing multi-modality imaging with correlative histopathology, we demonstrate the utility and accuracy of the mouse model in investigating tumor biomarkers--serum soluble mesothelin-related peptide (SMRP) and osteopontin (OPN). This model revealed percentage change in SMRP level to be an accurate biomarker of tumor progression and therapeutic response--a finding consistent with recent clinical studies. This in vivo platform demonstrates the advantages of a validated mouse model for the timely and cost-effective acceleration of human biomarker translational research.

Minimally invasive thoracic surgery has advanced the treatment of lung cancer since its introduction in the 1990s. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and robotic-assisted thoracic surgery (RATS) offer the advantage of smaller incisions without compromising patient outcomes. These techniques have been shown to be safe and effective in standard pulmonary resections (lobectomy and sub-lobar resection) and in complex pulmonary resections (sleeve resection and pneumonectomy). Furthermore, several studies show these techniques enhance patient outcomes from early recovery to improved quality of life (QoL) and excellent oncologic results. The rise of RATS has yielded further operative benefits compared to thoracoscopic surgery. The wristed instruments, neutralization of tremor, dexterity, and magnification allow for more precise and delicate dissection of tissues and vessels. This review summarizes of the advancements in minimally invasive thoracic surgery and the positive impact on patient outcomes.