Issues

In a model of neuronal cultures of dorsal root ganglia neurons from postnatal day 7 and adult rats, lidocaine induced similar cytotoxic and apoptotic effects on neonatal and adult rat dorsal root ganglia neurons despite differences in their KCl-evoked calcium responses in vitro.

Abnormal platelet counts were common, occurring in 1 of 14 patients. Patients with low platelet counts were more likely to require transfusion and more likely to die.

After immobilization, immature nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) did not contribute to neurotransmission, however, α7AChRs were up-regulated and also contributed to neuromuscular transmission. Resistance to clinically used muscle relaxants seen with immobilization might be related to functional expression of insensitive α7AChRs.

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.

An in vitro model was constructed and validated for ultrasound imaging of the cervical spine. Ultrasound images are provided for the key landmarks: mastoid process, transverse process of C1, tubercles of C6 and C7, and cervical laminae.

Comparing data from over 35,000 postoperative patients before and after a root cause analysis–led intervention showed a reduction by 1/3 in major adverse events, accompanied by an increase by 1/3 in the incidence of severe pain.

Since 2006 the University of Pittsburgh instituted a series of initiatives regarding resident research, resulting in increased research involvement by faculty and productivity by residents in comparison to historical and matched controls.

In a two-step process, comments from faculty evaluations over a 2-yr period at one institution were studied to identify themes associated with above- and below-average ratings by trainees. Thirteen themes were identified using trainee evaluations and these fell into four domains associated with outstanding teaching.

A multiscenario, simulation-based performance assessment of 22 fi rst-year residents and 8 fellows from two institutions showed high reliability, validity, and generalizability. A majority of trainees and faculty judged the assessment to be useful, realistic, and representative of critical skills required for safe practice.

In an evaluation of 20 anesthesiologists, communication pattern for routine cases was similar during simulation as during clinical care in the operating room, supporting the ecologic validity of simulation.

This study showed that mannequin-based transesophageal echocardiography simulation training was superior to conventional didactic training on acquisition of good-quality echocardiographic images in patients by residents in training.

Training improved faculty ability to maintain a psychologically safe environment, explore the resident’s frame of reference, and address professionalism along with technical issues.

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An automated, near–real–time feedback system was generated from a perioperative information management system and refined using resident feedback.

In a study of nearly 100 trainees undergoing a 4-week rotation, with over 4,200 airway procedures, fi rst-attempt success at endotracheal intubation increased as a function of rotation week, as did self-reported laryngoscopic view.

This is a review of the history and current use of Objective Structured Clinical Examination, and challenges in design and implementation including the psychometrics of test design.

Errors in medical decisions may contribute significantly to adverse events. The authors review current knowledge of nonrational cognitive processes in human decision making, identify vulnerable anesthesia decisions, and suggest strategies for mitigating effects of these processes.

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Hand-off and curriculum literature is reviewed to provide recommendations for anesthesia-specific resident hand-off curriculum and evaluation.