The authors would like to thank Anna Ciullo, M.D. for her assistance with curriculum development and execution. There was no outside funding for this report.

All methods described here were found to be exempt from review by the Summa Institutional Review Board.
1. Day 1 &#8211; Pre-Testing Evaluation
<ol>
	<li>Print critical action checklists, pretest confidence surveys, pretest cognitive multiple-choice exams.</li>
	<li>Place three human-patient simulators in ICU beds with the following designations: acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), complete lung atelectasis secondary to mucus plugging, and pneumothorax. Set simulators in separate rooms or far enough apart that learners will not be able to easily hear the other simultaneously executed sessions. Place simulators in a dedicated learning space.</li>
	<li>Intubate the human-patient simulators. Do not place the endotracheal tube in the trachea of the simulator, but rather through a hole in the simulator&#39;s inner cheek that leads to the back of the simulator&#39;s neck.
	<ol>
		<li>Connect the corrugated airway tubing from the lung simulator to the endotracheal tube that is now hidden behind the simulator&#39;s neck. Once connected, the lung simulator is now functional. Use a pillow to conceal this connection.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Turn on the lung simulator. Choose selected pathologic state from the menu in the patient library folder. Initiate the selected pathology on the lung simulator.
	<ol>
		<li>Connect the mechanical ventilator to the endotracheal tube coming out of the simulator&#39;s mouth. If the ventilator is connected to the endotracheal tube prior to initiating the lung pathology software program, the ventilator will not function properly.</li>
		<li>Connect human-patient simulators to breathing simulators. Connect the intubated human-patient simulators to mechanical ventilators.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Place a simulated patient monitor by each human-patient simulator. Select the vital sign software within the lung simulator program. Choose appropriate initial vital signs for onset of simulated patient presentation. Enable the vital signs monitor.</li>
	<li>Upload pre-selected patient&#39;s vital signs, portable chest X-ray images, electrocardiograms, and arterial blood gas measurements for each patient case to each respective patient monitor (e.g., autoPEEP images are uploaded to the human-patient simulator designated as the autoPEEP patient).</li>
	<li>Set out critical actions checklists at each station for each learner wherever faculty members will be observing the case. This may be behind a one-way glass or on a bedside table, but at enough distance away that the learners will not be able to read the checklists. Assign one faculty member to each station.</li>
	<li>Have each learner pick a four-digit identifying code to use for confidence surveys, cognitive exams, and critical action checklists. The codes may be used to review collected data in an anonymous fashion. Learners may choose any four-digit code that they will consistently remember throughout the curriculum.</li>
	<li>In a separate room, administer 5-minute pretest confidence survey to learners. Upon its completion, administer 25-minute pretest cognitive multiple-choice exams to learners.</li>
	<li>Have learners report to a station, with one learner present at each station. Remaining students may wait in a separate room. Have learners provide their four-digit identifying code to faculty for their critical action checklist.</li>
	<li>Have faculty read the case stem to learner. Allow learners a maximum of ten minutes per station to work through a scenario. Do not administer feedback during case. At the conclusion of the scenario, dismiss learners to return back to their separate room.</li>
	<li>Have faculty fill out critical action checklists for each learner upon completion of each case. Rotate learners through all stations individually until all learners have completed all stations. Distribute supplemental readings to learners via paper or email.</li>
</ol>
2. Day 2 &#8211; Curriculum and Educational Intervention
<ol>
	<li>Set up five stations with human-patient simulators, breathing simulators, ventilators, and monitors as described above.</li>
	<li>Assign each station one of the following topics: ARDS, atelectasis secondary to mucus plugging, pneumothorax, altered mental status secondary to drug overdose, and dynamic hyperinflation. Arrange learners in groups of two or three people. Assign one faculty member to each station.</li>
	<li>Allow each team 10 min to work through a case scenario. Give faculty 35 min to provide feedback and bedside instruction. Rotate learners through the remaining four stations.</li>
</ol>
3. Day 3 &#8211; Post-testing Evaluation
<ol>
	<li>Print critical action checklists, posttest confidence surveys, post-test cognitive multiple-choice exams. Set up three stations with human-patient simulators, breathing simulators, ventilators, and monitors as described above. Assign each station one of the following topics: ARDS, atelectasis secondary to mucus plugging, pneumothorax.</li>
	<li>Upload vital signs, portable chest X-ray images, electrocardiograms, and arterial blood gas measurements for each patient case to each respective patient monitor (e.g., autoPEEP images are uploaded to the human-patient simulator designated as the autoPEEP patient).</li>
	<li>Set out critical actions checklists at each station for each learner. Assign one faculty member to each station. Administer 5-minute post-test confidence survey and 25-minute posttest cognitive multiple-choice exam.</li>
	<li>Have learners report to a station, with one learner present at each station. Remaining students may wait in a separate room. Have learners provide their four-digit identifying code to faculty for their critical action checklist.</li>
	<li>Have faculty read the case stem to learner. Allow learners a maximum of ten minutes per station to work through a scenario. Do not administer feedback during case. At the conclusion of the scenario, dismiss learners to return back to their separate room.</li>
	<li>Have faculty fill out critical action checklists for each learner upon completion of each case. Rotate learners through all stations individually until all learners have completed all stations. Administer 10-minute post-curriculum survey to all learners.</li>
</ol>

<ol>
	<li>Slutsky, A. S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=History+of+mechanical+ventilation.+From+vesalius+to+ventilator-induced+lung+injury.">History of mechanical ventilation. From vesalius to ventilator-induced lung injury.</a> Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 191 (10), 1106-1115 (2015).</li><li>Ahmed, N., Devitt, K. S., Keshet, I., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+Systematic+Review+of+the+Effects+of+Resident+Duty+Hour+Restrictions+in+Surgery.">A Systematic Review of the Effects of Resident Duty Hour Restrictions in Surgery.</a> Ann Surg. 259 (6), 1041-1053 (2014).</li><li>Ziv, A., Wolpe, P. R., Small, S. D., Glick, S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Simulation-Based+Medical+Education:+An+Ethical+Imperative.">Simulation-Based Medical Education: An Ethical Imperative.</a> Acad Med. 78 (8), 783-788 (2003).</li><li>Duwat, A., Hubert, V., Deransy, R., Dupont, H. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Difficult+airway+management:+assessment+of+knowledge+and+experience+in+anaesthesiology+residents.">Difficult airway management: assessment of knowledge and experience in anaesthesiology residents.</a> Ann Fr Anesth Reanim. 32 (40), 231-234 (2013).</li><li>Lee, M. O., Brown, L. L., Bender, J., Machan, J. T., Overly, F. L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+medical+simulation-based+educational+intervention+for+emergency+medicine+residents+in+neonatal+resuscitation.">A medical simulation-based educational intervention for emergency medicine residents in neonatal resuscitation.</a> Acad Emerg Med. 19 (5), 577-585 (2012).</li><li>Barsuk, J. H., Cohen, E. R., Caprio, T., McGaghie, W. C., Simuni, T., Wayne, D. B. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Simulation-based+education+with+mastery+learning+improves+residents'+lumbar+puncture+skills.">Simulation-based education with mastery learning improves residents' lumbar puncture skills.</a> Neurology. 79 (2), 132-137 (2012).</li><li>Barsuk, J. H., Cohen, E. R., Vozenilek, J. A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Simulation-based+education+with+mastery+learning+improves+paracentesis+skills.">Simulation-based education with mastery learning improves paracentesis skills.</a> J Grad Med Educ. 4 (1), 23-27 (2012).</li><li>Sohmer, B., Hudson, C., Hudson, J., Posner, G. D., Naik, V. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Transesophageal+echocardiography+simulation+is+an+effective+tool+in+teaching+psychomotor+skills+to+novice+echocardiographers.">Transesophageal echocardiography simulation is an effective tool in teaching psychomotor skills to novice echocardiographers.</a> Can J Anaesth. 61 (3), 235-241 (2014).</li><li>Sigounas, V. J., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Evaluation+of+simulation-based+training+model+on+vascular+anastomotic+skills+for+surgical+residents.">Evaluation of simulation-based training model on vascular anastomotic skills for surgical residents.</a> Simul Healthc. 7 (6), 334-338 (2012).</li><li>Dawe, S. R., Windsor, J. A., Broeders, J. A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+systematic+review+of+surgical+skills+transfer+after+simulation-based+training:+laparoscopic+cholecystectomy+and+endoscopy.">A systematic review of surgical skills transfer after simulation-based training: laparoscopic cholecystectomy and endoscopy.</a> Ann Surg. 259 (2), 236-248 (2014).</li><li>Spadaro, S., Karbing, D. S., Fogagnolo, A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Simulation+Training+for+Residents+Focused+on+Mechanical+Ventilation.">Simulation Training for Residents Focused on Mechanical Ventilation.</a> Simul Healthc. , (2017).</li><li>Yee, J., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Mechanical+Ventilation+Boot+Camp:+A+Simulation-Based+Pilot+Study.">Mechanical Ventilation Boot Camp: A Simulation-Based Pilot Study.</a> Crit Care Res Pract. 2016, (2016).</li><li>Ryoo, E. N., Ha, E. H. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+Importance+of+Debriefing+in+Simulation-Based+Learning:+Comparison+Between+Debriefing+and+No+Debriefing.">The Importance of Debriefing in Simulation-Based Learning: Comparison Between Debriefing and No Debriefing.</a> Comput Inform Nurs. 33 (12), 538-545 (2015).</li><li>Shinnick, M. A., Woo, M., Horwich, T. B., Steadman, R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Debriefing:+The+Most+Important+Component+in+Simulation?.">Debriefing: The Most Important Component in Simulation?.</a> Clin Simul Nurs. 7 (3), e105-e111 (2011).</li></ol>

The authors have nothing to disclose.

The boot camp consists of three separate sessions. During the first day, learners complete a pre-testing confidence survey and medical knowledge test before undergoing a five-minute scenario. Faculty evaluate the learners using pre-determined critical actions. Leaners are then given asynchronous reading to complete before day 2. The second day is composed of the intervention stage, where groups of 2-3 learners work through five different scenarios. Faculty are at the bedside to provide immediate and personalized feedback. The third day is the post-testing evaluation, where learners complete a post-testing confidence survey and medical knowledge test. They then undergo a five-minute scenario, rated against critical actions.
In the authors&#39; opinion, the most critical point of the curriculum is the bedside teaching by critical care content experts. As reviewed in the literature, the debriefing process is the most important step in simulation and is essential for knowledge gains.13,14
The curriculum evolved throughout its execution. Residents were invited to provide feedback at the end of the curriculum. Many residents expressed a desire to review articles that provided foundational knowledge of an overview of mechanical ventilation and pulmonary physiology. Faculty also became more streamlined in their teaching presentations as the curriculum developed.
Limitations are largely related to finances and time. Renting or purchasing simulation equipment may be expensive, particularly if a simulation center does not regularly use this sophisticated simulation equipment. Training simulation staff to become readily proficient on the use of the breathing simulators required a significant amount of time. Intensivists had to schedule time off well in advance to be available for teaching. We suggest that interested educators dedicate ample time to ensure they have sufficient funding and time to execute this curriculum.
There is a paucity of literature describing simulation as a method to teach novice learners the principles of ventilator management. Learners are able to manage low-frequency events on mannequins versus learning on critically-ill patients. This curriculum provides a means for novice medical providers to visualize the consequences of their management decisions in real-time. The breathing simulators used in conjunction with the mechanical ventilators allow for learners to practice on real clinical equipment for hands-on experience that may be intimidating to use in the clinical setting. Additionally, the curriculum allows for bedside personalized teaching by critical care faculty.

This boot camp was developed to teach residents how to manage a mechanically-ventilated patient, as well as troubleshoot ventilator alarms. Management of this patient population may be intimidating to the novice practitioner who may have limited experience with critically ill patients. Teaching critical care principles at the bedside is made more difficult by national work-hour restrictions1,2, and medicolegal concerns3 in the United States. Simulation is an effective modality to develop and refine critical care skills4,5, as well as invasive procedures6,7,8,9,10. Through simulation, learners may experience what the consequences of their medical decision-making is without putting patients at risk. This curriculum allows for a variety of different learning modalities, including bedside teaching from an intensivist, hands-on practice with a ventilator, and supplemental asynchronous reading.
Previous studies have shown increased knowledge with mannequin-based education of mechanical ventilation11,12. Spadaro et al.11 compared computer-based training with mannequin-based training for anesthesiology residents undergoing simulation-based teaching of mechanical ventilation. Residents who underwent mannequin-based training had higher key action and global rating scores. As noted in our previous study12, first-year residents demonstrated improved knowledge, confidence, and competency after the conclusion of this boot camp curriculum.
As written, this three-day curriculum allows for educators to initially assess their learners&#39; baseline knowledge on day one, as well as evaluate changes in competency, knowledge, and confidence upon curriculum completion on day three. Days one and three are dedicated towards assessment, while the second day is focused on bedside teaching by content experts. Pathological conditions (acute respiratory distress syndrome [ARDS], atelectasis secondary to mucus plugging, and pneumothorax) were used for the initial assessment and final testing days, while an altered mental status station was added during the teaching day to review ventilator basics. Dynamic hyperinflation was also added to the teaching day as to reinforce ventilator diagnostics and management, including its consideration in patients with a high plateau pressure. Educators may substitute the pathologies as they feel appropriate for their teaching needs.
In preparation, simulation faculty held an initial rehearsal day to ensure all participating educators were aware of their roles and to ensure equipment was working appropriately. While we used simulation faculty for assessment and critical care physicians for teaching, educators may adjust the roles of faculty as resources dictate. Execution of this boot camp requires preparatory logistics planning. First-year residents should be scheduled protected time to ensure they can complete all three days of the curriculum. Intensivists will need to schedule time off in advance to attend bedside teaching sessions. Simulation equipment such as breathing simulators, mechanical ventilators, and human-patient simulators may have to be purchased, rented, or borrowed.

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mechanical ventilation boot camp curriculum

Medical management of mechanically ventilated patients is challenging to novice providers. Incorrect management of this population may lead to increased morbidity and mortality. A three-day simulation-based boot camp serves to provide one-on-one instruction with a critical care provider. These intensivists may dispense personalized immediate feedback as learners engage in hands-on practice with a real mechanical ventilator. Multiple different pathologies can be reviewed that may not be encountered in the clinical setting. Learners can visualize immediate consequences of their actions and may troubleshoot and ask questions, all while in a safe learning environment. We describe the use of human-patient simulators connected to breathing simulators and mechanical ventilators. Potential curriculum executors should be aware of the cost of the equipment and the time needed to dedicate to boot camp execution; however, this intensive interactive training has been shown to increase provider competency, knowledge, and confidence in ventilator management. This curriculum outline provides guidance on how to execute a simulation-based boot camp to train providers on the management of mechanically ventilated patients.

As noted in Yee et al, first-year residents who underwent this boot camp demonstrated significantly improved confidence, knowledge, and performance12. Cognitive knowledge, assessed by the pre- and post-intervention multiple choice tests, increased from a mean score of 40.3% to 67.1%, with a mean change in score of +26.8% (Figure 1).
Critical actions were evaluated by faculty on days 1 and 3. The ARDS case had an initial mean of 1.5 critical actions met on day 1 (out of a total of 5), which increased to 4.1 on day 3. The atelectasis secondary to mucus plugging case had an initial mean of 1.24 on day 1 (out of a total of 5) and a postintervention score of 4.47 on day 3 (Figure 2).
Learners felt more confident after the boot camp intervention. Their initial confidence on day 1 was rated as a mean score of 1.56 out of 5, which increased to a mean score of 3.64 on day 3 (Figure 3).
<img alt="Figure 1" class="xfigimg" src="/files/ftp_upload/57303/57303fig1.jpg" /> 
Figure 1: Knowledge Assessment Pre- and Post-Intervention 
This figure has been reformatted with permission from Yee J. et al. Mechanical Ventilation Boot Camp: A Simulation-Based Pilot Study. Crit Care Res Pract. 2016, (2016). doi:10.1155/2016/4670672. <a href="https://cloudflare.jove.com/files/ftp_upload/57303/57303fig1large.jpg" target="_blank">Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.</a>
<img alt="Figure 2" class="xfigimg" src="/files/ftp_upload/57303/57303fig2.jpg" /> 
Figure 2: Critical Actions Performance Assessment Pre-and Post-Intervention 
This figure has been reformatted with permission from Yee J. et al. Mechanical Ventilation Boot Camp: A Simulation-Based Pilot Study. Crit Care Res Pract. 2016, (2016). doi:10.1155/2016/4670672. <a href="https://cloudflare.jove.com/files/ftp_upload/57303/57303fig2large.jpg" target="_blank">Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.</a>
<img alt="Figure 3" class="xfigimg" src="/files/ftp_upload/57303/57303fig3.jpg" /> 
Figure 3: Confidence Assessment Pre- and Post-Intervention 
This figure has been reformatted with permission from Yee J. et al. Mechanical Ventilation Boot Camp: A Simulation-Based Pilot Study. Crit Care Res Pract. 2016, (2016). doi:10.1155/2016/4670672. <a href="https://cloudflare.jove.com/files/ftp_upload/57303/57303fig3large.jpg" target="_blank">Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.</a>

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Mechanical Ventilation Boot Camp Curriculum at JoVE.com

Mechanical Ventilation Boot Camp Curriculum

This curriculum outlines how to execute a simulation-based boot camp to teach providers how to manage mechanically ventilated patients.

Medical management of mechanically ventilated patients is challenging to novice providers. Incorrect management of this population may lead to increased ...

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10.1K Views.  The Ohio State University. This curriculum outlines how to execute a simulation-based boot camp to teach providers how to manage mechanically ventilated patients.

Video: Mechanical Ventilation Boot Camp Curriculum

A Novel Rescue Technique for Difficult Intubation and Difficult Ventilation

We describe a novel non surgical technique to maintain oxygenation and ventilation in a case of difficult intubation and difficult ventilation, which works especially well with poor mask fit.
Can not intubate, can not ventilate" (CICV) is a potentially life threatening situation. In this video we present a simulation of the technique we used in a case of CICV where oxygenation and ventilation were maintained by inserting an endotracheal tube (ETT) nasally down to the level of the naso-pharynx while sealing the mouth and nares for successful positive pressure ventilation.
A 13 year old patient was taken to the operating room for incision and drainage of a neck abcess and direct laryngobronchoscopy. After preoxygenation, anesthesia was induced intravenously. Mask ventilation was found to be extremely difficult because of the swelling of the soft tissue. The face mask could not fit properly on the face due to significant facial swelling as well. A direct laryngoscopy was attempted with no visualization of the larynx. Oxygen saturation was difficult to maintain, with saturations falling to 80%. In order to oxygenate and ventilate the patient, an endotracheal tube was then inserted nasally after nasal spray with nasal decongestant and lubricant. The tube was pushed gently and blindly into the hypopharynx. The mouth and nose of the patient were sealed by hand and positive pressure ventilation was possible with 100% O2 with good oxygen saturation during that period of time. Once the patient was stable and well sedated, a rigid bronchoscope was introduced by the otolaryngologist showing extensive subglottic and epiglottic edema, and a mass effect from the abscess, contributing to the airway compromise. The airway was secured with an ETT tube by the otolaryngologist.This video will show a simulation of the technique on a patient undergoing general anesthesia for dental restorations.

We describe a technique to maintain oxygenation and ventilation using an endotracheal tube inserted nasally to the level of the naso-pharynx while sealing the mouth and nares for successful positive pressure ventilation.

We describe a novel non surgical technique to maintain oxygenation and ventilation in a case of difficult intubation and difficult ventilation, which ...

Pressure Controlled Ventilation to Induce Acute Lung Injury in Mice

Murine models are extensively used to investigate acute injuries of different organs systems (1-34). Acute lung injury (ALI), which occurs with prolonged mechanical ventilation, contributes to morbidity and mortality of critical illness, and studies on novel genetic or pharmacological targets are areas of intense investigation (1-3, 5, 8, 26, 30, 33-36). ALI is defined by the acute onset of the disease, which leads to non-cardiac pulmonary edema and subsequent impairment of pulmonary gas exchange (36). We have developed a murine model of ALI by using a pressure-controlled ventilation to induce ventilator-induced lung injury (2). For this purpose, C57BL/6 mice are anesthetized and a tracheotomy is performed followed by induction of ALI via mechanical ventilation. Mice are ventilated in a pressure-controlled setting with an inspiratory peak pressure of 45 mbar over 1 - 3 hours. As outcome parameters, pulmonary edema (wet-to-dry ratio), bronchoalveolar fluid albumin content, bronchoalveolar fluid and pulmonary tissue myeloperoxidase content and pulmonary gas exchange are assessed (2). Using this technique we could show that it sufficiently induces acute lung inflammation and can distinguish between different treatment groups or genotypes (1-3, 5). Therefore this technique may be helpful for researchers who pursue molecular mechanisms involved in ALI using a genetic approach in mice with gene-targeted deletion.

A murine model for ventilator induced lung injury is an important tool to study an acute lung injury in vivo. Here, we report an easy applicable in situ model for acute lung injury using high-pressure mechanical ventilation to induce acute failure of the lung.

Murine models are extensively used to investigate acute injuries of different organs systems (1-34). Acute lung injury (ALI), which occurs with prolonged ...

Myo-mechanical Analysis of Isolated Skeletal Muscle

To assess the in vivo effects of therapeutic interventions for the treatment of muscle disease 1,2,3, quantitative methods are needed that measure force generation and fatigability in treated muscle. We describe a detailed approach to evaluating myo-mechanical properties in freshly explanted hindlimb muscle from the mouse. We describe the atraumatic harvest of mouse extensor digitorum longus muscle, mounting the muscle in a muscle strip myograph (Model 820MS; Danish Myo Technology), and the measurement of maximal twitch and tetanic tension, contraction time, and half-relaxation time, using a square pulse stimulator (Model S48; Grass Technologies). Using these measurements, we demonstrate the calculation of specific twitch and tetanic tension normalized to muscle cross-sectional area, the twitch-to-tetanic tension ratio, the force-frequency relationship curve and the low frequency fatigue curve 4. This analysis provides a method for quantitative comparison between therapeutic interventions in mouse models of muscle disease 1,2,3,5, as well as comparison of the effects of genetic modification on muscle function 6,7,8,9.

To assess the in vivo effects of therapeutic interventions for muscle disease, methods are needed to quantitate force generation and fatigability in treated muscle. We detail an approach to evaluating myo-mechanical properties in explanted mouse hindlimb muscle. This analysis provides a robust approach to quantitating the effects of genetic modification on muscle function, as well as comparison of therapies in mouse models of muscle disease.

To assess the in vivo effects of therapeutic interventions for the treatment of muscle disease 1,2,3, quantitative methods are needed that measure force ...

Repeated Measurement of Respiratory Muscle Activity and Ventilation in Mouse Models of Neuromuscular Disease

Accessory respiratory muscles help to maintain ventilation when diaphragm function is impaired. The following protocol describes a method for repeated measurements over weeks or months of accessory respiratory muscle activity while simultaneously measuring ventilation in a non-anesthetized, freely behaving mouse. The technique includes the surgical implantation of a radio transmitter and the insertion of electrode leads into the scalene and trapezius muscles to measure the electromyogram activity of these inspiratory muscles. Ventilation is measured by whole-body plethysmography, and animal movement is assessed by video and is synchronized with electromyogram activity. Measurements of muscle activity and ventilation in a mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis are presented to show how this tool can be used to investigate how respiratory muscle activity changes over time and to assess the impact of muscle activity on ventilation. The described methods can easily be adapted to measure the activity of other muscles or to assess accessory respiratory muscle activity in additional mouse models of disease or injury.

This paper introduces a method for repeated measurements of ventilation and respiratory muscle activity in a freely behaving amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) mouse model throughout disease progression with whole-body plethysmography and electromyography via an implanted telemetry device.

Accessory respiratory muscles help to maintain ventilation when diaphragm function is impaired. The following protocol describes a method for repeated ...

Mechanical and Controlled PRP Injections in Patients Affected by Androgenetic Alopecia

23 patients (18 male and 5 female) aged 21-70 years who displayed male pattern hair loss (MPHL) in Stage 1 to Stage 5 as determined by the Norwood-Hamilton classification scale, and female pattern hair loss (FPHL) in Stage 1 to Stage 2 as determined by the Ludwig classification scale, were treated with non-activated autologous platelet-rich plasma (A-PRP). Autologous blood (55 mL) was harvested using sodium citrate as an anticoagulant. A-PRP (23 mL) was produced for all cases using a closed system according to the transfusion service protocol. Following centrifugation (260 x g for 10 min) the A-PRP was inserted in a laser light selector device, and after the centrifugation, 9 mL of A-PRP was collected.
The scalp of the patients affected by androgenetic alopecia (AGA) was divided into four areas (frontal, parietal, vertex, and occipital); local anesthesia was not performed. Interfollicular A-PRP injections (0.2 mL x cm2) were performed by controlled and mechanical injections scheduled at a depth of 5 mm using a medical injector gun. Treatment sessions were performed with a 30-day interval. For each patient, three treatment sessions were performed.
PRP was injected in the androgen-related areas of scalp affected by hair loss. Placebo (normal saline solution) was loaded in another syringe (10 mL) and injected on the adjacent side in a similar fashion.

This paper aims to describe the interfollicular autologous platelet-rich plasma injections (0.20 mL x cm2) in the scalp of 23 patients affected by androgenetic alopecia at a depth of 5 mm using a medical injector gun equipped with a 30 gauge needle, in three sessions.

23 patients (18 male and 5 female) aged 21-70 years who displayed male pattern hair loss (MPHL) in Stage 1 to Stage 5 as determined by the ...

Emergency Undocking in Robotic Surgery: A Simulation Curriculum

The following is a training platform to allow robotic surgeons to develop the skills necessary to lead an interprofessional team in emergency undocking of a robotic system. In traditional robotic training for surgeons, a brief web based overview of performing an emergency undocking is provided during initial introductory training to the robotics system. During such a process, there is no training in delineation of interdisciplinary roles for operating room (OR) personnel. The training presented here uses formative simulation and debriefing followed by a lecture. For the simulation, a modified gynecologic simulator is draped in a steep trendelenburg position consistent with most gynecologic laparoscopic surgery. The training torso is modified using tubing hooked to pressure bags of red food colored IV fluid used to simulate a catastrophic vessel injury on demand. Positioned throughout the operating room setting is an interprofessional team consisting of embedded standardized persons (ESPs) to fulfill the roles of a circulating nurse, scrub nurse, anesthesiologist, and bedside assist surgeon. Robotic surgeons are presented a case scenario necessitating emergency undocking, and given control of the robotic instruments. The scenario is terminated following either successful completion of an emergency undock, or at five minutes due to the emergent nature of the case. A debriefing session with hands on training of the steps to emergency undocking, necessary equipment, troubleshooting techniques, and operating room personnel roles follows the simulation. The learners are presented with a short lecture reemphasizing the material presented in the debriefing for their own self-study. This training results in improved time accessing the patient, improved knowledge, confidence, and completion of critical actions, and can be replicated in most institutions. All robotic surgeons should be able to demonstrate competence in this crucial intervention. A limitation of the curriculum is ability to access the in-situ environment for training purposes.

This training platform is designed to allow robotic surgeons to develop the skills necessary to lead an interprofessional team in emergency undocking of the robotic system. Training includes the utilization of the technology and equipment to perform an emergency undocking, as well as delineation of roles for such a scenario.

The following is a training platform to allow robotic surgeons to develop the skills necessary to lead an interprofessional team in emergency undocking of ...

Mechanical Micronization of Lipoaspirates for Regenerative Therapy

Stromal vascular fraction (SVF) has become a regenerative tool for various diseases; however, legislation strictly regulates the clinical application of cell products using collagenase. Here, we present a protocol to generate an injectable mixture of SVF cells and native extracellular matrix from adipose tissue by a purely mechanical process. Lipoaspirates are put into a centrifuge and spun at 1,200 x g for 3 min. The middle layer is collected and separated into two layers (high-density fat at the bottom and low-density fat on the top). The upper layer is directly emulsified by intersyringe shifting, at a rate of 20 mL/s for 6x to 8x. The emulsified fat is centrifuged at 2,000 x g for 3 min, and the sticky substance under the oil layer is collected and defined as the extracellular matrix (ECM)/SVF-gel. The oil on the top layer is collected. Approximately 5 mL of oil is added to 15 mL of high-density fat and emulsified by intersyringe shifting, at a rate of 20 mL/s for 6x to 8x. The emulsified fat is centrifuged at 2,000 x g for 3 min, and the sticky substance is also ECM/SVF-gel. After the transplantation of the ECM/SVF-gel into nude mice, the graft is harvested and assessed by histologic examination. The result shows that this product has the potential to regenerate into normal adipose tissue. This procedure is a simple, effective mechanical dissociation procedure to condense the SVF cells embedded in their natural supportive ECM for regenerative purposes.

Here, we present a protocol to obtain stromal vascular fraction from adipose tissue through a series of mechanical processes, which include emulsification and multiple centrifugations.

Stromal vascular fraction (SVF) has become a regenerative tool for various diseases; however, legislation strictly regulates the clinical application of ...

Quantitative Mapping of Specific Ventilation in the Human Lung using Proton Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Oxygen as a Contrast Agent

Specific ventilation imaging (SVI) is a functional magnetic resonance imaging technique capable of quantifying specific ventilation &#8213; the ratio of the fresh gas entering a lung region divided by the region&#8217;s end-expiratory volume &#8213; in the human lung, using only inhaled oxygen as a contrast agent. Regional quantification of specific ventilation has the potential to help identify areas of pathologic lung function. Oxygen in solution in tissue shortens the tissue&#8217;s longitudinal relaxation time (T1), and thus a change in tissue oxygenation can be detected as a change in T1-weighted signal with an inversion recovery acquired image. Following an abrupt change between two concentrations of inspired oxygen, the rate at which lung tissue within a voxel equilibrates to a new steady-state reflects the rate at which resident gas is being replaced by inhaled gas. This rate is determined by specific ventilation. To elicit this sudden change in oxygenation, subjects alternately breathe 20-breath blocks of air (21% oxygen) and 100% oxygen while in the MRI scanner. A stepwise change in inspired oxygen fraction is achieved through use of a custom three-dimensional (3D)-printed flow bypass system with a manual switch during a short end-expiratory breath hold. To detect the corresponding change in T1, a global inversion pulse followed by a single shot fast spin echo sequence was used to acquire two-dimensional T1-weighted images in a 1.5&#160;T MRI scanner, using an eight-element torso coil. Both single slice and multi-slice imaging are possible, with slightly different imaging parameters. Quantification of specific ventilation is achieved by correlating the time-course of signal intensity for each lung voxel with a library of simulated responses to the air/oxygen stimulus. SVI estimations of specific ventilation heterogeneity have been validated against multiple breath washout and proved to accurately determine the heterogeneity of the specific ventilation distribution.

Specific ventilation imaging is a functional magnetic resonance imaging technique that allows for quantification of regional specific ventilation in the human lung, using inhaled oxygen as a contrast agent. Here, we present a protocol to collect and analyze specific ventilation imaging data.

Specific ventilation imaging (SVI) is a functional magnetic resonance imaging technique capable of quantifying specific ventilation &#8213; the ratio of ...

A Rat Carotid Artery Pressure-Controlled Segmental Balloon Injury with Periadventitial Therapeutic Application

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death and disability worldwide, in part due to atherosclerosis. Atherosclerotic plaque narrows the luminal surface area in arteries thereby reducing adequate blood flow to organs and distal tissues. Clinically, revascularization procedures such as balloon angioplasty with or without stent placement aim to restore blood flow. Although these procedures reestablish blood flow by reducing plaque burden, they damage the vessel wall, which initiates the arterial healing response. The prolonged healing response causes arterial restenosis, or re-narrowing, ultimately limiting the long-term success of these revascularization procedures. Therefore, preclinical animal models are integral for analyzing the pathophysiological mechanisms driving restenosis, and provide the opportunity to test novel therapeutic strategies. Murine models are cheaper and easier to operate on than large animal models. Balloon or wire injury are the two commonly accepted injury modalities used in murine models. Balloon injury models in particular mimic the clinical angioplasty procedure and cause adequate damage to the artery for the development of restenosis. Herein we describe the surgical details for performing and histologically analyzing the modified, pressure-controlled rat carotid artery balloon injury model. Additionally, this protocol highlights how local periadventitial application of therapeutics can be used to inhibit neointimal hyperplasia. Lastly, we present light sheet fluorescence microscopy as a novel approach for imaging and visualizing the arterial injury in three-dimensions.

The rat carotid artery balloon injury mimics the clinical angioplasty procedure performed to restore blood flow in atherosclerotic vessels. This model induces the arterial injury response by distending the arterial wall, and denuding the intimal layer of endothelial cells, ultimately causing remodeling and an intimal hyperplastic response.

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death and disability worldwide, in part due to atherosclerosis. Atherosclerotic plaque narrows the ...

Setup and Execution of the Rapid Cycle Deliberate Practice Death Notification Curriculum

Death notification is an important and challenging aspect of Emergency Medicine. An Emergency Medicine physician must deliver bad news, often sudden and unexpected, to patients and family members without any previous relationship. Unskilled death notification after unexpected events can lead to the development of pathologic grief and posttraumatic stress disorder. It is paramount for Emergency Medicine physicians to be trained in and practice death notification techniques. The GRIEV_ING curriculum provides a conceptual framework for death notification. The curriculum has demonstrated improvement in learners&#8217; confidence and competence when delivering bad news. Rapid Cycle Deliberate Practice is a simulation-based medical education technique that uses within the scenario debriefing. This technique uses the concepts of mastery learning and deliberate practice. It allows educators to pause a scenario, provide directed feedback, and then let learners continue the simulation scenario the &#8220;right way.&#8221; The purpose of this scholarly work is to describe how to apply the Rapid Cycle Deliberate Practice debriefing technique to the GRIEV_ING death notification curriculum to more effectively train learners in the delivery of bad news.

The goal is to demonstrate how to apply the rapid cycle deliberate practice debriefing technique to the GRIEV_ING death notification curriculum.

Death notification is an important and challenging aspect of Emergency Medicine. An Emergency Medicine physician must deliver bad news, often sudden and ...