5xFAD transgenic (TG) mice are used widely in AD preclinical trials; however, data on sample sizes are largely unaddressed. We therefore performed estimates of sample sizes and effect sizes for typical behavioural and neuropathological outcome measures in TG 5xFAD mice, based upon data from single-sex (female) groups. Group-size estimates to detect normalisation of TG body weight to WT littermate levels at 5.5m of age were N = 9–15 depending upon algorithm. However, by 1 year of age, group sizes were small (N = 1 –<6), likely reflecting the large difference between genotypes at this age. To detect normalisation of TG open-field hyperactivity to WT levels at 13-14m, group sizes were also small (N = 6–8). Cued learning in the Morris water maze (MWM) was normal in Young TG mice (5m of age). Mild deficits were noted during MWM spatial learning and memory. MWM reversal learning and memory revealed greater impairment, and groups of up to 22 TG mice were estimated to detect normalisation to WT performance. In contrast, Aged TG mice (tested between 13 and 14m) failed to complete the visual learning (non-spatial) phase of MWM learning, likely due to a failure to recognise the platform as an escape. Estimates of group size to detect normalisation of this severe impairment were small (N = 6–9, depending upon algorithm). Other cognitive tests including spontaneous and forced alternation and novel-object recognition either failed to reveal deficits in TG mice or deficits were negligible. For neuropathological outcomes, plaque load, astrocytosis and microgliosis in frontal cortex and hippocampus were quantified in TG mice aged 2m, 4m and 6m. Sample-size estimates were ≤9 to detect the equivalent of a reduction in plaque load to the level of 2m-old TG mice or the equivalent of normalisation of neuroinflammation outcomes. However, for a smaller effect size of 30%, larger groups of up to 21 mice were estimated. In light of published guidelines on preclinical trial design, these data may be used to provide provisional sample sizes and optimise preclinical trials in 5xFAD TG mice.

Background Uvular injury is a rare complication of endotracheal intubation. It presents as a triad of sore throat, foreign body sensation in pharynx, and halitosis. Case presentation A 26-year-old male who underwent endotracheal intubation for general anesthesia developed sore throat and foreign body sensation after the procedure. The patient was diagnosed as a case of iatrogenic uvular necrosis (grade III uvular injury) leading to auto-amputation (grade IV uvular injury) attributed to compression of the uvula due to the endotracheal tube placement. The patient was counseled regarding the etiology of the disease and was treated conservatively. Conclusions Uvular injury is a rare complication that can easily be prevented by corrections in technique and experience. This report emphasizes the establishment of principles of diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of uvular injury.