Lightly stroking the lips or gently poking some skin regions can evoke mechanical itch in healthy human subjects. Sensitization of mechanical itch and persistent spontaneous itch are intractable symptoms in chronic itch patients. However, the underlying neural circuits are not well defined. We identified a subpopulation of excitatory interneurons expressing Urocortin 3::Cre (Ucn3 + ) in the dorsal spinal cord as a central node in the pathway that transmits acute mechanical itch and mechanical itch sensitization as well as persistent spontaneous itch under chronic itch conditions. This population receives peripheral inputs from Toll-like receptor 5-positive (TLR5 + ) Ab low-threshold mechanoreceptors and is directly innervated by inhibitory interneurons expressing neuropeptide Y::Cre (NPY + ) in the dorsal spinal cord. Reduced synaptic inhibition and increased intrinsic excitability of Ucn3 + neurons lead to chronic itch sensitization. Our study sheds new light on the neural basis of chronic itch and unveils novel avenues for developing mechanism-specific therapeutic advancements.

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Importance: Prominotia has functional and esthetic impact for the child and family and proficiency in otoplasty requires experiential rehearsal. Objectives: To design and validate an anatomically accurate, 3D printed prominotia simulator for rehearsal of otoplasties. Methods: A 3D prominotia model was designed from a computed tomographic (CT) scan and edited in 3-matic software. Negative molds were 3D printed and filled with silicone. Expert surgeons performed an otoplasty procedure on these simulators and provided Likert-based feedback. Results: Six expert surgeons with a mean of 14.3 years of practice evaluated physical qualities, realism, performance, and value of the simulator. The simulator was rated on a scale of 1 (no value) to 5 (great value) and scored 3.83 as a training tool, 3.83 as a competency evaluation tool, and 4 as a rehearsal tool. Conclusions: Expert validation rated the otoplasty simulator highly in physical qualities, realism, performance, and value. With minor modifications, this model demonstrates valuable educational potential.

Aim: Orofacial clefts are prevalent with limited access to surgical correction. To address this issue our objective was to create a low-cost, high-fidelity, 3D-printed Veau class II cleft palate surgical simulator. Materials & methods: A 3D-printed Veau class II cleft palate simulator was designed using de-identified computed tomography data and computer aided design software. The simulator then underwent multi-institutional expert otolaryngologist validation. Results: The Veau class II cleft palate simulator was rated on a scale of 1–5; 3.8 as a training tool, 4.20 as a competency evaluation tool and 4.20 as a rehearsal tool. The simulator was also rated as very relevant (4.20) and very useful (4.60). Conclusion: The low-cost, high-fidelity Veau II cleft palate simulator was rated highly for physical attributes, realism, performance and usefulness.