Genetic therapeutics hold considerable potential for the treatment of diseases and disorders including ischemic cardiovascular diseases. To realize this potential, genetic vectors must be precisely and efficiently delivered to targeted regions of the body. However, conventional methods of delivery do not provide sufficient spatial and temporal control. Here, we demonstrate how alginate microgels provide a basis for developing systems for controlled genetic vector release. We adjust the physiochemical properties of alginate for quicker or slower release, and we demonstrate how combining distinct formulations of microgels can tune the release of the overall composite microgel suspension. These composite suspensions are generated using a straightforward and powerful application of droplet microfluidics which allows for the real-time generation of a composite suspension.

Background Surgical repair of orbital floor fractures aims to improve visual function and appearance. Postoperative care often involves computed tomography (CT) imaging in addition to physical examination. It has yet to be investigated whether postoperative CT imaging influences treatment of orbital floor fractures. Methods A retrospective chart review was conducted for all patients who underwent orbital floor fracture repair at University of California, Irvine, from 2008 to 2017. Demographics, injury characteristics, and presurgical and postsurgical management were retrospectively extracted for 217 cases. Patients who experienced a change of care following postoperative CT (n = 6) were compared with the entire patient cohort. Results Postoperative CT imaging influenced orbital floor fracture management in 6 patients (7.2% of patients with imaging). The positive predictive value of a postoperative CT scan was 10.3%, compared with 17.6% for a physical examination. An estimated $2013.76 was spent to obtain a postoperative CT scan that revealed 1 additional patient who needed reoperation (number needed to treat = 14). A multivariate regression model demonstrated no association between postoperative CT scans and change in management (P = 0.995). Conclusions In this patient cohort, postoperative CT imaging and its associated costs did not significantly benefit management of orbital floor fracture repair. Careful clinical physical examination should be emphasized over postoperative CT imaging to reliably determine the necessity for reoperation in orbital floor fracture management.

Background: Disparities in advanced degrees, gender, and specialty for medical leadership in academia have not been described. Methods:In this cross-sectional multi-institutional study, the authors used the University of California (UC) employee database and organization charts to compile the physicians and medical leaders at 6 academic centers. Chi-square testing was used to identify factors associated with leadership positions.Results: Among physicians in leadership 34.6% had dual degrees compared to 25.3% without leadership roles (P<0.001). The PhD, MPH, and MBA were the only degrees overrepresented in leadership. Female physicians were underrepresented in general compared to males (42.8% vs. 57.2%; P<0.001), and even more so in leadership roles (28.0% vs. 72.0%; P<0.001). While Internal Medicine (24.6%) was the most common specialty in leadership, the only specialties overrepresented in leadership were Psychiatry (P=0.003) and Neurosurgery (P=0.019).Conclusions: This study uniquely characterizes the distribution of advanced degrees, gender, and specialties in six academic institutions. The MBA, MPH, and PhD degrees, along with Neurosurgery and Psychiatry specialties, were strongly associated with physicians in leadership, while females were largely underrepresented in leadership. Understanding the current state of healthcare management in academic hospitals sheds light upon the disparities in leadership in order to achieve equal representation.

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Schools can play a major role in protecting students from skin cancer by instituting preventive policies and educational programs. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> A high school-wide study was conducted to assess students’ current understanding of skin cancer prevention, provide an up-to-date instruction lesson, and evaluate changes in students’ knowledge and behaviors. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Written surveys were distributed to 2,688 high school students with a return rate of 38.1% (<i>n</i> = 1,025). Surveys were administered prior to (survey 1), immediately after (survey 2), and 1 month after (survey 3) presenting a video lesson. Significant changes in knowledge gain (an increase from survey 1 to survey 2), knowledge decay (a decrease from survey 2 to survey 3), and knowledge persistence (an increase from survey 1 to survey 3) throughout all grade levels were found. Behavioral changes included an increase in students wearing sunscreen 5–7 days per week (<i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.001) and students examining themselves for changing moles (<i>p</i> = 0.10). With this survey, the Health Education Framework for California Public Schools was revised to include updated recommendations regarding skin cancer prevention efforts in schools. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> A skin cancer video lesson given to high school students effectively increased students’ knowledge and promoted healthy behaviors.