ObjectiveThe goal for this research was to identify molecular mechanisms that explain animal-to-animal variability in chronic intracortical recordings.ApproachMicrowire electrodes were implanted into Sprague Dawley rats at an acute (1 week) and a chronic (14 weeks) time point. Weekly recordings were conducted, and action potentials were evoked in the barrel cortex by deflecting the rat’s whiskers. At 1 and 14 weeks, tissue was collected, and mRNA was extracted. mRNA expression was compared between 1 and 14 weeks using a high throughput multiplexed qRT-PCR. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated between mRNA expression and signal-to-noise ratios at 14 weeks.Main resultsAt 14 weeks, a positive correlation between signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and NeuN and GFAP mRNA expression was observed, indicating a relationship between recording strength and neuronal population, as well as reactive astrocyte activity. The inflammatory state around the electrode interface was evaluated using M1-like and M2-like markers. Expression for both M1-like and M2-like mRNA markers remained steady from 1 to 14 weeks. Anti-inflammatory markers, CD206 and CD163, however, demonstrated a significant positive correlation with SNR quality at 14 weeks. VE-cadherin, a marker for adherens junctions, and PDGFR-β, a marker for pericytes, both partial representatives of blood–brain barrier health, had a positive correlation with SNR at 14 weeks. Endothelial adhesion markers revealed a significant increase in expression at 14 weeks, while CD45, a pan-leukocyte marker, significantly decreased at 14 weeks. No significant correlation was found for either the endothelial adhesion or pan-leukocyte markers.SignificanceA positive correlation between anti-inflammatory and blood–brain barrier health mRNA markers with electrophysiological efficacy of implanted intracortical electrodes has been demonstrated. These data reveal potential mechanisms for further evaluation to determine potential target mechanisms to improve consistency of intracortical electrodes recordings and reduce animal-to-animal/implant-to-implant variability.

Varicella pneumonia is a potentially fatal complication of the Varicella-zoster virus (VZV), which causes the well-known chickenpox disease of childhood. Identifying this type of pneumonia by characteristic features is important for radiologists and radiology residents. Typical manifestations of active Varicella pneumonia include diffuse pulmonary nodules, which may mimic other diseases. Healed Varicella pneumonia can present as diffuse, calcified pulmonary micronodules. We describe a case of healed Varicella pneumonia in a patient with a history of remote VZV infection.

Review question / Objective: The aim of this systematic review is to determine the method of assignment of gender, race, ethnicity in studies of inequalities within academic anesthesiology and surgery Rationale: We are hoping to highlight the variability in gender, race, and ethnicity assignment in studies of professional diversity for the purposes of characterizing the strength of the evidence of such studies. Study designs to be included: Any original research including case series, cohorts, systematic reviews, etc. (Does not including commentary).