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Background: Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) is a high-risk, low-volume procedure requiring repetition, skill and multiple disciplines with fidelity of communication. Yet many barriers exist to maintain proficiency and skills with variable cost and fidelity. We designed and implemented a low-cost monthly ECMO simulation and hypothesized providers would have increased familiarity and improved teamwork. We also review some key elements of cost, fidelity and evaluation of effectiveness., Methods: A structured, 1-hour ECMO simulation was performed on a customized mannikin on a monthly basis in 2022. Qualitative surveys were administered to each member post-simulation. Answers were categorized by theme, including satisfaction of patient care, evaluation of self and team dynamics, and areas for improvement., Results: Most participants were satisfied with their ability to take care of the patient, with common themes of communication and coordination of roles. Identified areas of improvement were mostly limited to technical skills, and soft skills such as communication and teamwork., Conclusions: We designed and implemented a low-cost, monthly and multi-disciplinary ECMO simulation program with overall positive feedback and identified areas for improvement. There remains variability in cost, fidelity and evaluation of performance and retention. There may be a need to create guidelines for ECMO simulation training that can be applied at all institutions utilizing ECMO for patient care., Competing Interests: Declaration of conflicting interestsThe author(s) declared the following potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: AH is a speaker and consultant for Abbott and speaker and on the advisory board for Medtronic. FundingThe author(s) received no financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Background: Insulin resistance (IR) is a potential predictor of antidepressant treatment response., Aims: We assess changes in IR after antidepressant treatment and whether these changes have any effect on treatment response. Also, to see whether changes in IR mediates relationship between C-reactive protein (CRP) and antidepressant efficacy., Methods: This is a secondary analysis of an 8-week, open-label clinical trial with 95 adults experiencing a major depressive episode. Response to vortioxetine was measured using the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS). Generalized estimating equation models were utilized for this intent-to-treat analysis., Results: When adjusted for age, sex, and body mass index, there was a significant increase in IR following treatment in the overall sample (p = 0.035). This finding was detected in treatment non-responders (p = 0.019), whereas it was not observed in responders (p = 0.329). Mediation analysis revealed that change in IR during treatment was responsible for change in MADRS as well as the relationship between baseline CRP and treatment response., Conclusions: Exacerbation of IR during antidepressant treatment mediated non-response. Conversely in treatment responders IR reduced. Like previous studies, baseline CRP moderated treatment response. This relationship was also mediated by changes in IR. These findings further elucidate the role of IR in terms of antidepressant response as well as potentially explain inflammation's relationship with the latter.

Study Design: Retrospective database study., Objectives: Analysis of economic and demographic data concerning lumbar disc arthroplasty (LDA) throughout the United States to improve value-based care and health care utilization., Methods: The National Inpatient Sample database was queried for patients who underwent primary or revision LDA between 2005 and 2013. Demographic and economic data included total surgeries, costs, length of stay, and frequency of routine discharge. The National Inpatient Sample database represents a 20% sample of discharges from US hospitals weighted to provide national estimates., Results: Primary LDA decreased 86% from 3059 to 420 from 2005 to 2013. The mean total cost of LDA increased 33% from $17 747 to $23 804. The mean length of stay decreased from 2.8 to 2.4 days. The mean routine discharge (home discharge without visiting nursing care) remained constant at 91%. Revision procedures (removal, supplemental fixation, or reoperation at the treated level) declined 30% from 194 to 135 cases over the study period. The mean revision burden, defined as the ratio of revision procedures to the sum of primary and revision procedures, was 12% (range 6% to 24%). The mean total cost of revisions ranged from $12 752 to $22 282., Conclusions: From 2005 to 2013, primary LDA significantly declined in the United States by 86% despite several studies pointing to improved efficacy and cost-efficiency. This disparity may be related to a lack of surgeon reimbursement from insurance companies. Congruently, the number of revision LDA cases has declined 30%, while revision burden has risen from 6% to 24%., Competing Interests: Declaration of Conflicting Interests: The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.