Authors: Kuai S et al. Journal: Anesthesiology, December 11, 2025. DOI: 10.1097/ALN.0000000000005897 SummaryThis preclinical neurocircuitry study investigated how noradrenergic signaling from the locus coeruleus (LC) modulates pain sensitivity through distinct downstream pathways involving the paraventricular thalamic nucleus (PVA) and the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). Although LC projections to both the thalamus and cortex are known […]
Read MoreAuthors: Zhao X et al. Journal: Anesthesiology, December 9, 2025. DOI: 10.1097/ALN.0000000000005826 SummaryThis preclinical mechanistic study investigated how acute stress alters anesthetic efficacy and emergence from isoflurane anesthesia, with a focus on sex-specific effects and underlying brainstem circuitry. Recognizing that preoperative stress contributes to variability in anesthetic depth and recovery, the authors aimed to define […]
Read MoreAuthor: Carly Behm Becker’s Spine Review In spine care, surgeons and nonsurgical pain management physicians have had some tensions over who addresses different procedures, especially as minimally invasive procedures become more widespread. However, interspecialty collaboration is becoming a bigger priority. William Mitchell, MD, president of the North American Spine Society, said this will be a […]
Read MoreAuthors: Bertoch T et al. Journal: Anesthesiology, December 11, 2025. DOI: 10.1097/ALN.0000000000005825 SummaryThis reply addresses multiple commentaries regarding the clinical meaningfulness, demographic consistency, and comparative efficacy of suzetrigine for moderate-to-severe acute pain. The authors clarify points raised about subgroup effects, outcome interpretation, and comparison with established opioid analgesics. The authors emphasize that phase 3 randomized […]
Read MoreAuthors: Bayat S et al. Journal: Anesthesiology, December 12, 2025. DOI: 10.1097/ALN.0000000000005807 SummaryThis experimental physiologic study examined whether the slope of phase III of the volumetric capnogram (SIII) truly reflects ventilation–perfusion (V/Q) mismatch during acute bronchoconstriction and how this relationship is altered by bronchodilator therapy. Using a rabbit model and high-resolution synchrotron radiation imaging, the […]
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