Tag: nevin manimala

Surg Innov. 2025 Jan 29:15533506251317288. doi: 10.1177/15533506251317288. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: In difficult colorectal cases, surgeons may opt for a hand-assisted laparoscopic (HALS) colectomy or attempt a laparoscopic surgery that may require an unplanned conversion to open (LCOS). We aimed to compare the clinical outcomes of these 2 types of surgeries.

METHODS: Colectomies for acute diverticulitis with a HALS or LCOS surgery were selected from the American College of Surgeons (ACS) National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) 2022 Targeted Colectomy Database. After confirming a difference in propensity scores between the cohorts, they were matched using propensity score matching (PSM) based on preoperative factors. RStudio was utilized for filtering and performing the PSM, while Minitab was used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS: We identified 804 HALS colectomies and 284 LCOS colectomies. After PSM, both cohorts contained 284 patients. Absolute standardized mean errors for all matched factors were less than 0.1, confirming well-balanced cohorts. Following PSM, preoperative and perioperative factors were similar between both colectomy groups. Postoperatively, HALS surgeries had a shorter average length of stay (7.67 ± 0.38 vs 10.57 ± 0.41, P < 0.001) as well as lower rates of ileus (13.73% vs 22.54%, P = 0.007) and superficial surgical site infection (2.11% vs 5.28%, P = 0.045).

CONCLUSION: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first national database study comparing HALS and LCOS colectomies. After accounting for confounding variables, our PSM analysis showed the benefits of HALS colectomies for acute diverticulitis. Future studies may use single-center data containing risk adjustment profiles to create an even more uniform comparison.

PMID:39879635 | DOI:10.1177/15533506251317288

Orthopedics. 2025 Jan 29:1-6. doi: 10.3928/01477447-20250123-03. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance and evolution of Chat Generative Pre-Trained Transformer (ChatGPT; OpenAI) as a resource for shoulder and elbow surgery information by assessing its accuracy on the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons shoulder-elbow self-assessment questions. We hypothesized that both ChatGPT models would demonstrate proficiency and that there would be significant improvement with progressive iterations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 200 questions were selected from the 2019 and 2021 American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons shoulder-elbow self-assessment questions. ChatGPT 3.5 and 4 were used to evaluate all questions. Questions with non-text data were excluded (114 questions). Remaining questions were input into ChatGPT and categorized as follows: anatomy, arthroplasty, basic science, instability, miscellaneous, nonoperative, and trauma. ChatGPT’s performances were quantified and compared across categories with chi-square tests. The continuing medical education credit threshold of 50% was used to determine proficiency. Statistical significance was set at P<.05.

RESULTS: ChatGPT 3.5 and 4 answered 52.3% and 73.3% of the questions correctly, respectively (P=.003). ChatGPT 3.5 performed significantly better in the instability category (P=.037). ChatGPT 4’s performance did not significantly differ across categories (P=.841). ChatGPT 4 performed significantly better than ChatGPT 3.5 in all categories except instability and miscellaneous.

CONCLUSION: ChatGPT 3.5 and 4 exceeded the proficiency threshold. ChatGPT 4 performed better than ChatGPT 3.5, showing an increased capability to correctly answer shoulder and elbow-focused questions. Further refinement of ChatGPT’s training may improve its performance and utility as a resource. Currently, ChatGPT remains unable to answer questions at a high enough accuracy to replace clinical decision-making. [Orthopedics. 202x;4x(x):xx-xx.].

PMID:39879624 | DOI:10.3928/01477447-20250123-03

Am J Hosp Palliat Care. 2025 Jan 29:10499091251316570. doi: 10.1177/10499091251316570. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Pediatric neuro-oncology patients have one of the highest mortality rates among all children with cancer. Our study examines the potential relationship between palliative care consultation and intensity of in-hospital care and determines if racial and ethnic differences are associated with palliative care consultations during their terminal admission. Retrospective observational study using the Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS) database with data from U.S. children’s hospitals. PHIS was queried for patients under 18 years of age who received a diagnosis of brain tumor and had their terminal admission between January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2021. Of the 567 patients who fit the inclusion criteria, 359 (63%) patients had an inpatient palliative care consultation during their terminal hospital stay. There were no statistically significant differences seen when comparing palliative care consultation rates among racial groups. When comparing the ethnicity variables, patients in the Hispanic group had approximately a 10% higher rate of palliative care consultations than their non-Hispanic counterpart. Patients with palliative care consultations had a lower percentage of PICU admission (64.9 vs 83.2), mechanical ventilation (51.0 vs 76.0), and TPN use (18.1 vs 25.5) despite having similar lengths of stay. Pediatric neuro-oncology patients who received a palliative care consultation during their terminal hospital stay had lower intensity care (lower rates PICU admission, mechanical ventilation use, and TPN use) despite having similar lengths of stay. This may reflect the enhanced decision-making support for the patients and their families so that they may consider all options. Children facing a terminal illness and their families deserve access to optimal supportive services. This study highlights the importance of integrating palliative care in hospital admissions of terminally ill children with neuro-oncological diagnoses.

PMID:39879622 | DOI:10.1177/10499091251316570

JMIR Res Protoc. 2025 Jan 29;14:e63597. doi: 10.2196/63597.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: TheKeep.Ca was built to facilitate engagement with those experiencing cancer in Manitoba, Canada. Constructed between 2020 and 2024 with a group of patient advisors, the website includes information on engagement activities including research participation, the patient advisor role, and how those experiencing cancer can access these Manitoba activities. A link allows visitors to register to be contacted about activities that match their demographics, cancer history, and activity preferences. After TheKeep.Ca was constructed, this protocol was developed to establish TheKeep.Ca as a platform for scientific research focused on optimally engaging those experiencing cancer.

OBJECTIVE: We asked the following questions: (1) What was the patient advisors’ experience who participated in developing TheKeep.Ca? (2) What are the baseline characteristics of website traffic and registrants at TheKeep.Ca? (3) How does registering with TheKeep.Ca impact the cancer experience?

METHODS: The planned launch date for the website and initiation of research activities is January 2025. For objective 1, the active patient advisors (N=6) participating in the website project will be invited to participate in project activities including with responses to a question prompt sheet, semistructured audio-recorded interviews, or both. Responses and interviews will be analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis to understand and inform practices for patient engagement on projects. At the website launch, TheKeep.Ca will become publicly accessible and indexable on internet search engines, but no additional promotional interventions will take place in the initial 6 months resulting in visitors primarily from web search traffic. For objective 2, Google Analytics and website registrant data collected during the first six months will be analyzed to obtain baseline characteristics of website visitors. For objective 3, an online survey will be emailed to registrants six months after the website launch characterizing their website experience, the activities they participated in, and collecting feedback on the website. For objectives 2 and 3, quantitative data will be analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics, and qualitative data from open-ended questions will be analyzed using thematic analysis guided by an inductive descriptive semantic approach.

RESULTS: This study was approved by the University of Manitoba Health Research Ethics Board on December 12, 2024 (HS26614-H2024L263). Institutional approval from CancerCare Manitoba is pending as of December 23, 2024. Findings from objective 1 are expected to be finalized within the first six months after the website launch. Those from objectives 2 and 3 are expected by the 12-month mark. Reporting will include peer-reviewed journals, conferences, and a lay-language summary on TheKeep.Ca.

CONCLUSIONS: The research outlined in this protocol will facilitate understanding patient advisors’ experience in developing TheKeep.Ca. It will also characterize the website’ effectiveness and its impact on the cancer experience, providing a baseline and direction for future research and development.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): PRR1-10.2196/63597.

PMID:39879620 | DOI:10.2196/63597

J Med Internet Res. 2025 Jan 29;27:e65974. doi: 10.2196/65974.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The online nature of decision aids (DAs) and related e-tools supporting women’s decision-making regarding breast cancer screening (BCS) through mammography may facilitate broader access, making them a valuable addition to BCS programs.

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the scientific evidence on the impacts of these e-tools and to provide a comprehensive assessment of the factors associated with their increased utility and efficacy.

METHODS: We followed the 2020 PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines and conducted a search of MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Embase, CINAHL, and Web of Science databases from August 2010 to April 2023. We included studies reporting on populations at average risk of breast cancer, which utilized DAs or related e-tools, and assessed women’s participation in BCS by mammography or other key cognitive determinants of decision-making as primary or secondary outcomes. We conducted meta-analyses on the identified randomized controlled trials, which were assessed using the revised Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 (RoB 2) tool. We further explored intermediate and high heterogeneity between studies to enhance the validity of our results.

RESULTS: In total, 22 different e-tools were identified across 31 papers. The degree of tailoring in the e-tools, specifically whether the tool was fully tailored or featured with tailoring, was the most influential factor in women’s decision-making regarding BCS. Compared with control groups, tailored e-tools significantly increased women’s long-term participation in BCS (risk ratio 1.14, 95% CI 1.07-1.23, P<.001, I²=0%). Tailored-to-breast-cancer-risk e-tools increased women’s level of worry (mean difference 0.31, 95% CI 0.13-0.48, P<.001, I²=0%). E-tools also improved women’s adequate knowledge of BCS, with features-with-tailoring e-tools designed and tested with the general population being more effective than tailored e-tools designed for or tested with non-BCS participants (χ²₁=5.1, P=.02). Features-with-tailoring e-tools increased both the rate of women who intended not to undergo BCS (risk ratio 1.88, 95% CI 1.43-2.48, P<.001, I²=0%) and the rate of women who had made an informed choice regarding their intention to undergo BCS (risk ratio 1.60, 95% CI 1.09-2.33, P=.02, I²=91%). Additionally, these tools decreased the proportion of women with decision conflict (risk ratio 0.77, 95% CI 0.65-0.91, P=.002, I²=0%). Shared decision-making was not formally evaluated. This review is limited by small sample sizes, including only a few studies in the meta-analysis, some with a high risk of bias, and high heterogeneity between the studies and e-tools.

CONCLUSIONS: Features-with-tailoring e-tools could potentially negatively impact BCS programs by fostering negative intentions and attitudes toward BCS participation. Conversely, tailored e-tools may increase women’s participation in BCS but, when tailored to risk, they may elevate their levels of worry. To maximize the effectiveness of e-tools while minimizing potential negative impacts, we advocate for an “on-demand” layered approach to their design.

PMID:39879616 | DOI:10.2196/65974

JMIR Public Health Surveill. 2025 Jan 29;11:e63809. doi: 10.2196/63809.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Suicide represents a critical public health concern, and machine learning (ML) models offer the potential for identifying at-risk individuals. Recent studies using benchmark datasets and real-world social media data have demonstrated the capability of pretrained large language models in predicting suicidal ideation and behaviors (SIB) in speech and text.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to (1) develop and implement ML methods for predicting SIBs in a real-world crisis helpline dataset, using transformer-based pretrained models as a foundation; (2) evaluate, cross-validate, and benchmark the model against traditional text classification approaches; and (3) train an explainable model to highlight relevant risk-associated features.

METHODS: We analyzed chat protocols from adolescents and young adults (aged 14-25 years) seeking assistance from a German crisis helpline. An ML model was developed using a transformer-based language model architecture with pretrained weights and long short-term memory layers. The model predicted suicidal ideation (SI) and advanced suicidal engagement (ASE), as indicated by composite Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale scores. We compared model performance against a classical word-vector-based ML model. We subsequently computed discrimination, calibration, clinical utility, and explainability information using a Shapley Additive Explanations value-based post hoc estimation model.

RESULTS: The dataset comprised 1348 help-seeking encounters (1011 for training and 337 for testing). The transformer-based classifier achieved a macroaveraged area under the curve (AUC) receiver operating characteristic (ROC) of 0.89 (95% CI 0.81-0.91) and an overall accuracy of 0.79 (95% CI 0.73-0.99). This performance surpassed the word-vector-based baseline model (AUC-ROC=0.77, 95% CI 0.64-0.90; accuracy=0.61, 95% CI 0.61-0.80). The transformer model demonstrated excellent prediction for nonsuicidal sessions (AUC-ROC=0.96, 95% CI 0.96-0.99) and good prediction for SI and ASE, with AUC-ROCs of 0.85 (95% CI 0.97-0.86) and 0.87 (95% CI 0.81-0.88), respectively. The Brier Skill Score indicated a 44% improvement in classification performance over the baseline model. The Shapley Additive Explanations model identified language features predictive of SIBs, including self-reference, negation, expressions of low self-esteem, and absolutist language.

CONCLUSIONS: Neural networks using large language model-based transfer learning can accurately identify SI and ASE. The post hoc explainer model revealed language features associated with SI and ASE. Such models may potentially support clinical decision-making in suicide prevention services. Future research should explore multimodal input features and temporal aspects of suicide risk.

PMID:39879608 | DOI:10.2196/63809

J Med Internet Res. 2025 Jan 29;27:e63975. doi: 10.2196/63975.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Lifestyle interventions have been acknowledged as effective strategies for preventing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, the accessibility of conventional face-to-face interventions is often limited. Digital health intervention has been suggested as a potential solution to overcome the limitation. Despite this, there remains a significant gap in understanding the effectiveness of digital health for individuals with prediabetes, particularly in reducing T2DM incidence and reverting to normoglycemia.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of different intervention modes of digital health, face-to-face, and blended interventions, particularly the benefits of digital health intervention, in reducing T2DM incidence and facilitating the reversion to normoglycemia in adults with prediabetes compared to the usual care.

METHODS: We conducted a comprehensive search in 9 electronic databases, namely MEDLINE, Embase, ACP Journal Club, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Clinical Answers, Cochrane Methodology Register, Health Technology Assessment, and NHS Economic Evaluation Database through Ovid, from the inception to October 2024. This review included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that studied the effectiveness of lifestyle interventions in adults with prediabetes. The overall intervention effect was synthesized using a random-effects model. The I² statistic was used to assess heterogeneity across the RCTs. We performed a subgroup analysis to explore the effectiveness of digital health, face-to-face, and blended interventions compared with the control group, which received usual care.

RESULTS: From an initial 7868 records retrieved from 9 databases, we identified 54 articles from 31 RCTs. Our analysis showed that face-to-face interventions demonstrated a significant 46% risk reduction in T2DM incidence (risk ratio [RR] 0.54, 95% CI 0.47-0.63; I²=43%; P<.001), and a 46% increase in the reversion to normoglycemia (RR 1.46, 95% CI 1.11-1.91; I²=82%; P=.006), when compared with the control group. On the other hand, digital health interventions, compared with the control group, were associated with a 12% risk reduction in T2DM incidence (RR 0.88, 95% CI 0.77-1.01; I²=0.6%; P=.06). Moreover, the blended interventions combining digital and face-to-face interventions suggested a 37% risk reduction in T2DM incidence (RR 0.63, 95% CI 0.49-0.81;I²<0.01%; P<.001) and an 87% increase in the reversion to normoglycemia (RR 1.87, 95% CI 1.30-2.69; I²=23%; P=.001). However, no significant effect on the reversal of prediabetes to normoglycemia was observed from the digital health interventions.

CONCLUSIONS: Face-to-face interventions have consistently demonstrated promising effectiveness in both reductions in T2DM incidence and reversion to normoglycemia in adults with prediabetes. However, the effectiveness of digital health interventions in these areas has not been sufficiently proven. Given these results, further research is required to provide more definitive evidence of digital health and blended interventions in T2DM prevention in the future.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42023414313; https://tinyurl.com/55ac4j4n.

PMID:39879607 | DOI:10.2196/63975

J Clin Oncol. 2025 Jan 29:JCO2401269. doi: 10.1200/JCO-24-01269. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Mobocertinib is an oral epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor that targets EGFR exon 20 insertion (ex20ins) mutations in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This open-label, phase III trial (EXCLAIM-2: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04129502) compared mobocertinib versus platinum-based chemotherapy as first-line treatment of EGFR ex20ins+ advanced/metastatic NSCLC.

METHODS: Patients with treatment-naive EGFR ex20ins+ locally advanced/metastatic NSCLC were randomly assigned 1:1 to mobocertinib 160 mg once daily or pemetrexed plus cisplatin or carboplatin every 3 weeks for four cycles followed by maintenance pemetrexed. The primary end point was progression-free survival (PFS) by blinded independent central review (BICR), with planned interim analysis (IA) after approximately 70% of 227 expected PFS events.

RESULTS: A total of 354 patients were randomly assigned (mobocertinib: n = 179; chemotherapy: n = 175). Baseline characteristics were balanced between arms. At IA (cutoff: April 4, 2023), the median PFS per BICR was 9.6 months in each treatment arm (hazard ratio [HR], 1.04 [95% CI, 0.77 to 1.39]; P = .803). The primary end point crossed the prespecified futility boundary (HR > 1). The confirmed objective response rate (95% CI) per BICR was 32% (26 to 40) with mobocertinib versus 30% (24 to 38) with chemotherapy; the median duration of response was 12.0 versus 8.4 months. Quality-of-life assessments indicated clinically meaningful delays in time to deterioration of lung cancer symptoms, cognitive function, and constipation with mobocertinib versus chemotherapy. Grade ≥3 adverse events in >5% of patients (mobocertinib, chemotherapy) were diarrhea (20%, 1%), anemia (6%, 10%), increased lipase (6%, 0%), and decreased neutrophil count (1%, 7%).

CONCLUSION: The EXCLAIM-2 trial did not meet its primary end point. The efficacy of mobocertinib was not superior to platinum-based chemotherapy for first-line treatment of patients with EGFR ex20ins+ advanced/metastatic NSCLC.

PMID:39879577 | DOI:10.1200/JCO-24-01269

Annu Rev Clin Psychol. 2025 Jan 29. doi: 10.1146/annurev-clinpsy-081423-023518. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The opioid crisis, driven by illicitly manufactured fentanyl, presents significant challenges in treating opioid use disorder (OUD) and opioid withdrawal syndrome. Fentanyl is uniquely lethal due to its rapid onset and respiratory depressant effects, driving the surge in overdose deaths. This review examines the limitations of traditional diagnostic criteria like those of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR) and explores the potential of dimensional models such as the Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology (HiTOP) for a more nuanced understanding of OUD. Current treatments, including medications for OUD, are evaluated for efficacy in managing fentanyl-related OUD. Innovations in drug formulations and alternative induction methods are discussed to address the unique challenges posed by fentanyl. Psychotherapeutic and behavioral interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and contingency management, are highlighted as crucial complements to pharmacotherapy. The review underscores the need for increased precision, comprehensive phenotyping, and advanced diagnostics to develop personalized treatment plans, all with the aim of improving patient outcomes and mitigating the societal impact of the opioid crisis.

PMID:39879556 | DOI:10.1146/annurev-clinpsy-081423-023518

Ann Am Thorac Soc. 2025 Jan 29. doi: 10.1513/AnnalsATS.202407-688OC. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

RATIONALE: Previous studies evaluating the effect of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) on blood pressure (BP) showed variable results. Moreover, several studies recruited patients with normal or controlled BP, and compliance to antihypertensive drugs was not monitored. In addition, very few studies investigated central BP in this scenario.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate whether OSA treatment is able to reduce central and peripheral BP in patients with uncontrolled hypertension (HTN) despite well documented use of anti-hypertensive treatment.

METHODS: The MORPHEOS is a multicenter, randomized controlled trial designed to evaluate the effects of CPAP or placebo (nasal dilator strips-NDS) for 6-months in patients with moderate-to-severe OSA and uncontrolled HTN on office BP, ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) and central BP (co-primary endpoints). Uncontrolled HTN was defined by ≥1 abnormal parameter in ABPM after 1-month of pill count and ≥80% adherence to medication. Pill count, adherence to CPAP or NDS and office BP was determined once a week in the first month and monthly thereafter.

RESULTS: A total of 123 patients completed the study (NDS: n=64, CPAP: n=59). The two groups were similar at baseline. Adherence to NDS (≥80%) and CPAP (≥4h/night) were 98.3% and 81.7%, respectively. As compared to NDS, office systolic BP (Δ=-10±16mmHg, p<0.001) and diastolic BP (Δ=-7±12mmHg, p=0.001) were reduced significantly in the CPAP group. Despite the BP lowering effect of CPAP did not reach statistical differences for ABPM parameters, the rate of 24-h ABPM control (<130X80mmHg) was higher in the CPAP than in the NDS group (40.7 vs 20%; p=0.024). Central diastolic BP reduced significantly (Δ=-6±9mmHg; adjusted p=0.029).

CONCLUSIONS: CPAP improves the rates of BP control in patients with OSA and uncontrolled HTN under regular use of medications. Clinical trial registration available at www.

CLINICALTRIALS: gov, ID: NCT02270658.

PMID:39879540 | DOI:10.1513/AnnalsATS.202407-688OC