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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Online Reviews in a Major City: Who Will Choose You?

Ann Plast Surg. 2021 Mar 18. doi: 10.1097/SAP.0000000000002809. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: A large factor influencing a patient’s choice of aesthetic plastic surgeons is online patient reviews.

METHODS/TECHNIQUE: Plastic surgeons whose practices are located in counties within the New York metro area were included. Selected surgeons were divided into private and academic surgeons (defined as having a residency program). For each surgeon, the quantity and quality of their Google reviews were collected.

RESULTS/COMPLICATIONS: A total of 145 aesthetic surgeons from the New York area were included in the study, both private (n = 126) and academic (n = 19). Given the small size of the latter cohort, 19 private aesthetic surgeons were randomly selected, and compared with the academic surgeons, it was shown that private surgeons had both higher average quality and quantity of online patient Google reviews (confidence interval, 95%; P = 0.0223). Similar results were found when comparing all private American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) surgeons (n = 126) with all academic ASAPS surgeons (n = 19); private ASAPS surgeons had a higher average rating and number of reviews when compared with academic surgeons, again representing a statistically significant difference for the quality of online reviews between private and academic surgeons (confidence interval, 95%; P = 0.031975).

CONCLUSIONS: There is a statistically significant difference in both the quality and quantity of online ratings for private and academic aesthetic surgeons.

PMID:33833182 | DOI:10.1097/SAP.0000000000002809

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Mandibular Distraction Osteogenesis as a Primary Intervention in Infants With Pierre Robin Sequence

Ann Plast Surg. 2021 Apr 5. doi: 10.1097/SAP.0000000000002702. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Pierre Robin sequence (PRS) is a triad of congenital facial abnormalities that can present as a syndrome (syndromic PRS [sPRS]) or an isolated entity (isolated PRS [iPRS]). Patients with PRS can develop airway and feeding problems that may result in failure to thrive. Mandibular distraction osteogenesis (MDO) is a method for improving the functional issues associated with breathing and feeding. There is a Paucity of literature evaluating the outcomes of MDO between sPRS and iPRS patients.

METHODS: An institutional review board-approved retrospective review of PRS patients managed by a single surgeon and treated with MDO between January 2015 and December 2019 at a tertiary referral hospital was performed. The patients were stratified into iPRS or sPRS based on gene testing. Airway outcome measures included avoidance of tracheostomy, relief of sleep apnea, and oxygen saturation improvement. Primary feeding measures included achievement of full oral feeds and growth/weight gain. Statistical analysis included t tests and χ2 tests where appropriate using SPSS.

RESULTS: Over the study period, of the 29 infants with PRS, 55% identified as iPRS and 45% as sPRS. There were no significant differences in the patient characteristics, apnea-hypoxia index (22.27 ± 12.27) and laryngeal view (3 ± 0.79) pre-MDO. After MDO, 83% of the subjects achieved a positive feeding outcome and 86% achieved a positive airway outcome with no statistical significance between sPRS and iPRS (P = 0.4369). There was a statistically significant change post-MDO in apnea-hypoxia index (5.24 ± 4.50, P = 0.02) and laryngeal view (1.59 ± 1.00, P = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS: Our recent experience would lead us to believe that sPRS patients have greater morbidities and challenging clinical developments that, when properly evaluated, can be managed by MDO. There is a potential role for MDO in reducing the need for traditional surgical interventions for respiratory and feeding problems in both iPRS and sPRS patients.

PMID:33833161 | DOI:10.1097/SAP.0000000000002702

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Routine Postoperative Antibiotics After Tissue Expander Placement Postmastectomy Does Not Improve Outcome

Ann Plast Surg. 2021 Mar 31. doi: 10.1097/SAP.0000000000002826. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: In an attempt to reduce the incidence of infectious complications after tissue expander-based breast reconstruction, the routine administration of postoperative antibiotics regimen is common in many practices. In recent years, there has been a plethora of reports scrutinizing the prophylactic use of postoperative antibiotics in this setting. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of prolonged administration of postoperative antibiotics compared with perioperative-only antibiotic administration for prophylaxis after tissue expander placement for immediate mastectomy reconstruction.

METHODS AND MATERIALS: A retrospective chart review of all patients who underwent immediate tissue expander placement after mastectomy at our institution from June 2005 to September 2018 was performed. All patients in the study received perioperative intravenous antibiotics 30 to 60 min preoperatively and for 24 hours postoperatively. Patients were divided into 2 groups. Patients in group A did not receive antibiotics beyond the perioperative period. Patients in group B received oral antibiotics for at least 7 days postoperatively in addition to the perioperative intravenous antibiotics. The 2 groups were compared for demographics and prevalence of risk factors such as radiation, chemotherapy, smoking, and diabetes. The incidence of complications such as infection, wound complications, hematoma, seroma, capsular contracture, loss of tissue expander, and reoperations was assessed.

SUMMARY OF RESULTS: A total of 529 patients were included in the study, of which 241 were in group A and 288 were in group B. The total number of breasts reconstructed in group A was 398, whereas in group B, it was 466 breasts. Patients were followed up to 5 months postoperatively in each group. There were no statistically significant differences in the demographic and patient characteristics among the 2 groups. The incidence of infection in group A was 23.24% and in group B was 21.53% (P = 0.412). The incidence of other complications follows the same trend when comparing group A versus B.

CONCLUSIONS: This retrospective study shows that the routine use of postoperative antibiotics after tissue expander placement for immediate mastectomy reconstruction does not result in reduction in the incidence of common complications or improvement of clinical outcomes.

PMID:33833164 | DOI:10.1097/SAP.0000000000002826

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Plastic Surgery Residents Research Effort Survey Study: An International, Multicentric Experience Including 106 Residents

Ann Plast Surg. 2021 Mar 31. doi: 10.1097/SAP.0000000000002839. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Conducting research during specialty training provides an opportunity to develop critical thinking and leadership skills along with a better understanding of the scientific literature. However, trainees often find it difficult to undertake research, in the context of labor-intensive surgical training. The aim of this study is to evaluate the research output and limitations of plastic surgery residents in different countries.

METHODS: An international cross-sectional study involving plastic surgery trainees and recent postgraduates from Brazil, Chile, Germany, and the United Kingdom was conducted. A survey inquiring into academic productivity, limitations to conducting research, and working-hours patterns was distributed among eligible participants.

RESULTS: From September to December 2019, 106 surveys were retrieved. Most respondents declared having participated in at least 1 project that resulted in a presentation or publication during their training (90.6% in national presentations, 68% international presentations, 67% in national publications, and 66% international publications). Having completed a previous research fellowship was associated with a statistically higher academic output (P < 0.05). Seventy-nine percent of respondents felt that their participation in research activities would have been greater if limiting factors had been addressed, including lack of time (72.5%) and insufficient supervision and mentoring (55%).

CONCLUSIONS: Optimizing plastic surgery trainees’ participation in scientific research is beneficial both for residents and their mentors. Research fellowships can provide an opportunity for academically oriented trainees to further develop their research skills. Protected time and adequate mentoring can help not only to increase residents’ research output, but also to recruit the next generation of academic plastic surgeons.

PMID:33833167 | DOI:10.1097/SAP.0000000000002839

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Genetic effect of MTHFR C677T, A1298C, and A1793G polymorphisms on the age at onset, plasma homocysteine, and white matter lesions in Alzheimer’s disease in the Chinese population

Aging (Albany NY). 2021 Apr 4;13. doi: 10.18632/aging.202827. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Three polymorphisms in the Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene (C677T, A1298C, and A1793G) were reported associated with AD. However, their genotype distributions and associations with age at onset (AAO), homocysteine, and white matter lesions (WML) were unclear in the Chinese AD population.

METHOD: We determined the presence of C677T, A1298C, and A1793G polymorphisms in the MTHFR gene using Sanger sequencing in a Chinese cohort comprising 721 AD patients (318 early-onset AD patients (EOAD) and 403 late-onset AD patients (LOAD)) and 365 elderly controls. Additionally, the homocysteine level and WML were evaluated in 121 AD patients.

RESULTS: The frequency of allele T of C677T polymorphism was significantly higher in AD patients than in controls (P = 0.040), while no statistical difference was observed in A1298C and A1793G (P > 0.05). Besides, genotype distributions of C677T and A1298C polymorphisms statistically varied between AD patients and controls (P = 0.021, P = 0.012). Moreover, the AAO was significantly lower in CT/TT (C677T) genotypes carriers (P = 0.042) and higher in AC/CC (A1298C) and AG/GG (A1793G) genotypes carriers (P = 0.034, P = 0.009) in patients with LOAD. We also found that patients with CT/TT (C677T) genotypes were prone to present an increased homocysteine level (P = 0.036) and higher Fazekas score (P = 0.024). In comparison, patients with AG/GG genotypes (A1793G) had a significantly lower Fazekas score (P = 0.013).

CONCLUSIONS: The genotype distributions of C677T and A1298C polymorphisms are associated with AD in the Chinese population. Moreover, AD patients with C677T polymorphism are prone to present an earlier onset, higher homocysteine level, and more severe WML.

PMID:33833133 | DOI:10.18632/aging.202827

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Systematic Characterization of Defecographic Abnormalities in a Consecutive Series of 827 Patients with Chronic Constipation

Dis Colon Rectum. 2021 Apr 5. doi: 10.1097/DCR.0000000000001923. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Barium defecography can assess structural and functional abnormalities in patients with chronic constipation.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of individual and overlapping defecographic findings in this setting.

DESIGN: Cross-sectional.

SETTING: University Hospital: tertiary gastrointestinal physiology department.

PATIENTS: Consecutive examinations of 827 consecutive patients presenting over a 30-month period with well-defined symptom severity (≥12 points on the Cleveland Clinic Constipation score): systematic evaluation of images with results stratified by sex.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Six individual functional or anatomical (intussusception, rectocele, enterocele, megarectum, excessive dynamic perineal descent) defecographic observations were defined a priori thus permitting 26 possible combinations of findings (i.e. 63 abnormal types + 1 normal).

RESULTS: Patients with constipation (mean symptom score, 19) were predominantly female (88%) with median age 49 (17-98) years. All 6 individual radiological findings were identified with a total of 43 combinations found in the cohort; the 14 most prevalent of these accounted for >85% of patients. Only 136 (16.4%) patients had a normal defecography (34.3% males vs. 13.9% females; P<0.0001). Overall, 612 (74.0%) patients had structural (n=508 [61.4%]) or functional (n=104 [12.6%]) abnormalities in isolation, with 79 (9.6%) others exhibiting combinations of both. Functional abnormalities in isolation were more common in males compared to females (22.5% vs.11.2%,P=0.025) as opposed to structural abnormalities (57.8% vs. 85.7%, P<0.0001). Expulsion time was longer in females compared to males (110 [60-120] vs. 90 [60-120] sec; P=0.049).

LIMITATIONS: Lack of multiorgan opacification.

CONCLUSIONS: These results provide a contemporary atlas of defecographic findings in constipation. Several individual structural and functional features have been systematically classified, with overlap greater than previously acknowledged and profound differences among sexes that carry implications for tailoring management. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B552.

PMID:33833142 | DOI:10.1097/DCR.0000000000001923

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Tubal factor infertility, in vitro fertilization, and racial disparities: a retrospective cohort in two US clinics

Sex Transm Dis. 2021 Apr 1. doi: 10.1097/OLQ.0000000000001435. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Nearly 14% of US women report any lifetime infertility which is associated with healthcare costs and psychosocial consequences. Tubal factor infertility (TFI) often occurs as a result of sexually transmitted diseases and subsequent pelvic inflammatory disease. We sought to evaluate for and describe potential racial disparities in TFI and in vitro fertilization (IVF) prevalence.

METHODS: Records of women aged 19-42 years in our retrospective cohort from two US infertility clinics were reviewed. We calculated TFI prevalence, IVF initiation prevalence, and prevalence ratios (PR), with 95% confidence intervals for each estimate, overall and by race.

RESULTS: Among 660 infertile women, 110 (16.7%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 13.8-19.5%) had TFI which was higher in black compared to white women (30.3% [33/109] vs. 13.9% [68/489]; PR 2.2 [95% CI 1.5-3.1]). For women with TFI, IVF was offered to similar proportions of women by race (51.5% [17/33] versus 52.9% [36/68] for black versus white women); however, fewer black than white women with TFI started IVF (6.7% [1/15] versus 31.0% [9/29]; PR 0.2 [95% CI 0-1.0]), although the difference was not statistically different.

CONCLUSIONS: TFI prevalence was two-fold higher among black than white women seeking care for infertility. Among women with TFI, data suggested a lower likelihood of black women starting IVF than white women. Improved sexually transmitted disease prevention and treatment might ameliorate disparities in TFI.

PMID:33833148 | DOI:10.1097/OLQ.0000000000001435

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Beyond Statistics: Uncovering the Roots of Racial Disparities in Breastfeeding

Pediatrics. 2021 Apr 8:e2020037887. doi: 10.1542/peds.2020-037887. Online ahead of print.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:33833073 | DOI:10.1542/peds.2020-037887

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Chemotherapy response score as a prognostic tool in patients with advanced stage endometrial carcinoma treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy

Int J Gynecol Cancer. 2021 Apr 8:ijgc-2020-002202. doi: 10.1136/ijgc-2020-002202. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Chemotherapy response score (CRS) applied to interval debulking specimens quantifies histopathologic response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with advanced ovarian carcinoma and correlates with progression-free and overall survival.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether the chemotherapy response score could be applied to interval debulking specimens in patients with advanced endometrial carcinoma and be a prognostic indicator.

METHODS: The study included patients with clinical stage III-IV endometrial carcinoma who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by interval debulking surgery. Chemotherapy response scores were assigned to omental and adnexal metastases, and categorized as no/minimal (CRS1), partial (CRS2), and complete/near-complete (CRS3) response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Descriptive statistics were used to evaluate baseline characteristics and feasibility of chemotherapy response score assessment. Univariate analyses were used to evaluate associations between the chemotherapy response score, complete cytoreduction, and survival.

RESULTS: This study included 40 patients. The median age was 63.5 years, and 31 patients (78%) had stage IV disease. Thirty patients had an omentectomy, 22 patients (73%) had an omental chemotherapy response score assigned. Thirty-nine patients had a bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, 28 patients (72%) had an adnexal chemotherapy response score assigned. Omental CRS2 and CRS3 were associated with improved progression-free survival (CRS2: HR=0.18, p<0.01; CRS3: HR=0.11, p<0.01) and overall survival (CRS2: HR=0.10, p<0.01; CRS3: HR=0.16, p=0.04). Adnexal CRS2 and CRS3 were associated with improved progression-free survival (CRS2: HR=0.23, p<0.01; CRS3: HR=0.20, p=0.03). Chemotherapy response scores were also associated with an increased likelihood of having a complete cytoreduction.

CONCLUSION: Chemotherapy response score can be applied to omental and adnexal metastases in patients with advanced endometrial carcinoma and was associated with survival and complete cytoreduction. The score may be a prognostic indicator and help to guide first-line treatment of patients with endometrial carcinoma.

PMID:33833085 | DOI:10.1136/ijgc-2020-002202

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Tobacco mythbusting-tobacco is not a major driver of foot traffic in low socio-economic small retail stores

Tob Control. 2021 Apr 8:tobaccocontrol-2020-056310. doi: 10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2020-056310. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: One of the opposing arguments to restricting or banning the sale of tobacco products stem from a perception that this would adversely impact on small retail stores that rely on tobacco sales for viability. It has also been argued that purchases of tobacco leads to unplanned purchasing of other items that yield income for small store owners. This study tested the veracity of these arguments in the Australian context.

METHODS: Consumer intercept surveys (n=1487) were conducted outside a comprehensive sample of small stores (n=136) selling tobacco in lower socioeconomic suburbs. Data were collected over a 2-hour period outside each store using the same methodology (36% consumer response rate). Descriptive statistics examined the proportion of tobacco and non-tobacco purchases and most common products purchased.

RESULTS: Purchasing tobacco was the primary motivation for store visits for only 3% of consumers. The vast majority of products purchased (92%) were not tobacco, with hot food, groceries and lottery tickets most frequent. Only 8% of consumers purchased tobacco. When unplanned purchasing patterns were compared, consumers’ who purchased tobacco were no more likely to buy other products.

CONCLUSION: Tobacco purchasing was rarely the reason for store visits, indicating that it is not a key driver of consumer foot traffic for small retailers. There was also no evidence that tobacco contributes to spontaneous purchases of other products that might bring retailers profit. Findings suggest that restricting the retail availability of tobacco would be unlikely to have a pronounced negative impact on small retail stores.

PMID:33833091 | DOI:10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2020-056310