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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Early and Late Complications of Mandibulectomy Free Flap Reconstruction: Does the Selective Use of Soft Tissue Only Flaps Reduce Complications?

Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. 2024 Apr 27:34894241250177. doi: 10.1177/00034894241250177. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study aims to evaluate the factors most associated with early and late complications following microvascular free tissue transfer (MVFTT) after mandibulectomy.

METHODS: A retrospective review of patients undergoing MVFTT after segmental mandibulectomy from September 2016 to February 2021 was performed across a single academic institution. Surgical variables were collected, including the location of the resultant mandibular defect (anterior vs posterior) and flap type (osseous or non-osseous). The primary outcome variables included postoperative complications (early, <90 days; and late, >90 days) and the patients’ functional status (return to oral intake). Descriptive statistics, chi-square test, Fischer’s exact test, and 2-sample t tests were used to analyze differences among variables.

RESULTS: We analyzed a cohort of 114 consecutive patients with mandibular defects, comprising 57 anterior and 57 posterior defects. Bony free flaps with hardware were used to reconstruct 98% of anterior defects compared to 58% of posterior defects (P < .001). All soft tissue only flaps did not utilize any hardware during the reconstruction. Anterior defects demonstrated more late complications requiring additional surgery (30% vs 9%, P = .04). A secondary analysis of posterior mandibular reconstructions compared soft tissue only flaps and bony free flaps with hardware and showed equivalent rates of early (12% vs 13%, P > .99) and late (9% vs 8%, P > .99) complications requiring additional surgery while demonstrating a similar return to full oral competence (55% vs 46%, P = .52) and recovery of a 100% oral diet (67% vs 54%, P = .53).

CONCLUSION: Osseous free tissue transfer for segmental mandibular defects remains the gold standard in reconstruction. In our patient cohort, anterior mandibular defects are associated with greater late (>90 day) complications requiring additional surgery. Comparable outcomes may be achieved with soft tissue only versus osseous free flap reconstruction of posterior mandibular defects.

PMID:38676442 | DOI:10.1177/00034894241250177

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Assessing ChatGPT’s Responses to Otolaryngology Patient Questions

Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. 2024 Apr 27:34894241249621. doi: 10.1177/00034894241249621. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate ChatGPT’s performance in addressing real-world otolaryngology patient questions, focusing on accuracy, comprehensiveness, and patient safety, to assess its suitability for integration into healthcare.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted using patient questions from the public online forum Reddit’s r/AskDocs, where medical advice is sought from healthcare professionals. Patient questions were input into ChatGPT (GPT-3.5), and responses were reviewed by 5 board-certified otolaryngologists. The evaluation criteria included difficulty, accuracy, comprehensiveness, and bedside manner/empathy. Statistical analysis explored the relationship between patient question characteristics and ChatGPT response scores. Potentially dangerous responses were also identified.

RESULTS: Patient questions averaged 224.93 words, while ChatGPT responses were longer at 414.93 words. The accuracy scores for ChatGPT responses were 3.76/5, comprehensiveness scores were 3.59/5, and bedside manner/empathy scores were 4.28/5. Longer patient questions did not correlate with higher response ratings. However, longer ChatGPT responses scored higher in bedside manner/empathy. Higher question difficulty correlated with lower comprehensiveness. Five responses were flagged as potentially dangerous.

CONCLUSION: While ChatGPT exhibits promise in addressing otolaryngology patient questions, this study demonstrates its limitations, particularly in accuracy and comprehensiveness. The identification of potentially dangerous responses underscores the need for a cautious approach to AI in medical advice. Responsible integration of AI into healthcare necessitates thorough assessments of model performance and ethical considerations for patient safety.

PMID:38676440 | DOI:10.1177/00034894241249621

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Deep Learning Model for Grading and Localization of Lumbar Disc Herniation on Magnetic Resonance Imaging

J Magn Reson Imaging. 2024 Apr 27. doi: 10.1002/jmri.29403. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Methods for grading and localization of lumbar disc herniation (LDH) on MRI are complex, time-consuming, and subjective. Utilizing deep learning (DL) models as assistance would mitigate such complexities.

PURPOSE: To develop an interpretable DL model capable of grading and localizing LDH.

STUDY TYPE: Retrospective.

SUBJECTS: 1496 patients (M/F: 783/713) were evaluated, and randomly divided into training (70%), validation (10%), and test (20%) sets.

FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE: 1.5T MRI for axial T2-weighted sequences (spin echo).

ASSESSMENT: The training set was annotated by three spinal surgeons using the Michigan State University classification to train the DL model. The test set was annotated by a spinal surgery expert (as ground truth labels), and two spinal surgeons (comparison with the trained model). An external test set was employed to evaluate the generalizability of the DL model.

STATISTICAL TESTS: Calculated intersection over union (IoU) for detection consistency, utilized Gwet’s AC1 to assess interobserver agreement, and evaluated model performance based on sensitivity and specificity, with statistical significance set at P < 0.05.

RESULTS: The DL model achieved high detection consistency in both the internal test dataset (grading: mean IoU 0.84, recall 99.6%; localization: IoU 0.82, recall 99.5%) and external test dataset (grading: 0.72, 98.0%; localization: 0.71, 97.6%). For internal testing, the DL model (grading: 0.81; localization: 0.76), Rater 1 (0.88; 0.82), and Rater 2 (0.86; 0.83) demonstrated results highly consistent with the ground truth labels. The overall sensitivity of the DL model was 87.0% for grading and 84.0% for localization, while the specificity was 95.5% and 94.4%. For external testing, the DL model showed an appreciable decrease in consistency (grading: 0.69; localization: 0.66), sensitivity (77.2%; 76.7%), and specificity (92.3%; 91.8%).

DATA CONCLUSION: The classification capabilities of the DL model closely resemble those of spinal surgeons. For future improvement, enriching the diversity of cases could enhance the model’s generalization.

TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 2.

PMID:38676436 | DOI:10.1002/jmri.29403

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Why did peri-pandemic suicide death rates decrease among non-Hispanic white people while increasing among most people of color?

Suicide Life Threat Behav. 2024 Apr 27. doi: 10.1111/sltb.13088. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: While suicides in the United States decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic, statistically significant decreases have been limited to White people throughout a large portion of 2020.

METHODS: This paper outlines possible explanations for racial/ethnic differences in suicidality in the early pandemic phases.

RESULTS: We propose both distal (i.e., tele-mental health usage, internet and technology access, employment protections, and economic security) and proximal (cultural beliefs, coping strategies, clustering, pulling together, and embracing life) factors that may have helped build and foster community and mental wellness. However, this paper argues these factors did not extend, or did not extend as much, to many communities of color.

CONCLUSIONS: We argue that these disparities are due to the myriad effects of discrimination and systemic racism, encapsulated broadly by the minority stress theory, and provide suggestions for relief and research.

PMID:38676429 | DOI:10.1111/sltb.13088

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Pairwise stochastic approximation for confirmatory factor analysis of categorical data

Br J Math Stat Psychol. 2024 Apr 27. doi: 10.1111/bmsp.12347. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Pairwise likelihood is a limited-information method widely used to estimate latent variable models, including factor analysis of categorical data. It can often avoid evaluating high-dimensional integrals and, thus, is computationally more efficient than relying on the full likelihood. Despite its computational advantage, the pairwise likelihood approach can still be demanding for large-scale problems that involve many observed variables. We tackle this challenge by employing an approximation of the pairwise likelihood estimator, which is derived from an optimization procedure relying on stochastic gradients. The stochastic gradients are constructed by subsampling the pairwise log-likelihood contributions, for which the subsampling scheme controls the per-iteration computational complexity. The stochastic estimator is shown to be asymptotically equivalent to the pairwise likelihood one. However, finite-sample performance can be improved by compounding the sampling variability of the data with the uncertainty introduced by the subsampling scheme. We demonstrate the performance of the proposed method using simulation studies and two real data applications.

PMID:38676427 | DOI:10.1111/bmsp.12347

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Micro-CT Imaging of Tracheal Development in Down Syndrome and Non-Down Syndrome Fetuses

Laryngoscope. 2024 Apr 27. doi: 10.1002/lary.31468. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Down syndrome (DS) is associated with airway abnormalities including a narrowed trachea. It is uncertain whether this narrowed trachea in DS is a consequence of deviant fetal development or an acquired disorder following endotracheal intubation after birth. This study aimed to compare the tracheal morphology in DS and non-DS fetuses using microfocus computed tomography (micro-CT).

METHODS: Twenty fetal samples were obtained from the Dutch Fetal Biobank and divided into groups based on gestational age. Micro-CT images were processed to analyze tracheal length, volume, and cross-sectional area (CSA).

RESULTS: Mean tracheal length and tracheal volume were similar in DS and non-DS fetuses for all gestational age groups. Mean, minimum, and maximal tracheal CSA were statistically significantly increased in the single DS fetus in the group of 21-24 weeks of gestation, but not in other gestational age groups. In 90% of all studied fetuses, the minimum tracheal CSA was located in the middle third of the trachea.

CONCLUSION: Tracheal development in DS fetuses was similar to non-DS fetuses between 13 and 21 weeks of gestation. This suggests that the narrowed tracheal diameter in DS children may occur later in fetal development or results from postnatal intubation trauma. The narrowest part of the trachea is in majority of DS and non-DS fetuses the middle third.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3 Laryngoscope, 2024.

PMID:38676421 | DOI:10.1002/lary.31468

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Evaluating the use of HEIghten critical thinking assessment to monitor critical thinking in dental students

J Dent Educ. 2024 Apr 27. doi: 10.1002/jdd.13550. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: Critical thinking and evidence-based dentistry are skills that dental students are required to demonstrate, but monitoring and quantifying progress can be challenging. This study is investigating whether the HEIghten critical thinking assessment (HCTA) could be used as a potential tool, both for use prior to admitting students, and to monitor whether the students’ skills improve over their time at dental school.

METHODS: Freshman dental students (n = 92) were given the HCTA during their first semester of dental school. Statistical analyses were then performed to examine the association of Dental Admission Test (DAT) scores (overall, perceptual ability, and total science) and Grade Point Average (GPA) (overall and science) on critical thinking scores (total, analytic, and synthetic).

RESULTS: There was a significant positive association between GPA, DAT scores and critical thinking scores.

CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that the HCTA may be a useful tool to enable monitoring of students analytical and synthetic skills throughout their time at dental school.

PMID:38676393 | DOI:10.1002/jdd.13550

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Analysis of Inclisiran in the US FDA adverse event reporting system (FAERS): a focus on overall patient population and Sex-specific Subgroups

Expert Opin Drug Saf. 2024 Apr 27. doi: 10.1080/14740338.2024.2348562. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: our study aimed to identify inclisiran-related adverse events(AEs) for primary hypercholesterolemia and arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease(ASCVD) from the US FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database, analyzing its links to AEs in the overall patient population and sex-specific subgroups to improve medication safety.

METHODS: We analyzed inclisiran-related AEs signals by using statistical methods like Reporting Odds Ratio (ROR), Proportional Reporting Ratios (PRR), Bayesian Confidence Propagation Neural Network (BCPNN), and Multi-item Gamma-Poisson Shrinker (MGPS).

RESULTS: Analyzing 2,400 AE reports with inclisiran as the primary suspected drug in the FAERS database, we identified 70 AE signals over 13 organ systems using the above four methods. Notable findings were strong signals for systemic diseases and various reactions at the site of administration (ROR 1.49, 95% CI 1.41-1.57), and Various musculoskeletal and connective tissue diseases (ROR 4.07, 95% CI 3.83-4.03) in overall and gender-specific populations. Myalgia, a new ADE signal not in the drug insert, was a top signal by intensity and frequency (ROR 14.76, 95% CI 12.84-16.98).

CONCLUSION: Our study revealed the strongest AE signals associated with inclisiran in both the overall population and gender subgroups, highlighting potential risks in clinical medication use and guiding balanced clinical decision-making.

PMID:38676389 | DOI:10.1080/14740338.2024.2348562

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Effects of open-label sesame oil applied to cardiac surgery patients in preventing amiodarone-induced phlebitis: A randomized controlled trial

Nurs Crit Care. 2024 Apr 27. doi: 10.1111/nicc.13085. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Amiodarone is a prophylactic rhythm-regulating drug used to prevent arrhythmia; However, especially during infusion, it has the potential to cause a number of complications, especially phlebitis.

AIM: The aim of the study is to determine the effects of sesame oil, which has the potential to prevent phlebitis that may occur during amiodarone infusion administered to patients after cardiac surgery.

DESIGN: This prospective, two-arm (1:1), block randomized controlled interventional study.

METHODS: This study was conducted with 44 patients treated in the coronary intensive care unit of a university hospital, who received parenteral infusion of amiodarone. Sesame oil was applied superficially by applying 10 drops to a 10 cm perimeter of the cannula for 10 min. This application was repeated every 8 h during the 24-h amiodarone infusion. No intervention was made to the patients in the control group. However, standard nursing care measures and a standard transparent dressing were applied to the patients in both groups during the peripheral catheter application phase. Patients in the intervention and control groups were evaluated in terms of phlebitis at the end of every 24 h using the Visual Infusion Phlebitis Scale. The study was reported according to the CONSORT declaration.

RESULTS: Phlebitis symptoms occurred in 15/22 (68.2%) of the patients in the intervention group on the first day, 3/22 (13.6%) on the second day and 2/22 (9.1%) of the patients on the third day, while in the control group, 20/22 (90.9%) of the patients had phlebitis on the first day and 2/22 (9.1%) on the second day. The incidence of phlebitis was 20/22 (90.9%) in the intervention group and 22/22 (100%) in the control group. There was no statistically significant difference in phlebitis symptoms between groups.

CONCLUSION: The research results showed that the application of sesame oil did not significantly reduce the frequency of phlebitis. However, a trend indicating delayed onset of phlebitis symptoms was observed in the sesame oil group. Nevertheless, larger sample studies are needed. These studies are expected to assist in determining the effects of sesame oil on phlebitis more precisely and provide stronger support for the results.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Training of nurses on non-pharmacological methods should be supported and opportunities should be given for their application.

PMID:38676381 | DOI:10.1111/nicc.13085

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Family physicians and menstrual care: An analysis of CERA 2023

Womens Health (Lond). 2024 Jan-Dec;20:17455057241247799. doi: 10.1177/17455057241247799.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Menstrual health is an important indicator of overall health and has large impacts on quality of life. Despite number and impact, discussion of menstruation remains largely taboo within health care. Patients and physicians are not engaging in regular, meaningful discussions on menstruation. Family physicians, as primary care providers, can facilitate these important conversations.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to understand the profile of menstrual care providing family physicians and assessed physician comfort, knowledge, training, and perceived importance regarding menstrual care.

DESIGN/METHODS: This is a cross-sectional analysis of the 2022 Council of Academic Family Medicine Educational Research Alliance survey. The survey included actively practicing US physicians who are members of the Council of Academic Family Medicine organizations. Descriptive demographic statistics were calculated; chi-square tests were generated for menstrual care-specific items; logistic regression models were fit to determine the association between receiving formal menstrual care training, importance of physician training in menstrual care, and demographic factors.

RESULTS: Eighty-five percent of respondents report frequently providing menstrual care. Participants of younger age, or who had earned their degree more recently, were significantly more likely to provide frequent menstrual care. Respondents who earned their medical degree at an earlier year were significantly more likely to believe that physician training in menstrual care was of limited importance (OR = 1.02, 95% CI = 1.00, 1.03).

CONCLUSIONS: Our findings show that family physicians are providing menstrual care, despite non-uniform training, and recognize its importance to patients. By understanding physician profile and the care they provide, we can work toward comprehensive physician education in menstrual care and providing appropriate menstrual care to patients.

PMID:38676375 | DOI:10.1177/17455057241247799