Significant Differences In Scores Research Articles

Is fixation with a U-shaped staple necessary in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction?

Aims: This study aimed to compare the clinical and functional outcomes of patients who underwent anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using a quadruple hamstring autograft with and without U-shaped staple fixation and tibial tunnel BioScrew fixation. Methods: Patients who underwent arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction by a single surgeon between August 2020 and June 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The time to return to sports after surgery and the evaluation of preoperative and postoperative Lysholm Knee scores, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores, VAS scores, and thigh diameters, were conducted. Statistical analysis of the study data was performed using SPSS 29.0 (IBM InCorp, USA). Results: A total of 100 patients (77% male) who underwent arthroscopic ACL reconstruction were included in the analysis. There was no significant difference in Lysholm knee scores and IKDC scores between patients undergoing fixation with or without staples. However, VAS scores were significantly lower in the non staple group. Conclusion: The present study found that fixation with a staple in addition to tibial BioScrew fixation of the autograft in the tibial tunnel resulted in more pain in the patients, and there was no significant difference in clinical and functional outcomes between the staple and non staple groups.

Evaluation of early effectiveness of local infiltration anesthesia with compound betamethasone in total knee arthroplasty

To evaluate the early effectiveness of local infiltration anesthesia (LIA) with compound betamethasone in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The clinical data of 102 patients with knee osteoarthritis who were treated by TKA and met the selection criteria between May 2022 and March 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. They were divided into control group and study group according to whether LIA preparation was added with compound betamethasone, with 51 cases in each group. There was no significant difference of baseline data, such as age, gender, body mass index, operative side, preoperative range of motion (ROM), Knee Society Score (KSS), white blood cell (WBC), and hematocrit between the two groups ( P>0.05). The intraoperative total blood loss and hidden blood loss were recorded, and WBC was recorded on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd days after operation. Pain was assessed by visual analogue scale (VAS) score on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd days after operation and morphine intake milligrames equivalent within 48 hours after operation. Passive ROM, maximum extension and flexion angles of knee joint were measured on the 3rd day after operation; the early postoperative complications were recorded. There was no significant difference in total blood loss and hidden blood loss between the two groups ( P>0.05). The postoperative pain levels in both groups were relatively mild, and there was no significant difference in VAS scores in the first 3 days after operation and in morphine intake milligrams equivalent within 48 hours after operation between the two groups ( P>0.05). The WBC in the first 3 days after operation was significantly improved in both groups ( P<0.05). The WBC in the study group was significantly higher than that in the control group on the 1st and 2nd days after operation ( P<0.05), but there was no significant difference between the two groups on the 3rd day after operation ( P>0.05). On the 3rd day after operation, the maximum extension angle of knee joint in the study group was smaller than that in the control group, while the maximum flexion angle and passive ROM of knee joint in the study group were larger than those in the control group, and the differences were significant ( P<0.05). There were 6 cases of fever and 17 cases of deep venous thrombosis in the control group, and 1 case and 14 cases in the study group, respectively. There was no poor wound healing and periprosthetic joint infection in the two groups, and there was no significant difference in the incidence of complications between the two groups ( P>0.05). The application of compound betamethasone in LIA during TKA is a safe and optimal strategy to promote the early postoperative rehabilitation of patients.

Outcomes in Patients with Bilateral Distal Radius Fractures

Abstract Background Fractures of the distal radius that occur bilaterally are comparatively uncommon, with the incidence of these injuries and patient outcomes following different modes of treatment being unknown. Questions/Purposes This article evaluates the demographics, management, and functional outcomes of patients that sustain bilateral distal radius fractures (DRFs). Patients and Methods We retrospectively identified 85 patients that sustained bilateral DRF and were treated at a single institution from 2016 to 2019. Thirty-four patients were treated operatively, 41 patients were treated nonoperatively, and 10 patients were treated operatively in one extremity and nonoperatively in the other. Fractures were classified by a single fellowship-trained orthopaedic hand surgeon. Range of motion (ROM) data and Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) scores were collected. Differences between the three groups with regards to demographics, mechanism of injury (MOI), and complications were recorded. Results The pediatric population had significantly higher energy MOIs compared to the adult population. There was no difference between the groups with regard to associated injuries or complications. The pediatric population had significantly more AO type A fractures compared to the adult population, which had a bimodal distribution of AO type A and C fractures. The pediatric population saw significantly more patients undergo nonoperative treatment. Both populations had a higher rate of operative intervention for bilateral DRF than noted in the literature for unilateral. In the adult population there were no significant differences in DASH scores between the operative and nonoperative groups. Conclusion Bilateral DRFs appear to have a similar bimodal age distribution to unilateral DRF. Younger patients undergo nonoperative management more commonly than operative or mixed management. Postoperative ROM and complications appear to be equivalent across all three groups regardless of age. Level of Evidence Level IV, Prognostic study.

The Identification of the Perceptions of Final-Year Midwifery Students on The Profession of Midwifery

Background: Thoughts and perceptions of midwifery students, who are the midwives of the future, about&#x0D; the profession of midwifery are quite important.&#x0D; &#x0D; Objective: This study aims to identify the perceptions of final-year midwifery students on the profession of&#x0D; midwifery.&#x0D; &#x0D; Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2021 to January 2022 The&#x0D; population was final-year undergraduate midwifery students enrolled in 11 public universities selected by lot in Turkey, whilst the sample comprised final-year midwifery students selected from this population (n=330). The data were collected online using a Personal Information Form and the Midwifery Vocational Perception Scale. In the analysis of the data, descriptive statistics, the Mann-Whitney U test, and the Kruskal-Wallis H test were used.&#x0D; &#x0D; Results: The participants had a mean age of 22.06±2.02 years. Of all participants, 93.3% stated that they&#x0D; viewed the profession of midwifery positively. Moreover, the mean Midwifery Vocational Perception Scale&#x0D; score of the participants was 75.58±5.14, and the Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of the scale was calculated as .89. There was no statistically significant difference in the mean Midwifery Vocational Perception Scale scores of the participants based on their age, marital status, family type, economic status, employment status, maternal education level and employment status, paternal education level and employment status (p&gt;.05), Midwifery Vocational Perception Scale scores of those who viewed the profession positively (76.03±4.58) were statistically higher than those who thought negatively (69.18±7.85) (p

Do moderate-to-late preterm twins and singletons differ in the early motor repertoire and later developmental functioning?

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the differences in early motor repertoire and later developmental functioning between moderate-to-late preterm twins and singletons. Material and Methods: The study included 40 moderate-to-late preterm twin infants (50% female), and 40 moderate-to-late preterm singleton infants (50% female). All infants were assessed from 9 up to 20 post-term weeks of corrected age using the General Movement Assessment (GMA), and between 24 and 42 months of age using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition (Bayley-III). Results: There were no differences between the Motor Optimality Score (MOS) and its subcategories, including fidgety movements, obtained as a result of detailed GMA (p&gt;0.05), when the early motor repertoire results were examined. At later ages, there were also no significant differences in cognitive, language, and motor domain composite scores between twin and singleton infants, according to Bayley-III (p&gt;0.05). Discussion: Our results suggest moderate-to-late preterm twin infants had a similar developmental process to moderate-to-late preterm singleton infants from early periods up to 3.5 years of age. However, all preterm infants, including moderate-to-late infants, should be assessed in the clinic in terms of the risks of developmental problems from the early period of life.

The relationship between physical activity and self-esteem among Turkish university students: a gender perspective; a multidisciplinary and multi-center study

Aims: The current study aimed to examine the associations between physical exercise and self-esteem as well as other social-cognitive variables including self-efficacy and body image among Turkish university students. Methods: Sociodemographic Information Form, short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Body Cathexis Scale, and General Self-Efficacy Scale were administered to 1167 students. Results: There were significant gender differences in total, vigorous, moderate activity, and walking scores as well as body image scores in favor of male participants; while female participants had significantly higher self-efficacy scores. There were significant differences between sedentary, active, and very active participants in terms of self-esteem, and body image and between all groups in terms of self-efficacy. Also, there were significant and positive correlations between physical activity and self-esteem, and between body image and self-efficacy in university students. Conclusion: Level of physical activity increased with age. This increased level of physical activity showed positive correlations with self-esteem, body image, and self-efficacy.

Comparative study of orthopaedic robot-assisted minimally invasive surgery and open surgery for limb osteoid osteoma

To compare the accuracy and effectiveness of orthopaedic robot-assisted minimally invasive surgery versus open surgery for limb osteoid osteoma. A clinical data of 36 patients with limb osteoid osteomas admitted between June 2016 and June 2023 was retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 16 patients underwent orthopaedic robot-assisted minimally invasive surgery (robot-assisted surgery group), and 20 patients underwent tumor resection after lotcated by C-arm X-ray fluoroscopy (open surgery group). There was no significant difference between the two groups in the gender, age, lesion site, tumor nidus diameter, and preoperative pain visual analogue scale (VAS) scores ( P>0.05). The operation time, lesion resection time, intraoperative blood loss, intraoperative fluoroscopy frequency, lesion resection accuracy, and postoperative analgesic use frequency were recorded and compared between the two groups. The VAS scores for pain severity were compared preoperatively and at 3 days and 3 months postoperatively. Compared with the open surgery group, the robot-assisted surgery group had a longer operation time, less intraoperative blood loss, less fluoroscopy frequency, less postoperative analgesic use frequency, and higher lesion resection accuracy ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in lesion resection time ( P>0.05). All patients were followed up after surgery, with a follow-up period of 3-24 months (median, 12 months) in the two groups. No postoperative complication such as wound infection or fracture occurred in either group during follow-up. No tumor recurrence was observed during follow-up. The VAS scores significantly improved in both groups at 3 days and 3 months after surgery when compared with preoperative value ( P<0.05). The VAS score at 3 days after surgery was significantly lower in robot-assisted surgery group than that in open surgery group ( P<0.05). However, there was no significant difference in VAS scores at 3 months between the two groups ( P>0.05). Compared with open surgery, robot-assisted resection of limb osteoid osteomas has longer operation time, but the accuracy of lesion resection improve, intraoperative blood loss reduce, and early postoperative pain is lighter. It has the advantages of precision and minimally invasive surgery.

Assessment of Quality of Life in a Sample of Short Stature Iraqi Children with Growth Hormone Deficiency

Background: Short stature (SS) is defined as a height of 2.0 or more standard deviations (SD) below the population-specific mean height for age and gender. 2.5% of children have short stature, and it is one of the most frequent causes for children to see a growth specialist during their childhood. It is challenging to generalize about the effect of short stature on psycho-social adaption given the data currently available. Health-related quality of life (HrQoL) was generally shown to be lower in clinically identified short stature children than in population-based normal-sized reference groups. Aim: Examine the behavioral pattern and mental health of SS and its psychological influence on QoL of children/adolescence. In addition, compare the behavioral response and QoL between growth hormone deficiency GHD and control groups. Methods: It is a cross sectional study, included 80 participants (60 with GHD and 20 with normal height as control group) between 4 and 18 years old. The parents of the participants were given a parent-reported version of the written Quality of Life in Short Stature Youth QoLISSY questionnaire in Arabic in order to examine the association with the socio-demographic characteristics of the participants. Results: 51.25% female and 48.75% male included in this study, the mean age at assessment was 12.1 ± 2.7, and 11.8 ± 2.6 of the GHD and control group, respectively. There was significant difference in QoLISSY total score between GHD and control groups. The association between socio-demographic characteristics of the participants was significantly different. Conclusion: The QoL of Iraqi children with GHD showed lower scores in all domains of QoLISSY compared to normal children.

The effect of sexual education on the postpartum women’s sexual self-confidence and self-efficacy: a theory-based intervention

IntroductionPregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period cause significant physical and psychological changes in mothers, leading to changes in their sexual self-concept and adverse effects on their sexual self-confidence and self-efficacy. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effect of sexual education on postpartum women’s sexual self-efficacy and self-confidence.MethodThis randomized interventional study was conducted on 115 women who had given birth at least six weeks ago and attended healthcare centers. Using convenience sampling, the researchers randomly allocated the participants into two intervention and control groups through a block size of six. The intervention group received six 90-minute online training sessions based on the sexual self-concept model over one month, while the control group received routine care. To collect data, the self-efficacy and sexual confidence questionnaires by Buzwell and Rosenthal were used before the intervention, immediately after the intervention, and one month later.ResultsThe study findings demonstrated no significant differences in demographic characteristics, sexual self-confidence, and sexual self-efficacy scores between the two groups before the intervention. However, the repeated measures ANOVA results revealed a substantial increase in sexual self-confidence and self-efficacy scores over time in the intervention group immediately after participating in the training sessions and one month later.ConclusionConsidering the effect of training based on the sexual self-concept model on postpartum women, the researchers recommend using this model to improve their sexual self-efficacy and self-confidence after childbirth.Clinical trial registrationThis study is registered at the Iranian Registry Clinical Trial (IRCT20220530055025N1).

Percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal vs. interlaminar discectomy for L5–S1 lumbar disc herniation: a retrospective propensity score matching study

ObjectivePercutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) is a safe and effective minimally invasive surgery for treating lumbar disc herniation (LDH); however, the comparative clinical efficacy of percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal discectomy (PETD) and percutaneous endoscopic interlaminar discectomy (PEID) in treating L5–S1 LDH remains unclear. This study compared the clinical advantages of PEID and PETD for treating L5–S1 LDH.MethodsThis was a single-centre retrospective study analysing clinical data from 120 patients with L5–S1 LDH between February 2016 and May 2020. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to adjust for imbalanced confounding variables between the two groups. Perioperative data were recorded, and clinical outcomes, including functional scores and imaging data, were compared between groups. Functional scores included visual analogue scale (VAS) for back and leg pain, Oswestry disability index (ODI), and modified MacNab criteria. Imaging data included disc height index (DHI), ratio of greyscale (RVG), and range of motion (ROM) of the responsible segment.ResultsAfter PSM, 78 patients were included in the study, and all covariates were well balanced between the two groups. In the matched patients, the PEID group showed significantly shorter surgical time (65.41 ± 5.05 vs. 84.08 ± 5.12 min) and lower frequency of fluoroscopy (2.93 ± 0.63 vs. 11.56 ± 1.54) compared with the PETD group (P < 0.001). There were no statistically significant differences in intraoperative blood loss, postoperative hospital stay, total incision length, and incidence of complications between the two groups (P > 0.05). After surgery, both groups showed significant improvement in back and leg pain based on VAS and ODI scores (P < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in clinical functional scores and imaging data between the two groups at various time points after surgery (P > 0.05). According to the modified MacNab criteria, the excellent and good rates in the PEID group and PETD group were 91.89% and 89.19%, respectively, with no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05).ConclusionPEID and PETD have similar clinical efficacy in treating L5–S1 disc herniation. However, PEID is superior to PETD in reducing operation time and frequency of fluoroscopy.

Changes in dementia treatment patterns associated with changes in the National Policy in South Korea among patients with newly diagnosed Alzheimer’s disease between 2011 and 2017: results from the multicenter, retrospective CAPTAIN study

BackgroundThe South Korean government has been actively involved in plans to combat dementia, implementing a series of national strategies and plans since 2008. In July 2014, eligibility for mandatory long-term care insurance (LTCI) was extended to people with dementia enabling access to appropriate long-term care including the cognitive function training program and home nursing service. This study aimed to investigate changes in treatment patterns for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) between July 2011 and June 2017 which spanned the 2014 revision.MethodsThis multicenter, retrospective, observational study of patients with newly diagnosed AD analyzed electronic medical records from 17 general hospitals across South Korea. Based on their time of AD diagnosis, subjects were categorized into Cohort 1 (1 July 2011 to 30 June 2014) and Cohort 2 (1 July 2014 to 30 June 2017).ResultsSubjects (N=3,997) divided into Cohorts 1 (n=1,998) and 2 (n=1,999), were mostly female (66.4%) with a mean age of 84.4 years. Cohort 1 subjects were significantly older (P<0.0001) and had a lower number of comorbidities (P=0.002) compared with Cohort 2. Mean Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores in Cohorts 1 and 2 at the time of AD diagnosis or start of initial treatment were 16.9 and 17.1, respectively (P=0.2790). At 1 year, mean MMSE scores in Cohorts 1 and 2 increased to 17.9 and 17.4, respectively (P=0.1524). Donepezil was the most frequently administered medication overall (75.0%), with comparable rates between cohorts. Rates of medication persistence were ≥98% for acetylcholinesterase inhibitor or memantine therapy. Discontinuation and switch treatment rates were significantly lower (49.7% vs. 58.0%; P<0.0001), and mean duration of initial treatment significantly longer, in Cohort 2 vs. 1 (349.3 vs. 300.2 days; P<0.0001).ConclusionsComparison of cohorts before and after revision of the national LTCI system for dementia patients found no significant difference in mean MMSE scores at the time of AD diagnosis or start of initial treatment. The reduction in the proportion of patients who discontinued or changed their initial treatment, and the significant increase in mean duration of treatment, were observed following revision of the LTCI policy which enabled increased patient access to long-term care.

The effect of using a sports application on the quality of sleep in patients with heart failure: a randomized clinical trial study

BackgroundPatients with heart failure often suffer from sleep disorders. Due to the side effects of medications used to treat this disorder, non-pharmacological methods may be used to improve these patients’ sleep quality. This study aimed to determine the effect of a sports application on sleep quality in patients with heart failure.MethodsIn this single-blinded randomized clinical trial, 60 patients aged 30–70 referred to Shafa Hospital in Kerman were randomly assigned to control (n = 30) and intervention (n = 30) groups based on convenience sampling. The intervention group used the sports application for eight consecutive weeks. Data was collected using a demographic questionnaire and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). An independent t-test and a Mann-Whitney U test were used for comparisons between groups and paired t-tests and Wilcoxon tests were used for comparisons within groups.ResultsThe data analysis revealed a significant difference in sleep quality scores between the two groups after the intervention, meaning that the intervention group had better sleep quality than the control group (P < 0.05).ConclusionsAs a result of the study, it was found that the sport application improved the quality of sleep in patients with heart failure. Our recommendation is for healthcare providers to use this sports application to present educational content related to physical activity and improve the sleep quality of patients.Trial registrationIranian Registry of Clinical Trials: IRCT. 2019123045475N1.” Registered 16 December 2019.

Exploring the Factors Influencing the College Students’ Engagement in Mobile Learning in Palestine

This study aims to explore the factors influencing students’ engagement in mobile learning at Palestine Technical University Kadoorie. It utilizes a mixed research approach that combines both quantitative and qualitative designs. The study sample consists of 37 college students from two different faculties: Arts and Educational Sciences, and Applied Sciences. Data were collected using a pre-existing scale for engagement and its factors. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 students who completed the scales. The findings showed a statistically significant difference in the total engagement scores, specifically in the emotional engagement dimension. However, there was no statistical significance found in the social, cognitive, or behavioral domains. Factors related to instructors are influential factors in student engagement and have been found to be statistically significant. Qualitative findings supported the quantitative results for this question, which showed subthemes of instructor-related factors such as instructor presence, motivation, teaching strategies, and technical environment. Researchers recommend that policymakers and educators prioritize the engagement factors of students in mobile learning. One of the limitations is the generalizability of this study. The participants who were surveyed were exclusively sourced from two departments within one university. To broaden the scope, we suggest that future research include individuals from various disciplines, universities, academic institutions, and students.

Modified EASIX scores predict severe CRS/ICANS in patients with acute myeloid leukemia following CLL1 CAR-T cell therapy.

Chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy targeting CLL1 has been considered a potent weapon for patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of CLL1 CAR-T cell therapy in a larger cohort, with particular attention to cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS). Among the 32 patients assessed for efficacy, complete remission occurred in 71.88% (23/32) of cases and undetectable minimal residual disease in 14 patients. The CRS developed in all patients, with 8 individuals experiencing ICANS. Severe CRS and ICANS were observed in 11 and 2 patients, respectively. Furthermore, the Endothelial Activation and Stress Index (EASIX) and its derivatives measured before and after CLL1 CAR-T cell infusion were employed for predicting the severe complications. Significant differences were observed in EASIX scores on the day before lymphodepletion (Day BL, P = 0.023), -1 (P < 0.001), +1 (P < 0.001), and +3(P = 0.014); sEASIX scores on Day BL (P = 0.007), -1 (P < 0.001), +1 (P < 0.001), and +3 (P < 0.001); and mEASIX score on Day -1 (P = 0.004) between patients with mild and severe CRS/ICANS. Additionally, there was a significant difference in mEASIX scores between responders and non-responders on Day BL (P = 0.004) and Day -1 (P = 0.044). Our findings indicate that pre- and post-infusion assessments of EASIX/mEASIX/sEASIX scores serve as reliable prognostic indicators for severe CRS/ICANS and treatment response following CLL1 CAR-T cell therapy, which can assist physicians in implementing preemptive treatment strategies for potential severe complications and screening patients who are suitable candidates for CLL1 CAR-T cell therapy. EASIX/mEASIX/sEASIX scores serve as reliable prognostic indicators for severe CRS/ICANS following CLL1 CAR-T cell therapy. The preinfusion mEASIX scores of CLL1 CAR-T cells can effectively predict treatment response.

Diagnostic intervention improved health-related quality of life among teenagers with food allergy.

The aim was to examine if a diagnostic intervention set up to assess current food allergy to cow's milk, hen's egg, fish, or wheat among teenagers had an impact on generic and disease specific health-related quality of life (HRQL). The study compared HRQL scoring before and two years after the intervention, and in relation to age matched controls without reported food allergy. The study was performed within the Obstructive Lung Disease in Northern Sweden (OLIN) studies where a cohort study on asthma and allergic diseases among 8-year-old schoolchildren was initiated in 2006. At age 12 years, the 125/2612 (5%) children who reported allergy to cow's milk, hen's egg, fish, or wheat were invited to a diagnostic intervention including clinical examination, blood tests and evaluation by a pediatric allergist. Of 94 participants, 79 completed generic and disease specific HRQL questionnaires. Additionally, a random sample of 200 (62% of invited) children without food allergy from the OLIN cohort answered the generic HRQL questionnaire. The respondents of the HRQL questionnaires were re-examined two years later and 57 teenagers with and 154 without reported allergy participated. There were no significant differences in generic HRQL scores between teenagers with and without reported food allergy at study entry, or after the intervention. Among those with reported food allergy, we found a significant improvement in disease specific HRQL after the intervention (mean values: 3.41 vs 2.80, p<0.001). Teenagers with only food allergy had better disease specific HRQL compared to those with one, two or three concomitant allergic diseases, both before and after the intervention. Children with only food allergy significantly improved their HRQL after the intervention, 1.84 vs. 2.87 (p<0.001) but this association was not seen in children with one other allergic disorder (3.16 vs. 3.65, p = 0.121) or those with two or more allergic disorders (3.72 vs. 3.90, p = 0.148). The diagnostic intervention showed a long-term improvement of disease specific HRQL but not generic HRQL.

Living and post-mortem CT scans in the gross anatomy lab: A study investigating differences in first-year medical students' exam performance and perceptions.

Basic competency in radiological imaging is essential for physicians to identify and manage diseases. An optimal place in which to include imaging in the medical curriculum is during anatomy as students can correlate the 3D anatomy from their body donors with the 2D cross-sectional anatomy. The goal of this project was to enhance first-year medical students' knowledge of cross-sectional imaging in the gross anatomy lab and to investigate whether there are benefits to learning cross sectional imaging via scans from body donors versus living individuals. Student participant performance was evaluated on laboratory practical examinations, CT image questions and spatial anatomical knowledge in the thorax and abdomen sections of gross anatomy. Students learned the cross-sectional imaging during dissections where they accessed the images relevant to their study on Pacsbin, a web-based Digital Imaging and Communication in Medicine viewer, via iPads. Results showed no statistically significant differences in practical examination scores, spatial anatomical knowledge, or identification of anatomical structures on CT image questions between participants who learned from images on body donors versus living individuals. In a questionnaire given at the end of the course, participants cited that the CT images improved their anatomical and imaging knowledge and that they felt better prepared to use imaging software and interpret diagnostic imaging results upon entering clerkships. While there were no differences in academic performance between the groups, positive outcomes regarding student perceptions of anatomical and imaging knowledge and preparedness for use of imaging software were identified in this study.

Which Behaviors Generate The Best Reviews? A Sentiment Analysis of Online Reviews on AOSSM Surgeons

Background Online surgeon reviews can significantly influence a patient’s selection of a provider, and are important in the movement towards quality-based physician compensation models. Written reviews, however, are subjective and are thus difficult to quantitatively analyze. Sentiment analysis using artificial intelligence (AI) provides the ability to quantitatively assess surgeon reviews to provide actionable feedback. Purpose The objective of this study is to quantitatively analyze the online written reviews of AOSSM surgeons utilizing sentiment analysis and report trends in the most frequently used words in the best and worst reviews. Study Design Cross-sectional study using publicly-available online reviews Methods Online reviews and star-ratings of AOSSM surgeons were obtained from healthgrades.com and zocdoc.com. A sentiment analysis algorithm was used to compute sentiment analysis scores of each written review. Sentiment scores were validated against star-ratings. Positive and negative word and word-pair frequency analysis was performed to identify common items associated with high and low scores. A multiple logistic regression was run on clinically relevant phrases. Results Following the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 18,386 AOSSM surgeon reviews were analyzed for 2071 surgeons. There was no significant difference in sentiment scores by provider gender. Surgeons who are younger than 50 years old had more positive reviews (mean sentiment = +0.536 versus +0.458, p &lt; 0.01). The most frequently used and meaningful bi-grams used to describe top-rated surgeons are words correlating with kindness, caring personalities, and efficiency in pain management; whereas, those with the worst reviews are often characterized as unable to relieve the pain of their patients. The multiple logistic regression was significant for several clinically relevant words that confer greater or less odds of an improved score. Pain is significantly correlated with a decreased odds of receiving a positive review and positive behavioral factors confer a greater odds of receiving a positive review. Conclusion Sentiment analysis provides a means of quantifying written reviews of surgeons, and analysis of the reviews. This study provides insight into factors contributing to positive reviews, especially surgeon confidence, staff friendliness, warm disposition, and pain relief. Clinical Relevance This study delineates factors that impact the public reviews on AOSSM providers.

Variation in Dynamic Postural Control with Hip Strength Deficit in Young Adults

Background: Balance is a critical component of human movement and stability, particularly in young adults. The relationship between hip muscle strength and dynamic postural control, as measured by the Y Balance Test (YBT), has been the subject of various studies, yet the extent of this correlation remains not fully understood. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the variation in dynamic postural control with hip strength deficits in young adults. It sought to understand the correlation between hip muscle strength and dynamic balance, as well as to explore gender differences in balance performance. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 60 medical students from Akhtar Saeed Medical and Dental College, Lahore, aged 18-35 years. Participants with no lower extremity ailments or general health issues were included. The Y Balance Test and Manual Muscle Testing (MMT) were used for data collection. Strength was graded manually, and balance was assessed through the YBT, which involved forward, medial backward, and lateral backward movements. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 25.0, with the Mann-Whitney U test applied to assess significant differences. Results: The study revealed significant gender differences in YBT scores, with males showing greater composite reach distances in both dominant (Mean Rank: Males = 46.05, Females = 23.29, P = .00) and non-dominant sides (Mean Rank: Males = 44.95, Females = 23.80, P = .00). However, no significant differences were observed in the YBT scores across grades 4 and 5 in various hip muscle groups (P &gt; 0.05 in all comparisons). Conclusion: The study confirms significant gender differences in dynamic postural control but does not establish a strong correlation between hip muscle strength and balance performance. These findings suggest that other factors, such as training and physical attributes, may play a more significant role in balance. This research contributes to the understanding of balance dynamics in young adults and can guide the development of targeted training and rehabilitation programs.

Head and neck ultrasound training improves the diagnostic performance of otolaryngology residents.

Surgeon-performed head and neck ultrasound (US) is increasingly used among otolaryngologists in office-based and surgical settings. However, it is unknown how formal US training affects otolaryngology residents' diagnostic workup of patients with cervical pathology. This study examined how a formal US course for residents affected their outpatient clinic US performance and diagnostic accuracy. We conducted a randomized cross-over trial, where 13 otolaryngology residents participated in a 6-h formal US course. Participants were randomized to perform head and neck US on four patient cases before and after completing the course. Eight patients with and without neck pathology were invited to participate as test cases. The ultrasound examinations were video recorded and anonymized before two consultants rated the US performance using the Objective Structured Assessment of Ultrasound Skills (OSAUS) scale. Otolaryngology residents wrote an ultrasound report with a diagnosis based on their US examination, which was used to calculate the specificity and sensitivity. We found a statistically significant difference in the OSAUS score before compared to after the hands-on training (p = .035). The diagnostic accuracy also increased from 62% before the course to 75% after the course (p = .02). Specificity increased from 54% prior to the course to 62% following the course, and sensitivity increased from 64% prior to the course to 79% following the course. The intraclass correlation coefficient with "absolute agreement" was 0.63. This study demonstrates that short, formal ultrasound training can improve otolaryngology residents' ultrasound skills and diagnostic accuracy in an outpatient clinic setting. This study looks at the change of otolaryngology residents' diagnostic workup of patients after they take a formal ultrasound course and shows that they get better at using ultrasound and make more accurate diagnoses if they take a formal course. Level 2.

Effect of Dancing Interventions on Depression and Anxiety Symptoms in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

This systematic review and meta-analysis (PROSPERO CRD42023428105) investigated the effect of dancing on depression and anxiety symptoms in older adults. Conducted up to October 2023, the search across seven databases and gray literature yielded 5020 records. Only randomized trials that analyzed dance interventions for depression and/or anxiety in older adults were included. Nineteen randomized trials, involving 508 participants in dance classes lasting 5 weeks to 18 months, were included and 16 were subjected to meta-analysis. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane tool. The meta-analysis showed a statistically significant reduction in depression among older adults participating in dance interventions (p < 0.01). A decrease in depressive symptoms was significant compared to that in those involved in no other intervention (p = 0.02) but not compared to that achieved with other interventions in control groups (p = 0.96). Subgroup analysis showed no significant differences in depression scores for those with mild cognitive impairment (p = 0.47). These conclusions are associated with moderate bias and very low certainty. Due to heterogeneity and the small number of studies, conclusions for anxiety outcomes could not be drawn. These results underscore the potential clinical relevance of integrating dance into mental health interventions for older adults, thereby highlighting a promising avenue for enhancing the mental well-being of this demographic.