Significant Difference In Distance Research Articles

Evaluating the Efficacy of a Peripheral Nerve Simulator-Guided Brachial Plexus Block in Rabbits Undergoing Orthopaedic Surgery Compared to Systemic Analgesia

Locoregional anaesthetic techniques are invaluable for providing multimodal analgesia for painful surgical procedures. This prospective, randomised study describes a nerve stimulator-guided brachial plexus blockade (BPB) in rabbits undergoing orthopaedic surgery in comparison to systemic lidocaine. Premedication was provided with intramuscular (IM) medetomidine, fentanyl, and midazolam. Anaesthesia was induced (propofol IV) and maintained with isoflurane. Nine rabbits received a lidocaine BPB (2%; 0.3 mL kg−1), and eight received a lidocaine constant rate infusion (CRI) (2 mg kg−1 IV, followed by 100 µg kg−1 min−1). Rescue analgesia was provided with fentanyl IV. Carprofen was administered at the end of the surgery. Postoperative pain was determined using the Rabbit Grimace Scale (RGS) and a composite pain scale. Buprenorphine was administered according to the pain score for two hours after extubation. Rabbits were filmed during the first two hours to measure distance travelled and behaviours. Food intake and faeces output were compared. Every rabbit in CRI required intraoperative rescue analgesia compared to none in BPB. However, rabbits in both groups had similar pain scores, and there was no difference in the administration of postoperative analgesia. There were no significant differences in food intake or faeces production over 18 h, and no significant differences in distance travelled or behaviours examined during the first two hours. BPB seems superior for intraoperative analgesia. Postoperatively, both groups were comparable.

Aerobic Endurance - Finding Optimal Rowing Ergometer Settings to Match Physiological Demands of Running

Assessing aerobic endurance is crucial for evaluating fitness levels, with the Cooper 12-minute test widely recognized as a benchmark. However, indoor rowing on the Concept2 rowing ergometer lacks a standardized equivalent, prompting this study to explore the potential of a 12-minute rowing test as an alternative. Despite differences in muscle groups, rowing shares foundational aerobic capacities with running. The investigation centers around the rowing drag factor, hypothesizing its role in aligning rowing performance with the physiological demands of running. The study involved 56 healthy male soldiers (age: 22.89 ± 2.28 years) undergoing 12-minute running and three drag factor rowing tests. While basic anthropometrics showed limited influence, height correlated positively with rowing performances, and weight negatively affected both running and rowing at low resistance and positively at higher resistances. The closest correlation between running and various drag factor rowing tests, and also the only one with no statistically significant difference in distance covered, was found at damper setting 1 of the ergometer, representing the lowest drag factor. The relatively low coefficient of determination (r2 = 0,18) suggests diversity in the performance foundations of the 12-minute running and rowing. Therefore, further analysis is needed before the rowing test can be considered a valid alternative to the Cooper test.

Influence and Clinical Significance of Knee Flexion Angle on the Anatomic Course of the Common Peroneal Nerve in the Posterolateral Corner of the Knee Joint.

Detailed knowledge of the anatomic course of the common peroneal nerve (CPN) is crucial for the surgical treatment of the posterolateral corner (PLC) of the knee. To investigate the relationship of the CPN to the PLC of the knee at different flexion angles. Descriptive laboratory study. Ten healthy volunteers were recruited to undergo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the knee joint at knee flexion angles of 0°, 30°, 60°, 90°, and 120°. MRI scans at 3 levels (joint line, tibial cut, and fibular tip) were evaluated to determine (1) the distance from the CPN to the PLC and (2) the distances between the CPN and the anterior-posterior and medial-lateral tibial axes. A 3-dimensional model of the knee joint created from MRI scans of a single participant was used to simulate the creation of a fibular tunnel for PLC reconstruction and investigate the relationship between the CPN, fibular tunnel, and guide pin. The CPN moved posteromedially with increased knee flexion angles. As the flexion angle increased, the distances from the CPN to the anterior-posterior axis and the PLC increased significantly, while the distance to the medial-lateral axis decreased significantly at all 3 measurement levels. The distances between the CPN and anterior-posterior and medial-lateral axes were significantly different among the different knee flexion angles at the different measurement levels. There were no significant differences in the mean distance from the CPN to the posterolateral border of the tibial plateau between 0° and 30° of flexion at the fibular tip level (P = .953). There were statistically significant differences in the distance from the CPN to the PLC of the tibial plateau at the different measurement levels. The 3-dimensional model demonstrated that the position of the CPN relative to the guide pin and the bone tunnel undergoes changes during knee flexion. Changes in the knee flexion angle produced corresponding changes in the course of the CPN on the posterolateral aspect of the knee joint. The CPN moved posteromedially with increased knee flexion angles. Increasing the knee flexion angle during PLC reconstruction can effectively avoid direct injury of the CPN.

Independent Plastic Surgery Match Regional Trends Comparing In-person and Virtual Interview Cycles.

There is a trend toward matching in a different region than previous training for the independent plastic surgery match cycles from 2019 to 2021, which differs from the trend to match within the same region for integrated plastic surgery programs. Notably, residency interviews transitioned from in-person to virtual in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. Therefore, we compared in-person versus virtual interview match trends from 2019 to 2023. Zip codes and regions of each successfully matched plastic surgery applicant's medical school, residency, and plastic surgery program were gathered from publicly available data for the 2019 and 2020 in-person interview cycles and 2021, 2022, and 2023 virtual interview cycles. Although regions did not differ significantly in the proportions of positions each year (P = 0.85), there was a trend toward fewer positions in each region from 2019 to 2022. Overall, applicants were more likely to match in a different region as their medical school or residency during virtual compared with in-person interviews (P = 0.002 and P = 0.04). Applicants matched to programs further from their medical school zip code in virtual interview years (P = 0.02). There was no significant difference in distance between surgical residencies and plastic surgery residencies between the two time periods (P = 0.51). Trends toward matching into a different region than prior training after the switch to virtual interviews could be attributed to applicant accessibility to interview broadly. However, this could also be due to the decreased number of independent residency positions over the years, requiring applicants to move regions and travel further from where they began their training.

Automated localization of mandibular landmarks in the construction of mandibular median sagittal plane

ObjectiveTo use deep learning to segment the mandible and identify three-dimensional (3D) anatomical landmarks from cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images, the planes constructed from the mandibular midline landmarks were compared and analyzed to find the best mandibular midsagittal plane (MMSP).MethodsA total of 400 participants were randomly divided into a training group (n = 360) and a validation group (n = 40). Normal individuals were used as the test group (n = 50). The PointRend deep learning mechanism segmented the mandible from CBCT images and accurately identified 27 anatomic landmarks via PoseNet. 3D coordinates of 5 central landmarks and 2 pairs of side landmarks were obtained for the test group. Every 35 combinations of 3 midline landmarks were screened using the template mapping technique. The asymmetry index (AI) was calculated for each of the 35 mirror planes. The template mapping technique plane was used as the reference plane; the top four planes with the smallest AIs were compared through distance, volume difference, and similarity index to find the plane with the fewest errors.ResultsThe mandible was segmented automatically in 10 ± 1.5 s with a 0.98 Dice similarity coefficient. The mean landmark localization error for the 27 landmarks was 1.04 ± 0.28 mm. MMSP should use the plane made by B (supramentale), Gn (gnathion), and F (mandibular foramen). The average AI grade was 1.6 (min–max: 0.59–3.61). There was no significant difference in distance or volume (P > 0.05); however, the similarity index was significantly different (P < 0.01).ConclusionDeep learning can automatically segment the mandible, identify anatomic landmarks, and address medicinal demands in people without mandibular deformities. The most accurate MMSP was the B-Gn-F plane.

The long-term effects of COVID-19 on pulmonary status and quality of life.

Few studies have looked at how SARS-CoV-2 affects pulmonary function, exercise capacity, and health-related quality of life over time. The purpose of this study was to evaluate these characteristics in post COVID-19 subjects 1 year after recovery. The study included two groups. The case group included post COVID-19 subjects who had recovered after a year, and the control group included healthy participants who had never tested positive for COVID-19. The study screened 90 participants, 42 of whom met the eligibility criteria. The findings revealed that the majority of post COVID-19 subjects had relatively normal lung function 1-year post-recovery. A significant reduction in DLCO (B/P%) was observed in the case group vs. control. The exercise capacity test revealed a clinically significant difference in distance walked and a significant difference in the dyspnea post-walk test in the case group compared to the control group. The case group's health-related quality of life domain scores were significantly affected in terms of energy/fatigue, general health, and physical function. The post COVID-19 subjects were shown to have well-preserved lung function after 1 year. However, some degree of impairment in diffusion capacity, exercise capacity, and health-related quality of life remained.

Developing an anatomically valid segmentation protocol for early tau regions: the anterior medial temporal lobe cortices

AbstractBackgroundThe anterior portion of the medial temporal lobe (MTL) is one of the earliest regions showing tau deposition in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and hence a key focus area for AD imaging biomarkers. However, the anatomical variability of the anterior MTL presents a challenge for segmentation protocols. Leveraging a novel postmortem dataset with histology and MRI, we aimed to develop a histologically‐informed segmentation protocol for the anterior entorhinal cortex (ERC), Brodmann Area (BA) 35 (approximates transentorhinal cortex), and BA36 for in vivo 3 tesla (T) MRI.MethodDigitized 50‐µm thick MTL Nissl‐stained coronal histology sections from 20 cases (Table 1) were annotated by expert neuroanatomists. Cases with and without neurodegenerative diseases were included to ensure broad generalizability of the protocol. The histology sections were registered to same‐subject 0.2×0.2×0.2‐mm3 9.4 T postmortem MRI and were analyzed together to determine the location of the histological borders of the MTL cortices in relation to anatomical landmarks observable on MRI.ResultThe distance between the anterior histological border of ERC, BA35 and BA36 was assessed in relation to different anatomical landmarks observable on MRI. The distance relative to the hippocampus was chosen, as there was relatively low between‐subject variability in distance (low SD in Table 2) and this region is easily identifiable on MRI. The ERC starts 4.75 mm (median) anterior to the hippocampus, BA35 9.25 mm and BA36 10.25 mm. There was no significant difference in distances between patients with and without neurodegenerative disease. Next, we analyzed the location of the ERC on histology sections. We determined that regardless of the depth of the collateral sulcus (CS) (contrary to more posterior regions), the inferior border of the ERC is on average at the edge of the CS and the superior border at the superior edge of the parahippocampal gyrus (Figure 1a), but at the halfway point for the first section with ERC. These segmentation rules for ERC can be applied to T1‐MRI (Figure 1b).ConclusionSegmentation rules for anterior BA35 and BA36 are under development. This histologically‐informed segmentation protocol is expected to improve the efficacy of imaging biomarkers for tau deposition in AD.

[An MRI study of lateral vascular safety zones in oblique lumbar interbody fusion surgery].

To study the anatomical characteristics of blood vessels in the lateral segment of the vertebral body through the surgical approach of oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) using MRI imaging, and evaluate its potential vascular safety zone. The lumbar MRI data of 107 patients with low back and leg pain who met the selection criteria between October 2019 and November 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The vascular emanation angles, vascular travel angles, and the length of vessels in the lateral segments of the left vertebral body of L 1-L 5, as well as the distance between the segmental vessels in different Moro junctions of the vertebral body and their distances from the edges of the vertebrae in the same sequence (bottom marked as I, top as S) were measured. The gap between the large abdominal vessels and the lateral vessels of the vertebral body was set as the lateral vascular safe zones of the lumbar spine, and the extent of the safe zones (namely the area between the vessels) was measured. The anterior 1/3 of the lumbar intervertebral disc was taken as the simulated puncture center, and the area with a diameter of 22 mm around it as the simulated channel area. The proportion of vessels in the channel was further counted. In addition, the proportions of segmental vessels at L 5 without a clear travel and with an emanation angel less than 90° were calculated. Except for the differences in the vascular emanation angles between L 4 and L 5, the vascular travel angles between L 1, L 2 and L 4, L 5, and the length of vessels in the lateral segments of the vertebral body among L 1-L 4 were not significant ( P>0.05), the differences in the vascular emanation angles, vascular travel angles, and the length of vessels between the rest segments were all significant ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the distance between vessels of L 1, L 2 and L 2, L 3 at Moro Ⅰ-Ⅳ junctions ( P>0.05), in L 3, L 4 and L 4, L 5 at Ⅱ and Ⅲ junction ( P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the vascular distance of L 2, L 3 between Ⅱ, Ⅲ junction and Ⅲ, Ⅳ junction, and the vascular distance of L 3, L 4 between Ⅰ, Ⅱ junction and Ⅲ, Ⅳ junction ( P>0.05). The vascular distance of the other adjacent vertebral bodies was significant different between different Moro junctions ( P<0.05). Except that there was no significant difference in the distance between L 2I and L 3S at Ⅰ, Ⅱ junction, L 3I and L 4S at Ⅱ, Ⅲ junction, and L 2I and L 3S at Ⅲ, Ⅳ junction ( P>0.05), there was significant difference of the vascular distance between the bottom of one segment and the top of the next in the other segments ( P<0.05). Comparison between junctions: Except for the L 3S between Ⅰ, Ⅱ junction and Ⅱ, Ⅲ junction, and L 5S between Ⅰ, Ⅱ junction and Ⅱ, Ⅲ and Ⅲ, Ⅳ junctions had no significant difference ( P>0.05), there were significant differences in the distance between the other segmental vessels and the vertebral edge of the same sequence in different Moro junctions ( P<0.05). The overall proportion of vessels in the simulated channels was 40.19% (43/107), and the proportion of vessels in L 1 (41.12%, 44/107) and L 5 (18.69%, 20/107) was higher than that in the other segments. The proportion of vessels in the channel of Moro zone Ⅰ (46.73%, 50/107) and zone Ⅱ (32.71%, 35/107) was higher than that in the zone Ⅲ, while no segmental vessels in L 1 and L 2 were found in the channel of zone Ⅲ ( χ 2=74.950, P<0.001). Moreover, 26.17% (28/107) of the segmental vessels of lateral L 5 showed no movement, and 27.10% (29/107) vascular emanation angles of lateral L 5 were less than 90°. L 1 and L 5 segmental vessels are most likely to be injured in Moro zones Ⅰ and Ⅱ, and the placement of OLIF channels in L 4, 5 at Ⅲ, Ⅳ junction should be avoided. It is usually safe to place fixation pins at the vertebral body edge on the cephalic side of the intervertebral space, but it is safer to place them on the caudal side in L 1, 2 (Ⅰ, Ⅱ junction), L 3, 4 (Ⅲ, Ⅳ junction), and L 4, 5 (Ⅱ, Ⅲ, Ⅳ junctions).

Access Cavity Preparation and Localization of Root Canals Using Guides in 3D-Printed Teeth with Calcified Root Canals: An In Vitro CBCT Study.

Pulp canal obliteration (PCO) is a significant complication in endodontics that can occur due to various factors. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is a useful diagnostic tool for identifying root canal anatomy and variations, and guided endodontics is emerging as an alternative treatment solution for teeth with partially or entirely obliterated pulpal canals. However, the accuracy of CBCT-guided 3D-printed guides on different materials and layer thicknesses is not well understood. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of guides prepared using CBCT images on 3D-printed teeth with stereolithography (SLA) using three different materials and two different layer thicknesses. This study found that 3D-printed guides were accurate and reliable for accessing 3D-manufactured obliterated teeth and reaching the apical area. No significant differences in distance or angle measurements were found when different guide materials were used, suggesting that materials can be selected based on availability and cost. These findings contribute to the knowledge base regarding the effectiveness of 3D printing technology in guided endodontics and can help to identify the most suitable materials and techniques for this application.

Comparing time to treatment for neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer across the urban-rural continuum.

e12619 Background: Time-to-treatment is a quality measure in breast cancer care that can impact breast cancer survival as delayed treatment can increase mortality. This study aims to determine whether differences exist in time-to-treatment for breast cancer patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) across the urban-rural continuum. Methods: The National Cancer Database (NCDB) was queried for women with a diagnosis of breast cancer between 1 January 2004 – 31 December 2019. Patients who fit criteria for NAC consideration according to NCCN guidelines were included (inflammatory breast cancer, HER2 positive with tumor stage &gt;T1c, triple negative with tumor stage &gt;T1c, HER2 positive or triple negative lymph node positive, and stage III estrogen receptor (ER) positive). Analysis was stratified according to histopathologic subtype and geographic location as defined by the NCDB. Differences were analyzed using χ2 tests. Results: For patients with NAC-eligible breast cancer, there was no statistically significant difference in terms of days until treatment for each histopathologic subtype across the urban-rural continuum. The distance to treatment facility increases the further away patients are from a large metropolitan area, with individuals located in an urban area that is not adjacent to a metro area traveling the furthest distance (12.7mi large metro, 18.1mi small metro, 36.7mi urban adjacent to metro, 62.6mi urban not adjacent to metro, 56.4mi rural). No significant difference in distance traveled was observed between tumor subtype group. Conclusions: While previous studies have determined that rural patients receive NAC at lower rates than those in large urban areas, this study shows that time to treatment and distance traveled is similar across rural urban continuum and different histopathologic subtypes. Future studies are needed to determine why patients receive NAC at lower rates in rural areas.

Virtual Recruitment Effects on Matched Residents in Family Medicine: Experiences From Central Pennsylvania.

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, interviews during the 2021 US residency match were conducted virtually, a practice again recommended and repeated by many programs in 2022. The impact of virtual interviews on recruitment and match outcomes has recently been of interest, with results showing the virtual format to be mostly well received by applicants due to cost, travel, and scheduling benefits. Few studies have looked at pre/posttransition comparisons of applicant geographic and demographic data. We compared objective match outcomes between in-person and virtual interviews across three residency programs. We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional analysis of National Residency Matching Program data between 2015-2022 across three family medicine residency programs. Primary outcomes were fill rate, average rank position, distance from program, and percentage of underrepresented in medicine demographic status for matched applicants. We compared aggregate in-person data (2015-2019) to aggregate virtual data (2020-2022) for each program using χ2, Fisher Exact test, or 2-tailed t tests to 95% confidence. Saint Joseph Hospital in Reading, Pennsylvania, a 3-year community-based university affiliated program, had significantly more unfilled positions during virtual recruitment (P=.0058). Mount Nittany Medical Center in State College, Pennsylvania, a 3-year community based university-affiliated program, had a significant difference in distance of matched residents' current address (P=.048). Virtual interviews were not associated with significant differences in average position on rank list, average distance from permanent address zip code, or percentage of underrepresented in medicine (URiM) demographic status for matched applicants. The impact of virtual interviewing on unfilled positions and geographic data is likely site specific and generally small, as some programs had significant structural changes. Further research is needed to confirm the generalizability of these results and explore future comparisons of demographic and geographic characteristics of matched applicants pre/posttransition to the virtual format.

Visual satisfaction and spectacle independence with monofocal intraocular lens with enhanced intermediate vision and trifocal intraocular lenses in the prepresbyopic age group patients with cataracts.

This aims to study visual satisfaction and spectacle independence in prepresbyopic age patients with cataracts after the implantation of either monofocal intraocular lens (IOL) with enhanced intermediate vision or trifocal IOL. Private practice. This prospective, observational case study was conducted on patients in the prepresbyopic age group with cataracts. Patients were allocated to one of the two groups. Thirteen patients (26 eyes) received monofocal IOL with enhanced intermediate vision (intermediate vision group), and 12 patients (24 eyes) received diffractive multifocal IOLs (trifocal group). Uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) and corrected distance visual acuity, Uncorrected intermediate visual acuity (UIVA) and uncorrected near visual acuity (UNVA) values, defocus curves, and contrast sensitivities (CS) of the two groups were compared 3 months' postsurgery. Their spectacle independence and visual satisfaction were also assessed. The study patients were aged 35-45 years and comprised 14 males and 11 females. No significant difference was observed in UDVA (intermediate vision group: 0.02 ± 0.01, trifocal group: 0.02 ± 0.01; P = 0.22) and UIVA (intermediate vision group: 0.20 ± 0.10, trifocal group: 0.19 ± 0.10; P = 0.12). However, a statistically significant difference was observed between the groups in terms of UNVA (intermediate vision group: 0.32 ± 0.10, trifocal group: 0.80 ± 0.10; P = 0.01). The mean CS in monofocal IOL with enhanced intermediate vision and trifocal groups were 1.577 ± 0.3 and 1.550 ± 0.2, respectively (P = 0.40). None of the patients experienced photic phenomena. In total, 10 of 13 patients in the monofocal IOL with enhanced intermediate vision group required spectacle correction for near visual acuity in the range of +1.00 to +2.00 D. This study found that there was no significant difference in distance and intermediate vision between the two groups. However, the trifocal group had better uncorrected near vision compared to the monofocal group that had enhanced intermediate vision. The conclusion is that using trifocal IOLs for both eyes provided complete independence from wearing glasses. In addition, no visual disturbances were observed after implanting the new-generation trifocal IOLs.

Evaluation of the accuracy of digital and conventional implant-level impression techniques for maxillofacial prosthesis.

This study aims to evaluate the accuracy of digital impression making based on trueness and precision measurements of dental implants placed in maxillofacial lesions to produce Maxillofacial prosthesis substructures. Two intra-oral scanners (Trios 3 and CS 3700) and one Desktop scanner (open technology) were examined in this study. A Model of a patient with a lesion in the ear region was created as a reference. The reference model was scanned by each scanner 10 times. Standard Tessellation Language files were provided from each scanner and were examined in terms of Trueness and Precision aspects. In Distance 1, in the one-way analysis of variance test, there was a significant difference between the three scanners. The Trios group has less deviation than the Open Technology group (P = 0.015) compared with the CareStream (CS) group that showed more deviation (P < 0.000). There is a statistically significant difference in distance 2 among scanners. The Trios group showed more deviation as compared with the Open Technology group (P < 0.000). While this deviation is not statistically significant compared with the CS group (P = 0.0907). Open Technology Group compared with the CS group also has less deviation in distance 2, which has been statistically significant (P < 0.000). The preparation of a precise model of maxillofacial lesions is still difficult for some Intraoral scanners. There were significant statistical differences in Trueness and Precision among scanners. Used scanners can be applied as an alternative to conventional impression methods.

Dynamics and observations of long-term orthodontic tooth movement and subsequent relapse in C57BL/6 mice.

The risk of relapse associated with orthodontic treatment is a major problem. Despite extensive research and discussion regarding the risk of orthodontic relapse, the underlying mechanisms remain to be elucidated. This study aimed to evaluate relapse following orthodontic treatment in mice (C57BL/6) tested via the coil spring method based on tooth movement at 21 days and mechanical retention at 7 days after completion of the procedure. During the experiment, relapse was observed and evaluated over 7 days. At the end of orthodontic tooth movement, the average distance was 259.6 (± 10.9) µm, and tooth movement was observed in all mice. No significant differences in distance were observed at the end of the experimental treatment period or after 7 days of mechanical retention. The distance at the start of observation was 258.6 (± 10.4) µm, whereas that at the end was 155.4 (± 12.4) µm, indicating that the distance had decreased significantly. Relative to the total relapse distance over the 7-day period, 45.7 (± 4.3)% of the relapse was observed on Day 0-1. The mouse model established in the current study provides an effective and reproducible method for the optimal evaluation of relapse. Our findings clarified that most of the relapse occurs within 7 days during the initial observation stage.

Impact of pulmonary rehabilitation training on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and asthma patients

The objective of this study is to assess the impact of pulmonary rehabilitation training in the management of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients. A 6-month prospective interventional study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital that included participants above 18 to less than 70 years of age admitted to the general medicine ward with the diagnosis of mild-moderate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma without any other comorbidity or concurrent illness. The rehabilitation procedure consisted of breathing exercises and endurance training. Parameters like FEV1, FVC, modified medical research council scale, modified BORG grade, 6-minute walk test, and questionnaire like SF-36 were measured and compared with post-training results. A total of 80 patients were enrolled in the study. The pre and post-rehabilitation comparison in both COPD and asthma patients showed significant results in terms of improved dyspnea (FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC ratio; p=0.001) evident with modified Medical Research Council scores and modified BORG grades followed by significant differences in distance covered during 6-minute walk test (p=0.001) and health-related quality of life (SF-36 scores; p=0.001). Conclusion: Pulmonary rehabilitation significantly improved exercise tolerance, perception of dyspnea, health-related quality of life, and psychosocial behavior. Inclusion of pulmonary rehabilitation in COPD and asthma patients is essential to palliate the disease burden, reduce the rate of hospitalizations and improves the quality of life of a patients.

Transobturator tape versus single incision sling: how are they different? Clinical outcomes and ultrasonographic features of two mid-urethral slings.

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is usually treated with mid-urethral slings. The best approach is still debated and the relationship between slings and pelvic structures is not completely understood. The aim of this study is to identify any difference between trans-obturator tape (TOT) and single incision sling (minisling). Patients submitted to TOT or minisling were included in the study. Q-tip and stress test, ICIQ-SF questionnaire, PGI-I validated score, and 2D/3D transvaginal ultrasound parameters were collected at 1- and 6-month follow-up. Correlations between ultrasound parameters and clinical outcomes, PGI-I and ICIq-SF, were performed. 61 patients were included in the study. PGI-I score was significantly lower in the minisling group than in TOT group at 1-month (p = 0.016) and 6-month follow-up (p = 0.076). The median distance between the sling and the lumen of urethra was significantly higher and the angle between the branches of the sling was significantly narrower in the minisling group. There were significant differences in distances between the sling and the bladder neck at 1-month and 6-month follow-up. An inverse correlation between angle of the branches and the Q-tip test was observed (p = 0.059 Pearson's Rho -0.578). PGI-I correlated also with angle of the branches (p = 0.009, Pearson's Rho 0.503). Patients undergoing TOT or minisling are similarly satisfied but show differences at ultrasound exam at 1- and 6-month follow-up. Pelvic floor ultrasound could be used in a short-term follow-up to visualize the sling position and to plan the most appropriate follow-up strategy.

Development of Immersive Virtual Reality Environment for Assessment of Functional Vision in people with Low Vision: A Pilot Study.

Virtual Reality technology helps in creating virtual environments for evaluation of visual performance of low vision individuals with holistic experience. The purpose of this study was to develop a virtual reality (VR) platform for the objective assessment of functional vision in patients with low vision in two categories, central and peripheral vision loss . Focus group discussions (FGD) were organized to understand the difficulties faced on a day to day basis by patients with low vision. Based on the results of the focus group discussions, a virtual bank scenario incorporating specific visual tasks was developed. A pilot study was conducted which involved people with normal vision; low vision Patients secondary to central field loss (CFL) and peripheral field loss (PFL). Each subject completed all the tasks in the objective assessment; the data obtained from the assessment were further analyzed to understand the pattern. Comparing the three groups, there was a significant difference in distance (central field loss was lowest) and near visual angle, and three visual search tasks (peripheral field loss was lowest). In assessing the time taken, peripheral field loss group was again found to take the most time to complete tasks. Based on a newly developed virtual reality platform, assessment of functional vision of specially abled persons could be tested and was inferior to that of normal sighted persons. in a close to realistic environment. Multiple visual tasks were performed in the virtual environment and the visual performance was compared among all three groups of participants. Participants were matched for age and gender. Irrespective of the nature of tasks, visual performance of the normal group seemed significantly better than people with CFL and PFL.

Atrazine and Diuron Effects on Survival, Embryo Development, and Behavior in Larvae and Adult Zebrafish.

Atrazine and Diuron are widely used herbicides. The use of pesticides contaminates the aquatic environment, threatening biodiversity and non-target organisms such as fish. In this study, we investigated the effects of acute exposure for 96 h hours to atrazine and diuron commercial formulations in zebrafish (Danio rerio, wild-type AB) embryos and larvae and adult stages. We observed a significant concentration-dependent survival decrease and hatching delays in animals exposed to both herbicides and in the frequency of malformations compared to the control groups. Morphological defects included cardiac edema, tail reduction, and head malformation. At 7 days post-fertilization (dpf), atrazine exposure resulted in a reduction in the head length at 2, 2.5, and 5 mg/L and increased the ocular distance at 1, 2, 2.5, and 5 mg/L atrazine when compared to controls. At the same age, diuron increased the ocular distance in animals exposed to diuron (1.0 and 1.5 mg/L) and no effects were observed on the head length. We also evaluated a behavioral repertoire in larvae at 7 dpf, and there were no significant differences in distance traveled, mean speed, time in movement, and thigmotaxis for atrazine and diuron when animals were individually placed in a new environment. The cognitive ability of the larvae was tested at 7 dpf for avoidance and optomotor responses, and neither atrazine nor diuron had significant impacts when treated groups were compared to their corresponding controls. Adults’ behavior was evaluated 7 and 8 days after the end of the acute herbicide exposure. Exploration of a new environment and associated anxiety-like parameters, social interaction, and aggressiveness were not altered. Our results highlight the need for further studies on the sublethal effects of both herbicides and the consideration of the effects of commercial formulas vs. isolated active ingredients. It also emphasizes the need to take sublethal effects into consideration when establishing the environmental limits of residues.

[Application of 10 μm otology CT on evaluation of isolated malleus fixation in patients with conductive hearing loss].

Objective: To evaluate the application of 10 μm otology CT on evaluation of isolated malleus fixation (IMF) in patients with conductive hearing loss. Methods: A total of 19 patients (25 sides) with idiopathic hearing loss, including 8 males and 11 females, aged between 4 to 50 years, who underwent 10 μm otology CT examination in Department of Radiology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University from October 2020 to July 2021, were retrospectively collected. For those patients with idiopathic hearing loss, there were 5 cases (6 sides), including 2 males and 3 females, with an average age of 18-70 [65(20,68)] years, with bony connection between malleus and tympanum wall. Eighteen sex-and age-matched cases with normal hearing group, including 6 males and 12 females, with an average age of 20-68 (39±14) years, as the ratio of 1∶3, were included as the controls. The distances of the tegmen tympani between malleus head and horizontal semicircular canal, as well the distances between malleus head and horizontal semicircular canal were retrospectively measured and further compared between the two groups. Results: The incidence of IMF in patients with idiopathic conductive hearing loss without other etiologies was 24.0% (6/25). The specificity of 10 μm otology CT in diagnosing IMF was 100%. The distances of tegmen tympani between horizontal semicircular canal and malleus head in IMF patients were significantly smaller compared with the controls [-0.65(-1.21, -0.35) mm vs 1.34(0.04, 1.68) mm;0.92(0.51, 1.49) mm vs 2.82(1.76, 3.53) mm](both P<0.05, respectively). There was no significant difference in distances between malleus head and horizontal semicircular canal [-1.30 (-1.90, -0.46)mm vs -0.42 (-1.15, 0.05),P=0.057]. Conclusions: IMF is not uncommon in conductive hearing loss without other causes, which can be clearly shown by 10 μm otology CT. Its occurrence is related to the local downward shift of tegmen tympani above the malleus, without upwards displacement of the malleus.

Time burden and logistical intensity of early-phase clinical trials (EP-CTs).

84 Background: EP-CTs are increasingly important options for patients with cancer and often involve intensive monitoring. Thus, characterizing the time burden and logistical intensity of EP-CTs could help patients and clinicians make informed decisions regarding trial participation. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the electronic health records of consecutive patients enrolled in EP-CTs at Massachusetts General Hospital from 2017-2019 to obtain baseline characteristics (demographics and clinical factors), EP-CT investigational agent (immunomodulatory therapy [IM], targeted inhibitor(s) [TI], antibody drug conjugate [ADC]/chemotherapy prodrug), and logistical intensity (trial visit frequency, presence of extended visits, distance traveled in one direction from home zip code to trial site). We defined visit frequency as the number of visits per protocol within the first 28 days on trial. We defined an extended visit as six or more hours in clinic on at least one day during the first 28 days on study. We investigated associations among patient characteristics, investigational agent, and logistical intensity. Results: Among 421 patients (median age=60.6 years, 55.8% female, 97.4% metastatic disease), most (73.6%) had two or more sites of metastatic disease. EP-CTs included 43.2% IM, 43.0% TI, and 13.8% ADC/chemotherapy prodrug. Patients enrolled in ADC/prodrug trials had the highest burden of metastatic disease (mean sites: 2.8 [ADC] vs 2.4 [TI] vs 2.3 [IM], p = 0.007) and oldest age (mean years: 64.0 [ADC] vs 61.7 [IM] vs 58.5 [TI], p = 0.003). Patients enrolled on TI trials had the highest visit frequency compared with those enrolled on other trials (mean visits: 5.5 [TI] vs 5.3 [ADC] vs 5.0 [IM], p = 0.027) and the fewest days spent on trial (mean days: 78.3 [TI] vs 102.2 [IM] vs 131.8 [ADC], p = 0.003). Patients enrolled on TI trials were also most likely to have an extended visit (82.3% [TI] vs 58.2% [IM] vs 29.3% [ADC], p &lt; 0.001) and least likely to receive first in human therapy (38.1% [TI] vs 74.1% [ADC] vs 74.2% [IM], p &lt; 0.001). Distance traveled from home to clinic did not significantly differ across trial type (median miles traveled: 35.1 [TI] vs 34.1 [IM] vs 33.2 [ADC], p = 0.884). Conclusions: In this cohort of patients participating in EP-CTs, we found that a plurality enrolled in IM studies. Those receiving ADC/prodrug regimens were older and had a higher burden of disease. On average, patients participating in EP-CTs had over five visits in the first month, with those enrolled on TI trials having the highest visit frequency and greatest likelihood of extended visits. Patients on TI trials also spent the fewest total days on trial. Despite the lack of significant differences in distance traveled, most patients were still traveling over 30 miles to get to the trial site. These data highlight the time burden and logistical intensity of various EP-CTs, which may help inform patient-clinician discussions about trial participation.