Significant Difference In Terms Research Articles

Differences in surgical outcomes between cervical goiter and retrosternal goiter: an international, multicentric evaluation.

Goiter is a common problem in clinical practice, representing a large part of clinical evaluations for thyroid disease. It tends to grow slowly and progressively over several years, eventually occupying the thoracic inlet with its lower portion, defining the situation known as retrosternal goiter. Total thyroidectomy is a standardized procedure that represents the treatment of choice for all retrosternal goiters, but when is performed for such disease, a higher risk of postoperative morbidity is variously reported in the literature. The aims of our study were to compare the perioperative and postoperative outcomes in patients with cervical goiters and retrosternal goiters undergoing total thyroidectomy. In our retrospective, multicentric evaluation we included 4,467 patients, divided into two groups based on the presence of retrosternal goiter (group A) or the presence of a classical cervical goiter (group B). We found statistically significant differences in terms of transient hypoparathyroidism (19.9% in group A vs. 9.4% in group B, p < 0.001) and permanent hypoparathyroidism (3.3% in group A vs. 1.6% in group B, p = 0.035). We found no differences in terms of transient RNLI between group A and group B, while the occurrence of permanent RLNI was higher in group A compared to group B (1.4% in group A vs. 0.4% in group B, p = 0.037). Moreover, no differences in terms of unilateral RLNI were found, while bilateral RLNI rate was higher in group A compared to group B (1.1% in group A vs. 0.1% in group B, p = 0.015). Wound infection rate was higher in group A compared to group B (1.4% in group A vs. 0.2% in group B, p = 0.006). Based on our data, thyroid surgery for retrosternal goiter represents a challenging procedure even for highly experienced surgeons, with an increased rate of some classical thyroid surgery complications. Referral of these patients to a high-volume center is mandatory. Also, intraoperative nerve monitoring (IONM) usage in these patients is advisable.

The effect of surgical starting time on elective colorectal cancer surgery: A propensity score matching analysis.

The purpose of the current study is to analyze whether surgical starting time affects the short-term outcomes of elective colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery. We retrospectively collected CRC patients who underwent elective surgery from Jan 2008 to Jan 2021 in a single clinical center. The effect of surgical starting time (morning surgery vs afternoon surgery, day surgery vs night surgery) on elective CRC surgery was analyzed using propensity score matching (PSM). A total of 6783 patients were included in the current study. There were 5751 patients in day surgery group and 1032 patients in night surgery group, and there were 2920 patients in morning surgery group and 2831 patients in afternoon surgery group. After 1:1 ratio PSM, there were no significant difference in terms of the baseline information (P > .05). Day surgery group had longer operation time (P = .000) and longer hospital stay (P = .029) than night surgery group after PSM. Morning surgery group had longer operation time than afternoon surgery group before PSM (P = .000) and after PSM (P = .000). Univariate and multivariate analysis of the total of 6783 patients were conducted to find predictors of complications, and found that night surgery was a predictor of major complications (P = .002, OR = 1.763, 95% CI = 1.222-2.543) but not a predictor of overall complications (P = .250, OR = 1.096, 95% CI = 0.938-1.282). Night surgery is a predictor of major complications after elective CRC surgery, therefore, surgeons should be careful when operating at night.

Comparison of the Effects of Aromatherapy With Damask Rose and Chamomile Essential Oil on Preoperative Pain and Anxiety in Emergency Orthopedic Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial

PurposePatients who are awaiting emergency surgery experience high levels of anxiety and pain. This study aimed to compare the effects of aromatherapy with damask rose and chamomile essential oil on the preoperative pain and anxiety associated with emergency orthopedic surgery. DesignA parallel-group randomized controlled design was used. MethodsNinety participants were selected and randomly assigned to three groups: the damask rose group (n = 30), the chamomile group (n = 30), and the control group (n = 30). In the damask rose and chamomile groups, three drops of 40% essential of each plant were used for inhalation aromatherapy (three drops every hour for 3 hours) Visual Analog Scales were used to evaluate participants’ pain and anxiety levels at baseline, immediately after the intervention, and 1 hour after the intervention. FindingsThe results of repeated measures Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) showed that both of the intervention groups experienced a decrease in pain and anxiety over time compared to the control group (P < .001). ANOVA results showed that immediately after the intervention, the anxiety level of the damask rose group compared to the chamomile and control groups was significantly lower (P = .01). However, there was no significant difference in terms of anxiety between the damask rose and chamomile groups 1 hour after the intervention (P = .07). ConclusionsThe use of damask rose and chamomile in aromatherapy was found to effectively lower anxiety and pain levels in emergency orthopedic surgery patients. The antianxiety effect of damask rose is faster than chamomile.

Early and mid-term outcomes after aortic valve replacement using a novel tissue bioprosthesis: a systematic review.

While current data show a clear trend towards the use of bioprosthetic valves during aortic valve replacement (AVR), durability of bioprosthetic valves remains the most important concern. We conducted a 1st systematic review of all available evidence that analysed early and mid-term outcomes after AVR using the Inspiris RESILIA™ bioprosthesis. A systematic literature search was performed to identify all relevant studies evaluating early and mid-term outcomes after AVR using the Inspiris RESILIA bioprosthesis and including at least 20 patients with no restriction on the publication date. Subgroup meta-analysis was performed to compare Inspiris RESILIA and PERIMOUNT Magna Ease bioprosthesis and to pool the early postoperative mortality and stroke rates. A total of 416 studies were identified, of which 15 studies met the eligibility criteria. The studies included a total of 3202 patients with an average follow-up of up to 5.3 years. The average age of patients across the studies was 52.2-75.1 years. Isolated AVR was performed in 39.0-86.4% of patients. In-hospital or 30-day postoperative mortality was 0-2.8%. At the mid-term follow-up, freedom from all-cause mortality was up to 85.4%. Among studies with mid-term follow-up, trace/mild paravalvular leak was detected in 0-3.0%, while major paravalvular leak was found only in up to 2.0% of patients. No statistically significant differences in terms of mortality (P = 0.98, odds ratio 1.02, 95% confidence interval 0.36-2.83) and stroke (P = 0.98, odds ratio 1.01, 95% confidence interval 0.38-2.73) between the Inspiris RESILIA bioprosthesis and PERIMOUNT Magna Ease bioprosthesis were observed in the subgroup meta-analysis. Mid-term data on the safety and haemodynamic performance of the novel aortic bioprosthesis are encouraging. Further comparative studies with other bioprostheses and longer follow-up are still required to endorse durability and safety of the novel bioprosthesis.

Assessing the learning curve for transumbilical single-site laparoscopy for endometrial cancer.

Applying transumbilical laparoendoscopic single-site surgery to endometrial cancers is worldwide, and the depiction of the learning curve is rarely described, which leads to the vagueness of young clinical practitioners. We accumulated the data to identify the completion of the learning curve by analyzing the operative and postoperative outcomes of the patients with endometrial cancer for transumbilical laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (TU-LESS). This was a retrospective, consecutive single-center study of patients with endometrial cancer undergoing standard endometrial cancer comprehensive staging surgery (extrafascial hysterectomy, bilateral salpingectomy, and pelvic lymphadenectomy) through TU-LESS by an experienced surgeon from December, 2017 to June, 2021 in the Department of Gynecologic Oncology, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, China. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 42 patients were included in the study. The learning curve for this study was evaluated using both cumulative sum (CUSUM) and risk-adjusted CUSUM (RA-CUSUM) methods. Applying CUSUM and RA-CUSUM has grouped 42 cases into three phases. The prior five cases represented the learning period. The following six cases were needed to lay a technical foundation (cases 6-11). The third phase was regarded as achieving proficiency (cases 12-42). The operative time decreased drastically with the learning curve. There were no significant differences in terms of postoperative complications and lymph node retrieval among the three phases. More difficult patients were confronted in the third phase. In our study, the learning curve was composed of three phases. According to the results of our study, 11 cases were required for experienced surgeons to achieve a technical foundation.

Portal venous blood flow velocity is a factor associated with portal venous thrombosis after partial splenic artery embolization in hepatic cirrhosis patients

Objective: To investigate risk factors for portal venous thrombosis (PVT) after partial splenic artery embolization (PSE) in hepatic cirrhosis patients. Methods: The authors retrospectively analyzed 151 hepatic cirrhosis patients with hypersplenism who underwent partial splenic artery embolization between January 2020 and December 2021. The patients were divided into a PVT group and a non-PVT group according to whether they had PVT after PSE. Univariate analyses were performed to select risk factors for PVT after PSE, and multivariate analysis was used to analyze variates with a value of P less than 0.1 in univariate analysis. Results: There were 151 patients enroled in the study, with 22 patients in the PVT group and 129 patients in the non-PVT group. There was no significant difference in terms of age, sex, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, Child–Pugh between two groups. White blood cell (WBC) and platelet counts after PSE were significantly higher than those before PSE in both the PVT group and non-PVT group. Univariate analysis showed that portal venous blood flow velocity, ligation of oesophageal varices and WBC after PSE were found to have a P value less than 0.1. Multivariate analysis showed that portal venous blood flow velocity was a factor associated with PVT after PSE. Conclusion: Portal venous blood flow velocity was a factor associated with PVT after PSE. Portal venous blood flow velocity should be considered before patients undergo PSE.

Mapping Geoelectric Field Hazards in Ireland

AbstractGeoelectric fields are generated at the Earth's surface and can lead to the induction of hazardous geomagnetically induced currents (GIC) in infrastructure like power grids, railways and pipelines during geomagnetic storms. Magnitude and orientation of the geoelectric fields, in relation to the infrastructure, are key features needed to determine the intensity of GIC. Here, we developed the first geoelectric hazard map for the island of Ireland, with the aim of providing detailed information that can help stakeholders mitigate the impact of GICs. The hazard map was developed by modeling and mapping the geoelectric field across Ireland for 28 years (1991–2018) using magnetic field data with magnetotelluric transfer functions. The approach for developing the hazard map calculates the probability of exceeding a hazardous geoelectric field threshold (500 mV/km) during large geomagnetic storms, taking directionality and amplitude into account. We found hazardous geoelectric fields to be mostly localized in areas in the west, south‐west and northern coast. We observed that the geoelectric field have a stronger dominant orientation than the orientation of the geomagnetic field, often constraining the hazardous geoelectric field in particular directions only. We demonstrate a seasonal/diurnal effect is present in the geoelectric field time series. The impact of galvanic distortion was also assessed, and we demonstrate that there is a significant difference in terms of amplitude and direction between both models.

Evaluation of the origin and educational quality of youtube videos on adrenaline auto-ınjectors.

Background. Guidelines highlight the pivotal role of adrenaline auto-injector (AAI) training. However, the standards of visual training platforms has not been determined. Our aim was to evaluate the reliability and quality of the AAI related videos on YouTube. Methods. After a search on YouTube about AAI, all videos were categorized into groups based on their origin and the aim of the content. The quality, reliability, understandibility, and actionability of the videos were evaluated using the Global Quality Scale (GQS), Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool Audovisiual (PEMAT-A/V), Quality Criteria for Consumer Health Information (DISCERN), and a modified DISCERN. In each video, the application steps of AAI were evaluated according to a scale of correct usage. Results. 107 YouTube videos in English were included. No significant difference in terms of views, likes, duration and uploading time was observed between the health and non-health groups whereas the GQS (p=0.001), DISCERN (total: p=0.02, and overall: p=0.094), modified DISCERN (p=0.001) scores were higher in the health group. It was found that scores tended to be higher in educational videos. AAI use was mentioned in 85% videos. The median number of mentioned steps was 6. Conclusions. YouTube is an effective platform for visual learning for the use of AAIs. Although the visibility of the videos is equal independent of the origin, the ones recorded by medical professionals seem to provide the most qualified and reliable information.

Effect of sludge resulting from biocoagulation-flocculation process on Abelmoschus esculentus L. growth

The current study was performed to determine the effect of sludge resulting from biocoagulation-flocculation process on okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) growth. The effectiveness of the resultant sludge collected after coagulation-flocculation of aquaculture effluent using biocoagulant-flocculant was compared with garden soil (nutrient rich medium) and also with sand (nutrient deficiency medium). The growth of plants in terms of physical observation and also the agronomic parameters (the number of leaves and the height of plants) was monitored for 8 weeks. At the end of the exposure period, there is no significant difference in terms of the number of leaves and also the height of plants between plants in garden soil and plants in pots with the resultant sludge. In contrast, the agronomic parameters for plants in pot with sludge were significantly higher than plants in pot with sand only. As for the relative growth rate (RGR) of plants, plants in pots with sludge were the highest (3.84 g/week) compared to garden soil (3.52 g/week) and sand only (0.25 g/week). It can be concluded that sludge generated from the coagulation-flocculation process of aquaculture effluent using natural resources as coagulant-flocculant agent has given positive impact on the growth of okra plants and is potentially utilized as biofertilizer for plants.

Long-term Prevalence of Opacification of a Hydrophylic Acrylic Rotationally Asymmetric Refractive Multifocal Intraocular Lens.

To determine the prevalence of opacification of a hydrophylic intraocular lens (IOL) with hydrophobic coverage and the percentage of explantations required, determining possible risk factors associated with these opacifications. This ambispective study enrolled 575 eyes of 296 patients (age 36 to 87 years) that underwent cataract surgery between 2010 and 2017 with implantation of different models of Lentis Mplus IOLs: LS-312-MF30, LS-313-MF15, LS-313-MF30, LU-313-MF30, and LU-313-MF30T (Oculentis GmbH). Visual, refractive, and slit-lamp biomicroscopic changes were evaluated in a long-term follow-up. The percentage of cases with IOL opacification and the percentage of cases in which IOL explantation was required due to such opacifications were calculated at each visit. Five of the explanted IOLs from this series could be analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDX). IOL opacification developed in 63 eyes (11.0%). With 95% confidence, the prevalence of IOL opacification was between 842 and 1,401 cases per 10,000 eyes. The time elapsed between surgery and the presence of IOL opacification ranged between 0 and 9.3 years (mean: 4.7 ± 2.2 years). No significant differences in terms of IOL opacification rate were found according to gender (P = .378). No significant differences were found in arterial hypertension, diabetes, hypothyroidism, or hyperthyroidism rates between eyes with or without IOL opacification (P ≥ .053). IOL explantation was needed in 9 eyes (1.57%). SEM-EDX analysis confirmed the presence of rough areas on the IOL surface containing different components, such as calcium, phosphorous, copper, or nitrogen. The prevalence of opacification with time in Lentis Mplus IOLs is high, with no systemic risk factors associated with this complication, suggesting that it may be attributable to the material and/or the manufacturing process. [J Refract Surg. 2024;40(2):e98-e107.].

Clinical features and outcomes of orthopaedic injuries after the kahramanmaraş earthquake: a retrospective study from a hospital located in the affected region

BackgroundThe purpose of this retrospective, single-institutional study was to report the clinical features and outcomes of orthopaedic injuries after the Kahramanmaraş earthquake.MethodsAn institutional database review was conducted to evaluate the results of patients who applied to our hospital’s emergency department after the Kahramanmaraş earthquake. Trauma patients referred to orthopaedics and traumatology were identified. Patient records were checked for injury type, fracture site, treatment type (conservative or surgical), surgical technique, and outcome. Diagnosis with crush syndrome and the need for haemodialysis were also noted. Bedside fasciotomy was undertaken based on the urgency of the patient’s condition, number of patients and the availability of the operating theatre. A team consisting of a trauma surgeon, a plastic surgeon, a board-certified physician in infectious disease, a reanimation specialist, a general surgeon and a nephrologist followed up with the patients.ResultsWithin the first 7 days following the earthquake, 265 patients were admitted to the emergency department, and 112 (42.2%) of them were referred to orthopaedics and traumatology. There were 32 (28.5%) patients diagnosed with acute compartment syndrome. Fasciotomy was performed on 43 extremities of 32 patients. Of these extremities, 5 (11.6%) were upper and 38 (88.4%) were lower extremities.The surgeries of 16 (50%) of the patients who underwent fasciotomy were performed in the emergency department. There was no significant difference in terms of complications and outcomes between performing the fasciotomy at the bedside or in the operating theatre (p = 0.456).ConclusionsFasciotomy appears to be a crucial surgical procedure for the care of earthquake causalities. Fasciotomy can be safely performed as a bedside procedure based on the urgency of the patient’s condition as well as the availability of the operating theatre.

Effect of Articular Cavity Injection Combined with Bite Splint Treatment on Anterior Disc Displacement Without Reduction

Objective: To observe the clinical effect of articular cavity injection combined with bite splint therapy for the treatment of anterior disc displacement without reduction (ADDWoR). Methods: The research subjects for this study were 30 patients with ADDWoR treated in the temporomandibular joint specialist outpatient clinic from November 2018 to November 2019, with a disease duration of 1 to 6 months. The treatment group was treated with an articular cavity injection of sodium hyaluronate + bite splint. The control group was treated with a simple articular cavity injection of sodium hyaluronate. The two groups were followed up once every 2 weeks to evaluate the treatment effect and observe the clinical efficacy of the two groups. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS 24.0. t-test and general linear regression analysis were carried out to compare the data of both groups, and χ2-test and binary logistic regression analysis were performed for pain index comparison. Results: There was no significant difference in terms of the efficacy of the treatment received by both groups. The mouth opening and joint pain of patients in both groups were significantly improved after treatment (P &lt; 0.001). Conclusion: Articular cavity injection of sodium hyaluronate and occlusal splint therapy are both effective and safe methods for treating ADDWoR.

The relationship between inflammatory markers and mortality in patients undergoing proximal femoral nail fixation for intertrochanteric femur fractures

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the predictability of mortality based on biomarkers measured using complete blood count in geriatric patients who underwent proximal femoral nail fixation for intertrochanteric femur fractures.&#x0D; &#x0D; Methods: We included in this retrospective study 247 patients who had undergone proximal femoral nailing due to osteoporotic intertrochanteric femur fracture. The patients were divided into two groups according to 1-year mortality outcome: group A, survivors (n=162), and group B, deceased patients (n=85). Preoperative demographic information, the number of days until surgery, C-reactive protein (CRP) level, hemoglobin level, platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and systemic immune-inflammatory index (SII) were recorded.&#x0D; &#x0D; Results: No statistically significant differences were found between the groups in terms of sex, type of anesthesia, leukocyte count, and neutrophil level (p&gt;0.05), but statistically significant differences were found in age, number of days until surgery, CRP level, hemoglobin level, lymphocyte count, and platelet count (p

P1021 Comparison of subcutaneous and intravenous infliximab in patients with inflammatory bowel disease showed no differences in immunogenicity or treatment persistence at one year

Abstract Background The effectiveness of infliximab (IFX) in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can be impaired by the formation of anti-drug antibodies (ADA). Subcutaneous (SC) IFX has a different pharmacokinetic profile compared to intravenous (IV) administration. These differences may affect the risk of immunogenicity and we sought to explore this in a retrospective study. Methods We performed a retrospective study in Leeds, United Kingdom. Adult patients starting IFX for the first time between January 2019 and June 2022 were identified. All received standard induction with three IV doses followed by either: 1) maintenance SC IFX 2-weekly (standard practice from 2021), or 2) maintenance IV IFX (standard practice until 2021). We compared ADA levels, IFX trough levels and treatment persistence between groups after 12-months of treatment. ADA levels above 10 AU/ml were considered positive and ADA levels above 50 AU/ml as clinically relevant. Results After excluding 41 patients (16 stopped IFX after IV induction, 24 moved to SC after &amp;gt;4 IV doses, and 1 lost to follow-up), 101 patients receiving maintenance SC IFX were compared to 108 patients continuing with maintenance IV IFX. At 12-months, prevalence of ADA positivity was similar in both groups (48.1% SC vs 50.6%; p=0.775). Clinically relevant ADA levels (&amp;gt;50 AU/ml) were also similar (21.1% SC vs 26.5% IV; p=0.481). Additionally, there were no statistically significant differences in terms of detectable IFX trough levels and treatment persistence after 12-months of treatment between the two groups. Patients receiving combination therapy with IFX and immunomodulators showed a significant reduction in ADA formation irrespective of the route of IFX administration. 34.8% of patients receiving combination therapy had detectable ADA compared to 65.2% receiving IFX monotherapy (OR 0.28 (95% CI 0.13-0.58; p=0.001)). Treatment persistence was also significantly higher in those receiving combination therapy compared with monotherapy at 12-months (73.3% vs. 51.9%; p=0.004). The proportion of patients with detectable drug levels at 12-months was also higher with combination therapy (91.3% vs. 72.7%; p=0.005). Conclusion There were no significant differences in ADA levels, IFX levels, and treatment persistence between the SC and IV routes of IFX administration after 12 months of treatment. Concurrent use of immunomodulators was associated with reduced immunogenicity and better treatment persistence regardless of the route of maintenance IFX. Clinicians should advise patients on the benefits of immunomodulator combination therapy when initiating IFX regardless of route of administration.

P472 A Real World Practice of Intestinal Ultrasound in the Monitoring of Disease Activity in Ulcerative Colitis

Abstract Background Intestinal ultrasound (IUS) has emerged as an important monitoring tool in the clinical course of ulcerative colitis (UC). Previously known factors about UC have been considered in terms of the associations with IUS. However, a few studies reported about the associations between the findings of IUS and clinical factors. Methods We performed a multi-center, cross-sectional study of patients with UC who received IUS and clinical exams including endoscopy simultaneously. The primary endpoint was the association between endoscopic disease activity as Mayo endoscopic score (MES) and IUS finding as Milan ultrasound criteria (MUC). The secondary endpoint comprised the various clinical factors associated with MUC. Patients with MUC&amp;lt;6.2 were defined as low MUC group and others as high MUC group. Results A total of 35 patients were enrolled in this study. The numbers of Low- and high-MUC groups were 23 and 12, respectively. The median age in each group was 41 and 53 years old. The portion of male sex in each group was 57% and 75%. There were no significant differences in terms of body mass index, onset age, disease duration, current medication such as 5-aminosalicylic acid, steroid, immunomodulator, and biologics and small molecules between both groups. Compared with low and high MUC groups, endoscopic remission was more significantly associated with the low MUC group than the high MUC group (35% vs. 0, p = 0.032). In addition, the rate of disease activity ranged from remission to mild, as tolerable clinical activity, was also significantly higher in the low MUC group than the high MUC group (91% vs. 58%, p = 0.033). Other outcomes such as symptomatic remission, histologic remission, and biochemical response revealed similar rates between the two groups. Conclusion Low MUC of IUS in the patients with UC showed significant clinical association such as endoscopic remission and tolerable clinical activity. This study is now ongoing prospective research and further investigation into the relationship between IUS and clinical outcomes of UC will elicit robust results.

The trend of poisonings before and after the COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has substantially affected people and healthcare systems. One of the main challenges was the reduction and change in the pattern of non-COVID-19 diseases and conditions. Moreover, due to the mental burden of the pandemic, the trend of poisonings and abuses changed. In this study, we aimed to assess the trends of poisonings from different agents before and during the COVID-19 pandemic using the interrupted time series method. This study was conducted at one of the main Tehran referral centers for poisoning, Baharloo Hospital. Pre-COVID-19 period was defined as April 2018 to January 2020 while the COVID-19 time was from February 2020 to March 2022. The total number of monthly poisoning cases in addition to eight categories of drugs/substances/agents were identified, including drugs (such as psychiatric drugs, cardiovascular drugs, and analgesics), opioids, stimulants, methanol, ethanol, cannabis, pesticides, and carbon monoxide. Interrupted time series analysis was performed to compare the pre-pandemic trend of total monthly cases from each category in addition to the proportion (%) of each one. In total, 13,020 cases were poisoned during the study period, among which 6088 belonged to the pre-pandemic period and 6932 were admitted during the COVID-19 era. There was no significant difference in terms of demographic characteristics of patients before and during the pandemic (p-value > 0.05). At the beginning of the pandemic, there was a sudden fall in the number of poisoning patients (− 77.2 cases/month, p-value = 0.003), however, there was a significant increasing trend during the COVID time (3.9 cases/month, p-value = 0.006). Most of the categories had a sharp decrease at the beginning of the pandemic except for methanol and ethanol which had increases, although not significant. Cannabis also had a significant change in slope (− 0.6 cases/month, p-value = 0.016), in addition to the sudden decrease at the beginning of the pandemic (− 10 cases/month, p-value = 0.007). Regarding the proportion of each category from total monthly poisoning cases, methanol, and ethanol had immediate rises of 4.2% per month and 10.1% per month, respectively (both significant). The pandemic had significant effects on the pattern of poisonings from different agents in Iran, the most important of which were alcohol (ethanol and methanol). These differences had policy implications that can be helpful for policymakers and healthcare systems in combating similar situations in the future.

Enzalutamide versus Abiraterone Plus Prednisolone for Nonmetastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer: A Sub-Analysis from the ENABLE Study for PCa

Enzalutamide (ENZ) and abiraterone plus prednisolone (ABI) can improve the survival of patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). However, the agent that is more effective against nonmetastatic CRPC remains unclear. To evaluate the agent that can be used as the first-line treatment for CRPC, an investigator-initiated, multicenter, randomized controlled trial (ENABLE Study for PCa) including both metastatic and nonmetastatic CRPC was conducted in Japan. The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) response rate, overall survival, some essential survival endpoints, and safety of patients with nonmetastatic CRPC were also analyzed. In this subanalysis, 15 and 26 patients in the ENZ and ABI arms, respectively, presented with nonmetastatic CRPC. There was no significant difference in terms of the PSA response rate between the ENZ and ABI arms (80% and 64%, respectively; p = 0.3048). The overall survival did not significantly differ between the two arms (HR: 0.68; 95% CI: 0.22–2.14, p = 0.5260). No significant differences were observed in terms of radiographic progression-free survival and cancer-specific survival between the ENZ and ABI arms (HR: 0.81; 95% CI: 0.35–1.84; p = 0.6056 and HR: 0.72; 95% CI: 0.19–2.73; p = 0.6443, respectively). Only four and six patients in the ENZ and ABI arms, respectively, had ≥grade 3 adverse events. ABI and ENZ had similar efficacy and safety profiles in patients with nonmetastatic CRPC.

Occult metastasis is no burden factor in oral squamous cell carcinoma patients when adhering to a standardized approach in neck dissection

ObjectivesManagement of the neck in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is pivotal to oncologic control and survival. However, there is controversy regarding necessity of neck dissection (ND) in patients with clinically node-negative neck. We aimed to assess risk factors for occult metastasis and to explore whether the presence of occult lymph node metastases (LNMs) has an impact on recurrence and survival.Material and methodsA retrospective cohort study was performed including patients with primary OSCC who underwent radical tumor resection and ND in a high-volume center adhering to the prevailing German guideline. The ND was performed according to a standardized approach.ResultsFour hundred twenty-one patients with primary surgically treated OSCC were included. The incidence of occult metastasis was 14.49%. A pathological T stage > 1 (multivariate analysis, odds ratio (OR) 3.958, p = 0.042) and the presence of extranodal extension in LNMs (multivariate analysis, OR 0.287, p = 0.020) were identified as independent risk factors for occult metastasis. When comparing patients with and without occult metastasis, there were no significant differences in terms of progression-free survival (log-rank, p = 0.297) and overall survival (log-rank, p = 0.320). There were no cases of ipsilateral neck recurrence. One patient developed contralateral neck metastasis; however, he initially presented with a unilateral pT1 pN0 tumor.ConclusionsOverall, our findings suggest that conducting a standardized approach in ND should be applied in terms of management of the neck in order to maintain survival rates and to prevent neck recurrence in OSCC patients.Clinical relevance.None of the risk factors for occult metastasis can be reliably assessed preoperatively. Although elective ND does not guarantee the complete prevention of neck recurrence, it increases the likelihood of either timely removal of micrometastases or strengthens the justification for adjuvant therapy. Consequently, this approach leads to improvements in clinical outcomes.

Immersive haptic simulation for training nurses in emergency medical procedures

AbstractThe use of haptic simulation for emergency procedures in nursing training presents a viable, versatile and affordable alternative to traditional mannequin environments. In this paper, an evaluation is performed in a virtual environment with a head-mounted display and haptic devices, and also with a mannequin. We focus on a chest decompression, a life-saving invasive procedure used for trauma-associated cardiopulmonary resuscitation (and other causes) that every emergency physician and/or nurse needs to master. Participants’ heart rate and blood pressure were monitored to measure their stress level. In addition, the NASA Task Load Index questionnaire was used. The results show the approved usability of the VR environment and that it provides a higher level of immersion compared to the mannequin, with no statistically significant difference in terms of cognitive load, although the use of VR is perceived as a more difficult task. We can conclude that the use of haptic-enabled virtual reality simulators has the potential to provide an experience as stressful as the real one while training in a safe and controlled environment.

P766 No difference in progression of disability 2 years after stopping infliximab or immunosuppressant vs. continuing combination therapy in patients with CD in sustained steroid-free remission: a subanalysis of SPARE

Abstract Background In the SPARE trial, the discontinuation of infliximab (IFX) in patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) in sustained remission under combination therapy (IFX and immunosuppressant therapy), was associated with a significantly higher relapse rate than when continuing combination therapy or discontinuing immunosuppressant therapy. However, a high proportion of patients rapidly recover remission when resuming treatment. The impact of this treatment strategy on functional disability, a major endpoint in assessing CD progression, has been poorly studied. We aimed to compare the evolution of the IBD-disability index (IBD-DI) in patients continuing combination therapy, discontinuing IFX or immunosuppressant therapy. Methods The study of the evolution of the IBD-DI in the 3 groups (combination, IFX withdrawal, immunosuppressant withdrawal), between baseline and the end of study (2 years), was a pre-defined secondary endpoint of the trial. Changes in scores (between baseline and the end of study) were compared using Wilcoxon tests between the arms “combination group” versus “IFX withdrawal group” and between “immunosuppressant withdrawal group” versus “IFX withdrawal group”. Results IBD-DI was available at baseline and at the end of study for 153 patients out of the 211 randomised in the SPARE trial between November 2015 and April 2019 (46 in the combination group, 55 in the IFX withdrawal group, and 52 in the immunosuppressant withdrawal group) and those were included in the analysis. Table 1 summarizes baseline characteristics of these patients. 30 patients had a relapse (6 [13%] of 46 in the combination group, 19 [34.5%] of 55 in the IFX withdrawal group, 5 [9.6%] of 52 in the immunosuppressant withdrawal group). Of 23 patients who had a relapse and were retreated or optimised according to protocol, remission was achieved in 21 patients (1 of 2 in the combination group, 18 of 19 in the IFX withdrawal group, and 2 of 2 in the immunosuppressant withdrawal group). The median IBD-DI at baseline was 12.5 (IQR, 5.36-21.43), without significant differences between the 3 groups. Figure 1 shows changes in the IBD-DI between baseline and the end of study in the 3 groups. There was no significant difference in terms of changes in IBD-DI between the arms "combination group" and "IFX withdrawal group" (p=0.56), or between the arms "immunosuppressant withdrawal group” and "IFX withdrawal group" (p=0.29). Conclusion In patients with CD in sustained steroid-free remission under combination therapy with IFX and immunosuppressant therapy, there was no difference in progression of disability over 2 years between those who continued combination therapy, stopped IFX or stopped the immunosuppressant with the possibility of recycling the medication after a relapse.