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Abstract Objectives This study aims to compare the efficacy of remote versus in-person training strategies to teach ultrasound guided knee arthrocentesis using formalin embalmed cadavers. Methods 30 first-year medical student participants were randomly assigned to remote or in-person training groups. Pre- and post- training surveys were used to evaluate participant’s self-confidence in their ability to perform the procedure. Participants were asked to watch a 30-minute training video and then attend a skills training workshop. The workshops consisted of 20 min of hands-on instruction followed by a skills assessment. Results Following training, participant self-confidence increased significantly across all survey items in both groups (p = 0.0001). No significant changes in participant self-confidence were detected between the groups. Skills and knowledge-related metrics did not differ significantly between the groups with the exception of the “knowledge of instruments” variable. Conclusions Our data suggests that remote ultrasound-guided procedure training, although logistically complex, is a viable alternative to traditional in-person learning techniques even for a notoriously hands on skill like ultrasound guided knee arthrocentesis. Novice first-year medical student operators in the remote-training group were able to significantly increase their confidence and demonstrate competency in a manner statistically indistinguishable from those trained in-person. These results support the pedagogical validity of using remote training to teach ultrasound guided procedures which could have implications in rural and global health initiatives where educational resources are more limited.

Background and Aim: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a valuable procedure for pancreatobiliary disorders but carries significant risks, including post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP). The exact cause of PEP is unclear, but mechanical and thermal injuries during the procedure and patient-related factors have been implicated. This study aims to investigate the possible contribution of potential pancreatotoxic drug (PPD) exposure to PEP risk. Methods: This was a retrospective, single-centre, cohort study conducted at Canberra Hospital, a tertiary university hospital. Consecutive ERCP performed with native papillae within a 4-year period from January 2019 to January 2023 were evaluated. Details of ERCP procedures, patient characteristics, and all medications were contemporaneously collected. All patients had follow-up phone calls or review within 24 h post procedure. The diagnosis of PEP was based on the Cotton consensus definition. Results: A total of 32 out of 444 patients (7.2%) developed PEP. There was no significant difference in the incidence of PEP between patients taking PPD compared to patients who were not (7.1% vs. 7.6%, p = 0.845). Three factors were independently associated with PEP in the multivariate analysis: the presence of a periampullary diverticulum (OR = 5.4, 95% CI 1.7–15.3, p = 0.002), the performance of pre-cut sphincterotomy (OR = 2.8, 95% CI 1.2–6.4, p = 0.017), and pancreatic duct cannulation (OR = 3, CI 1.3–7, p = 0.01). Conclusions: The overall incidence of pancreatitis in our selected group of ERCP patients with native papillae was 7.2%. Our study did not find the use of PPD to be a statistically significant risk factor for PEP.

Abstract Background Standard training for ultrasound-guided cyst needle aspiration is currently performed on live patients during residency. This practice presents risk of iatrogenic injury to patients and provides a high-stress learning environment for medical trainees. Simulation training using synthetic cysts in a formalin-embalmed cadaver model may allow for realistic, practical, and effective training free from patient risk. Methods Thirty first-year medical students viewed an orientation video, then attended a skills workshop to perform cyst needle aspiration in formalin-embalmed cadaver tissue under ultrasound guidance. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three ultrasound-trained instructor-types which included a medical student, clinical anatomist, or an ultrasound fellowship trained emergency medicine physician. After training, participants underwent a 5-min skills test to assess their ability to drain a synthetic cyst independently. Pre- and post-training self-confidence surveys were administered. Results Ultrasound images of synthetic cysts in formalin-embalmed tissue were clear and realistic in appearance, and sonographic needle visualization was excellent. Participants took an average of 161.5 s and 1.9 attempts to complete the procedure. Two of the 30 participants could not complete the procedure within the time limit. Participants’ self-reported confidence with respect to all aspects of the procedure significantly increased post-training. Mean confidence scores rose from 1.2 (95% CI 0.96 to 1.39) to 4.4 (95% CI 4.09 to 4.53) (P

Abstract Background Arthrofibrosis is a joint disorder characterized by excessive scar formation in the joint tissues. Vitamin E is an antioxidant with potential anti‐fibroblastic effect. The aim of this study was to establish an arthrofibrosis rat model after joint replacement and assess the effects of vitamin E supplementation on joint fibrosis. Methods We simulated knee replacement in 16 male Sprague–Dawley rats. We immobilized the surgical leg with a suture in full flexion. The control groups were killed at 2 and 12 weeks (n = 5 per group), and the test group was supplemented daily with vitamin E (0.2 mg/mL) in their drinking water for 12 weeks (n = 6). We performed histological staining to investigate the presence and severity of arthrofibrosis. Immunofluorescent staining and α2‐macroglobulin (α2M) enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were used to assess local and systemic inflammation. Static weight bearing (total internal reflection) and range of motion (ROM) were collected for functional assessment. Results The ROM and weight‐bearing symmetry decreased after the procedure and recovered slowly with still significant deficit at the end of the study for both groups. Histological analysis confirmed fibrosis in both lateral and posterior periarticular tissue. Vitamin E supplementation showed a moderate anti‐inflammatory effect on the local and systemic levels. The vitamin E group exhibited significant improvement in ROM and weight‐bearing symmetry at day 84 compared to the control group. Conclusions This model is viable for simulating arthrofibrosis after joint replacement. Vitamin E may benefit postsurgical arthrofibrosis, and further studies are needed for dosing requirements.

Abstract Background Rodent models are commonly employed to validate preclinical disease models through the evaluation of postoperative behavior and allodynia. Our study investigates the dynamic interplay between pain and functional recovery in the context of traumatic osteotomy and surgical repair. Specifically, we established a rat model of tibial osteotomy, followed by internal fixation using a 5-hole Y-plate with 4 screws, to explore the hypothesis that histological bone healing is closely associated with functional recovery. Objective Our primary objective was to assess the correlation between bone healing and functional outcomes in a rat model of tibial osteotomy and plate fixation. Methods Seventeen male Sprague–Dawley rats underwent a metaphyseal transverse osteotomy of the proximal tibia, simulating a fracture-like injury. The resultant bone defect was meticulously repaired by realigning and stabilizing the bone surfaces with the Y-plate. To comprehensively assess recovery and healing, we performed quantitative and qualitative evaluations at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks post-surgery. Evaluation methods included micro-CT imaging, X-ray analysis, and histological examination to monitor bone defect healing. Concurrently, we employed video recording and gait analysis to evaluate functional recovery, encompassing parameters such as temporal symmetry, hindlimb duty factor imbalance, phase dispersion, and toe spread. Results Our findings revealed complete healing of the bone defect at 8 weeks, as confirmed by micro-CT and histological assessments. Specifically, micro-CT data showed a decline in fracture volume over time, indicating progressive healing. Histological examination demonstrated the formation of new trabecular bone and the resolution of inflammation. Importantly, specific gait analysis parameters exhibited longitudinal changes consistent with bone healing. Hindlimb duty factor imbalance, hindlimb temporal symmetry, and phase dispersion correlated strongly with the healing process, emphasizing the direct link between bone healing and functional outcomes. Conclusions The establishment of this tibia osteotomy model underscores the association between bone healing and functional outcomes, emphasizing the feasibility of monitoring postoperative recovery using endpoint measurements. Our overarching objective is to employ this model for assessing the local efficacy of drug delivery devices in ameliorating post-surgical pain and enhancing functional recovery.

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy and stability of haptic sutured in-the-bag intraocular lens (IOL) in eyes with zonular instability. METHODS: A total 60 eyes of 60 patients were included in this retrospective cohort study. Postoperative stability in three groups [haptic sutured IOL in the bag, IOL in the bag insertion with haptics oriented toward areas of zonulysis, IOL with capsular tension ring (CTR) in the bag insertion] were compared according to the IOL insertion methods. To evaluate the IOL stability, the changes of anterior chamber depth (ACD), refraction, contraction of anterior continuous curvilinear capsulotomy (CCC) area, and tilt of IOL were compared. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in change of ACD (-0.04±0.01 mm in group of haptic sutured IOL, -0.07±0.01 mm in group of CTR insertion) and refraction (0.05±0.05 D in group of haptic sutured IOL, 0.37±015 D in group of CTR insertion) between the group of haptic sutured IOL in the bag and CTR insertion group. But in comparison of CCC contraction and IOL tilt, CTR insertion group showed less contraction (1.00%±0.52%) and less IOL tilt (2.66°±0.11°) than the group of haptic sutured IOL in the bag (6.32%±1.36%, 3.47°±0.11°, respectively). The CTR insertion group showed the least CCC contraction and the least tilt. CONCLUSION: In eyes with zonular instability, the method of haptic sutured IOL in-the-bag shows comparable stability in ACD and refraction in comparison with IOL with CTR in the bag insertion. The method of IOL only in-the-bag insertion shows the largest contraction of CCC and the largest tilt of IOL.

Abstract Background Tourniquet use during total knee replacement is common, yet uncertainty exists regarding its benefits and harms. The primary aim of the current study is to investigate whether tourniquet use during total knee replacement leads to greater reduction in quadriceps strength than non-tourniquet use at three months post-surgery. Secondary aims include investigating the effects of tourniquet use on: quadriceps strength at day 2 and 5, and 12 months post-surgery; pain and analgesia requirements; self-reported physical function and quality of life; blood loss and replacement; surgeon satisfaction with the intra-operative visual field; operation and anaesthetic time; complications; cement mantle quality; patient satisfaction; and hospital length of stay. Methods The study is a single centre, parallel-arm, double-blind (participant and assessor), randomised trial with 1:1 random allocation. Participants will be undergo total knee replacement with or without tourniquet. Linear mixed models will be used for group comparisons of continuous outcomes available at multiple timepoints. Other continuous outcomes that are assessed at baseline and once/twice at follow-up will be analysed using linear regression. Categorical outcomes will be analysed using logistic regression models. Discussion This study will provide high-quality evidence regarding the effects of tourniquet use during total knee replacement, which can be used to inform surgeon decision-making. Trial registration Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12618000425291. Retrospectively registered 23 March 2018.

Objective: Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is a common reason for referral to endocrinology but the evidence base guiding assessment is limited. We evaluated the clinical presentation, assessment and subsequent management in PHPT. Design: Retrospective cohort study. Patients: PHPT assessed between 2006 and 2014 (n = 611) in a university hospital. Measurements: Symptoms, clinical features, biochemistry, neck radiology and surgical outcomes. Results: Fatigue (23.8%), polyuria (15.6%) and polydipsia (14.9%) were associated with PHPT biochemistry. Bone fracture was present in 16.4% but was not associated with biochemistry. A history of nephrolithiasis (10.0%) was associated only with younger age (P = 0.006) and male gender (P = 0.037). Thiazide diuretic discontinuation was not associated with any subsequent change in calcium (P = 0.514). Urine calcium creatinine clearance ratio (CCCR) was

Abstract Background The number of hip and knee arthroplasties completed is expected to double over the next decade. In public hospitals, regular post-arthroplasty orthopaedic review has commonly occurred for the duration of a patient’s life, which requires substantial outpatient resources. However, there is limited evidence regarding the utility of these reviews for identifying complications. The current study investigated when and where complications requiring re-operation were identified following primary hip or knee arthroplasty. Methods The medical records of all patients requiring re-operation for complications following primary hip arthroplasty (n = 48, 2004 to 2015) or knee primary arthroplasty (n = 50, 1998 to 2015) at a large regional health service were evaluated. Data were extracted by one of four investigators using a standardised electronic data extraction tool. Variables of interest included the health setting where the complication was initially identified, how long following the original operation the complication was identified and whether the complication was symptomatic. Results Routine post-arthroplasty orthopaedic appointments identified 15 (15.3%) complications requiring re-operation; all were identified in the first-year post-surgery. For each complication identified in the first-year post-surgery, approximately 1000 orthopaedic outpatient appointments were required. After the first year, all complications were identified in Emergency Departments (n = 30, 30.6%), General Practice (n = 24, 24.5%) or non-routine orthopaedic outpatient appointments (n = 19, 19.4%). All patients with complications reported symptoms. Conclusions Routine post-arthroplasty review appointments were an inefficient mechanism for identifying complications requiring re-operation more than one year following surgery. Public health services should consider assessing and redesigning post-arthroplasty review services to reduce the burden on patients and the demand for outpatient appointments.

Athletes are at increased risk of developing soft-tissue lesions of the lower limbs. Although the majority of these will be benign, the differential diagnosis is broad and increasingly, doctors are turning to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as a first-line investigation when presented with these sorts of lesions, both to narrow the differential diagnosis and exclude malignancy. We report the case of a 28-year-old Caucasian man who presented with 2 soft-tissue lesions of the right foot. History and examination of the nodules fitted with a diagnosis of surfers' knots, an unusual form of acquired, benign, connective tissue nodule that may appear over the tibial tuberosities, dorsum of the feet, and occasionally on the chest of surfers in association with repetitive microtrauma during surfing. MRI findings were consistent with this diagnosis with both lesions exhibiting T1 hypointensity and speckled T2 hypointensity with no significant blooming artifact on gradient echo imaging. When imaged with gadolinium, they demonstrated only mild contrast enhancement. MRI is a valuable tool when investigating athletes with soft-tissue lesions over the lower limbs where the possibility of malignancy must be addressed. In selected cases, MRI may be sufficient to permit a conservative approach to the management of these patients.

To develop a cohort of patients with T2DM treated with insulin using CPRD to obtain an accurate diagnosis date. This was used to analyse time from T2DM diagnosis to first ever insulin prescription between 01/01/2000 and 30/06/2012, for patients in England and Wales.Patients aged 18 years and over at diagnosis, were included if prescribed an anti-diabetic drug and were excluded if first diagnosis-specific code was inconsistent with a T2DM diagnosis. Diagnosis codes were split into 8 categories based on whether they related to specific T2DM or non-specific diabetes codes. Patients were excluded if they had non-specific diagnosis codes and were prescribed insulin as their first-ever treatment for diabetes. Descriptive statistics for time from T2DM diagnosis to insulin initiation were calculated.Two hundred and fifty-six codes were identified which were consistent with a first-ever diagnosis of T2DM. 7 codes were considered to clearly define a diagnosis of T2DM, which were reported for 64% of patients. The final cohort comprised 11,917 patients and the median time to first insulin prescription from the date of diagnosis was 4.4 years.A clear definition of cohort development is required to compare and interpret results from studies. Use of diagnosis and product codes is essential when examining use of drugs such as insulin, where competing diagnoses need to be considered separately.

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[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.1002273.].

The reliability of experimental findings depends on the rigour of experimental design. Here we show limited reporting of measures to reduce the risk of bias in a random sample of life sciences publications, significantly lower reporting of randomisation in work published in journals of high impact, and very limited reporting of measures to reduce the risk of bias in publications from leading United Kingdom institutions. Ascertainment of differences between institutions might serve both as a measure of research quality and as a tool for institutional efforts to improve research quality.

Background and study aims: Endoscopist-Directed Nurse-Administered Propofol Sedation (EDNAPS) has been evaluated in community settings rather than tertiary referral centers. Patients and methods: A hospital-wide prospectively collected database of Medical Emergency Team Calls (METCALL), emergency responses triggered by medically unstable patients, was reviewed. Responses that followed EDNAPS were extracted and compared with a prospectively entered database of all endoscopies performed using EDNAPS over the same period. Results: A total of 33,539 endoscopic procedures (16,393 gastroscopies, 17,146 colonoscopies) were performed on 27,989 patients using EDNAPS. Intravenous drugs included midazolam (0 – 5 mg), fentanyl (0 – 100 mcg), and propofol (10 – 420 mg). Of 23 METCALLs (18 gastroscopies and 5 colonoscopies), there were 16 with ASA scores of III or higher. Indications for gastroscopy were gastrointestinal (GI) hemorrhage (n = 11; 8 variceal, 3 nonvariceal), dysphagia (n = 5), PEG removal (n = 1), and dyspepsia (n = 1). Fifteen of 22 patients, including all of those who had a colonoscopy, made a full recovery and returned to the ward or were discharged home. In the gastroscopy group, seven were intubated and admitted to Intensive Care, of whom six were emergency cases for gastrointestinal bleeding (n = 4 variceal, n = 2 non variceal) and one in which the indication was PEG removal. Two deaths occurred in the intubated group. Conclusions: In a tertiary referral center, EDNAPS for low-to-moderate risk (ASA ≤ 2) patients undergoing gastroscopy and colonoscopy is very safe. Gastroscopy is associated with greater anesthetic risk than colonoscopy and those with high ASA scores needing urgent endoscopy for upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage are at particular risk of cardiorespiratory decompensation.

Malignant colonic polyps can be removed endoscopically but surgical resection is sometimes required. However, the polypectomy site can be difficult to locate. Current methods use various tattooing agents, with varying degrees of success. A new technique using pre-operative injection of technetium-99m-labelled antimony colloid, with intraoperative localization using a handheld gamma probe, is described. Although unsuccessful in terms of localizing a previously partially resected polyp, the technique itself proved safe and simple, and has some advantages over other endoscopic approaches.

Recent studies have shown that Plasmodium falciparum malaria parasites in Pailin province, along the border between Thailand and Cambodia, have become resistant to artemisinin derivatives. To better define the epidemiology of P. falciparum populations and to assess the risk of the possible spread of these parasites outside Pailin, a new epidemiological tool named "Focused Screening and Treatment" (FSAT), based on active molecular detection of asymptomatic parasite carriers was introduced in 2010. Cross-sectional malariometric surveys using PCR were carried out in 20 out of 109 villages in Pailin province. Individuals detected as P. falciparum carriers were treated with atovaquone-proguanil combination plus a single dose of primaquine if the patient was non-G6PD deficient. Interviews were conducted to elicit history of cross-border travel that might contribute to the spread of artemisinin-resistant parasites. After directly observed treatment, patients were followed up and re-examined on day 7 and day 28. Among 6931 individuals screened, prevalence of P. falciparum carriers was less than 1%, of whom 96% were asymptomatic. Only 1.6% of the individuals had a travel history or plans to go outside Cambodia, with none of those tested being positive for P. falciparum. Retrospective analysis, using 2010 routine surveillance data, showed significant differences in the prevalence of asymptomatic carriers discovered by FSAT between villages classified as "high risk" and "low risk" based on malaria incidence data. All positive individuals treated and followed-up until day 28 were cured. No mutant-type allele related to atovaquone resistance was found. FSAT is a potentially useful tool to detect, treat and track clusters of asymptomatic carriers of P. falciparum along with providing valuable epidemiological information regarding cross-border movements of potential malaria parasite carriers and parasite gene flow.