Effect of ACL graft material on joint forces during a simulated in vivo motion in the porcine knee: Examining force during the initial cycles

This study compared three‐dimensional forces in knees containing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) graft materials versus the native porcine ACL. A six‐degree‐of‐freedom (DOF) robot simulated gait while recording the joint forces and moments. Knees were subjected to 10 cycles of simulated gait in intact, ACL‐deficient, and ACL‐reconstructed knee states to examine time zero biomechanical performance. Reconstruction was performed using bone‐patellar tendon‐bone allograft (BPTB), reconstructive porcine tissue matrix (RTM), and an RTM‐polymer hybrid (Hybrid). Forces and moments were examined about anatomic DOFs throughout the gait cycle and at three key points during gait: heel strike (HS), mid stance (MS), toe off (TO). Compared to native ACL, each graft restored antero‐posterior (A‐P) forces throughout gait. However, all failed to mimic normal joint forces in other DOFs. For example, each reconstructed knee showed greater compressive forces at HS and TO compared to the native ACL knee. Overall, the Hybrid graft restored more of the native ACL forces following reconstruction than did BPTB, while RTM grafts were the least successful. If early onset osteoarthritis is in part caused by altered knee kinematics, then understanding how reconstruction materials restore critical force generation during gait is an essential step in improving a patient's long‐term prognosis. © 2014 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 32:1458–1463, 2014.     

Optimization of voriconazole dosage regimen to improve the efficacy in patients with invasive fungal disease by pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic analysis

Invasive fungal disease (IFD) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in hospitalized patients. To maximize the efficacy of voriconazole treatment, the study established the relationship between voriconazole pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) and probability of response and optimized voriconazole dosage regimen in patients with IFD based on Monte Carlo simulation. Forty‐four patients proven with IFD were involved in this study. Among them, the overall cure rate was 75% (33/44) and there was a significant difference between C_min/MIC values in patients with lack of response (n = 11) and those with successful response (n = 33) (mean value: 1.91 vs. 11.33; P < 0.05). Logistic regression model showed a high correlation between voriconazole C_min/MIC ratio and clinical response (P = 0.044, OR = 1.349). According to Monte Carlo simulation results under different voriconazole dosing regimens, we could draw a conclusion that 200 mg voriconazole administered intravenously or orally twice daily for Candida infections and 300 mg administered orally or with 200 mg administered intravenously twice daily for Aspergillus infections were rational, which could achieve a value of the cumulative fraction of response >90%. This study built the relationship between voriconazole PK/PD and clinical response and obtained the reasonable empirical dosage regimen, which can be used to customize individual dosage regimen and improve the efficacy of voriconazole treatment.     

Inserción de la simulación clínica en el currículum de Anestesiología en un hospital universitario. Evaluación de la aceptabilidad de los participantes

IntroductionClinical simulation is currently an integral part of the curriculum of the Anesthesiology residency programs in other countries. We aimed to describe and evaluate the insertion of simulation in an anesthesia residency training program.MethodsActivities feasible to be used for training in a simulated environment were classified into 2 modules: workshops for technical skills conducted with first year residents, and high fidelity simulation scenarios performed with second and third year residents. After each activity, and using an anonymous questionnaire, residents assessed their satisfaction and objectives accomplished.ResultsA total of 18 activities: 6 skills workshops and 12 high fidelity scenarios were assessed. A total of 206 questionnaires were analyzed, corresponding to 41 residents. Almost all (96%) of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that workshops met the objectives and should be mandatory in the anesthesia curriculum; however, 11% agreed that the activity caused anxiety and/or nervousness. The high fidelity scenarios were considered realistic and consistent with the objectives by 97% of residents, and 42% felt that workshops caused anxiety and/or nervousness.ConclusionsThe inclusion of simulation has been well accepted by the residents. The activities have been described as realistic, and limited to the objectives, essential points in adult education, as according to Kolb's learning model this is associated with profound, useful and long lasting knowledge.     

情景模拟和PBL教学法在内分泌科临床教学中的应用

目的探讨情景模拟和PBL教学在内分泌科临床教学实践中的应用效果。方法选取内分泌科实习的医学生90例为研究对象,2017年9月—2018年2月的30名学生编入A组,采用传统方法进行带教;2018年3月—2018年8月的30名学生编入B组,在传统教学基础上,联合PBL教学;2018年9月—2019年2月的30名学生编入C组,在传统教学基础上,联合情景模拟教学,观察3组教学效果。结果B组和C组理论成绩均高于A组(P<0.05),B和C组理论成绩差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。B组和C组技能操作成绩均高于A组(P<0.05),技能操作考试成绩C组高于B组(P<0.05)。B组和C组学生学习兴趣明显高于A组(P<0.05)。结论在传统教学基础上增加情景模拟和PBL教学,能明显增加学生兴趣,提高学习主动性,提高理论成绩和技能操作能力。     

Custom 3-Dimensional Printed Ultrasound-Compatible Vascular Access Models: Training Medical Students for Vascular Access

PurposeTo generate 3-dimensional (3D) printed ultrasound (US)-compatible vascular models (3DPVAM) and test them for noninferiority in training medical students in femoral artery access.Materials and MethodsA 3DPVAM of normal femoral artery (FA) anatomy was developed from an anonymized computerized tomography (CT) examination. Students were randomized to a 3DPVAM or a commercial model (CM) simulation experience (SE) for US-guided FA access. Students completed a pre-SE questionnaire ranking their self-confidence in accessing the artery on a 5-point Likert scale. A standardized SE was administered by interventional radiology faculty or trainees. Students completed a post-SE questionnaire ranking comfort with FA access on a Likert scale. Student questionnaire results from the 3DPVAM group were compared with those from the CM group by using chi-square, Wilcoxon signed-rank, and noninferiority analyses.ResultsTwenty-six and twenty-three students were randomized to 3DPVAM and commercial model training, respectively. A total of 76.9% of 3DPVAM trainees and 82.6% of CM trainees did not feel confident performing FA access prior to the SE. In both groups, training increased student confidence by 2 Likert points (3DPVAM: P < 0.001; CM P < 0.001). The confidence increase in 3DPVAM trainees was noninferior to that in CM trainees (P < 0.001).ConclusionsGeneration of a custom-made 3DPVAM is feasible, producing comparable subjective training outcomes to those of CM. Custom-made 3D-printed training models, including incorporation of more complex anatomical configurations, could be used to instruct medical students in procedural skills.     

Clinical Cybersecurity Training Through Novel High-Fidelity Simulations

Background

Cybersecurity risks in health care systems have traditionally been measured in data breaches of protected health information, but compromised medical devices and critical medical infrastructure present risks of disruptions to patient care. The ubiquitous prevalence of connected medical devices and systems may be associated with an increase in these risks.

引导性反馈在内科模拟教学中的应用分析

目的探讨引导性反馈在内科模拟教学中的应用价值。方法此次研究所纳入的内科实习生均自2017年1月—2019年1月份进入本院,抽选量为80例。以随机数字表法完成分组,将应用常规内科模拟教学的40例内科实习生设立为参照组,将联合引导性反馈的40例患者设立为观察组。两组均由同组教师进行授课教学,教学后进行考核。经考核成绩分析和发放教学满意度问卷,比对两组实习生的教学情况。结果观察组的操作技巧、人文关怀、应急能力、理论知识分值更高,与参照组差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。观察组的教学满意度更高,与参照组差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论在内科模拟教学中开展引导性反馈,可强化学生对学习的反思,使学生教学积极性得到提高,有效提高学生教学成绩,改善教学质量。     

Calibration of Quality-Adjusted Life Years for Oncology Clinical Trials

ContextQuality-adjusted life year (QALY) estimation is a well-known but little used technique to compare survival adjusted for complications. Lack of calibration and interpretation guidance hinders implementation of QALY analyses.ObjectivesWe conducted simulation studies to assess the impact of differences in survival, toxicity rates, and utility values on QALY results.MethodsSurvival comparisons used both log-rank and Wilcoxon testing. We examined power considerations for a North Central Cancer Treatment Group Phase III lung cancer clinical trial (89-20-52).ResultsSample sizes of 100 events per treatment have low power to generate a statistically significant difference in QALYs unless the toxicity rate is 44% higher in one arm. For sample sizes of 200 per arm and equal survival times, toxicity needs to be at least 38% more in one arm for the result to be statistically significant, using a utility of 0.3 for days with toxicity. Sample sizes of 300 (500)/arm provide 80% power if there is a 31% (25%) toxicity difference. If the overall survival hazard ratio between the two treatment arms is 1.25, then samples of at least 150 patients and 13% increased toxicity are necessary to have 80% power to detect QALY differences. In study 89-20-52, there was only 56% power to determine the statistical significance of the observed QALY differences, clarifying the enigmatic conclusion of no statistically significant difference in QALY despite an observed 14.5% increase in toxicity between treatments.ConclusionThis calibration allows researchers to interpret the clinical significance of QALY analyses and facilitates QALY inclusion in clinical trials through improved study design.