scholarly journals Trimethylamine-N-oxide is present in human follicular fluid and is a negative predictor of embryo quality

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 81-88 ◽  
Author(s):  
R A Nagy ◽  
I Homminga ◽  
C Jia ◽  
F Liu ◽  
J L C Anderson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Follicular Fluid ◽  
Embryo Quality ◽  
Conflicts Of Interest ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Academic Medical Center ◽  
Gut Bacteria ◽  
Human Follicular Fluid ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Oocyte Fertilization ◽  
Negative Predictor

Abstract STUDY QUESTION Are levels of trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) in human follicular fluid (FF) related to IVF outcomes? SUMMARY ANSWER Higher levels of TMAO are a negative predictor of oocyte fertilization and embryo quality. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY TMAO is a metabolic product of dietary choline and l-carnitine produced via subsequent enzymatic modifications by the intestinal microbiota and hepatocytes. TMAO promotes inflammatory and oxidative stress pathways and has been characterized as a causative biomarker for the development of cardiometabolic disease. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION For the present cross-sectional study, samples (FF and plasma) from 431 modified natural cycle (MNC)-IVF cycles of 132 patients were collected prospectively between October 2014 and March 2018 in a single academic medical center. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS TMAO and its precursors (choline, l-carnitine and gamma-butyrobetaine) were measured by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry in (i) matched FF and plasma from 63 MNC-IVF cycles, in order to compare metabolite levels in the two matrices and (ii) FF from 232 MNC-IVF cycles in which only one oocyte was retrieved at follicular puncture. The association between metabolite levels and oocyte fertilization, embryo fragmentation percentage, embryo quality and the occurrence of pregnancy was analyzed using multilevel generalized estimating equations with adjustment for patient and cycle characteristics. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The level of choline was higher in FF as compared to matched plasma (P < 0.001). Conversely, the levels of TMAO and gamma-butyrobetaine were lower in FF as compared to plasma (P = 0.001 and P = 0.075, respectively). For all metabolites, there was a positive correlation between FF and plasma levels. Finally, levels of TMAO and its gut-derived precursor gamma-butyrobetaine were lower in FF from oocytes that underwent normal fertilization (TMAO: odds ratio [OR] 0.66 [0.49–0.90], P = 0.008 per 1.0-μmol/L increase; gamma-butyrobetaine: OR 0.77 [0.60–1.00], P = 0.047 per 0.1-μmol/L increase) and developed into top-quality embryos (TMAO: OR 0.56 [0.42–0.76], P < 0.001 per 1.0-μmol/L increase; gamma-butyrobetaine: OR 0.79 [0.62–1.00], P = 0.050 per 0.1-μmol/L increase) than in FF from oocytes of suboptimal development. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The individual contributions of diet, gut bacteria and liver to the metabolite pools have not been quantified in this analysis. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS More research on the contribution of diet and the effect of gut bacteria on FF TMAO is warranted. Since TMAO integrates diet, microbiota and genetic setup of the person, our results indicate potential important clinical implications for its use as biomarker for lifestyle interventions to improve fertility. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) No external funding was received for this project. The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the University Medical Center Groningen received an unrestricted educational grant of Ferring Pharmaceutical BV, the Netherlands. The authors have no other conflicts of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER Netherlands Trial Register number NTR4409.

scholarly journals The experiences of women with breast cancer who undergo fertility preservation

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
T Dahhan ◽  
F van der Veen ◽  
A M E Bos ◽  
M Goddijn ◽  
E A F Dancet
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Fertility Preservation ◽  
Conflicts Of Interest ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Academic Medical Center ◽  
Psychosocial Care ◽  
Phenomenological Approach ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Competing Interest ◽  
Experiences Of Women

Abstract STUDY QUESTION How do women, who have just been diagnosed with breast cancer, experience oocyte or embryo banking? SUMMARY ANSWER Fertility preservation was a challenging yet welcome way to take action when confronted with breast cancer. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Fertility preservation for women with breast cancer is a way to safeguard future chances of having children. Women who have just been diagnosed with breast cancer report stress, as do women who have to undergo IVF treatment. How women experience the collision of these two stressfull events, has not yet been studied. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION We performed a multicenter qualitative study with a phenomenological approach including 21 women between March and July 2014. Women were recruited from two university-based fertility clinics. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Women with breast cancer who banked oocytes or embryos 1–15 months before study participation were eligible. We conducted in-depth, face-to-face interviews with 21 women, which was sufficient to reach data saturation. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The 21 women interviewed had a mean age of 32 years. Analysis of the 21 interviews revealed three main experiences: the burden of fertility preservation, the new identity of a fertility patient and coping with breast cancer through fertility preservation. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Interviewing women after, rather than during, fertility preservation might have induced recall bias. Translation of quotes was not carried out by a certified translator. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The insights gained from this study of the experiences of women undergoing fertility preservation while being newly diagnosed with breast cancer could be used as a starting point for adapting the routine psychosocial care provided by fertility clinic staff. Future studies are necessary to investigate whether adapting routine psychosocial care improves women’s wellbeing. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) None of the authors in this study declare potential conflicts of interest. The study was funded by the Center of Reproductive Medicine of the Academic Medical Center.

Accessibility and Openness to Diabetes Management Support via Mobile Phones: A Survey of People with Type 1 Diabetes Using Advanced Diabetes Technologies (Preprint)

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yu Kuei Lin ◽  
Caroline Richardson ◽  
Iulia Dobrin ◽  
Rodica Pop-Busui ◽  
Gretchen Piatt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Type 1 Diabetes ◽  
Diabetes Management ◽  
Interactive Voice Response ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Academic Medical Center ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Management Support ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional

BACKGROUND Little is known about the feasibility of mobile health (mHealth) support among people with type 1 diabetes (T1D) using advanced diabetes technologies including continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and hybrid closed-loop insulin pumps (HCLs). OBJECTIVE To evaluate patient access and openness to receiving mHealth diabetes support in people with T1D using CGMs/HCLs. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional survey among T1D patients using CGMs or HCLs managed in an academic medical center. Participants reported information regarding their mobile device usage, cellular call/text message/internet connectivity, and openness to various channels of mHealth communication (smartphone applications or “apps”, text messages, and interactive voice response calls or IVR calls). Participants’ demographic characteristics and CGM data were collected from medical records. Analyses focused on differences in openness to mHealth and mHealth communication channels across groups defined by demographic variables and measures of glycemic control. RESULTS Among all participants (n=310; 64% female; mean age: 45 (SD:16)), 98% reported active cellphone use, and 80% were receptive to receiving mHealth support to improve glucose control. Among participants receptive to mHealth support, 98% were willing to share CGM glucose data for mHealth diabetes self-care assistance. Most (71%) were open to receiving messages via apps, 56% were open to text messages, and 12% were open to IVR calls. Older participants were more likely to prefer text messages (P=0.009) and IVR (P=0.03) than younger participants. CONCLUSIONS Most people with T1D who use advanced diabetes technologies have access to cell phones and are receptive to receiving mHealth support to improve diabetes control. CLINICALTRIAL Not applicable

scholarly journals Static Ankle Dorsiflexion and Hip and Pelvis Kinematics During Forward Step-Down in Patients With Hip-Related Groin Pain

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Stefanie N. Foster ◽  
Michael D. Harris ◽  
Mary K. Hastings ◽  
Michael J. Mueller ◽  
Gretchen B. Salsich ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pelvic Tilt ◽  
Groin Pain ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Weight Bearing ◽  
Academic Medical Center ◽  
Ankle Dorsiflexion ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Anterior Pelvic Tilt ◽  
Step Down

Context: The authors hypothesized that in people with hip-related groin pain, less static ankle dorsiflexion could lead to compensatory hip adduction and contralateral pelvic drop during step-down. Ankle dorsiflexion may be a modifiable factor to improve ability in those with hip-related groin pain to decrease hip/pelvic motion during functional tasks and improve function. Objective: To determine whether smaller static ankle dorsiflexion angles were associated with altered ankle, hip, and pelvis kinematics during step-down in people with hip-related groin pain. Design: Cross-sectional Setting: Academic medical center. Patients: A total of 30 people with hip-related groin pain (12 males and 18 females; 28.7 [5.3] y) participated. Intervention: None. Main Outcome Measures: Weight-bearing static ankle dorsiflexion with knee flexed and knee extended were measured via digital inclinometer. Pelvis, hip, and ankle kinematics during forward step-down were measured via 3D motion capture. Static ankle dorsiflexion and kinematics were compared with bivariate correlations. Results: Smaller static ankle dorsiflexion angles were associated with smaller ankle dorsiflexion angles during the step-down for both the knee flexed and knee extended static measures. Among the total sample, smaller static ankle dorsiflexion angle with knee flexed was associated with greater anterior pelvic tilt and greater contralateral pelvic drop during the step-down. Among only those who did not require a lowered step for safety, smaller static ankle dorsiflexion angles with knee flexed and knee extended were associated with greater anterior pelvic tilt, greater contralateral pelvic drop, and greater hip flexion. Conclusions: Among those with hip-related groin pain, smaller static ankle dorsiflexion angles are associated with less ankle dorsiflexion motion and altered pelvis and hip kinematics during a step-down. Future research is needed to assess the effect of treating restricted ankle dorsiflexion on quality of motion and symptoms in patients with hip-related groin pain.

scholarly journals A Study on Knowledge Towards Brain Death among Residents in Indonesia

2020 ◽  
Vol 56 (2) ◽  
pp. 140
Author(s):  
Asra Al Fauzi ◽  
Christrijogo Sumartono Waloejo ◽  
Abdulloh Machin ◽  
Muhammad Ja'far Shodiq
Keyword(s):  
Brain Death ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Academic Medical Center ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Research Subjects ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Academic Medical ◽  
Center Hospital ◽  
Level 3 ◽  
Level 2

This research was conducted to evaluate the knowledge and diagnosis of brain death among resident in Indonesia. This study used an observational analytic study with a cross-sectional study design using a questionnaire. The research subjects consisted of 132 level 2 (after 2 years of residency) and level 3 (after 4 years of residency) residents, the total sampling for which was taken from the departments of Neurosurgery, Anesthesiology, and Neurology at Dr. Soetomo Academic Medical Center Hospital, Surabaya, Indonesia. Data were taken from November 2018 to January 2019. A total of 132 residents of Neurosurgery, Neurology, and Anesthesiology participated in this study. From the series of studies, residents’ knowledge of the concept of brain death was in the sufficient category (41.7%), residents’ knowledge of the technical diagnosis of brain death was in the good category (40.2%), residents’ knowledge of brain death examination was in the less category (43.2%), and finally, it was found that the resident's knowledge of brain death was in a good category (35.6%). There were also significant differences in knowledge of brain death between Neurosurgery, Neurology, and Anesthesiologist Resident (P <0.001) and knowledge of brain death between level 2 and level 3 residents (P=0.032). In general, the Indonesian resident doctors’ knowledge of brain death is adequate, but knowledge of the clinical examination of brain death is still lacking. Further research must be carried out to promote knowledge of brain death in residents as well as professional doctors/specialists, so that the number of organ transplants, especially in Indonesia, will increase.

Millennials Seeking Healthcare: Examining the Degree to Which Patients Utilize Online Resources (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Landon Arensberg ◽  
Jessica Kalender-Rich ◽  
Jaehoon Lee ◽  
Cheryl Gibson
Keyword(s):  
Medical Care ◽  
Baby Boomers ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Academic Medical Center ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Online Reviews ◽  
Online Resources ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Academic Medical ◽  
Us Census

BACKGROUND According to the 2020 US Census, a Silver Tsunami is looming with more than 75.4 million persons aged 57-75 (known as “Baby Boomers”) expected to need more costly medical care. Future estimates, however, indicate a much larger wave of individuals is imminent, given the 83.1 million Millennials approaching adulthood who will be seeking medical care. Because Millennials differ from Baby Boomers in several ways, it is important to understand how this population finds their physician to gain insight into what might influence this decision. OBJECTIVE To determine the extent and influence online resources and reviews have on the younger generation as compared to elder generations. METHODS Between the months of May and July 2020 a cross-sectional paper-based survey was conducted at primary care and geriatric clinics located within a large urban academic medical center in the Midwest. RESULTS A sample of 284 patients completed the survey (44.35 ± 17.54 yrs old [range=18-90], 60.6% female, 57.4% white). Of Millennials (respondents aged 22-38 yrs), 67.2% read online reviews before choosing a physician. Millennials were significantly more likely to read online reviews before choosing a physician (P=0.004) and utilize online resources to search for a new physician (P<.001) than older patients. The majority of millennials were likely to be influenced by both negative reviews (59%) and positive reviews (71.3%). Female patients were more likely to read online reviews and use online resources compared to men, but the differences were not significant. CONCLUSIONS Overall, Millennials are much more likely to research online reviews before choosing a physician. Other generations also use online resources to an extent but tend to use personal referrals. Across all age groups, negative online reviews were less influential in decision-making compared to positive ones. Therefore, a presence on review websites and search engines seems to only benefit one’s medical practice to capture the new wave of patients.

Does a Large (>24 mm) Follicle Yield a Competent Oocyte/Embryo?

2020 ◽  
Vol 85 (5) ◽  
pp. 416-419
Author(s):  
Raoul Orvieto ◽  
Aya Mohr-Sasson ◽  
Shlomit Blumenfeld ◽  
Ravit Nahum ◽  
Adva Aizer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Embryo Quality ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Oocyte Retrieval ◽  
Mature Oocyte ◽  
Group Differences ◽  
Large Follicle ◽  
Follicular Aspiration ◽  
Oocyte Fertilization ◽  
Follicular Size ◽  
Nonsignificant Decrease

<b><i>Aim:</i></b> To evaluate the effect of large follicular size (≥24 mm) at day of oocyte retrieval on oocyte/embryo quality. <b><i>Patients and Methods:</i></b> A cohort study was conducted in a single tertiary medical center between July 2018 and May 2019. Before ultrasound-guided follicular aspiration, follicles were measured and divided into 2 groups according to their maximal dimensional size: large: ≥24 mm and normal: &#x3c;24 mm. Microscopic examination of the follicular aspirates was performed by an embryologist. Each follicle aspirated was evaluated for oocyte maturation, oocyte fertilization, and embryo quality. <b><i>Results:</i></b> 428 follicles were measured, including 383 (62.81%) in the normal and 45 (14.06%) in the large follicle groups. Oocytes were achieved during aspiration from 297 (75.5%) and 29 (64.4%) of the normal and large follicle groups, respectively (<i>p</i> = 0.05). No in-between group differences were observed in mature oocyte (MII), fertilization, and top-quality embryo (TQE) rates. Nevertheless, once a zygote (2PN) was achieved, a trend toward a higher TQE rate/2PN was found in the large follicle group (16/19 [84.2%] vs. 115/171 [67.3%]; <i>p</i> = 0.062). <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> While a nonsignificant decrease in oocyte recovery rate was found in follicles ≥24 mm, the zygote and TQE per follicle were comparable.

scholarly journals Variability of Antibiotic Prescribing in a Large Healthcare Network Despite Adjusting for Patient-Mix: Reconsidering Targets for Improved Prescribing

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sophia Jung ◽  
Mary Elizabeth Sexton ◽  
Sallie Owens ◽  
Nathan Spell ◽  
Scott Fridkin
Keyword(s):  
Antibiotic Prescription ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Academic Medical Center ◽  
Primary Care Clinic ◽  
Multivariable Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Comorbid Condition ◽  
Antibiotic Prescribing ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Care Clinic ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background In the outpatient setting, the majority of antibiotic prescriptions are for acute respiratory infections (ARIs), but most of these infections are viral and antibiotics are unnecessary. We analyzed provider-specific antibiotic prescribing in a group of outpatient clinics affiliated with an academic medical center to inform future interventions to minimize unnecessary antibiotic use. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study of patients who presented with an ARI to any of 15 The Emory Clinic (TEC) primary care clinic sites between October 2015 and September 2017. We performed multivariable logistic regression analysis to examine the impact of patient, provider, and clinic characteristics on antibiotic prescribing. We also compared provider-specific prescribing rates within and between clinic sites. Results A total of 53.4% of the 9600 patient encounters with a diagnosis of ARI resulted in an antibiotic prescription. The odds of an encounter resulting in an antibiotic prescription were independently associated with patient characteristics of white race (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.59; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.47–1.73), older age (aOR = 1.32, 95% CI = 1.20–1.46 for patients 51 to 64 years; aOR = 1.32, 95% CI = 1.20–1.46 for patients ≥65 years), and comorbid condition presence (aOR = 1.19; 95% CI, 1.09–1.30). Of the 109 providers, 13 (12%) had a rate significantly higher than predicted by modeling. Conclusions Antibiotic prescribing for ARIs within TEC outpatient settings is higher than expected based on prescribing guidelines, with substantial variation in prescribing rates by site and provider. These data lay the foundation for quality improvement interventions to reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescribing.

scholarly journals Essential Oil Olfactory Test: Comparison of Affordable Rapid Olfaction Measurement Array (AROMA) to Sniffin’ Sticks 12

OTO Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 2473974X2096246
Author(s):  
Jennifer Li ◽  
Gracie Palmer ◽  
Suraj Shankar ◽  
Mark R. Villwock ◽  
Alexander G. Chiu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Essential Oil ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Academic Medical Center ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Moderate Correlation ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Percent Correct ◽  
Olfactory Testing ◽  
Snot 22

Objectives To further demonstrate the validity of Affordable Rapid Olfaction Measurement Array (AROMA), an essential oil−based smell test, and compare it to the Sniffin’ Sticks 12 Test (SST12). Study Design Prospective cross-sectional study. Setting Academic medical center. Methods Fifty healthy individuals without sinonasal disease were recruited to the study. AROMA has been previously validated against the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test. The current study tests 2 additional higher concentrations to increase the ability to detect olfactory reserve. Healthy participants completed AROMA, SST12, Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22), and Questionnaire of Olfactory Disorders (QoD). Spearman correlations were used to evaluate AROMA, SST, SNOT-22, and QoD. Results AROMA demonstrated strong test-retest reliability ( r = 0.757, P < .01). AROMA showed a moderate correlation to SST12 (ρ = 0.412, P < .01). Age and SNOT-22 were significantly correlated ( P < .05) with AROMA (ρ = −0.547, −0.331, respectively), and age was weakly correlated with SST (ρ = −0.377, P < .01). Median percent correct scores were as follows: SST12 identification, 92%; AROMA detection, 90%; and AROMA identification, 81%. Median correct odor identification of AROMA concentrations at 1×, 2×, 4×, and 8× were 64%, 75%, 92%, and 92%, respectively. Conclusion AROMA has a moderate correlation with SST12. AROMA is more strongly correlated than SST12 to age and SNOT-22. AROMA’s stronger correlation with subjective olfactory status, low cost, and adaptability may help remove barriers to routine olfactory testing in the clinic.

Prescribers' perceptions on the impact of hydrocodone rescheduling on geriatric pain management: A qualitative study

2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (5) ◽  
pp. 317-326
Author(s):  
Julianna Fernandez, PharmD, BCPS, CGP ◽  
James Douglas Thornton, PhD, PharmD, BCPS ◽  
Sanika Rege, MS ◽  
Benjamin Lewing, MS ◽  
Shweta Bapat, BPharm ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pain Management ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Geriatric Patients ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Academic Medical Center ◽  
Monitoring Program ◽  
Prescribing Patterns ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Term Care ◽  
The Impact

Objective: To qualitatively assess prescribers’ perceptions regarding the consequences associated with hydrocodone rescheduling among geriatric patients being discharged from inpatient settings.Design: This was a cross-sectional study.Setting: Two focus groups were conducted by a trained facilitator in a metropolitan academic medical center in January 2016.Participants: Prescribers who manage noncancer pain for geriatric patients were recruited. Focus groups were recorded, transcribed, and then analyzed using ATLAS.ti Qualitative Data Analysis software. Codes were derived from six primary research questions and results were summarized into key themes regarding the impact of rescheduling.Main outcome measures: Prescribers’ perceptions regarding hydrocodone rescheduling.Results: Prescribers mentioned that they review the prescription monitoring program (PMP) more often before prescribing opioids after rescheduling. They expressed concern regarding the required special serialized prescription forms needed to issue schedule II prescriptions. This led to substituting hydrocodone with potentially less effective pain medications, the inability to issue refills on hydrocodone prescriptions, and an ethical concern over prescribing hydrocodone to patients not under their direct care. Additionally, rescheduling has affected the coordination of care upon discharge, as patients moving to long-term care or skilled nursing facilities may not have adequate pain management when transferred.Conclusions: The majority of physicians felt rescheduling negatively impacted both practical and ethical aspects of patient care related to pain management after discharge. Rescheduling has changed physicians’ hydrocodone prescribing patterns, leading to more caution when prescribing hydrocodone and greater use of the PMP. Future studies should assess geriatric patients’ satisfaction and quality of life regarding pain management since hydrocodone was rescheduled.

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