We have created a bioimpedance probe designed to detect subtle changes in human cervical tissue composition in vivo, and thereby detect the onset of cervical remodeling in a noninvasive manner sooner than existing clinical methods allow. Our cervical bioimpedance measurement device, which can be used during a routine pelvic examination, is composed of a contoured probe with disposable tip and, within the probe's handle, a bioimpedance sensor equipped with an integrated chip capable of generating sinusoidal voltage of varying frequencies. A constant force spring assures consistent measurements through a range of contact forces applied. An activation switch allows the operator to control the application of current. The sensor can be synchronized with a computer data storage and analysis system, which interfaces with the device. With the probe placed in contact with a collagen gels of varying concentration, the relationship between measured bioimpedance and collagen concentration is verified to be positive exponential (R/sup 2/=0.94) and repeatability in saline solution showed that measurements varied by less than +/-10% over 20 trials. Finally, a variety of user-applied forces showed that impedance values plateau when forces exceed 1N.
Many patients are afflicted with painful conditions affecting both hips, most commonly femoroacetabular impingement. Some patients prefer the advantage of undergoing a single surgical procedure and anesthetic followed by a single postoperative rehabilitation program. We present a Technical Note on single-stage bilateral hip arthroscopy. This Technical Note reports on key steps enabling safe and efficient performance of bilateral arthroscopic acetabuloplasty, labral refixation, femoroplasty, and dynamic testing while limiting traction times and facilitating rapid transition to the second hip arthroscopic surgery. Enabling factors include supine positioning with bilateral mobile leg spars, rapid surgical and hip traction times, and postoperative rehabilitation with immediate weight bearing as tolerated. A rationale for deciding which hip should undergo arthroscopy first is also offered. Concurrent bilateral hip arthroscopy is a viable option for select patients and experienced surgical teams, enabling potentially expedited recovery and return to work or sport with inherent cost savings.
BackgroundA limited understanding of hepatitis B virus (HBV) disease transmission contributes to fear of routine contact and can stigmatize affected individuals. To reduce potential HBV-related discrimination, there is a need to increase awareness among medical students on HBV knowledge and transmission. We aimed to assess the impact of virtual education seminars on first-and second-year medical students' understanding of HBV and their attitudes toward HBV infection.
MethodsPre-and post-seminar surveys were designed and administered to first-and second-year medical students in the February and August 2021 virtual HBV seminars to assess basic knowledge and attitudes toward HBV infection. The seminars consisted of a lecture on HBV followed by case study discussions. Paired samples t-test and McNemar's test for paired proportional differences were used for analysis.
ResultsThis study included 24 first-year and 16 second-year medical students who completed both pre-and postseminar surveys. After attending the seminar, participants demonstrated an increase in correct responses to transmission modes including vertical transmission (p≤0.001) and sharing razors or toothbrushes (p=0.031) rather than sharing utensils or shaking hands (p<0.01). Using 5-point Likert means, improved attitudes were observed in concerns of shaking hands or hugging (pre=2.4, post=1.3, p<0.001) and caring for someone with infection (pre=1.55, post=1.18, p=0.009), and acceptance of an HBV-infected coworker in the same workplace (pre = 4.13, post= 4.78, p<0.001).
ConclusionThe virtual education seminars clarify misconceptions about transmission and bias towards individuals with HBV infection. Implementation of educational seminars in medical students' training is important to improve overall knowledge of HBV infection.
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