Association between maternal cigarette smoking cessation and risk of preterm birth in Western New York.

BACKGROUND: Although many studies suggested the benefit of smoking cessation among pregnant women in reducing the risk of preterm birth (PTB), the timing of the effect of the cessation remains inconclusive. OBJECTIVES: To examine the association of trimester-specific smoking cessation behaviours with PTB risk. METHODS: We included 199,453 live births in Western New York between 2004 and 2018. Based on self-reported cigarette smoking during preconception and in each trimester, we created six mutually exclusive groups: non-smokers, quitters in each trimester, those who smoked throughout pregnancy, and inconsistent smokers. Risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using Poisson regression to examine the association between smoking cessation and PTB. Effect modification by illegal drug use, maternal age, race and ethnicity and pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) was investigated multiplicatively by ratio of relative risk and additively by relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI). RESULTS: Overall, 6.7% of women had a PTB; 14.1% smoked throughout pregnancy and 3.4%, 1.8% and 0.8% reported quitting smoking during the first, second and third trimesters, respectively. Compared to non-smokers, third-trimester cessation (RR 1.20, 95% CI 1.01, 1.43) and smoking throughout pregnancy (RR 1.27, 95% CI 1.21, 1.33) were associated with a higher PTB risk, while quitting smoking during the first or second trimester, or inconsistent smoking was not associated with PTB. A positive additive interaction was identified for maternal age and late smoking cessation or smoking throughout pregnancy on PTB risk (RERI 0.17, 95% CI 0.00, 0.36), and a negative interaction was observed for pre-pregnancy BMI ≥30 kg/m2 (ratio of relative risk 0.70, 95% CI 0.63, 0.78; RERI -0.42, 95% CI -0.56, -0.30). CONCLUSION: Compared to non-smokers, smoking throughout pregnancy and third-trimester smoking cessation are associated with an increased risk of PTB, while quitting before the third trimester may not increase PTB risk.

Association of prenatal exposure to PM2.5 and NO2 with gestational diabetes in Western New York.

BACKGROUND: Although many studies have examined the association between prenatal air pollution exposure and gestational diabetes (GDM), the relevant exposure windows remain inconclusive. We aim to examine the association between preconception and trimester-specific exposure to PM2.5 and NO2 and GDM risk and explore modifying effects of maternal age, pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), smoking, exercise during pregnancy, race and ethnicity, and neighborhood disadvantage. METHODS: Analyses included 192,508 birth records of singletons born to women without pre-existing diabetes in Western New York, 2004-2016. Daily PM2.5 and NO2 at 1-km2 grids were estimated from ensemble-based models. We assigned each birth with exposures averaged in preconception and each trimester based on residential zip-codes. We used logistic regression to examine the associations and distributed lag models (DLMs) to explore the sensitive windows by month. Relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI) and multiplicative interaction terms were calculated. RESULTS: GDM was associated with PM2.5 averaged in the first two trimesters (per 2.5 µg/m3: OR = 1.08, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.14) or from preconception to the second trimester (per 2.5 µg/m3: OR = 1.10, 95% CI: 1.03, 1.18). NO2 exposure during each averaging period was associated with GDM risk (per 10 ppb, preconception: OR = 1.10, 95% CI: 1.06, 1.14; first trimester: OR = 1.12, 95% CI: 1.08, 1.16; second trimester: OR = 1.10, 95% CI: 1.06, 1.14). In DLMs, sensitive windows were identified in the 5th and 6th gestational months for PM2.5 and one month before and three months after conception for NO2. Evidence of interaction was identified for pre-pregnancy BMI with PM2.5 (P-for-interaction = 0.023; RERI = 0.21, 95% CI: 0.10, 0.33) and with NO2 (P-for-interaction = 0.164; RERI = 0.16, 95% CI: 0.04, 0.27). CONCLUSION: PM2.5 and NO2 exposure may increase GDM risk, and sensitive windows may be the late second trimester for PM2.5 and periconception for NO2. Women with higher pre-pregnancy BMI may be more susceptible to exposure effects.

Obesity and Anesthesia: Challenges in the Perioperative Period.

The obesity epidemic has significant implications for all aspects of healthcare. The physiological changes of obesity affect every area of perioperative medicine. In this article, we discuss several anesthetic concerns regarding obesity. We will specifically discuss preoperative evaluation, perioperative challenges, and postoperative pain control and monitoring.

Surgical Competency for Robot-Assisted Hysterectomy: Development and Validation of a Robotic Hysterectomy Assessment Score (RHAS).

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To develop and validate a procedure-specific scoring algorithm to objectively measure robotic surgical skills during robot-assisted hysterectomy and to facilitate robotic surgery training and education. DESIGN: (Canadian Task Force classification III). SETTING: A National Comprehensive Cancer Network-designated comprehensive cancer center. PATIENTS: Deidentified videos for robot-assisted hysterectomies were evaluated. INTERVENTIONS: Videos from 26 robotic hysterectomies performed by surgeons with varying degrees of experience using the scoring system were evaluated. In phase I, critical elements of a robotic hysterectomy were deconstructed into 6 key domains to assess technical skills for procedure completion. Anchor descriptions were developed for each domain to match a 5-point Likert scale. Delphi methodology was used for content validation. A panel of 5 expert robotic surgeons refined this scoring system. In phase II, video recordings of procedures performed by surgeons with varying degrees of experience (expert, advanced beginner, and novice) were evaluated by blinded expert reviewers using the scoring system. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the scores for each domain. Intraclass correlation was used to determine the interrater reliability. A p value <.05 was considered significant. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The average score for the 3 classes of surgeon was 75.6 for expert, 71.3 for advanced beginner, and 69.0 for novice (p = .006). There were significant differences in scores of most individual domains among the various classes of surgeons. Novice surgeons took significantly longer than expert surgeons to complete their half of a hysterectomy (22.2 vs 12.0 minutes; p = .001). CONCLUSION: This pilot study demonstrates the feasibility of using a standardized rubric for clinical skills assessment in robotic hysterectomy. Blinded expert reviewers were able to differentiate between varying levels of surgical experience using this assessment tool.

The Minimum 5-Year Follow up of a Highly Versatile Distally Anchored Femoral Revision System With Hydroxyapatite Coating.

Background: Total hip arthroplasty is one of the most successful operations medicine can offer. As more patients undergo total hip arthroplasty the revision burden increases proportionately. This is a cohort study of the Arcos Modular Femoral Revision System. Methods: The primary outcome was rerevision of the femoral component. Secondary outcomes include complications and radiological and clinical outcomes over 5 years. Results: A total of 74 patients were recruited, and the femoral survival rate was 100% at 5 years with 12 censorships. A total of 31 patients were given Proprosky 3/4 preoperatively. Eleven patients underwent further procedures; however, no femoral components were revised. Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed by a biostatistician. Patients demonstrated a consistent and sustained improvement in Harris hip score, Oxford hip score, and EQ-5D. Radiological review revealed minimal and stable lysis around the femoral components. Conculsion: The ARCOS Modular Femoral Revision System was designed to offer a range of options to allow femoral bone stock preservation and avoiding conversion to an endoprosthetic and seems to be effective in the medium term.

Postpartum contraception usage in immigrants compared with non-immigrants in Buffalo, NY.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to compare rates of postpartum contraception use in immigrant populations in Buffalo, NY compared with non-immigrant populations. The study also explores rates of specific birth control selection amongst those who did choose to employ postpartum contraception. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective chart review was conducted comparing the rate of postpartum contraceptive use in 132 immigrant individuals with that of 134 non-immigrant individuals, as measured by the documented intent or refusal to initiate any contraceptive method within the first three months postpartum. Patients were from clinics affiliated with the Women and Children's Hospital of Buffalo (WCHOB) who delivered during the years 2015-2016. The immigrant patients were chosen from the top ten immigrant countries of origin who delivered at WCHOB at the time. RESULTS: After controlling for factors of maternal age, gestational age at time of delivery, and gravidity and parity, the immigrant group was more likely to decline postpartum contraception in the first three months postpartum compared with the non-immigrant group (25.8% vs 6.7%, p < 0.001). Immigrants were more likely to select a barrier method (p = 0.036) and decided to employ contraception more remotely from delivery when compared with non-immigrant individuals (p < 0.001). Amongst the immigrant cohort, there was no statistically significant difference in methods chosen based on broad geographic areas of origin. CONCLUSIONS: Immigrant obstetric populations in Buffalo are less likely to employ postpartum contraception compared with non-immigrant populations. The factors influencing this are multifactorial; however, this information can inform care for both immigrant and non-immigrant patients.

HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis at Two Urban Obstetrics/Gynecology Clinics in Buffalo: Awareness and Attitudes Among Non-Hispanic Black vs. Latinx Patients.

PURPOSE: Non-Hispanic Black and Latinx women are disproportionately affected by HIV when compared to the general population. This study evaluated awareness of and attitude towards PrEP, self-perceived HIV infection risk, and factors constituting high-risk behavior for HIV infection at two general OB/GYN clinics in Erie County, which exhibited a 31.6% increase in HIV cases from 2019 to 2020. METHODS: One thousand twenty-five self-administered surveys were analyzed. RESULTS: Of participants, 69.3% were non-Hispanic Black, 13.4% were Latinx, and 22.4% were White. There was no significant difference in awareness of or attitude toward PrEP between non-Hispanic Black and Latinx participants (p = 0.197, p = 0.467). Latinx participants exhibited the lowest awareness of PrEP compared with non-Hispanic Black and White participants (p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: In our high-risk group, most participants had low self-perceived risk of HIV infection and low awareness of PrEP, and most were unwilling or unsure as to whether they would take PrEP. This calls attention to a need for improved counseling regarding PrEP and what constitutes risk of HIV infection at our general OB/GYN clinics, with a potential focus on Latinx individuals.

Visual versus visual-inertial guidance in hawks pursuing terrestrial targets.

The aerial interception behaviour of falcons is well modelled by a guidance law called proportional navigation, which commands steering at a rate proportional to the angular rate of the line-of-sight from predator to prey. Because the line-of-sight rate is defined in an inertial frame of reference, proportional navigation must be implemented using visual-inertial sensor fusion. By contrast, the aerial pursuit behaviour of hawks chasing terrestrial targets is better modelled by a mixed guidance law combining information on the line-of-sight rate with information on the deviation angle between the attacker's velocity and the line-of-sight. Here we ask whether this behaviour may be controlled using visual information alone. We use high-speed motion capture to record n = 228 flights from N = 4 Harris' hawks Parabuteo unicinctus, and show that proportional navigation and mixed guidance both model their trajectories well. The mixed guidance law also models the data closely when visual-inertial information on the line-of-sight rate is replaced by visual information on the motion of the target relative to its background. Although the visual-inertial form of the mixed guidance law provides the closest fit, all three guidance laws provide an adequate phenomenological model of the behavioural data, whilst making different predictions on the physiological pathways involved.

Circular frames without x-ray - lessons learned regarding radiation exposure during tibial deformity correction from Low & Middle Income Countries?

Circular frames are a successful way of treating difficult fractures and non-unions. At our institution (CSC) in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, our method differs from developed healthcare systems in that we do not use x-ray to site the frames. A retrospective cohort study was performed between CSC and a UK LRS unit. Demographics, diagnosis, frame type, pre- and post-op deformity, proximal and distal construct alignment comparative to the tibia, and time to union or failure. 70 patients in total were identified and were randomly selected from a hospital in UK. Demographics & deformity were similar and failed to reach significant difference on testing: union rate 70% v. 82%, time to union 9.8 v. 8.5 months, and radiation exposure mean 0 v. 74 cGy/cm2 (range 6.4-326.7). These are startlingly homogenous results considering the differing resources available. We believe that ring fixators are a viable treatment method in austere environments where image intensifiers are unavailable, and demand no unnecessary radiation exposure.

The Salter innominate osteotomy does not lead to acetabular retroversion.

In children with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), Salter's innominate osteotomy aims to surgically manipulate the acetabulum to increase anterior coverage and aid joint support. Consequently, this procedure may retrovert the acetabulum, predisposing patients to pain, osteoarthritis, impingement, or further surgical intervention. In this study, we aim to address whether the innominate osteotomy leads to acetabular retroversion postoperatively or at follow-up. Ninety-two patients were identified from our institutions DDH database between 2009 and 2016, who underwent a unilateral innominate osteotomy for DDH, performed by expert surgeons in a leading paediatric hospital. A novel technique was utilized to measure acetabular version on postoperative computed tomography (CT) scans, where acetabular version was compared between the pathological and contralateral control hips. Measurement of acetabular version in postoperative and control hips demonstrated no incidence of acetabular retroversion. A significant difference was observed when comparing the acetabular version of control versus post-operative hips (P < 0.001), where hips postinnominate osteotomy had a larger degree of acetabular anteversion compared to the control hip. Furthermore, on follow-up radiographic imaging, there was no evidence of acetabular retroversion when using previously defined markers. This study confirms that the Salter innominate osteotomy does not lead to acetabular retroversion both immediately post-operatively and throughout follow-up. In fact, it demonstrates that the acetabula are more anteverted than the contralateral control hip, which has not been previously documented. Additionally, this study demonstrates a novel method of measuring acetabular retroversion using CT technology that adjusts for pelvic tilt, which is repeatable among individuals.

Preferences for labor and delivery practices between pregnant immigrants and U.S.-born patients: a comparative prospective antenatal survey study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare preferences in pregnant Somali and Sudanese immigrants with US-born women for different labor and delivery procedures and practices. STUDY DESIGN: Pregnant women who received prenatal care services at the Jericho Road Family Practice were surveyed. Ninety-three consecutive patients agreed to participate. A translator-facilitated questionnaire was administered to Somali-, Sudanese-, and U.S.-born women during antenatal visits. RESULTS: For pain relief in labor, 66.7% of U.S.-born, 64.0% of Somali, and 12.5% of Sudanese women preferred epidural analgesia (p = .002). More U.S.-born women preferred for the umbilical cord to be cut by their partners (76.2%) vs. Somali (6.7%) and Sudanese (0%) (p < .001). For infant feeding, more U.S.-born women (47%) preferred only formula feeding (Somali, 3.4%; Sudanese, 0%; p < .001). Responses were not statistically different for other preference questions, such as mobility/position in labor, attendants in labor, and duration of hospital stay. CONCLUSIONS: This prospective survey quantifies the differences in preferences for labor and delivery practices from two foreign populations and from U.S.-born women. This information is useful for all physicians who wish to better meet the needs of individual patients, especially those who are from different cultures and backgrounds.

Evaluation of isoeugenol for anesthesia in koi carp (Cyprinus carpio).

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate isoeugenol as an anesthetic agent in koi carp. ANIMALS: 216 juvenile koi carp (Cyprinus carpio). PROCEDURES: Fish were randomly allocated to 9 groups of 24, and each group was randomly exposed to isoeugenol concentrations ranging from 0 to 500 mg/L. General activity, excitement, fin and gill color changes, opercular movement rate, loss of equilibrium, muscle tone, jaw tone, and handleability were assessed. Five fish from the control (0 mg/L), 200 mg/L, and 500 mg/L groups were randomly selected prior to anesthetic recovery and again 24 hours after recovery for euthanasia, gross necropsy, and histologic assessment of gills, internal viscera, and skeletal muscles. RESULTS: Mean +/- SD interval to achieve stage 2 anesthesia with isoeugenol ranged from 22.4 +/- 6.2 minutes at 20 mg/L to 0.25 +/- 0.4 minutes at 500 mg/L, whereas the mean interval to stage 3 anesthesia ranged from 28.1 +/- 3.9 minutes at 20 mg/L to 0.33 +/- 0.48 minutes at 500 mg/L. With the exception of the 500 mg/L group, opercular movements were maintained throughout. Death was observed only in the 500 mg/L group, in which 50% of the fish either failed to recover or died within 24 hours after anesthetic exposure. There were no pathological differences between fish exposed to isoeugenol at 0 or 500 mg/L. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Isoeugenol appeared to have a wide margin of safety with predictable dose-related effects. Concentrations of 40 to 80 mg/L induced anesthesia within 4 to 11 minutes and were considerably less than the concentration associated with fish death.

Contraceptive Method Mix: Updates and Implications.

CONTEXT: Improving contraceptive method choice is a goal of international family planning. Method mix-the percentage distribution of total contraceptive use across various methods-reflects both supply (availability of affordable methods) and demand (client preferences). We analyze changes in method mix, regional contrasts, and the relationship of the mix to contraceptive prevalence. METHODS: We use 789 national surveys from the 1960s through 2019, from 113 developing countries with at least 1 million people and with data on use of 8 contraceptive methods. Two measures assess the "evenness" of the mix: method skew (more than 50% use is by 1 method), and the average deviation (AD) of the 8 methods' shares from their mean value. Population weighted and unweighted results are compared because they can differ substantially. RESULTS: Use of traditional methods has declined but still represents 11% of all use (population weighted) or 17% (unweighted country average). Vasectomy's share was historically low with the exception of a few countries but is now even lower. The previous trend toward greater overall evenness in the mix has slowed recently. Sub-Saharan Africa shows a hormonal method progression from oral contraceptives to injectables to implants in a substantial number of countries. In some countries with high HIV prevalence, the condom share has increased. The leading method's share differs by region: female sterilization in Asia (39%) and in Latin America (31%), the pill in the Middle East/North Africa (32%), and the injectable in sub-Saharan Africa (36%). Method skew persists in 30% of countries. "Evenness" of mix is not related to contraceptive prevalence. CONCLUSION: The marked diversity in predominant methods underscores the conclusion that no single method mix is ideal or appropriate everywhere. But that diversity across countries, coupled with the persisting high degree of extreme skewness in many of them, argues for continued concerted efforts for programs to increase method choice.

How well do we reduce ankle fractures intra-operatively: A retrospective 1 year review using Pettrone's criteria.

INTRODUCTION: Ankle ORIF is a common orthopaedic procedure. Assessment of the reduction is often performed by 'eyeballing' the intra-operative images. AIMS: This study aimed to assess the radiographic reduction of all ankle fracture ORIFs at COCH over a 1-year period using Pettrone's criteria METHOD: Using the trauma database at the COCH all patients admitted for ankle ORIF over a 1 year period (n = 284) were identified. Each patient was retrospectively reviewed, duplicates or non-ankle fractures excluded and data collected on: patient demographics, Lauge-Hansen classification, time from injury to theatre, level of primary surgeon, type of fixation, reduction of medial, lateral or posterior malleolar reduction, syndesmosis reduction, date and satisfaction at last clinic appointment and complications. RESULTS: After exclusions 187 patients were included in the study. The average age of patients was 49 years old (14-93). The most common Lauge-Hansen fracture classifications were SER (51.6% (98)) and PER (29.9% (57)). Registrars were first surgeon in 49.7% (93) of cases. 80% (111 of 139) of medial malleoli were reduced, 90% of lateral malleoli were reduced 11% (21) had residual talar shift. The syndesmosis was reduced in 76.4% (143) of cases. 19% (36) had further operations. There were 35 major complications in 25 (13.4%) patients. Not all malposition of fracture fixation were in the same ankles, 34.2% (64) ankle ORIFs had residual deformity after being fixed. CONCLUSION: The implications of this study are very important. The authors aim to raise awareness of Pettrone's radiographic criteria of a successful ORIF of the ankle and subsequently improve the mal-reduction rate of post-fixation ankle ORIF.