Characteristics predicting laparoscopic skill in medical students: nine years' experience in a single center.

INTRODUCTION: We introduced laparoscopic simulator training for medical students in 2007. This study was designed to identify factors that predict the laparoscopic skill of medical students, to identify intergenerational differences in abilities, and to estimate the variability of results in each training group. Our ultimate goal was to determine the optimal educational program for teaching laparoscopic surgery to medical students. METHODS: Between 2007 and 2015, a total of 270 fifth-year medical students were enrolled in this observational study. Before training, the participants were asked questions about their interest in laparoscopic surgery, experience with playing video games, confidence about driving, and manual dexterity. After the training, aspects of their competence (execution time, instrument path length, and economy of instrument movement) were assessed. RESULTS: Multiple regression analysis identified significant effects of manual dexterity, gender, and confidence about driving on the results of the training. The training results have significantly improved over recent years. The variability among the results in each training group was relatively small. CONCLUSIONS: We identified the characteristics of medical students with excellent laparoscopic skills. We observed educational benefits from interactions between medical students within each training group. Our study suggests that selection and grouping are important to the success of modern programs designed to train medical students in laparoscopic surgery.

Nasal myoepithelioma removed through endonasal endoscopic surgery: a case report.

Myoepithelioma is a rare neoplasm that can occur in either the major or minor salivary gland and accounts for less than 1% of salivary gland neoplasms. We report a rare case of a nasal myoepithelioma that originated from the nasal inferior turbinate. The tumor, measuring 50 × 30 × 20 mm, was in the right nasal cavity and had a necrotic surface. We removed the tumor through endonasal endoscopic surgery. The tumor had spindle-shaped cells and was positive for cytokeratin, (AE1/AE3), vimentin, S-100ß, and MIB-1 but was negative for CD34, desmin, neuron-specific enolase, and synaptophysin. Slight immunoreactivity for smooth muscle actin was noted in some tumor cells. There has been no evidence of tumor recurrence in the 18 months following surgery.

Expectations for the Next Generation of Simulated Patients Born from Thoughtful Anticipation of Artificial Intelligence-Equipped Robot.

It is predicted that in the near future robot simulated patients (SPs) will come into use. Through the impressions of five SPs about robot SPs, we explored their vision of the future of medical education as an indicator of what ordinary citizens think. The opinions of SPs were collected using a semi-structured focus group interview, after which the perspectives provided were explored using a qualitative research method called Steps for Coding and Theorization (SCAT). Although SPs accepted the introduction of robot SPs, they regard them as potential substitutes. The use of robot SPs raised concerns about the level of response to human diversity and the level of emotional intelligence. The problem of how much diversity among patients and doctors is acceptable in the field of education was identified. On the part of citizens, there is not much expectation that artificial intelligence (AI) will lead to sophisticated machines capable of human conversation. However, looking ahead to the AI era, real SPs anticipate that, along with the evolution of AI, the next generation of SPs will have thought deeply about their role within a program employing both humans and robots.

Laparoscopic skill improvement after virtual reality simulator training in medical students as assessed by augmented reality simulator.

INTRODUCTION: Definitive assessment of laparoscopic skill improvement after virtual reality simulator training is best obtained during an actual operation. However, this is impossible in medical students. Therefore, we developed an alternative assessment technique using an augmented reality simulator. METHODS: Nineteen medical students completed a 6-week training program using a virtual reality simulator (LapSim). The pretest and post-test were performed using an object-positioning module and cholecystectomy on an augmented reality simulator(ProMIS). The mean performance measures between pre- and post-training on the LapSim were compared with a paired t-test. RESULTS: In the object-positioning module, the execution time of the task (P < 0.001), left and right instrument path length (P = 0.001), and left and right instrument economy of movement (P < 0.001) were significantly shorter after than before the LapSim training. With respect to improvement in laparoscopic cholecystectomy using a gallbladder model, the execution time to identify, clip, and cut the cystic duct and cystic artery as well as the execution time to dissect the gallbladder away from the liver bed were both significantly shorter after than before the LapSim training (P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Our training curriculum using a virtual reality simulator improved the operative skills of medical students as objectively evaluated by assessment using an augmented reality simulator instead of an actual operation. We hope that these findings help to establish an effective training program for medical students.

Subjective evaluation of post-tympanoplasty hearing in relation to the pure tone threshold.

OBJECTIVE: In the year 2000, the Otological Society of Japan proposed a new criteria to assess the levels of hearing known as Criteria 2000. However, these criteria are intended to assess pure tone threshold after tympanoplasty and the results do not necessarily reflect the hearing condition from the patient's perspective. Thus, it is essential to study the relationship between the subjective evaluation of post-operative hearing based on the patient's own assessment and the objective assessment by audiometry. METHODS: The present study is a questionnaire-based survey on the levels of post-operative hearing in 460 patients whose degree of satisfaction with their levels of hearing was assessed by visual analogue scale (VAS). The hearing level was assessed based on the Criteria 2000 established by the Otological Society of Japan. RESULTS: The post-operative results indicated a success rate of 78.7%. According to the questionnaire-based survey, 64.4% patients considered their hearing as "improved". The average VAS score was the highest in the "improved" group and gradually decreased when in the "deteriorated" group. The highest success rate was obtained in patients who assessed their hearing as "improved" and the lowest rate was seen in those who assessed their hearing as "deteriorated". On the other hand, the success rate in the three groups, "slightly improved", "unchanged", and "slightly deteriorated", was almost similar and did not relate to the objective audiometry findings. Therefore, except for the "improved" and deteriorated" groups, there is no relation between the subjective self-assessment and the objective post-operative hearing. CONCLUSION: A bi-directional approach, one from an audiological (objective) and one from the patient's perspective (subjective), especially using VAS, is quite useful for the post-operative assessment of hearing.

Subjective evaluation and overall satisfaction after tympanoplasty for chronic simple suppurative otitis media.

A questionnaire survey was conducted in 324 patients with chronic, simple, suppurative otitis media who had undergone tympanoplasty 6 months or more previously to investigate post-operative hearing, tinnitus, vertigo, occlusive feeling of the ear and otorrhea. In addition, the overall satisfaction with tympanoplasty was assessed by VAS value. Subjective hearing improvement was observed in 73.1% of the patients whose hearing was poor and in 50% of those whose hearing was good before the operation. The degree of satisfaction assessed by VAS value corresponded with the subjective hearing assessment. As to tinnitus, 66.2% of the patients became aware of the disappearance or alleviation of symptoms. In the case of patients who had tinnitus before the operation, the degree of awareness of tinnitus and the degree of satisfaction assessed by VAS value coincided. However, no changes in the VAS value were observed in those who did not have tinnitus before the operation. As for vertigo, 30.5% of the patients who had vertigo preoperatively became aware of the disappearance of the symptoms after the operation. The degree of satisfaction assessed by VAS value corresponded with the presence or absence, severity and frequency of vertigo. As to the fullness of the ear, alleviation of the symptoms was subjectively noted by 85.9% of the patients who had symptoms before the operation. The degree of satisfaction assessed by VAS value corresponded with the severity of the symptoms in those who had symptoms before the operation. As for otorrhea, the disappearance of the symptoms was subjectively noted by 85.5% of the patients who had otorrhea before the operation. The degree of satisfaction assessed by VAS value corresponded with the post-operative changes in otorrhea. Based on the above results, it was assumed that the patients placed greatest expectation on hearing improvement when they underwent tympanoplasty. VAS is considered a useful method to evaluate the degree of satisfaction of patients after surgery.

A freshman orientation program to provide an overview of the medical learning roadmap.

International accreditation of medical education was introduced in Japan in 2013 and is planning to be applied in late 2014 or 2015. Students will need to cope with the resulting changes and to recognize by what route they will learn medicine. Therefore, a freshman orientation course, which was based on problem-based learning (PBL) and had been held for first-year students, was modified as an awareness reform program in which students would learn "how to learn medicine." We investigated whether this program has led to useful changes in students' recognition of the way of learning in medical school and their directions as learners. The program was held for 114 first-year medical school students in 2013 and consisted of PBL tutorials, large-classroom lectures, simulation learning using role-play with simulated patients, and team-based learning (TBL), presented in this order. Learning modules that is made with an integration of the clinical sciences with the basic biomedical and the behavioral and social sciences were provided. A nonanonymous questionnaire survey asking" what learning methods are effective for you?" was conducted before and after completion of the course. Furthermore, group answers obtained in TBL were investigated. The score for the question" To what extent can you imagine your route of learning during your 6 years?" significantly increased from 3.1±0.99 (mean±SD) before the course to 3.5±0.88 (p<0.01) after the course. The score for the question" To what extent is the small-group learning, such as PBL, useful for you?" significantly increased from 3.9±0.73 to 4.2±0.71 (p<0.05). Group responses in TBL sessions indicated that students desired classes that presented tasks and regarded" emphasis on reflection" and" observation of senior physicians as role models" as the most important methods for learning interview skills. We believe students should acquire active learning attitudes as adults early in their 6 years of medical school. The level of understanding of" how to learn as adults" was 3.7 and indicated a moderate result. This course employed many educational strategies, and we believe it helped students understand what they learn and how to learn during their 6 years of medical and to get an overview of the learning roadmap.

Team-based learning using an audience response system: a possible new strategy for interactive medical education.

Following the "Guidelines for reporting TBL" by Haidet et al, we report on a team-based learning (TBL) course we adopted for our 4th-year students in 2011. Our TBL course is a modified version of the one suggested in the guidelines, but its structure generally follows the core elements described therein. Using an audience response system (ARS), we were able to obtain individual and group readiness assurance test scores immediately and give instant feedback to the students. Instructors were thus able to monitor students' understanding in real time and so appreciated the system, which supports interactive classes even in large classrooms. However, TBL is teacher-oriented, and students were less appreciative of ARS, because they recognized that it could be easily used for grading. Nevertheless, we believe that a combination of TBL, and problem-based learning in a mature design can improve both motivation and understanding among learners.

Solitary fibrous tumor arising from the superior nasal turbinate: a case report.

Solitary fibrous tumor is a rare neoplasm, which was first described as a primary spindle-cell tumor of the pleura, is a type of mesenchymal tumor. Although the majority of these tumors originate in the pleura, they can also derive from extrapleural sites, such as the liver, lung, abdomen, and extremities. We report a rare case of a nasal solitary fibrous tumor that originated from the nasal superior turbinate. The tumor, measuring 45 × 25 × 10 mm, was in the right nasal cavity. We successfully removed the tumor in one piece through endonasal endoscopic surgery. The tumor had spindle-shaped cells within a collagenous stroma and was positive for CD34. There has been no evidence of tumor recurrence in the 14 months following surgery.

Adrenomedullin level in the nasal discharge from allergic rhinitis cohort.

Adrenomedullin (AM) is a potent hypotensive and vasodilatory peptide. AM may exert protective actions against the development of many diseases by modulating the blood circulation and body fluid balance. In addition to these functions, it has recently been reported to play important roles in the development of allergy and infections. The purpose of the present study was to demonstrate the existence of AM in the human nasal mucosa and to discuss whether AM might contribute to the pathogenesis of nasal congestion. We measured the total AM concentrations in the nasal discharge. The total AM concentration in the nasal discharge was significantly higher in the non-allergy group (72.1 ± 55.5 fmol/ml) than in the allergy group (37.1 ± 44.2 fmol/ml). By immunohistochemical examination, we identified AM-containing cells in the nasal mucosa from both subjects with and without nasal allergy, and also in nasal polyps. Moreover, those cells were positive for anti-tryptase antibody which recognizes mast cells. In nasal allergy, vasodilatation and increase in vascular permeability are characteristic features of the immediate phase response. Reduced AM levels in the nasal discharge may be associated with attenuation of both of these factors. On the other hand, immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated AM-immunoreactive cells in the chronic phase of rhinosinusitis. In the late and inflammatory phase, mast cells produce AM, which possibly acts as an inhibitor of inflammatory cell migration. In conclusion, AM may be actively secreted into the nasal discharge. AM in the nasal discharge may have protective and anti-inflammatory effects in the nasal mucosa.

Clinical application of virtual endoscopy as a support system for endoscopic sinus surgery.

CONCLUSIONS: Computer processing of conventional CT images can provide virtual endoscopic images (VEIs). Surgeons observing these images feel as if they are observing the lesion using an endoscope. Simulation based on animated VEIs before endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) is useful for the improvement of surgical safety and surgeons' education. Although the production of VEIs requires certain surgical experience, after the production of VEIs, surgeons can repeat simulation of a surgical procedure and have confidence in the actual operation. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the clinical application of CT-reconstructed VEIs as a support system for ESS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A GE Light Speed Ultra 16 as a 16-slice CT scanner and Advantage Workstation 4.2 were used. Software called Navigator in this workstation allows the production of CT-reconstructed VEIs. We applied simulation based on VEIs to endoscopic operations for mucocele or sinusitis. RESULTS: In nine cases of mucoceles and sinusitis, simulation based on animated VEIs was applied. According to the simulation, surgeries were performed, and the mucoceles and obstructed sinuses could be opened readily and safely. This system was more effective when there were landmarks such as polyps or irregular mucosal surfaces allowing macroscopic confirmation ahead of the viewpoint.

The effect of H1 antagonists carebastine and olopatadine on histamine induced expression of CC chemokines in cultured human nasal epithelial cells.

BACKGROUND: CC chemokines have been shown to play an important role in inducing selective recruitment of inflammatory cells into local allergic inflammatory sites. CC chemokines are also known as histamine releasing factors. We previously showed that histamine enhances transcription of CC chemokines from nasal mucosa which leads to further induction of histamine release. This cyclic cascade may cause prolonged allergic inflammation. The aim of this study is to clarify the relationship between histamine and CC chemokine production by using human nasal epithelial cells (HNECs) and to examine the potential of H1 receptor (H1R) antagonists in new therapeutic approaches for the treatment of nasal allergy. METHODS: HNECs were isolated from the nasal turbinates of patients diagnosed with nasal allergy. HNEC monolayers were cultured for 48 hours with or without histamine (10(-3) to 10(-5) mol/L). Furthermore, an H1R antagonist, either carebastine or olopatadine, was added to the supernatant (10(-3) to 10(-7) mol/L) 30 minutes before incubation with histamine. The expression of Regulated on Activation, Normal T-cell Expressed and Secreted (RANTES) and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) in the culture media were measured by ELISA. RESULTS: The release of RANTES and MCP-1 was significantly upregulated by histamine compared with the control group. Both carebastine and olopatadine inhibited the release of CC chemokine production to the control level in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that the interaction between histamine and CC chemokines may prolong allergic inflammation in human nasal mucosa. We also demonstrate the potential use of H1R antagonists in new therapeutic approaches to the treatment of nasal allergy through inhibiting this histamine-CC chemokine interaction.

New therapeutic approaches to the treatment of nasal allergy: Antiinflammatory effects of H(1) receptor antagonists.

Histamine is recognized as an important mediator of allergic rhinitis. In addition to the role it plays in the immediate-phase reaction of nasal allergy, histamine may play an important role in the late-phase reaction and protracted allergic inflammation. Histamine induces the synthesis or secretion of proinflammatory cytokines and the expression of adhesion molecules. Besides their traditional effects via H(1) receptor antagonism, antihistamines have been reported to possess multiple antiinflammatory effects. Continuous use of antihistamines may reduce the level of minimal persistent inflammation of nasal mucosa in allergy. Treatment of allergic rhinitis using antihistamines could contribute to the improvement in coexisting allergic inflammation of the lower airways. (c) 2001 Prous Science. All rights reserved.