Assessing ChatGPT's theoretical knowledge and prescriptive accuracy in bacterial infections: a comparative study with infectious diseases residents and specialists.

OBJECTIVES: Advancements in Artificial Intelligence(AI) have made platforms like ChatGPT increasingly relevant in medicine. This study assesses ChatGPT's utility in addressing bacterial infection-related questions and antibiogram-based clinical cases. METHODS: This study involved a collaborative effort involving infectious disease (ID) specialists and residents. A group of experts formulated six true/false, six open-ended questions, and six clinical cases with antibiograms for four types of infections (endocarditis, pneumonia, intra-abdominal infections, and bloodstream infection) for a total of 96 questions. The questions were submitted to four senior residents and four specialists in ID and inputted into ChatGPT-4 and a trained version of ChatGPT-4. A total of 720 responses were obtained and reviewed by a blinded panel of experts in antibiotic treatments. They evaluated the responses for accuracy and completeness, the ability to identify correct resistance mechanisms from antibiograms, and the appropriateness of antibiotics prescriptions. RESULTS: No significant difference was noted among the four groups for true/false questions, with approximately 70% correct answers. The trained ChatGPT-4 and ChatGPT-4 offered more accurate and complete answers to the open-ended questions than both the residents and specialists. Regarding the clinical case, we observed a lower accuracy from ChatGPT-4 to recognize the correct resistance mechanism. ChatGPT-4 tended not to prescribe newer antibiotics like cefiderocol or imipenem/cilastatin/relebactam, favoring less recommended options like colistin. Both trained- ChatGPT-4 and ChatGPT-4 recommended longer than necessary treatment periods (p-value = 0.022). CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights ChatGPT's capabilities and limitations in medical decision-making, specifically regarding bacterial infections and antibiogram analysis. While ChatGPT demonstrated proficiency in answering theoretical questions, it did not consistently align with expert decisions in clinical case management. Despite these limitations, the potential of ChatGPT as a supportive tool in ID education and preliminary analysis is evident. However, it should not replace expert consultation, especially in complex clinical decision-making.

Lower urinary tract symptoms in young-middle aged males with a diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the current study is to measure the prevalence and the potential role of International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) score as a predictor of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) in male experienced lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). METHODS: A cross-sectional web-based Italian survey was administered via Google Forms between July 17 and October 31, 2022. The urinary functioning was measured through the IPSS questionnaire. Specifically, we considered symptoms occurring more than "about half the time" (score ≥ 3) as bothering symptoms. Multivariable logistic regression models (LRMs) adjusting for age, body mass index (BMI), International Index of Erectile Function-5, IPSS, and hypertension were fitted to predict OSAS in the cohort of men responding to the survey and experiencing LUTS. RESULTS: Overall, 58 (24.4%) patients had a confirmed diagnosis of OSAS. The overall median IPSS was 5 (inter quartile range [IQR]: 3-8), respectively. According to IPSS items, 24 (10%), 44 (18.4%), 12 (5%), 12 (5%), 12 (5%), 11 (4.6%), 63 (26.4%) patients exhibit incomplete bladder emptying, urinary frequency, intermittency, urgency, weak stream, straining, nocturia with a score ≥ 3, respectively. After multivariable LRMs predicting the developing OSAS, age (odds ratio [OR]: 1.09, p < 0.001), BMI (OR:1.12, p < 0.001) and IPSS total score (OR:1.08, p = 0.02) were independent predicting factors. CONCLUSION: This analysis revealed that the IPSS total score, age, and BMI are independent predictors of OSAS in males. In this context, the use of IPSS in daily practice could be helpful in assessing the LUTS presence and in supporting physicians to identify a hidden sleep apnea condition.

Usefulness of pepsin saliva measurement for the detection of primary burning mouth syndrome related to reflux.

OBJECTIVES: To study the diagnostic value of salivary pepsin tests for detecting laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) in patients with primary burning mouth syndrome (BMS). METHODS: Patients with BMS and asymptomatic individuals were consecutively recruited from September 2018 to June 2023. Patients underwent hypopharyngeal-esophageal impedance pH-monitoring (HEMII-pH) and saliva collections to measure pepsin. Stomatology evaluation was carried out to exclude other causes of BMS. Oral, pharyngeal and laryngeal signs and symptoms were evaluated with Reflux Sign Assessment (RSA) and Reflux Symptom Score (RSS). Sensitivity, specificity, positive (PPV) and negative (NPV) predictive values of pepsin test were calculated considering the highest values of pepsin tests at ≥ 16, ≥ 36, and ≥ 100 ng/mL cutoffs. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was evaluated. RESULTS: Forty-nine patients with both BMS and LPR at the HEMII-pH and 21 asymptomatic individuals were recruited. Pepsin test was 83.7%, 79.6%, and 71.4% sensitive at cutoffs ≥ 16, ≥ 36, and ≥ 100 ng/mL, respectively. The ROC analysis reported that a threshold of ≥ 21.5 ng/mL was associated with sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of 81.6%, 81.0%, 90.1% and 65.4%, respectively. The severity score of burning mouth symptom was significantly associated with the saliva pepsin concentration (rs = 0.263; p = 0.029) and the oral RSA (rs = 0.474; p = 0.007). CONCLUSION: Pepsin test is a valuable diagnostic approach for detecting LPR in patients with BMS. Patients with high level of saliva pepsin reported more severe burning mouth symptoms. Future studies are needed to confirm the role of LPR in the primary BMS.

Accuracy of ChatGPT-3.5 and -4 in providing scientific references in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Chatbot generative pre-trained transformer (ChatGPT) is a new artificial intelligence-powered language model of chatbot able to help otolaryngologists in practice and research. We investigated the accuracy of ChatGPT-3.5 and -4 in the referencing of manuscripts published in otolaryngology. METHODS: ChatGPT-3.5 and ChatGPT-4 were interrogated for providing references of the top-30 most cited papers in otolaryngology in the past 40 years including clinical guidelines and key studies that changed the practice. The responses were regenerated three times to assess the accuracy and stability of ChatGPT. ChatGPT-3.5 and ChatGPT-4 were compared for accuracy of reference and potential mistakes. RESULTS: The accuracy of ChatGPT-3.5 and ChatGPT-4.0 ranged from 47% to 60%, and 73% to 87%, respectively (p < 0.005). ChatGPT-3.5 provided 19 inaccurate references and invented 2 references throughout the regenerated questions. ChatGPT-4.0 provided 13 inaccurate references, while it proposed only one invented reference. The stability of responses throughout regenerated answers was mild (k = 0.238) and moderate (k = 0.408) for ChatGPT-3.5 and 4.0, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: ChatGPT-4.0 reported higher accuracy than the free-access version (3.5). False references were detected in both 3.5 and 4.0 versions. Practitioners need to be careful regarding the use of ChatGPT in the reach of some key reference when writing a report.

Validity and reliability of an instrument evaluating the performance of intelligent chatbot: the Artificial Intelligence Performance Instrument (AIPI).

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the reliability and validity of the Artificial Intelligence Performance Instrument (AIPI). METHODS: Medical records of patients consulting in otolaryngology were evaluated by physicians and ChatGPT for differential diagnosis, management, and treatment. The ChatGPT performance was rated twice using AIPI within a 7-day period to assess test-retest reliability. Internal consistency was evaluated using Cronbach's α. Internal validity was evaluated by comparing the AIPI scores of the clinical cases rated by ChatGPT and 2 blinded practitioners. Convergent validity was measured by comparing the AIPI score with a modified version of the Ottawa Clinical Assessment Tool (OCAT). Interrater reliability was assessed using Kendall's tau. RESULTS: Forty-five patients completed the evaluations (28 females). The AIPI Cronbach's alpha analysis suggested an adequate internal consistency (α = 0.754). The test-retest reliability was moderate-to-strong for items and the total score of AIPI (rs = 0.486, p = 0.001). The mean AIPI score of the senior otolaryngologist was significantly higher compared to the score of ChatGPT, supporting adequate internal validity (p = 0.001). Convergent validity reported a moderate and significant correlation between AIPI and modified OCAT (rs = 0.319; p = 0.044). The interrater reliability reported significant positive concordance between both otolaryngologists for the patient feature, diagnostic, additional examination, and treatment subscores as well as for the AIPI total score. CONCLUSIONS: AIPI is a valid and reliable instrument in assessing the performance of ChatGPT in ear, nose and throat conditions. Future studies are needed to investigate the usefulness of AIPI in medicine and surgery, and to evaluate the psychometric properties in these fields.

Exploring the potential of Chat-GPT as a supportive tool for sialendoscopy clinical decision making and patient information support.

INTRODUCTION: Sialendoscopy has emerged in the last decades as a groundbreaking technique, offering a minimally invasive approach for exploring and managing salivary gland disorders. More recently, the advent of chatbots, powered by advanced natural processing language and artificial intelligence algorithms, has revolutionized the way healthcare professionals and patients access and analyze medical information and potentially will support soon the clinical decision-making process. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective, cross-sectional study was designed to assess the level of agreement between Chat-GPT and 10 expert sialendoscopists aiming the capabilities of Chat-GPT to further improve the management of salivary gland disorders. RESULTS: The mean level of agreement was 3.4 (SD: 0.69; Min: 2, Max: 4) for Chat-GPT's answers while it was 4.1 (SD: 0.56; Min: 3, Max: 5) for the group of EESS (p < 0.015). The overall Wilcoxon signed-rank test yielded a significance level of p < 0.026 when comparing the level of agreement between Chat-GPT and EESS. The mean number of therapeutic alternatives suggested by Chat-GPT was 3.33 (SD: 1.2; Min: 2, Max: 5), while it was 2.6 (SD: 0.51; Min: 2, Max: 3) for the group of EESS; p = 0.286 (95% CI - 0.385 to 1.320). CONCLUSION: Chat-GPT represents a promising tool in the clinical decision-making process within the salivary gland clinic, particularly for patients who are candidates for sialendoscopy treatment. Additionally, it serves as a valuable source of information for patients. However, further development is necessary to enhance the reliability of these tools and ensure their safety and optimal use in the clinical setting.

Reliability of large language models for advanced head and neck malignancies management: a comparison between ChatGPT 4 and Gemini Advanced.

PURPOSE: This study evaluates the efficacy of two advanced Large Language Models (LLMs), OpenAI's ChatGPT 4 and Google's Gemini Advanced, in providing treatment recommendations for head and neck oncology cases. The aim is to assess their utility in supporting multidisciplinary oncological evaluations and decision-making processes. METHODS: This comparative analysis examined the responses of ChatGPT 4 and Gemini Advanced to five hypothetical cases of head and neck cancer, each representing a different anatomical subsite. The responses were evaluated against the latest National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines by two blinded panels using the total disagreement score (TDS) and the artificial intelligence performance instrument (AIPI). Statistical assessments were performed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and the Friedman test. RESULTS: Both LLMs produced relevant treatment recommendations with ChatGPT 4 generally outperforming Gemini Advanced regarding adherence to guidelines and comprehensive treatment planning. ChatGPT 4 showed higher AIPI scores (median 3 [2-4]) compared to Gemini Advanced (median 2 [2-3]), indicating better overall performance. Notably, inconsistencies were observed in the management of induction chemotherapy and surgical decisions, such as neck dissection. CONCLUSIONS: While both LLMs demonstrated the potential to aid in the multidisciplinary management of head and neck oncology, discrepancies in certain critical areas highlight the need for further refinement. The study supports the growing role of AI in enhancing clinical decision-making but also emphasizes the necessity for continuous updates and validation against current clinical standards to integrate AI into healthcare practices fully.

Reliability of large language models in managing odontogenic sinusitis clinical scenarios: a preliminary multidisciplinary evaluation.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the utility of large language model (LLM) artificial intelligence tools, Chat Generative Pre-Trained Transformer (ChatGPT) versions 3.5 and 4, in managing complex otolaryngological clinical scenarios, specifically for the multidisciplinary management of odontogenic sinusitis (ODS). METHODS: A prospective, structured multidisciplinary specialist evaluation was conducted using five ad hoc designed ODS-related clinical scenarios. LLM responses to these scenarios were critically reviewed by a multidisciplinary panel of eight specialist evaluators (2 ODS experts, 2 rhinologists, 2 general otolaryngologists, and 2 maxillofacial surgeons). Based on the level of disagreement from panel members, a Total Disagreement Score (TDS) was calculated for each LLM response, and TDS comparisons were made between ChatGPT3.5 and ChatGPT4, as well as between different evaluators. RESULTS: While disagreement to some degree was demonstrated in 73/80 evaluator reviews of LLMs' responses, TDSs were significantly lower for ChatGPT4 compared to ChatGPT3.5. Highest TDSs were found in the case of complicated ODS with orbital abscess, presumably due to increased case complexity with dental, rhinologic, and orbital factors affecting diagnostic and therapeutic options. There were no statistically significant differences in TDSs between evaluators' specialties, though ODS experts and maxillofacial surgeons tended to assign higher TDSs. CONCLUSIONS: LLMs like ChatGPT, especially newer versions, showed potential for complimenting evidence-based clinical decision-making, but substantial disagreement was still demonstrated between LLMs and clinical specialists across most case examples, suggesting they are not yet optimal in aiding clinical management decisions. Future studies will be important to analyze LLMs' performance as they evolve over time.

Is generative pre-trained transformer artificial intelligence (Chat-GPT) a reliable tool for guidelines synthesis? A preliminary evaluation for biologic CRSwNP therapy.

INTRODUCTION: Biologic therapies for Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP) have emerged as an auspicious treatment alternative. However, the ideal patient population, dosage, and treatment duration are yet to be well-defined. Moreover, biologic therapy has disadvantages, such as high costs and limited access. The proposal of a novel Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithm offers an intriguing solution for optimizing decision-making protocols. METHODS: The AI algorithm was initially programmed to conduct a systematic literature review searching for the current primary guidelines on biologics' clinical efficacy and safety in treating CRSwNP. The review included a total of 12 studies: 6 systematic reviews, 4 expert consensus guidelines, and 2 surveys. Simultaneously, two independent human researchers conducted a literature search to compare the results. Subsequently, the AI was tasked to critically analyze the identified papers, highlighting strengths and weaknesses, thereby creating a decision-making algorithm and pyramid flow chart. RESULTS: The studies evaluated various biologics, including monoclonal antibodies targeting Interleukin-5 (IL-5), IL-4, IL-13, and Immunoglobulin E (IgE), assessing their effectiveness in different patient populations, such as those with comorbid asthma or refractory CRSwNP. Dupilumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting the IL-4 receptor alpha subunit, demonstrated significant improvement in nasal symptoms and quality of life in patients with CRSwNP in several randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews. Similarly, mepolizumab and reslizumab, which target IL-5, have also shown efficacy in reducing nasal polyp burden and improving symptoms in patients with CRSwNP, particularly those with comorbid asthma. However, additional studies are required to confirm the long-term efficacy and safety of these biologics in treating CRSwNP. CONCLUSIONS: Biologic therapies have surfaced as a promising treatment option for patients with severe or refractory CRSwNP; however, the optimal patient population, dosage, and treatment duration are yet to be defined. The application of AI in decision-making protocols and the creation of therapeutic algorithms for biologic drug selection, could offer fascinating future prospects in the management of CRSwNP.

Validation of the Quality Analysis of Medical Artificial Intelligence (QAMAI) tool: a new tool to assess the quality of health information provided by AI platforms.

BACKGROUND: The widespread diffusion of Artificial Intelligence (AI) platforms is revolutionizing how health-related information is disseminated, thereby highlighting the need for tools to evaluate the quality of such information. This study aimed to propose and validate the Quality Assessment of Medical Artificial Intelligence (QAMAI), a tool specifically designed to assess the quality of health information provided by AI platforms. METHODS: The QAMAI tool has been developed by a panel of experts following guidelines for the development of new questionnaires. A total of 30 responses from ChatGPT4, addressing patient queries, theoretical questions, and clinical head and neck surgery scenarios were assessed by 27 reviewers from 25 academic centers worldwide. Construct validity, internal consistency, inter-rater and test-retest reliability were assessed to validate the tool. RESULTS: The validation was conducted on the basis of 792 assessments for the 30 responses given by ChatGPT4. The results of the exploratory factor analysis revealed a unidimensional structure of the QAMAI with a single factor comprising all the items that explained 51.1% of the variance with factor loadings ranging from 0.449 to 0.856. Overall internal consistency was high (Cronbach's alpha = 0.837). The Interclass Correlation Coefficient was 0.983 (95% CI 0.973-0.991; F (29,542) = 68.3; p < 0.001), indicating excellent reliability. Test-retest reliability analysis revealed a moderate-to-strong correlation with a Pearson's coefficient of 0.876 (95% CI 0.859-0.891; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The QAMAI tool demonstrated significant reliability and validity in assessing the quality of health information provided by AI platforms. Such a tool might become particularly important/useful for physicians as patients increasingly seek medical information on AI platforms.

Prevalence and 24-month recovery of olfactory dysfunction in COVID-19 patients: A multicentre prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence and recovery of olfactory dysfunction (OD) in COVID-19 patients 24 months after the infection. METHODS: From 22 March 2020 to 5 June 2022, 251 COVID-19 patients were followed in three European medical centres. Olfactory function was assessed with subjective patient-reported outcome questionnaires and odour identification tests at baseline, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months postinfection. The predictive values of epidemiological and clinical data were investigated with multivariate analysis. RESULTS: One hundred and seventy-one patients completed the evaluations. The odour identification test revealed that 123 patients (50.8%) had OD at baseline. The prevalence of persistent psychophysical abnormalities at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months post-COVID-19 was 24.2%, 17.9%, 5.8% and 2.9%, respectively (p = 0.001). Parosmia occurred in 40 patients (23.4%) and lasted 60 ± 119 days. At 2 years, 51 patients (29.8%) self reported that their olfaction was unnormalised. Older patients had better odour identification evaluations at baseline (p < 0.001) but those with OD reported lower odour identification test scores at the end of the follow-up. Parosmia occurred more frequently in young patients. The olfactory training was significantly associated with higher values of Sniffin' Sticks tests at 18 months postinfection (rs = 0.678; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Two years post-COVID-19, 29.8% of patients reported persistent OD, but only 2.9% had abnormal identification psychophysical evaluations.

Recovery from olfactory and gustatory dysfunction following COVID-19 acquired during Omicron BA.1 wave in Italy.

BACKGROUND: Despite alterations in the sense of smell and taste have dominated the symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection, the prevalence and the severity of self-reporting COVID-19 associated olfactory and gustatory dysfunction has dropped significantly with the advent of the Omicron BA.1 subvariant. However, data on the evolution of Omicron-related chemosensory impairment are still lacking. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to estimate the prevalence and the recovery rate of self-reported chemosensory dysfunction 6-month after SARS-CoV-2 infection acquired during the predominance of the Omicron BA.1 subvariant in Italy. METHODS: Prospective observational study based on the sino-nasal outcome tool 22 (SNOT-22), item "sense of smell or taste" and additional outcomes conducted in University hospitals and tertiary referral centers in Italy. RESULTS: Of 338 patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 completing the baseline survey, 294 (87.0 %) responded to the 6-month follow-up interview. Among them, 101 (34.4 %) and 4 (1.4 %) reported an altered sense of smell or taste at baseline and at 6 months, respectively. Among the 101 patients with COVID-19-associated smell or taste dysfunction during the acute phase of the disease, 97 (96.0 %) reported complete resolution at 6 months. The duration of smell or taste impairment was significantly shorter in vaccinated patients (p = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with that observed in subjects infected during the first wave of the pandemic, the recovery rate from chemosensory dysfunctions reported in the present series of patients infected during the predominance of the Omicron BA.1 subvariant was more favorable with a shorter duration being positively influenced by vaccination.

Effectiveness of olfactory training in COVID-19 patients with olfactory dysfunction: a prospective study.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate effectiveness of olfactory training (OT) in COVID-19 patients with persistent olfactory dysfunction (OD). METHODS: From March 2020 to March 2022, COVID-19 patients with OD were prospectively followed in three European medical centers for a period of 18 months. A standardized OT protocol were recommended to patients. Patient-reported outcome questionnaires and psychophysical evaluations were used to evaluate olfaction at baseline, 6, 12, and 18 months after the start of OT. The evolution of olfactory outcome was compared according to the adherence to the OT protocol. RESULTS: Fifty-seven patients completed the evaluations. Thirty-two patients fully adhered to the OT, while 25 did not adhere. The psychophysical scores significantly improved from baseline to 6-month post-infection in both groups. In the OT group, the psychophysical scores continued to significantly improve from 6 to 12 months after the start of OT (p = 0.032). The mean duration of OT was 15.4 weeks. The mean delay of patient recovery perception was comparable between groups (27.4 weeks). The occurrence of cacosmia (35.1%) and parosmia (43.9%) throughout the follow-up period was comparable between groups. There proportion of phantosmia was higher in training (34.4%) compared with no-OT (16.0%; p = 0.007) group. The baseline Sniffin'Sticks tests was positively associated with the 6-month Sniffin'Sticks tests (rs = 0.685; p < 0.001) and negatively associated with the time of recovery (rs = - 0.369; p = 0.034). CONCLUSIONS: The adherence to an OT protocol was associated with better mid-term improvement of psychophysical scores. Future large-cohort randomized-controlled studies are needed to confirm the effectiveness of OT in COVID-19 patients.

Comparison of prevalence and evolution of COVID-19 olfactory disorders in patients infected by D614 (wild) and B.1.1.7. Alpha variant: a brief report.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the prevalence and the evolution of olfactory disorders (OD) related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in patients infected during the first and the second European waves. METHODS: From March 2020 to October 2020, COVID-19 patients with OD were recruited and followed over the 12-month post-infection. The following data were collected: demographic, treatments, vaccination status, and olfactory function. Olfaction was assessed with the Olfactory Disorder Questionnaire (ODQ), and threshold, discrimination, and identification (TDI) test. Outcomes were compared between patients of the first wave (group 1: wild/D614G virus) and the second wave (group 2: B.1.1.7. Alpha variant) at 1-, 3- and 12-month post-infection. RESULTS: Sixty patients completed the evaluations accounting for 33 and 27 patients in group 1 and 2, respectively. The 1-month TDI score (23.7 ± 5.3) was significantly lower in group 2 compared to group 1 (29.8 ± 8.7; p = 0.017). Proportion of normosmic patients at 1-month post-infection was significantly higher in group 1 compared to group 2 (p = 0.009). TDI scores only significantly increased from 1- to 3-month post-infection in anosmic and hyposmic patients. Focusing on There was a negative association between the 1-month ODQ and the 1-month TDI (rs = - 0.493; p = 0.012). ODQ was a significant predictor of TDI scores at 3- and 12-month post-infection. The 12-month prevalence of parosmia was 60.6% in group 1 and 42.4% in group 2, respectively. There was no significant influence of oral corticosteroid treatment, adherence to an olfactory training and vaccination status on the olfactory outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Patients of the second wave (Alpha B.1.1.7. variant) reported significant higher proportion of psychophysical test abnormalities at 1-month post-infection than patients infected during the first wave (D614G virus).

Assessing the accuracy of ChatGPT references in head and neck and ENT disciplines.

PURPOSE: ChatGPT has gained popularity as a web application since its release in 2022. While artificial intelligence (AI) systems' potential in scientific writing is widely discussed, their reliability in reviewing literature and providing accurate references remains unexplored. This study examines the reliability of references generated by ChatGPT language models in the Head and Neck field. METHODS: Twenty clinical questions were generated across different Head and Neck disciplines, to prompt ChatGPT versions 3.5 and 4.0 to produce texts on the assigned topics. The generated references were categorized as "true," "erroneous," or "inexistent" based on congruence with existing records in scientific databases. RESULTS: ChatGPT 4.0 outperformed version 3.5 in terms of reference reliability. However, both versions displayed a tendency to provide erroneous/non-existent references. CONCLUSIONS: It is crucial to address this challenge to maintain the reliability of scientific literature. Journals and institutions should establish strategies and good-practice principles in the evolving landscape of AI-assisted scientific writing.

Evaluating long-term smell or taste dysfunction in mildly symptomatic COVID-19 patients: a 3-year follow-up study.

INTRODUCTION: No studies have reported data on 3-year prevalence and recovery rates of self-reported COVID-19-related olfactory and gustatory dysfunction. The aim of the present study was to estimate the 3-year prevalence and recovery rate of self-reported COVID-19-related chemosensory dysfunction in a cohort of patients with antecedent mild COVID-19. METHODS: This is a prospective observational study, measuring the prevalence of altered sense of smell or taste at follow-up and their variation from baseline, on adult patients consecutively assessed at Treviso and Trieste University Hospitals, who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA by polymerase chain reaction during March 2020. RESULTS: Overall, out of 403 respondents, 267 patients (66.3%) reported an altered sense of smell or taste (SNOT-22 > 0) at baseline, while 56 (13.9%), 29 (7.2%), and 21 (5.2%) reported such alterations at 6-24 months, 2 years, and 3 years, respectively. Among the 267 patients with COVID-19-associated smell or taste dysfunction at baseline, 246 (92.1%) reported complete resolution at 3 years. Of the patients who still experienced smell or taste dysfunction 2 years after COVID-19, 27.6% and 37.9% recovered completely and partially, respectively, at the 3-year follow-up. CONCLUSION: Among subjects with antecedent mildly symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection, the 3-year prevalence and recovery rate of COVID-19-related alteration in sense of smell or taste was 5% and 92%, respectively. In approximately two-thirds of patients experiencing chemosensory dysfunction still 2 years after COVID-19, it is still possible to observe a delayed complete or partial recovery after a period of 3 years, while the remaining one-third of individuals continues to have unchanged persistent chemosensory alteration.

Titanium Internal Fixator Removal in Maxillofacial Surgery: Is It Necessary? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Titanium plates and screws are essential devices in maxillofacial surgery since late 1980s, but despite their wide use there is no consensus in titanium internal fixators removal after bone healing. A systematic literature review and meta-analysis were conducted on seventeen retrospective studies. Effect size and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for plate removal (per plate and per patient) and for removal causes (infection, pain, screws complications, exposition, palpability). Odds ratio, 95% confidence intervals, and χ 2 test were measured for sex, smoking, and implant site. Heterogeneity was evaluated with Cochran and Inconstancy test. Obtained data were used to design Forest and Funnel plots. The aim of the study is to identify and clarify reasons and risk factors for plates and screws removal. Infection is the most frequent reason; the habit of tobacco usage and implant site (mandibula) are the main risk factors. The administration of antibiotic prophylaxis is essential, and patients must quit smoking before and after surgery. In conclusion there is no scientific evidence supporting the removal of internal devices as mandatory step of the postoperative procedure.

Long-term outcomes and cost-effectiveness of a magnet-based valve voice prosthesis for endoprosthesis leakage treatment.

PURPOSE: Tracheoesophageal speech is considered the gold standard for rehabilitation following total laryngectomy. The main reason of voice prosthesis failure is the endoprosthesis leakage. Provox ActiValve® incorporates a magnet-based valve system to achieve active closure of the valve to treat these leakages, with the drawback of being significantly more expensive. The aim of the study was to compare the Provox Vega® and Provox ActiValve® duration and costs in patients with replacements increase due to endoprosthetic leakage. METHODS: Prospective case-crossover study in laryngectomized patients with Provox Vega® and endoprosthesis leakage to whom a Provox ActiValve® was placed. Survival and possible factors that affect voice prosthesis were studied using Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox Proportional Hazards Regression. Cost-effectiveness analysis from the perspective of the Spanish Public National Health System with incremental cost-effectiveness calculation was performed. RESULTS: A total of 159 prostheses were evaluated. The most frequent reason for replacement was the endoprosthesis leakage (N = 129; 83.77%) in both models. The mean duration-time of Provox Vega® was 44.77 ± 2.82 days (CI 95%, 39.18-50.35; median 36 days), and 317.34 ± 116.8 days (CI 95% 86.66-548; median 286 days) for the Provox ActiValve® (p < 0.000). For every replacement not made thanks to the Provox ActiValve® there was saving of 133.97€ CONCLUSIONS: The Provox ActiValve® is a cost-effective solution in patients with increased prosthesis replacements due to endoprosthetic leakage, reducing the number of changes and cost compared to Provox Vega®.

Self-reported smell and taste recovery in coronavirus disease 2019 patients: a one-year prospective study.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to estimate the 1 year prevalence and recovery rate of self-reported chemosensory dysfunction in a series of subjects with previous mild-to-moderate symptomatic COVID-19. METHODS: Prospective study based on the SNOT-22, item "sense of smell or taste" and additional outcomes. RESULTS: 268/315 patients (85.1%) completing the survey at baseline also completed the follow-up interview. The 12 months prevalence of self-reported COVID-19 associated chemosensory dysfunction was 21.3% (95% CI 16.5-26.7%). Of the 187 patients who complained of COVID-19 associated chemosensory dysfunction at baseline, 130 (69.5%; 95% CI 62.4-76.0%) reported complete resolution of smell or taste impairment, 41 (21.9%) reported a decrease in the severity, and 16 (8.6%) reported the symptom was unchanged or worse 1 year after onset. The risk of persistence was higher for patients reporting a baseline SNOT-22 score ≥ 4 (OR = 3.32; 95% CI 1.32-8.36) as well as for those requiring ≥ 22 days for a negative swab (OR = 2.18; 95% CI 1.12-4.27). CONCLUSION: A substantial proportion of patients with previous mild-to-moderate symptomatic COVID-19 characterized by new onset of chemosensory dysfunction still complained on altered sense of smell or taste 1 year after the onset.

Correlations between IL-6 serum level and olfactory dysfunction severity in COVID-19 patients: a preliminary study.

BACKGROUND: Interleukin 6 (IL-6) is a proinflammatory cytokine that is secreted by cells infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and it is widely recognized as a negative prognostic factor. The purpose of this study was to analyze the correlations between the olfactory scores determined by psychophysical tests and the serum levels of IL-6 in patients affected by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) METHODS: Patients underwent psychophysical olfactory assessment with Connecticut Chemosensory Clinical Research Center test and IL-6 plasma level determination within 10 days of the clinical onset of COVID-19. RESULTS: Seventy-four COVID-19 patients were included in this study. COVID-19 staged as mild in 34 patients, moderate in 26 and severe in 14 cases. There were no significant differences in olfactory scores across the different COVID-19 severity groups. In the patient series, the median plasma level of IL-6 was 7.7 pg/mL (IQR 3.7-18.8). The concentration of IL-6 was found to be significantly correlated with the severity of COVID-19 with a directly proportional relationship. The correlation between IL-6 plasma concentrations and olfactory scores was weak (rs = 0.182) and not significant (p = 0.12). CONCLUSIONS: In COVID-19 patients, psychophysical olfactory scores did not show significant correlations with the plasma levels of a well-recognized negative prognostic factor such as IL-6. This observation casts some shadows on the positive prognostic value of olfactory dysfunctions.