Evaluating the utility of large language models in generating search strings for systematic reviews in anesthesiology: a comparative analysis of top-ranked journals.

Background: This study evaluated the effectiveness of large language models (LLMs), specifically ChatGPT 4o and a custom-designed model, Meta-Analysis Librarian, in generating accurate search strings for systematic reviews (SRs) in the field of anesthesiology.

Methods: We selected 85 SRs from the top 10 anesthesiology journals, according to Web of Science rankings, and extracted reference lists as benchmarks. Using study titles as input, we generated four search strings per SR: three with ChatGPT 4o using general prompts and one with the Meta-Analysis Librarian model, which follows a structured, Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcome-based approach aligned with Cochrane Handbook standards.

The gender gap in academic anesthesiology and critical care medicine: a systematic review.

Purpose: Gender disparities in academia are a growing concern, impacting various disciplines, including health care. We aimed to investigate gender-based differences in academic performance, leadership roles, and academic distinction within anesthesiology and critical care medicine.

Source: We conducted electronic searches for relevant articles published in PubMed, CENTRAL, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, Education Resources Information Center, PsychINFO, and ProQuest from database inception until 23 June 2024.

Intraoperative extracorporeal support for lung transplant: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

Background: In the last decades, veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-A ECMO) has been gaining in popularity for intraoperative support during lung transplant (LT), being advocated for routinely use also in uncomplicated cases. Compared to off-pump strategy and, secondarily, to traditional cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), V-A ECMO seems to offer a better hemodynamic stability and oxygenation, while data regarding blood product transfusions, postoperative recovery, and mortality remain unclear. This systematic review and network meta-analysis aims to evaluate the comparative efficacy and safety of V-A ECMO and CPB as compared to OffPump strategy during LT.

Inhaled antibiotics for treating pneumonia in invasively ventilated patients in intensive care unit: a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials with trial sequential analysis.

Background: The use of inhaled antibiotics for treating pneumonia in invasively ventilated patients offers a direct approach, allowing for high local concentrations of the drug in the lower respiratory tract while simultaneously reducing systemic toxicity. However, the real efficacy and safety of nebulized antibiotics remain unclear. The aim of the present is to assess among critically adult patients with pneumonia and invasive ventilation, whether receiving adjuvant inhaled antibiotics improves the rate of microbiological eradication.

Gender Disparity in Surgical Research: An Analysis of Authorship in Randomized Controlled Trials.

Introduction: Despite increasing female representation in medical fields, women remain underrepresented in high-impact authorship positions. This study examines gender disparities in authorship of randomized controlled trials in general surgery journals over the past 20 y.

Methods: Utilizing PubMed and the Journal Citation Reports (Clarivate, 2023), we identified 8810 randomized controlled trials from 117 surgery journals, filtering down to 5694 studies for final analysis.

Maximum extension and regression rate of cutaneous sensory block obtained with the external oblique intercostal block or the modified thoracoabdominal nerves block through perichondrial approach in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Background: Several studies demonstrate that both external oblique ıntercostal block (EOIB) and modified thoracoabdominal nerves block through perichondrial approach (M-TAPA) contribute to analgesia in the anterior abdomen by targeting the thoracoabdominal nerves through distinct pathways. However, the sensory assessment and dermatomal analysis remain poorly understood.

Methods: This prospective observational study aimed to determine the sensory assessment and dermatomal regression rate of EOIB and M-TAPA in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Ultrasound-guided fascial plane blocks in chronic pain: a narrative review.

Background: Recent studies have unveiled the intricate and distinctive nature of fascia, no longer regarding it solely as a muscle container. Recent research highlights its complex innervation and structure, signifying its significance in chronic pain pathways.

Methods: We conducted a systematic literature search (updated on February 2024) to evaluate the role of fascial plane blocks in chronic pain treatment.

Anesthetic Management of Acute Ischemic Stroke Undergoing Mechanical Thrombectomy: An Overview.

Ischemic stroke, caused by the interruption of the blood supply to the brain, requires prompt medical intervention to prevent irreversible damage. Anesthetic management is pivotal during surgical treatments like mechanical thrombectomy, where precise strategies ensure patient safety and procedural success. This narrative review highlights key aspects of anesthetic management in ischemic stroke, focusing on preoperative evaluation, anesthetic choices, and intraoperative care.

The state of artificial intelligence in medical research: A survey of corresponding authors from top medical journals.

Natural Language Processing (NLP) is a subset of artificial intelligence that enables machines to understand and respond to human language through Large Language Models (LLMs)‥ These models have diverse applications in fields such as medical research, scientific writing, and publishing, but concerns such as hallucination, ethical issues, bias, and cybersecurity need to be addressed. To understand the scientific community's understanding and perspective on the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in research and authorship, a survey was designed for corresponding authors in top medical journals. An online survey was conducted from July 13th, 2023, to September 1st, 2023, using the SurveyMonkey web instrument, and the population of interest were corresponding authors who published in 2022 in the 15 highest-impact medical journals, as ranked by the Journal Citation Report.

Anesthesiologists ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia core curriculum: a Delphi consensus from Italian regional anesthesia experts.

Introduction: The need for a standardized core curriculum in regional anesthesia has become essential, particularly with the integration of ultrasound revolutionizing and exponentially increasing clinical practice and possibilities. In fact, numerous novel techniques, often overlapping, can confuse practitioners. This study aims to establish a core curriculum for upper limb, lower limb, paraspinal and fascial plane blocks for residency training, addressing potential educational gaps caused by the multitude of techniques, through a Delphi consensus process involving recognized Italian regional anesthesia experts.