Diabetes detection from non-diabetic retinopathy fundus images using deep learning methodology.

Diabetes is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the United States and worldwide. Traditionally, diabetes detection from retinal images has been performed only using relevant retinopathy indications. This research aimed to develop an artificial intelligence (AI) machine learning model which can detect the presence of diabetes from fundus imagery of eyes without any diabetic eye disease.

Adverse obstetric outcomes in cases of meconium-stained amniotic fluid complicated with intrapartum fever.

Purpose: Meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) often signifies colonization of the amniotic sac by microorganisms. This study investigated additional adverse obstetric outcomes associated with MSAF in deliveries complicated by maternal intrapartum fever (IF).

Methods: This retrospective study included all singleton pregnancies from 2014 to 2020, with intrapartum maternal fever ≥ 38 °C during a trial of labor.

Smoking reduction using an electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) with nicotine delivery similar to combustible cigarettes.

Background: Electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) offer a promising approach to tobacco harm reduction, but many people use both ENDS and combustible cigarettes ("dual use"), which undermines potential risk reduction. To explore the role of ENDS nicotine delivery in promoting switching to ENDS, we conducted a study in which people who smoked cigarettes were offered an ENDS that had previously been shown to replicate the rapid nicotine pharmacokinetics of combustible cigarettes (BIDI Stick).

Methods: Twenty-five cigarette smoking adults, not seeking smoking cessation treatment, but open to using ENDS as a cigarette substitute, were provided with a 12-week supply of BIDI Stick in tobacco or menthol flavors, during a study that included seven biweekly sessions and a 6-month follow-up.

Pre-Operative Planning of a DCR Surgery Using Virtual Reality.

Purpose: To assess a novel Virtual Reality (VR) tool designed to enhance understanding of the nasal anatomy in patients eligible for DCR surgery.

Methods: Preoperative Computed Tomography (CT) scans of the orbit were obtained and loaded as DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) files onto the D2P software (3D Systems Inc. Littleton, CO) for tissue segmentation and 3D model preparation.

Effect of Flavored on! Nicotine Pouch Products on Smoking Behaviors: Protocol for a Sequential, Multiple Assignment, Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Cigarette smoking is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. For adults who smoke cigarettes and cannot or will not quit smoking, smoke-free products, such as nicotine pouches, have been recognized as a potential alternative to smoking combusted cigarettes to reduce harm due to cigarette smoking. The role of flavors in these smoke-free products in tobacco harm reduction has not been fully understood.

Pneumatic displacement with intravitreal tPA injection versus vitrectomy with sub retinal tPA injection in small and medium sub macular hemorrhages- a multicenter comparative study.

Purpose: Comparing between the visual outcomes and post operative complications of two surgical treatments for sub macular hemorrhage, pars plana vitrectomy with tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) injection procedure, and pneumatic displacement of submacular hemorrhage with intravitreal tPA injection.

Methods: A retrospective chart review of patients with sub macular hemorrhage (SMH) was performed. Data was collected from 150 patients with sub macular hemorrhage.

Does decreased fetal growth estimation in the appropriate for gestational age range affect delivery outcomes?

Purpose: To study the effect of decreased estimated fetal weight (EFW) percentiles in appropriate for gestational age fetuses.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study included women who had second and third trimester ultrasound examinations. Delivery and neonatal outcomes of pregnancies with decreased EFW of ≥  30 percentiles in EFW between ultrasound examinations (decreased growth group) and those without such a decrease (control group) were compared.

Phytocannabinoids Reduce Inflammation of Primed Macrophages and Enteric Glial Cells: An In Vitro Study.

Intestinal inflammation is mediated by a subset of cells populating the intestine, such as enteric glial cells (EGC) and macrophages. Different studies indicate that phytocannabinoids could play a possible role in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) by relieving the symptoms involved in the disease. Phytocannabinoids act through the endocannabinoid system, which is distributed throughout the mammalian body in the cells of the immune system and in the intestinal cells.

Do neonatal birth weight thresholds for labor dystocia outcomes differ between short and normal stature women?

Objective: To determine if there is a correlation between maternal short stature and neonatal birth weight among women with adverse outcomes related to labor dystocia.

Methods: The medical records of singleton deliveries with adverse obstetric outcomes related to labor dystocia during 2014-2020, in a single tertiary center, were reviewed. Outcomes included at least one of the following: cesarean delivery (CD) due to cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD), prolonged second stage, shoulder dystocia, third- or fourth-degree perineal tear.

Are reduced fetal movements "merely" a maternal perception or truly a reflection of umbilical cord complications? A clinical trial.

Objective: To characterize obstetric outcomes and the association with umbilical cord (UC) complications among women complaining of reduced fetal movements (RFMs).

Methods: This retrospective cohort compared women with a perception of RFMs within 2 weeks prior to delivery with women who reported no changes in fetal movements in terms of maternal characteristics and neonatal outcomes. A primary outcome of UC complications at delivery was defined.

Bloody Amniotic Fluid and Neonatal Outcomes.

Information on the effect of bloody amniotic fluid during labor at term is scarce. This study assessed risk factors and adverse outcomes in labors with bloody amniotic fluid. During the six years of this study, all nulliparas in our institution, with a trial of labor, were included.

The Impact of Total Deceleration Area and Fetal Growth on Neonatal Acidemia in Vacuum Extraction Deliveries.

We aimed to investigate the correlation between total deceleration area (TDA), neonatal birthweight and neonatal acidemia in vacuum extractions (VEs). This is a retrospective study in a tertiary hospital, including VE performed due to non-reassuring fetal heart rate (NRFHR). Electronic fetal monitoring during the 120 min preceding delivery was interpreted by two obstetricians who were blinded to neonatal outcomes.

Can Natural Language Processing Improve Adnexal Torsion Predictions?

Study Objective: To create a decision support tool based on machine learning algorithms and natural language processing (NLP) technology, to augment clinicians' ability to predict cases of suspected adnexal torsion.

Design: Retrospective cohort study SETTING: Gynecology department, university-affiliated teaching medical center, 2014-2022.

Patients: This study assessed risk-factors for adnexal torsion among women managed surgically for suspected adnexal torsion based on clinical and sonographic data.

Risk factors for retained placenta in a first pregnancy-A clinical trial.

Objective: To evaluate potential risk factors for retained placenta in a first pregnancy.

Method: This retrospective case-control study included all primigravida with a singleton, live, vaginal birth at 24 weeks or later, at a tertiary hospital, 2014-2020. The cohort was divided into those with retained placenta versus controls.

Head Injuries Related to Birth Trauma in Low Birthweight Neonates During Vacuum Extraction.

Preterm delivery (gestational age < 34 w) is a relative contraindication to vacuum extraction. Current data do not differentiate clearly between preterm delivery and low birthweight. We aimed to evaluate the impact of non-metal vacuum cup extraction on neonatal head injuries related to birth trauma in newborns with low birthweights (< 2500 g).

Vacuum-assisted delivery outcomes: is advanced maternal age a factor?

Purpose: This study evaluated age-related maternal outcomes of vacuum-assisted vaginal deliveries (VAD).

Methods: This retrospective cohort study included all nulliparous women with singleton VAD in one academic institution. Study group parturients were maternal age ≥ 35 years and controls < 35.

Impact of Thin Meconium on Delivery and Early Neonatal Outcomes.

Several reports regarding the effects of thin meconium on maternal and neonatal outcomes are contradictory. This study evaluated the risk factors and obstetrical outcomes during deliveries complicated with thin meconium. This retrospective cohort study included all women with a singleton pregnancy, who underwent trial of labor >24 weeks of gestation, in a single tertiary center, over a six-year period.

Long-term retinal changes after strabismus surgery, suspected signs of past scleral perforations.

Purpose: Scleral perforation during strabismus surgery is considered a rare complication that usually results in no significant consequences. The true rate of such occurrences is difficult to evaluate due to the young age of most patients and the occult nature of most events. This study aimed to evaluate long-term retinal changes under the suture areas in patients post-strabismus surgery as presumed signs indicating past undiscovered scleral perforations.