Publications by authors named "Hothem Z"
Unlabelled: Obtaining informed consent for commonly performed ICU procedures is often compromised by variability in communication styles and inadequate verbal descriptions of anatomic concepts. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of an audiovisual module in improving the baseline knowledge of ICU procedures among patients and their caregivers.
Design: Prospective, observational study.
There is variation in the responsiveness of locally advanced rectal cancer to neoadjuvant chemoradiation, from complete response to total resistance. This study compared genetic variation in rectal cancer patients who had a complete response to chemoradiation versus poor response, using tumor tissue samples sequenced with genomics analysis software. Rectal cancer patients treated with chemoradiation and proctectomy June 2006-March 2017 were grouped based on response to chemoradiation: those with no residual tumor after surgery (CR, complete responders, AJCC-CPR tumor grade 0, n = 8), and those with poor response (PR, AJCC-CPR tumor grade two or three on surgical resection, n = 8).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIntroduction: Melanoma is a highly aggressive malignancy and is currently one of the fastest growing cancers worldwide. While early stage (I and II) disease is highly curable with excellent prognosis, mortality rates rise dramatically after distant spread. We sought to identify differences in the metabolome of melanoma patients to further elucidate the pathophysiology of melanoma and identify potential biomarkers to aid in earlier detection of recurrence.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- Many physicians lack experience in using ultrasound for procedures due to the absence of formal training in medical schools and residency programs.
- An affordable ultrasound training curriculum was developed that involves a didactic session and a practice model with a gelatin substrate mimicking anatomic structures.
- Testing the model with 50 medical students and residents showed high success rates with the procedures (e.g. 84% successful cyst aspiration) and overall confidence in using ultrasound, suggesting it effectively boosts competency in ultrasound-guided techniques.
Article Synopsis
- The study aimed to create a cost-effective, reusable gelatin model for training medical students and residents in ultrasound-guided catheter placement in the paravertebral space.
- The model features an embedded foam thoracic spine with ribs, designed to be easily refilled with gelatin, allowing multiple participants to practice without interference from previous use.
- Results showed that the model effectively mimicked real tissue characteristics, helping improve participants' confidence and skills in using ultrasound for catheter insertion.
Background: Increased longevity has led to more nonagenarians undergoing elective surgery. Development of predictive models for hospital readmission may identify patients who benefit from preoperative optimization and postoperative transition of care intervention. Our goal was to identify significant predictors of 30-d readmission in nonagenarians undergoing elective surgery.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMost melanomas present as thin lesions (≤1.0 mm) with a good prognosis; however, a small percentage of patients with thin lesions experience recurrence or metastasis. The aim of our study was to identify a distinct pattern of gene expression within thin melanomas known to have eventually metastasized to regional lymph nodes or distant sites compared with those that followed the typical course with good response to wide local excision alone.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: In 2012, Michigan repealed its universal helmet law. Our study assessed the clinical impact of this repeal.
Methods: Our trauma database was queried retrospectively for 2 motorcycle riding seasons before and 3 seasons after repeal.