Publications by authors named "Pitaro N"

Background: Tobacco carcinogens have adverse effects on bone health and are associated with inferior outcomes following orthopedic procedures. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact tobacco use has on readmission and complication rates following shoulder arthroplasty.

Methods: The 2016-2018 National Readmissions Database was queried to identify patients who underwent anatomical, reverse, and hemi-shoulder arthroplasty.

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Article Synopsis
  • This study investigated sleep disturbances in patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty (TJA) and tracked changes over three months post-surgery, focusing on how preoperative sleep condition influences recovery.
  • Results showed that the percentage of patients reporting normal sleep increased from 54.8% preoperatively to 71.8% by three months, with specific patterns in sleep quality changes depending on initial sleep issues.
  • Key findings indicated that patients who had moderate to severe preoperative sleep impairment experienced significant improvement in sleep by two weeks post-surgery, and those having total hip arthroplasty were more likely to see notable sleep enhancements.
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The Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemics, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronaviruses, SARS-CoV-2, represent an unprecedented public health challenge. Beside person-to-person contagion via airborne droplets and aerosol, which is the main SARS-CoV-2's route of transmission, alternative modes, including transmission via fomites, food and food packaging, have been investigated for their potential impact on SARS-CoV-2 diffusion. In this context, several studies have demonstrated the persistence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA and, in some cases, of infectious particles on exposed fomites, food and water samples, confirming their possible role as sources of contamination and transmission.

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Rationale: Preoperative patient education through 'joint class' has potential to improve quality of care for total joint replacement (TJR). However, no formal guidance exists regarding curriculum content, potentially resulting in inter-institutional variation.

Objective: We aimed to (a) synthesize curriculum components of 'joint classes' across high-volume institutions and (b) develop a preliminary theory of change model for development and evaluation guided by the existing curricula and related literature.

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Study Design: This was a retrospective case-control study.

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate whether prior emergency department admission was associated with an increased risk for 90-day readmission following elective cervical spinal fusion.

Summary Of Background Data: The incidence of cervical spine fusion reoperations has increased, necessitating the improvement of patient outcomes following surgery.

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Article Synopsis
  • * Data was gathered from 1,799 surgeons by cross-referencing directories and review sites, focusing on demographics, star ratings, and written feedback.
  • * Results show that female surgeons received lower ratings and sentiment scores compared to male surgeons, while younger surgeons had higher star ratings; common positive terms included "Care" and "Kind," while negative reviews often mentioned "Pain" and "Rude."
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Background: Provider-run "joint classes" educate total joint arthroplasty (TJA) patients on how to best prepare for surgery and maximize recovery. There is no research on potential healthcare inequities in the context of joint classes or on the impact of the recent shift toward telehealth due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Using data from a large metropolitan health system, we aimed to (1) identify demographic patterns in prepandemic joint class attendance and (2) understand the impact of telehealth on attendance.

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Study Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Objectives: Spinal epidural abscess (SEA) is a rare but potentially life-threatening infection treated with antimicrobials and, in most cases, immediate surgical decompression. Previous studies comparing medical and surgical management of SEA are low powered and limited to a single institution.

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Outcomes for adult spinal deformity continue to improve as new technologies become integrated into clinical practice. Machine learning, robot-guided spinal surgery, and patientspecific rods are tools that are being used to improve preoperative planning and patient satisfaction. Machine learning can be used to predict complications, readmissions, and generate postoperative radiographs which can be shown to patients to guide discussions about surgery.

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Methods to enhance the ergogenic effects of music are of interest to athletes of all abilities. The aim of this pilot study was to investigate the ergogenic effects of two commercially available methods of music augmentation: auditory beats and vibrotactile stimulation. Six male and five female cyclists/triathletes cycled for 7 minutes at three different intensities: a rate of perceived exertion (RPE) of 11 ("light"), RPE of 15 ("hard"), and a 7-minute time-trial.

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Forty-three female patients with systemic sclerosis divided into subgroups based on the extent of skin involvement and the presence of calcinosis, and 50 sex and age-matched healthy controls were investigated for bone mineral density (BMD) on the basis of radial (dual photon absorptiometry, Osteograph, NIM), lumbar, and total body measurements (dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, Lunar DPX, Lunar Corp.), and for parameters of calcium metabolism. The patients showed a lower BMD (mean +/- SD; mg/cm2) than the controls at the radial (313 +/- 69 vs 347 +/- 73; p < 0.

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In order to evaluate the nature and association of audiovestibular disturbances and systemic sclerosis (SSC), 37 unselected SSC patients were studied with a detailed audiological and vestibular examination since November, 1987. Pure-tone audiometry, speech audiometry, impedance audiometry, brainstem response audiometry and vestibular function using electronystagmographic recording were performed. We found a rather frequent audiovestibular involvement (41%).

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