Effect of participation in the annual Immuno-oncology Young Investigators’ Forum (IOYIF) on the competency and performance of young researchers.

2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 11021-11021
Author(s):  
Joan B. Fowler ◽  
Bryan Carson Taylor ◽  
Susan H. Gitzinger ◽  
Vanessa Carranza

11021 Background: Advancing the fight against cancer involves many types of research across different disciplines and professions, from PhD-trained scientists to medical oncology physicians. The IOYIF is a competitive academic research program where oncology junior faculty, clinical and post-doctoral fellows who are pursuing a career in academic research in IO are invited to submit an abstract of their unpublished, original research to a panel of expert judges for assessment. Methods: Performance and confidence change were objectively assessed by analyzing pre- and post-test results before and after the presentation of research. Statistical testing between pre- and post-participation were conducted via chi square analysis with a priori significance set at 0.05. Results: Participants experienced an improvement in mean abstract score following participation in the forum. The mean abstract score improvement was statistically significant for All Participants ( P< 0.001) and all sub-groups ( P< 0.001), with the sole exception of Clinician Scientists. Overall, PhD/Postdoctoral Research participants demonstrated the most improvement. The mean abstract score improvement was statistically significant for those who attended presentation coaching ( P< 0.001) as well as for those that did not ( P= 0.001); the magnitude of improvement was greater among those who attended coaching. Participant self-reported mean confidence scores increased with statistical significance from pre- to post-participation in the forum ( P< 0.001); this increase was noted across all participants and all sub-groups, and was observed in relation to both presentation skills and research defense. Young Investigators reported that lack of experience with grant writing is the most significant barrier they face to obtaining grant funding; they also listed lack of mentorship/guidance in publishing as a prominent barrier. Conclusions: This analysis demonstrates that an IO research forum designed for young investigators can improve the performance and confidence of these scientists. These findings highlight the robust, multifaceted impact of the IOYIF on advancing the professional development of the next generation of IO researchers. Identification of barriers demonstrates the tangible value of the IOYIF in providing needed mentorship to further research efforts, deliver axioms of grant writing guidance, and bridge the gap young researchers face in obtaining funding and publishing their work.

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jon C. Schommer ◽  
Paul D. Tieger ◽  
Anthony W. Olson ◽  
Lawrence M. Brown

Objective: The objective of this study was to explore if characteristics of personality type (using the Preferred Communication Style Questionnaire) are associated with activities people prefer for getting adequate exercise, losing weight, managing stress, quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, and taking medications as prescribed. Methods: The data source for this study was the 2016 National Consumer Survey of the Medication Experience and Pharmacists’ Roles. Data were collected via an on-line, self-administered survey conducted from March 14-30, 2016. Data were obtained from 10,500 adults residing in the United States. Chi-square analysis was used for making comparisons between categories of personality types and how respondents believed they could best reach their personal goals. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Practical significance was set at five or more percentage points above or below the overall mean. Results: Findings showed that (1) there are key differences between individuals that impact their behavior and (2) these differences can be easily and accurately identified using the Preferred Communication Style Questionnaire. The findings supported the notion that individuals are more likely to experience success in changing health-risk behaviors if they engage in activities that are consistent with (i) how they are energized, (ii) the kind of information they naturally notice, (iii) how they prefer to make decisions, and (iv) their preferences to live in a more structured way or in a more spontaneous way. Conclusions: Personality type characteristics can be used to develop and implement successful change strategies and intervention tools, such as individualized wellness plans (IWPTM) that help promote intention stability, create implementation intention, resist situational pressure, reduce the impact of past habits on future performances, and improve change maintenance. Conflict of Interest We declare no conflicts of interest or financial interests that the authors or members of their immediate families have in any product or service discussed in the manuscript, including grants (pending or received), employment, gifts, stock holdings or options, honoraria, consultancies, expert testimony, patents and royalties.   Type: Original Research


2019 ◽  
Vol 44 (5) ◽  
pp. 452-458 ◽  
Author(s):  
R Arif ◽  
JB Dennison ◽  
D Garcia ◽  
P Yaman

SUMMARY Statement of Problem: The long-term effect of the presence of porcelain laminate veneers (PLVs) on the health of the surrounding gingival issues is not available in the restorative literature. Purpose: To assess the long-term effect of PLVs on the health of the surrounding gingival tissues. A secondary aim was to correlate gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) scores with clinical parameters used for gingival health assessment in teeth treated with PLVs. Methods and Materials: Patients who received PLVs placed at the Graduate Restorative Clinic within a seven- to 14-year period were recalled for clinical evaluations. Periodontal measurements including gingival index (GI), periodontal pocket depth (PPD), gingival recession (GR), and clinical attachment level (CAL) were measured using a standard probe and indices. Gingival Crevicular Fluid (GCF) was measured with a Periotron machine (Periotron 8000, Oraflow Inc), using Periopaper (Periopaper Gingival Fluid Collection Strip, Oraflow Inc.) for fluid collection. Photographs of any observed clinical defect were taken. Data were tabulated using Excel 2010 (Microsoft Corp). Statistical analysis for all descriptive statistics was performed using SPSS 21 (SPSS Software, IBM Corp.) and Stata SE 13 (Stata Software, StataCorp). Repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was done to test for statistical significance of the mean pocket depths between the restored and unrestored surfaces of the veneered teeth. The significance level for all tests was p&lt;0.05. Pearson's correlation coefficient was performed for testing statistical significance between GCF and GI and between GCF and PPD. Results: The frequency distribution of the GI included 47 PLVs (43%) with normal gingiva, 16 (15%) with mild inflammation, and 46 (42%) with moderate inflammation and bleeding on probing. The average PPD on the facial surface of the maxillary and mandibular PLVs was 2.17 mm and 2.16 mm, respectively. On the lingual surface, the average PPD was 2.10 mm for maxillary and 2.22 mm for mandibular PLVs. Gingival recession was seen in 27% of the evaluated PLVs. The repeated-measures ANOVA revealed p≥0.136, showing no statistical difference in the mean pocket depths between restored facial and unrestored lingual surfaces of the veneered teeth. A moderate correlation (r=0.407) was found between GCF and GI, which was significant at p&lt;0.001. No correlation (r=0.124) was found between GCF and PPD, which was not significant at p=0.197. Conclusions: Gingival response to the evaluated PLVs was in the satisfactory range, with overall GI scores ranging between normal and moderate inflammation, pocket depths ranging from 1 to 2 mm, and recession present in 27% of the evaluated PLVs. No statistically significant difference was found between the mean pocket depths of the restored and unrestored surfaces of veneered teeth (p≥0.136). A moderate correlation was found between GCF and GI.


2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth K. Parker ◽  
Sahrish S. Faruquie ◽  
Gail Anderson ◽  
Linette Gomes ◽  
Andrew Kennedy ◽  
...  

Introduction. This study examines weight gain and assesses complications associated with refeeding hospitalised adolescents with restrictive eating disorders (EDs) prescribed initial calories above current recommendations.Methods. Patients admitted to an adolescent ED structured “rapid refeeding” program for >48 hours and receiving ≥2400 kcal/day were included in a 3-year retrospective chart review.Results. The mean (SD) age of the 162 adolescents was 16.7 years (0.9), admission % median BMI was 80.1% (10.2), and discharge % median BMI was 93.1% (7.0). The mean (SD) starting caloric intake was 2611.7 kcal/day (261.5) equating to 58.4 kcal/kg (10.2). Most patients (92.6%) were treated with nasogastric tube feeding. The mean (SD) length of stay was 3.6 weeks (1.9), and average weekly weight gain was 2.1 kg (0.8). No patients developed cardiac signs of RFS or delirium; complications included 4% peripheral oedema, 1% hypophosphatemia (<0.75 mmol/L), 7% hypomagnesaemia (<0.70 mmol/L), and 2% hypokalaemia (<3.2 mmol/L). Caloric prescription on admission was associated with developing oedema (95% CI 1.001 to 1.047;p=0.039). No statistical significance was found between electrolytes and calories provided during refeeding.Conclusion. A rapid refeeding protocol with the inclusion of phosphate supplementation can safely achieve rapid weight restoration without increased complications associated with refeeding syndrome.


Author(s):  
Gopal Krishna ◽  
Varun Aggarwal ◽  
Ishwar Singh

Abstract Introduction Traumatic brain injury (TBI) affects the coagulation pathway in a distinct way than does extracranial trauma. The extent of coagulation abnormalities varies from bleeding diathesis to disseminated thrombosis. Design Prospective study. Methods The study included 50 patients of isolated TBI with cohorts of moderate (MHI) and severe head injury (SHI). Coagulopathy was graded according to the values of parameters in single laboratory. The incidence of coagulopathy according to the severity of TBI and correlation with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) score, platelets, prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), D-dimer, and fibrinogen was observed. The comparison was also made between expired and discharged patients within each group. It also compared coagulation derailments with clinical presentation (Glasgow Coma Scale [GCS]) and outcome (Glasgow Outcome Scale [GOS]). Results Road traffic accident was the primary (72%) mode of injury. Fifty-two percent had MHI and rest had SHI. Eighty-four percent of cases were managed conservatively. The mean GCS was 12.23 and 5.75 in MHI and SHI, respectively. Sixty-two percent of MHI and 96% of the patients with SHI had coagulation abnormalities. On statistical analysis, DIC score (p < 0.001) strongly correlated with the severity of head injury and GOS. PT and APTT were also significantly associated with the severity of TBI. In patients with moderate TBI, D-dimer and platelet counts showed association with clinical outcome. Fibrinogen levels did not show any statistical significance. The mean platelet counts remained normal in both the groups of TBI. The mean GOS was 1.54 and 4.62 in SHI and MHI, respectively. Conclusion Coagulopathy is common in isolated TBI. The basic laboratory parameters are reliable predictors of coagulation abnormalities in TBI. Coagulopathy is directly associated with the severity of TBI, GCS, and poor outcome.


2021 ◽  
Vol 80 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 923.4-924
Author(s):  
H. Hachfi ◽  
D. Khalifa ◽  
M. Brahem ◽  
N. Ben Chekaya ◽  
M. Younes

Background:Knee osteoarthritis and obesity are both major health problems. It is now admitted that the prevalence of knee osteoarthritis gets higher with obesity and that weight loss helps knee function and allows patients to avoid surgery.Objectives:The aim of this study was to study the influence of obesity on knee osteoarthritis features.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted in the university hospital Taher Sfar of Tunisia over a period of 6 months. Patients who had knee osteoarthritis confirmed by radiographs were included. Sociodemographic, clinical, radiological and therapeutic data were collected from medical records and visits. Obesity was defined by a body mass index (BMI) ≥30. Functional impairment was assessed by the Womac index and Lequesne index.Results:The study included 186 patients. There were 31 males and 155 femmes. The mean age was 60±10 years. The percentage of obese patients was 53,8%. The mean age was similar in both groups obese and non obese. There were more women in the obese group compared to the non obese group (p=0.0001), more patients who had diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia (p=0.002). Non-obese patients had a shorter duration of symptoms with no statistical significance (p=0.151). Obese patients had more involvement of both knees (p<0.0001). Obesity did not have an impact on pain severity. Severity of radiological images (p=0,0001) were more frequent in obese patients. Functional impairment was similar in both groups. However, the percentage of patients having a very important functional impairment with Lequesne index was higher in obese patients (p<0.029). Obese patients also needed more physical therapy sessions (p=0.035).Conclusion:Knee osteoarthritis in obese patients is characterized with the femlae gender predominance, bilateral knee involvement, and a more severe images on radiographs. Thus the need for better control of weight and the importance of physical activity.References:[1]Coggon D, Reading I, Croft P, et al. Knee osteoarthritis and obesity. Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord J Int Assoc Study Obes 2001; 25: 622–627.Disclosure of Interests:None declared


Author(s):  
Patricia Y. Talbert ◽  
George Perry ◽  
Luisel Ricks-Santi ◽  
Lourdes E. Soto de Laurido ◽  
Magda Shaheen ◽  
...  

Mentoring continues to be a salient conversation in academia among junior and senior faculty and administrators. Mentors provide guidance and structure to junior faculty so that they can meet their academic and professional goals. Mentors also convey skills in balancing life and academic pursuits. Therefore, the purpose of this descriptive study was to provide additional insight from a training program called Leading Emerging and Diverse Scientists to Success (LEADS) regarding successful strategies and challenges of mentoring relating to lessons learned from the scholars and mentees’ perspective. The LEADS program provided multiple training platforms to increase skills and knowledge regarding research to promote expertise in grant writing and submission for funding opportunities among diverse scientists. These findings reinforce the knowledge about the value of a mentor in helping define the research pathway of their mentee and underscoring the importance of mentoring.


2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
J.P Dias Ferreira Reis ◽  
A Goncalves ◽  
P Bras ◽  
V Ferreira ◽  
J Viegas ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Peak oxygen consumption (pVO2) is a key parameter in assessing the prognosis of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) patients (pts). However, it is a less reliable parameter when the cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) is not maximal. It is crucial to identify the submaximal exercise variables with the best prognostic power (PP), in order to improve the management of pts that cannot attain a maximal CPET. Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the PP of several exercise parameters in submaximal CPET for risk stratification in pts with HFrEF. Methods Prospective evaluation of adult pts with HFrEF submitted to CPET in a tertiary center. A submaximal CPET was defined by a respiratory exchange ratio (RER) ≤1.10. Pts were followed up for at least 1 year for the primary endpoint of cardiac death and urgent heart transplantation/ ventricular assist device implantation. Several CPET parameters were analyzed as potential predictors of the combined endpoint and their PP (area under the curve - AUC) was compared to that of pVO2, using the Hanley and McNeil test. Results CPET was performed in 487 HF pts, of which 317 (66%) performed a submaximal CPET. Pts averaged 57±12 years of age, 77% were male, 45.7% had ischemic cardiomyopathy, with a mean LVEF of 30.4±7.6%, a mean heart failure survival score of 8.6±1.1. The mean pVO2 was 17.1±5.5 ml/kg/min and the mean RER 1.01±0.08. During a mean follow-up (FU) time of 11±1 months, 18 pts (6%) met the primary endpoint. Cardiorespiratory optimal point (OP - VE/VO2) had the highest AUC value (0.915, p=0.001), followed by the partial pressure of end-tidal CO2 at the anaerobic threshold - PETCO2L (0.814, p&lt;0.001). pVO2 presented an AUC of 0.730 (p=0.001). OP≥31 and PETCO2L ≤37mmHg had a sensitivity of 100 and 76.9% and a specificity of 71.1 and 67%, respectively, for the primary outcome. OP presented a significantly higher PP than pVO2 (p=0.048), whether PETCO2L didn't achieve any statistical significance (p=0.164). Pts with anOP≥31 presented a significantly lower survival free of HT during FU (log rank p=0.002). Conclusion OP had the highest PP for HF events of all parameters analyzed for a submaximal CPET. This parameter can help stratify the HF pts physiologically unable to reach a peak level of exercise. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None


Author(s):  
Maria Theresa Costa Ramos de Oliveira Patrial ◽  
Rogério Hamerschmidt ◽  
Jorge Eduardo Fouto Matias ◽  
Evaldo Dacheux de Macedo Filho ◽  
Bettina Carvalho

Abstract Introduction The study of larynx lesions is of great importance. More than 50% of people with vocal complaints have benign vocal fold alterations and some require surgery. Objective To determine which factors are related to surgical recurrence of benign laryngeal lesions and to determine which videolaryngoscopic diagnoses are related to the risk or protection of surgical relapses over time. Methods Observational, analytical, cross-sectional study with retrospective data collection of 1,383 surgeries in 1,301 patients. Results The mean age at the first surgery was 39.2 years old. The predominant gender was female (65.6%).There were 396 cases of polyps (25.34%), 349 cases of cysts (22.33%), 261 cases of Reinke edema (16.7%), 175 cases of nodules (11.2%), 153 cases of minor structural alterations (MSAs) (9.79%), 94 cases of leukoplakia (6.01%), 77 cases of granulomas (4.93%) and 58 cases of pseudocysts (3.71%). The age presented statistical significance with the risk of surgical relapses (p = 0.016). Male gender was associated with the greatest chance of relapse.Diagnosis of granuloma (p < 0.001) and of leukoplakia (p < 0.001) were associated with a higher risk of surgical recurrence. Cyst diagnosis was associated with protection (p = 0.015) in relation to the chance of further surgeries. Patients with associated lesions, bilaterals or voice professionals did not present a statistically significant association with surgical recurrence. Conclusion Age and gender are statistically related to the increase of surgical relapses. Leukoplakia and granuloma are associated with increased surgical relapses. Patients submitted to cyst microsurgery appear to be protected against surgical recurrence.


2021 ◽  
Vol 80 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 560.3-561
Author(s):  
E. F. Vicente-Rabaneda ◽  
J. De la Macorra ◽  
J. P. Baldivieso ◽  
F. Gutiérrez-Rodríguez ◽  
A. García-Vadillo ◽  
...  

Background:Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a severe manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), linked to increased mortality. There is still no consensus on the best therapeutic strategy as there aren’t yet randomized controlled trials.Objectives:To analyze the available scientific evidence on the efficacy and safety of rituximab (RTX) treatment of interstitial lung disease (ILD) associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).Methods:A systematic search was carried out in PubMed until April 2020 following the PRISMA recommendations. Studies were selected according to the following inclusion criteria: (1) original research, including case series, case/control studies, cohort studies, and clinical trials; (2) population with RA and associated ILD, either monographically or together with other connective tissue diseases (CTD), provided that individualized data on patients with RA were provided; (3) patients treated with RTX; (4) objective and quantifiable results on the evolution of ILD after treatment with available data of FVC, DLCO and/or HRCT.Results:Of the 64 papers identified, 9 articles were selected. The studies showed great heterogeneity in design, both in the sample selection criteria and in the objectives of the analysis. Most were observational, retrospective (n = 6) or prospective (n = 2) studies, with only one open prospective experimental study. Those focused on RA predominated, but 3 of them also included patients with other CTDs. The mean age of the patients in the different studies ranged between 52 and 70 years, predominantly women. 40-79% had a history of smoking and were mostly positive for rheumatoid factor (83-100%) and anti-CCP (82-100%). The most frequent radiological patterns were NSIP, UIP and undefined. The outcome measures were diverse: changes in respiratory function tests (LTF) and HRCT, incidence of pulmonary dysfunction, mortality rates, effect on glucocorticoid deprivation, delay in inclusion in the lung transplant list and/or serious adverse events. The initiation of RTX was motivated by pulmonary and/or joint pathology, in patients with failure to other synthetic or biological DMARDs. A total of 393 treatment cycles were collected in 114 patients, with a mean of 3.45 cycles per patient. The RTX regimen was 2 infusions of 1g 2 weeks apart in all patients, except for 1 who received the lymphoma-like regimen. With regard to the efficacy of the treatment with RTX, improvement and especially stabilization of HRCT and LFT predominated, with numerically greater improvement for DLCO than for FVC. There was also a favorable trend in the evolution of patients treated with RTX compared to controls, although it did not reach statistical significance, and a lower risk of deterioration of lung function in patients treated with RTX versus those who had received other DMARDs. The mortality rate found at 5 years was lower than that previously described for the disease and half for the patients treated with RTX compared to those treated with anti-TNF. The adverse events described in the studies did not show additional safety alerts to those already described for RTX.Conclusion:RTX seems to be postulated as a promising therapy for patients with ILD associated with RA, showing a stabilizing effect on the lung function, with an acceptable safety profile. However, further research of higher methodological quality prospective studies is needed to confirm these favorable preliminary results.Disclosure of Interests:None declared


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