Project description:The interpretation of critical care electroencephalography (EEG) studies is challenging because of the presence of many periodic and rhythmic patterns of uncertain clinical significance. Defining the clinical significance of these patterns requires standardized terminology with high interrater agreement (IRA). We sought to evaluate IRA for the final, published American Clinical Neurophysiology Society (ACNS)-approved version of the critical care EEG terminology (2012 version). Our evaluation included terms not assessed previously and incorporated raters with a broad range of EEG reading experience.After reviewing a set of training slides, 49 readers independently completed a Web-based test consisting of 11 identical questions for each of 37 EEG samples (407 questions). Questions assessed whether a pattern was an electrographic seizure; pattern location (main term 1), pattern type (main term 2); and presence and classification of eight other key features ("plus" modifiers, sharpness, absolute and relative amplitude, frequency, number of phases, fluctuation/evolution, and the presence of "triphasic" morphology).IRA statistics (? values) were almost perfect (90-100%) for seizures, main terms 1 and 2, the +S modifier (superimposed spikes/sharp waves or sharply contoured rhythmic delta activity), sharpness, absolute amplitude, frequency, and number of phases. Agreement was substantial for the +F (superimposed fast activity) and +R (superimposed rhythmic delta activity) modifiers (66% and 67%, respectively), moderate for triphasic morphology (58%), and fair for evolution (21%).IRA for most terms in the ACNS critical care EEG terminology is high. These terms are suitable for multicenter research on the clinical significance of critical care EEG patterns. A PowerPoint slide summarizing this article is available for download in the Supporting Information section http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/epi.12653/supinfo.
Project description:PurposeElectroencephalography (EEG) remains the gold standard for identifying rhythmic and periodic patterns in critically ill patients. Residents have frequent exposures to EEG and critically ill patients during their training. Our study aimed to assess resident competency in the use of the American Clinical Neurophysiology Society (ACNS) critical care EEG terminology.MethodsAfter self-guided reading and a 2-hour session reviewing the ACNS critical care EEG Terminology training slides, 16 adult neurology residents (PGY 2-4) completed the ACNS certification test. Performance scores were reported as average percent agreement (PA%) with a previously established 5-member expert panel. Interrater agreement was calculated to gauge consensus among peers within the resident cohort. Self-reported comfort levels using the terminology were also obtained.ResultsThe overall pass rate for our cohort was 50% and the median score was 74%. The terms with the highest PA% were: seizures (86.4%), main term 1 (78%), main term 2 (74%). Interrater agreement scores (kappa values) were almost perfect for seizure, and substantial for main terms 1 and 2.ConclusionsOur data suggests that with minimal investment, adult neurology residents at various stages of training can effectively learn the ACNS critical care EEG Terminology.
Project description:ObjectiveTo determine the inter-rater agreement (IRA) of a standardized nomenclature for EEG spectrogram patterns, and to estimate the probability distribution of ictal-interictal continuum (IIC) patterns vs. other EEG patterns within each category in this nomenclature.MethodsWe defined seven spectrogram categories: "Solid Flames", "Irregular Flames", "Broadband-monotonous", "Narrowband-monotonous", "Stripes", "Low power", and "Artifact". Ten electroencephalographers scored 115 spectrograms and the corresponding raw EEG samples. Gwet's agreement coefficient was used to calculate IRA.ResultsSolid Flames represented seizures or IIC patterns 69.4% of the time. Irregular Flames represented seizures or IIC patterns 38.7% of the time. Broadband-monotonous primarily corresponded with seizures or IIC (54.3%) and Narrowband-monotonous with focal or generalized slowing (43.8%). Stripes were associated with burst-suppression (37.2%) and generalized suppression (34.4%). Low Power category was associated with generalized suppression (94%). There was "near perfect" agreement for Solid Flames (κ = 94.36), Low power (κ = 92.61), and Artifact (κ = 93.72). There was "substantial agreement" for all other categories (κ = 74.65-79.49).ConclusionsThis EEG spectrogram nomenclature has high IRA among electroencephalographers.SignificanceThe nomenclature can be a useful tool for EEG screening. Future studies are needed to determine if using this nomenclature shortens time to IIC identification, and how best to use it in practice to reduce time to intervention.
Project description:Children with Langerhnans cell histiocytosis (LCH) develop granulomatous lesions with characteristic clonal CD207+ dendritic cells that can arise as single lesions or life-threatening disseminated disease. Despite the wide range of clinical presentations, LCH lesions are histologically indistinguishable based on severity of disease, and uncertain classification as an immune versus neoplastic disorder has historically challenged the development of optimal clinical strategies for patients with LCH. Recently, activating somatic mutations in MAPK pathway genes, most notably BRAFV600E, have been discovered in almost all cases of LCH. Further, the stage of myeloid differentiation in which the mutation arises defines the extent of disease and risk of developing LCH-associated neurodegeneration. MAPK activation in LCH precursor cells drives myeloid differentiation, inhibits migration, and inhibits apoptosis, resulting in accumulation of resilient pathologic dendritic cells that recruit and activate T cells. Recurrent somatic mutations in MAPK pathway genes have also been identified in related histiocytic disorders: juvenile xanthogranuloma, Erdheim-Chester disease, and Rosai-Dorfman disease. New insights into pathogenesis support reclassification of these conditions as a myeloid neoplastic disorders. Continued research will uncover opportunities to identify novel targets and inform personalized therapeutic strategies based on cell of origin, somatic mutation, inherited risk factors, and residual disease.
Project description:During adolescence, differences between males and females in physiology, behavior and risk for psychopathology are accentuated. The goal of the current study was to examine gender differences in sleep neurophysiology using high-density sleep EEG in early adolescence. We examined gender differences in sleep EEG power and coherence across frequency bands for both NREM and REM sleep in a sample of 61 adolescents (31 girls and 30 boys; mean age = 12.48; SD = 1.34). In addition, sleep spindles were individually detected and characterized. Compared to boys, girls had significantly greater spindle activity, as reflected in higher NREM sigma power, spindle amplitude, spindle frequency and spindle density over widespread regions. Furthermore, power in higher frequency bands (16.2-44 Hz) was larger in girls than boys in a state independent manner. Oscillatory activity across frequency bands and sleep states was generally more coherent in females as compared to males, suggesting greater connectivity in females. An exception to this finding was the alpha band during NREM and REM sleep, where coherence was higher (NREM) or not different (REM) in boys compared to girls. Sleep spindles are generated through thalamocortical circuits, and thus, the greater spindle activity across regions in females may represent a stronger thalamocortical circuit in adolescent females as compared to males. Moreover, greater global connectivity in females may reflect functional brain differences with implications for cognition and mental health. Given the pronounced gender differences, our study highlights the importance of taking gender into account when designing and interpreting studies of sleep neurophysiology.
Project description:BACKGROUND:Standardized dental diagnostic terminologies (SDDxTs) were introduced decades ago. Their use has been on the rise, accompanying the adoption of electronic health records (EHRs). One of the most broadly used terminologies is the Dental Diagnostic System (DDS). Our aim was to assess the adoption of SDDxTs by US dental schools by using the Rogers diffusion of innovations framework, focusing on the DDS. METHODS:The authors electronically surveyed clinic deans in all US dental schools (n = 61) to determine use of an EHR and SDDxT, perceived barriers to adoption of an SDDxT, and the effect of implementing an SDDxT on clinical productivity. RESULTS:The response rate was 57%. Of the 35 responses, 91% reported using an EHR to document patient care, with 84% using axiUm; 41% used the DDS. Fifty-four percent of those who did not use an SDDxT had considered adopting the DDS, but 38% had not, citing barriers such as complexity and compatibility. CONCLUSIONS:Adoption of an SDDxT, particularly the DDS, is on the rise. Nevertheless, a large number of institutions are in the Rogers late majority and laggards categories with respect to adoption. Several factors may discourage adoption, including the inability to try out the terminology on a small scale, poor usability within the EHR, the fact that it would be a cultural shift in practice, and a perception of unclear benefits. However, the consolidation of the DDS and American Dental Association terminology efforts stands to encourage adoption. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS:The successful adoption of dental innovation depends not only on the intrinsic merit of the innovation, as some useful innovations do not achieve widespread traction. As such, it is important for health care providers to understand how to disseminate their ideas in order to ensure traction and widespread adoption.
Project description:Develop a real-time algorithm to automatically discriminate suppressions from non-suppressions (bursts) in electroencephalograms of critically ill adult patients.A real-time method for segmenting adult ICU EEG data into bursts and suppressions is presented based on thresholding local voltage variance. Results are validated against manual segmentations by two experienced human electroencephalographers. We compare inter-rater agreement between manual EEG segmentations by experts with inter-rater agreement between human vs automatic segmentations, and investigate the robustness of segmentation quality to variations in algorithm parameter settings. We further compare the results of using these segmentations as input for calculating the burst suppression probability (BSP), a continuous measure of depth-of-suppression.Automated segmentation was comparable to manual segmentation, i.e. algorithm-vs-human agreement was comparable to human-vs-human agreement, as judged by comparing raw EEG segmentations or the derived BSP signals. Results were robust to modest variations in algorithm parameter settings.Our automated method satisfactorily segments burst suppression data across a wide range adult ICU EEG patterns. Performance is comparable to or exceeds that of manual segmentation by human electroencephalographers.Automated segmentation of burst suppression EEG patterns is an essential component of quantitative brain activity monitoring in critically ill and anesthetized adults. The segmentations produced by our algorithm provide a basis for accurate tracking of suppression depth.
Project description:ObjectivesOccurrence of EEG spindles has been recently associated with favorable outcome in ICU patients. Available data mostly rely on relatively small patients' samples, particular etiologies, and limited variables ascertainment. We aimed to expand previous findings on a larger dataset, to identify clinical and EEG patterns correlated with spindle occurrence, and explore its prognostic implications.MethodsRetrospective observational study of prospectively collected data from a randomized trial (CERTA, NCT03129438) assessing the relationship of continuous (cEEG) versus repeated routine EEG (rEEG) with outcome in adults with acute consciousness impairment. Spindles were prospectively assessed visually as 12-16Hz activity on fronto-central midline regions, at any time during EEG interventions. Uni- and multivariable analyses explored correlations between spindles occurrence, clinical and EEG variables, and outcome (modified Rankin Scale, mRS; mortality) at 6 months.ResultsAmong the analyzed 364 patients, spindles were independently associated with EEG background reactivity (OR 13.2, 95% CI: 3.11-56.26), and cEEG recording (OR 4.35, 95% CI: 2.5 - 7.69). In the cEEG subgroup (n=182), 33.5% had spindles. They had better FOUR scores (p=0.004), fewer seizures or status epilepticus (p=0.02), and lower mRS (p=0.02). Mortality was reduced (p=0.002), and independently inversely associated with spindle occurrence (OR 0.50, CI 95% 0.25-0.99) and increased EEG background continuity (OR 0.16, 95% CI: 0.07 - 0.41).ConclusionsBesides confirming that spindle activity occurs in up to one third of acutely ill patients and is associated with better outcome, this study shows that cEEG has a higher yield than rEEG in identifying them. Furthermore, it unravels associations with several clinical and EEG features in this clinical setting.
Project description:ImportanceEffective communication between patients and health care teams is essential in the health care setting for delivering optimal cancer care and increasing cancer awareness. While the significance of communication in health care is widely acknowledged, the topic is largely understudied within African settings.ObjectiveTo assess how the medical language of cancer and oncology translates into African languages and what these translations mean within their cultural context.Design, setting, and participantsIn this multinational survey study in Africa, health professionals, community health workers, researchers, and scientists involved in cancer care and research and traditional healers were invited to participate in an online survey on a voluntary basis through online platforms. The survey provided 16 cancer and oncologic terms used in cancer diagnosis and treatment (eg, cancer, radiotherapy) to participants, mostly health care workers, who were asked to provide these terms in their local languages (if the terms existed) followed by a direct or close translation of the meaning in English. The survey was open from February to April 2023.Main outcomes and measuresPatterns of meaning that recurred across languages were identified using thematic analysis of 16 English-translated terms categorized into 5 themes (neutral, negative, positive, phonetic or borrowed, and unknown).ResultsA total of 107 responses (response rate was unavailable given the open and widespread distribution strategy) were collected from 32 countries spanning 44 African languages, with most participants (63 [59%]) aged 18 to 40 years; 54 (50%) were female. Translations for cancer were classified as phonetic or borrowed (34 [32%]), unknown (30 [28%]), neutral (24 [22%]), and negative (19 [18%]), with the latter category including universal connotations of fear, tragedy, incurability, and fatality. Similar elements connoting fear or tragedy were found in translations of terms such as malignant, chronic, and radiotherapy. The term radiotherapy yielded a high percentage of negative connotations (24 [22%]), with a prevailing theme of describing the treatment as being burned or burning with fire, heat, or electricity, which may potentially hinder treatment.Conclusions and relevanceIn this survey study of cancer communication and the translation of oncology terminology in African languages, the findings suggest that the terminology may contribute to fear, health disparities, and barriers to care and pose communication difficulties for health professionals. The results reinforce the need for culturally sensitive cancer terminology for improving cancer awareness and communication.
Project description:Although standardized terminologies such as the International Classification of Diseases have been in use in medicine for over a century, efforts in the dental profession to standardize dental diagnostic terms have not achieved widespread acceptance. To address this gap, a standardized dental diagnostic terminology, the EZCodes, was developed in 2009. Fifteen dental education institutions in the United States and Europe have implemented the EZCodes dental diagnostic terminology. This article reports on the utilization and valid entry of the EZCodes at three of the dental schools that have adopted this standardized dental diagnostic terminology. Electronic data on the use of procedure codes with diagnostic terms from the three schools over a period from July 2010 to June 2011 were aggregated. The diagnostic term and procedure code pairs were adjudicated by three calibrated dentists. Analyses were conducted to gain insight into the utilization and valid entry of the EZCodes diagnostic terminology in the one-year period. Error proportions in the entry of diagnostic term (and by diagnostic category) were also computed. In the twelve-month period, 29,965 diagnostic terms and 249,411 procedure codes were entered at the three institutions resulting in a utilization proportion of 12 percent. Caries and periodontics were the most frequently used categories. More than 1,000 of the available 1,321 diagnostic terms were never used. Overall, 60.5 percent of the EZCodes entries were found to be valid. The results demonstrate low utilization of EZCodes in an electronic health record and raise the need for specific training of dental providers on the importance of using dental diagnostic terminology and specifically how to use the terms in the electronic record. These findings will serve to increase the use/correct use of the EZCodes dental diagnostic terminology and ultimately create a reliable platform for undertaking clinical, outcomes, and quality improvement-related research.