Purpose: This study aims to validate the use of ProAnalyst (Xcitex Inc.), a software for professional motion analysts to assess the performance of surgical interns while performing the peg transfer task in a simulator box for safe practice in real minimally invasive surgery. Methods: A correlation study was conducted in a multidisciplinary skills simulation lab at the Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology from October 2019 to February 2020. Forty-one interns (i.e., novices and intermediates) were recruited and an expert surgeon participated as a reference benchmark. Videos of participants’ performance were analyzed through the ProAnalyst and Global Operative Assessment of Laparoscopic Skills (GOALS). Two results were s analyzed for correlation. Results: The motion analysis scores by Proanalyst were correlated with those by GOALS for novices (r=–0.62925, P=0.009), and Intermediates (r= –0.53422, P=0.033). Both assessment methods differentiated the participants’ performance based on their experience level. Conclusion The motion analysis scoring method with Proanalyst provides an objective, time-efficient, and reproducible assessment of interns’ performance, and comparable to GOALS. It may require initial training and set-up; however, it eliminates the need for expert surgeon judgment.

Purpose: This study aims to validate the use of ProAnalyst (Xcitex Inc.), a software for professional motion analysts to assess the performance of surgical interns while performing the peg transfer task in a simulator box for safe practice in real minimally invasive surgery. Methods: A correlation study was conducted in a multidisciplinary skills simulation lab at the Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology from October 2019 to February 2020. Forty-one interns (i.e., novices and intermediates) were recruited and an expert surgeon participated as a reference benchmark. Videos of participants’ performance were analyzed through the ProAnalyst and Global Operative Assessment of Laparoscopic Skills (GOALS). Two results were s analyzed for correlation. Results: The motion analysis scores by Proanalyst were correlated with those by GOALS for novices (r=–0.62925, P=0.009), and Intermediates (r= –0.53422, P=0.033). Both assessment methods differentiated the participants’ performance based on their experience level. Conclusion The motion analysis scoring method with Proanalyst provides an objective, time-efficient, and reproducible assessment of interns’ performance, and comparable to GOALS. It may require initial training and set-up; however, it eliminates the need for expert surgeon judgment.

Purpose: This study aims to validate the use of ProAnalyst (Xcitex Inc.), a software for professional motion analysts to assess the performance of surgical interns while performing the peg transfer task in a simulator box for safe practice in real minimally invasive surgery. Methods: A correlation study was conducted in a multidisciplinary skills simulation lab at the Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology from October 2019 to February 2020. Forty-one interns (i.e., novices and intermediates) were recruited and an expert surgeon participated as a reference benchmark. Videos of participants’ performance were analyzed through the ProAnalyst and Global Operative Assessment of Laparoscopic Skills (GOALS). Two results were s analyzed for correlation. Results: The motion analysis scores by Proanalyst were correlated with those by GOALS for novices (r=–0.62925, P=0.009), and Intermediates (r= –0.53422, P=0.033). Both assessment methods differentiated the participants’ performance based on their experience level. Conclusion The motion analysis scoring method with Proanalyst provides an objective, time-efficient, and reproducible assessment of interns’ performance, and comparable to GOALS. It may require initial training and set-up; however, it eliminates the need for expert surgeon judgment.

No abstract available.
Aortic Valve*

BACKGROUND: Many Muslim type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients choose to fast the month of Ramadan despite the possible adverse health effects brought about by the change in dietary habits, among other things. Clinical data regarding the safety of multi-drug regimens during fasting are particularly scarce. The aim of the study was to evaluate the safety of a drug protocol devised by the authors to accommodate Ramadan's dietary changes, involving dose adjustments of four anti-diabetic drug regimens in T2DM patients fasting Ramadan. METHODS: In this prospective, observational, open-label study, 301 T2DM patients who wished to fast Ramadan were followed during Ramadan and the preceding month. The incidence of hypoglycemia, diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and non-ketotic hyperosmolar state (NKHS) was monitored. Patients were classified into four groups: A group (those taking metformin, sulfonylurea and insulin [n=33]); B group (metformin and sulfonylurea [n=89]); C group (metformin and insulin [n=96]); and D group (premixed 70/30, glargine or regular insulin [n=82]). During Ramadan, drug doses were adjusted as percentages of their pre-Ramadan values: 75% for sulfonylureas, 75% for glargine, 75% for premixed insulin 70/30 in two doses, and 75% for regular insulin. Metformin was adjusted to a twice-daily regimen. RESULTS: No cases of DKA or NKHS were reported. Hypoglycemia occurred at a lower rate than pre-Ramadan values in groups C, and D; and a similar rate in groups A, and B. CONCLUSION: The data suggested that using the above protocol to adjust the doses of anti-diabetic drugs is safe in T2DM patients in regards to hypoglycemia, DKA, and NKHS.
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 ; Diabetic Ketoacidosis ; Fasting* ; Food Habits ; Humans ; Hypoglycemia ; Incidence ; Insulin ; Insulin Glargine ; Islam ; Metformin ; Observational Study* ; Prospective Studies