Research Spotlight

Morrison, S.D., Kozlow, J. and Weber, R.A. (2021). “Commentary on: Insta-Grated Plastic Surgery Residencies: 2020 Update.” Aesthet Surg J 41(3): 380-382.

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In this article, Chartier et al clearly and convincingly document the rise of Instagram utilization by plastic surgery residencies since their previous publication in 2018.1,2 They also do a good job documenting the fact that most programs follow the ethical and professional guidelines that they had suggested. In fact, they did not report a single episode of a program’s improper utilization of Instagram. So why do the authors conclude that the advantages of social media (SoMe) utilization are far outweighed by the potential disadvantages? The data they present suggest the opposite.[No abstract; excerpt from article].

Warren, A.M., Zolfaghari, K., Fresnedo, M., Bennett, M., Pogue, J., Waddimba, A., Zvolensky, M., Carlbring, P. and Powers, M.B. (2021). “Anxiety sensitivity, COVID-19 fear, and mental health: results from a United States population sample.” Cogn Behav Ther Feb 17;1-13. [Epub ahead of print].

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The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in unprecedented consequences. Transdiagnostic factors, such as anxiety sensitivity, could be an important component to understand how individuals experience COVID-19 specific fear, depression and anxiety. A US representative sample (5,023) completed measures including the Anxiety Sensitivity Index-3, the Fear of COVID-19 Scale, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 and the Patient Health Questionnaire-8. Analyses controlled for age, sex, race, marital status, education level, working status, household income, and COVID-19 exposure. Results were consistent with prediction. First, higher ASI-3 Total scores were associated with above average COVID-19 fear (β = 0.19). Second, the ASI-3 physical concerns subscale was the strongest predictor of COVID-19 fear; one SD increase on the ASI-3 physical concerns subscale was associated with almost a twofold risk of reaching above average levels of COVID-19 (OR = 1.93). Third, higher ASI-3 Total scores were associated with higher anxiety (β = 0.22) and depression (β = 0.20). Finally, COVID-19 fear mediated the relationship between ASI-3 Total scores and anxiety (17% of effect mediated) as well as ASI-3 Total scores and depression (16% of effect mediated). These data support the role of anxiety sensitivity in predicting fear of COVID-19 and resulting mental health.

Wall, A. (2021). “The unlimited possibilities for qualitative research in liver transplantation.” Liver Transpl Feb 8. [Epub ahead of print].

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As the outcomes of liver transplantation (LT) continue to improve, liver transplant recipients (LTRs) are beginning to resemble other aging, chronic disease populations.(1) This improvement in outcomes requires a shift in the focus of post-LT care from that of short-term survival to long-term chronic disease management.(2).

Aleem, S., Robbins, C., Murphy, B., Elliott, S., Akinyemi, C., Paredes, N., Tolia, V.N., Zimmerman, K.O., Goldberg, R.N., Benjamin, D.K. and Greenberg, R.G. (2021). “The use of supplemental hydrocortisone in the management of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn.” J Perinatol Feb 15. [Epub ahead of print].

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OBJECTIVE: Characterize association between hydrocortisone receipt and hospital outcomes of infants with persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN). STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study of infants ≥34 weeks with PPHN who received inhaled nitric oxide at <7 days of age (2010-2016). We generated propensity scores, and performed inverse probability-weighted regression to estimate hydrocortisone effect on outcomes: death, chronic lung disease (CLD), oxygen at discharge. RESULTS: Of 2743 infants, 30% received hydrocortisone, which was associated with exposure to mechanical ventilation, sedatives, paralytics, or vasopressors (p < 0.001). There was no difference in death, CLD, or oxygen at discharge. In infants with meconium aspiration syndrome, hydrocortisone was associated with decreased oxygen at discharge (odds ratio 0.56; 95% confidence interval 0.21, 0.91). CONCLUSIONS: There was no association between hydrocortisone receipt and death, CLD, or oxygen at discharge in our cohort. Prospective studies are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of hydrocortisone in infants with PPHN.

Shearin, S.M., Medley, A., Trudelle-Jackson, E., Swank, C. and Querry, R. (2021). “Plantarflexor strength, gait speed, and step length change in individuals with Parkinson’s disease.” Int J Rehabil Res 44(1): 82-87.

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Parkinson’s disease affects the ability to walk often resulting in decreased independence and low quality of life. The purpose of this study was to examine differences in plantarflexor strength (PFS), gait speed, and step length in persons with Parkinson’s disease (PwP) and healthy peers using clinical measures. A secondary purpose was to examine the relationship between these gait components across disease severity. The study was a convenience sample of 71 PwP and 25 community healthy peers. Outcome measures included 10-Meter Walk, step length, and Calf-Raise Senior Test. PwP were separated into mild and moderate impairment groups using the Movement Disorders Society United Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale Motor Subscale. Between group differences for gait speed (F2,93 = 24.560, P = 0.000), step length (F2,93 = 21.93, P = 0.000) and PFS (F2,93 = 19.49, P < 0.000) were observed. Post hoc testing determined a difference (P < 0.00) in gait speed, step length, and PFS testing between moderate impairment versus healthy peers and mild impairment. A difference (P = 0.045) in step length and a trend towards significance (P = 0.064) for PFS was found between healthy peers and mild impairment group. This study revealed that PwP with mild impairment also have significant changes in step length and trends toward plantarflexor weakness without a significant difference in gait speed. These early changes may warrant early assessment and intervention to prevent decline. This study may bring clinical focus onto the plantarflexor and step length for early comprehensive assessment and treatment of gait and mobility for PwP.