Concordance of drug resistance profiles between persons with drug-resistant tuberculosis and their household contacts: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Household contacts of patients with drug-resistant tuberculosis are at high risk for being infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis and for developing tuberculosis disease. To guide regimen composition for the empirical treatment of tuberculosis infection and disease in these household contacts, we estimated drug resistance profile concordance between index patients with drug-resistant tuberculosis and their household contacts. Methods We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies published through July 24, 2018 and reported resistance profiles of drug-resistant tuberculosis index and secondary cases within their households. Using a random-effects meta-analysis, we estimated resistance profile concordance, defined as the percentage of secondary cases whose M. tuberculosis strains were resistant to the same drugs as strains from their index cases. We also estimated isoniazid/rifampin concordance, defined as whether index and secondary cases had identical susceptibilities for isoniazid and rifampin only. Results We identified 33 eligible studies, which evaluated resistance profile concordance between 484 secondary cases and their household index cases. Pooled resistance profile concordance was 54.3% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 40.7-67.6, I2=85%). Pooled isoniazid/rifampin concordance was 82.6% (95% CI: 72.3-90.9; I2=73%). Concordance estimates were similar in a sub-analysis of 16 studies from high tuberculosis-burden countries. There were insufficient data to perform a sub-analysis among pediatric secondary cases. Conclusion Household contacts of drug-resistant TB patients should receive treatment for TB infection and disease that assumes that they, too, are infected with a drug-resistant M. tuberculosis strain. Whenever possible, drug susceptibility testing should be performed for secondary cases to optimize regimen composition

Predicting length of stay in head and neck patients who undergo free flap reconstruction

ObjectiveUnderstanding factors that affect postoperative length of stay (LOS) may improve patient recovery, hasten postoperative discharge, and minimize institutional costs. This study sought to (a) describe LOS among head and neck patients undergoing free flap reconstruction and (b) identify factors that predict increased LOS.MethodsA retrospective cohort was performed of 282 head and neck patients with free flap reconstruction for oncologic resection between 2011 and 2013 at a tertiary academic medical center. Patient demographics, tumor characteristics, and surgical and infectious complications were characterized. Multivariable regression identified predictors of increased LOS.ResultsA total of 282 patients were included. Mean age was 64.7 years (SD = 12.2) and 40% were female. Most tumors were located in the oral cavity (53.9% of patients), and most patients underwent radial forearm free flap (RFFF) reconstruction (RFFF—73.8%, anterolateral thigh flap—11.3%, and fibula free flap—14.9%). Intraoperative complications were rare. The most common postoperative complications included nonwound infection (pneumonia [PNA] or urinary tract infection [UTI]) (15.6%) and wound breakdown/fistula (15.2%). Mean and median LOS were 13 days (SD = 7.7) and 10 days (interquartile range = 7), respectively. Statistically significant predictors of increased LOS included flap take back (Beta coefficient [C] = +4.26, P < .0001), in‐hospital PNA or UTI (C = +2.52, P = .037), wound breakdown or fistula (C = +5.0, P < .0001), surgical site infection (C = +3.54, P = .017), and prior radiation therapy (C = +2.59, P = .004).ConclusionSeveral perioperative factors are associated with increased LOS. These findings may help with perioperative planning, including the need for vigilant wound care, optimization of antibiotics prophylaxis, and institution‐level protocols for postoperative care and disposition of free flap patients.Level of Evidence2b; retrospective cohort.Peer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/155916/1/lio2410.pdfhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/155916/2/lio2410_am.pd

Species-Area Relationships Are Controlled by Species Traits

The species-area relationship (SAR) is one of the most thoroughly investigated empirical relationships in ecology. Two theories have been proposed to explain SARs: classical island biogeography theory and niche theory. Classical island biogeography theory considers the processes of persistence, extinction, and colonization, whereas niche theory focuses on species requirements, such as habitat and resource use. Recent studies have called for the unification of these two theories to better explain the underlying mechanisms that generates SARs. In this context, species traits that can be related to each theory seem promising. Here we analyzed the SARs of butterfly and moth assemblages on islands differing in size and isolation. We tested whether species traits modify the SAR and the response to isolation. In addition to the expected overall effects on the area, traits related to each of the two theories increased the model fit, from 69% up to 90%. Steeper slopes have been shown to have a particularly higher sensitivity to area, which was indicated by species with restricted range (slope  = 0.82), narrow dietary niche (slope  = 0.59), low abundance (slope  = 0.52), and low reproductive potential (slope  = 0.51). We concluded that considering species traits by analyzing SARs yields considerable potential for unifying island biogeography theory and niche theory, and that the systematic and predictable effects observed when considering traits can help to guide conservation and management actions

Quantifying Facial Distortion in Modern Digital Photography

Background Advancements in digital cameras and the advent of smartphones have magnified the importance of clinical photography in facial plastic surgery. Here, we aim to examine the effect of different camera types, focal lengths, and distances from subjects on facial distortion. Methods Twelve subjects underwent a series of frontal photographs using a smartphone camera and a full‐frame digital single‐lens reflex camera. Photos were captured at six distances from the subject. Seven focal lengths were used at each distance for the full‐frame camera. Measurements of facial landmarks were made for each photo, with those made at 60 inches using the full‐frame camera considered the gold standard and used for comparison. Results Distortion of facial features using the full‐frame camera occurred when photos were captured 8 inches away using short focal lengths. A 12%–19% increase in vertical stretching of the midface occurred when using focal lengths of 24, 35, and 50 mm ( p < 0.05 for all). The same features were distorted when a smartphone camera was used at 8 inches (18% increase, p < 0.01) and 12 inches (12% increase, p < 0.03). Conclusions Distortion of midfacial features using both smartphones and full‐frame cameras occurs with short, ‘selfie’ distances between the camera and subject. Level of Evidence Level II Laryngoscope , 202

Quantifying Facial Distortion in Modern Digital Photography.

BACKGROUND: Advancements in digital cameras and the advent of smartphones have magnified the importance of clinical photography in facial plastic surgery. Here, we aim to examine the effect of different camera types, focal lengths, and distances from subjects on facial distortion. METHODS: Twelve subjects underwent a series of frontal photographs using a smartphone camera and a full-frame digital single-lens reflex camera. Photos were captured at six distances from the subject. Seven focal lengths were used at each distance for the full-frame camera. Measurements of facial landmarks were made for each photo, with those made at 60 inches using the full-frame camera considered the gold standard and used for comparison. RESULTS: Distortion of facial features using the full-frame camera occurred when photos were captured 8 inches away using short focal lengths. A 12%-19% increase in vertical stretching of the midface occurred when using focal lengths of 24, 35, and 50 mm (p \u3c 0.05 for all). The same features were distorted when a smartphone camera was used at 8 inches (18% increase, p \u3c 0.01) and 12 inches (12% increase, p \u3c 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Distortion of midfacial features using both smartphones and full-frame cameras occurs with short, \u27selfie\u27 distances between the camera and subject. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II Laryngoscope, 2023