January 10, 2024
Anginal Symptoms Do Not Predict Myocardial Ischemia in Diabetics
A 2005 study examined whether anginal symptoms can predict abnormal myocardial perfusion or function in diabetic patients. Among all patients, anginal symptoms were associated with myocardial ischemia and dysfunction. However, in diabetic patients, the presence of anginal chest pain did not correlate with myocardial perfusion defects or impaired left ventricular ejection fraction. Diabetic neuropathy likely…
January 5, 2024
How I Came to See Value in Defiance
I was walking past youth skateboarders, I noticed they were ignoring social distancing rules during the pandemic. My immediate reaction was critical. However, I reconsided as research shows children to be highly resistant, how Sweden succeeded without lockdowns, and as I remembered my own rebellious youth. Although unintentional, the skaters’ mass gatherings may have safely…
January 3, 2024
Quantifying Unpredictability: Exploring Applications of the Heston Model in Healthcare
A financial model used to quantify unpredictable fluctuations in the stock market shows promise for improving analysis in healthcare. The Heston Model captures volatile dynamics like sudden surges and gradual reversion to the mean. This could translate to better epidemiologic forecasting and optimization of medication dosing. Rigorous testing is needed, but the versatility of mathematical…
December 22, 2023
What’s Inside
My reflection on how we can look healthy on the outside yet on the inside be suffering a great tragedy, and in these situations, the only thing we can do is create a meaningful human connection. When I wrote this, I was nearly a decade younger and healthy. But since then I too had an abnormal…
December 18, 2023
Large language models may inadequately address mental health crises
This study evaluated the safety of AI chatbots built on ChatGPT for handling mental health risk scenarios. I gave the chatbots simulated conversations indicating escalating depression and suicide risk. The chatbots frequently postponed referring users to human support until dangerously high-risk levels. Most failed to provide crisis resources. The findings suggest overly optimistic views of…
December 13, 2023
A Systematic Approach to PET/CT Scan Interpretation and Reporting in Oncology
This abstract outlines a structured methodology for interpreting and reporting on PET/CT scans in oncology. It aims to reduce errors and improve clarity for referring clinicians. Key elements include ensuring imaging protocols, and patient preparation is correct, thoroughly reviewing multiplanar scans while correlating PET and CT findings, categorizing findings by anatomy, carefully detailing lesion characteristics,…
December 1, 2023
The Beholder: A Symphony of Life in Medicine Explores Interconnections Between Music and Healing
A new article titled “The Beholder – A Symphony of Life in Medicine” explores the interconnections between music, art, physics, and medicine. It reveals symmetries between sound, visual art, and quantum phenomena, hinting at a unifying framework tying together sciences and humanities. The author traces his journey toward integrating artistic, scientific, and humanistic viewpoints, illuminating…
November 30, 2023
Coronary calcium scores in patients with normal myocardial perfusion
This study examined coronary calcium scores (CCS) in patients with normal myocardial perfusion imaging to assess cardiac risk factors. 2351 patients were evaluated. 55% had a CCS of 0, 36% had a CCS of 1-400, and 9% had a CCS over 400. Older age and hyperlipidemia were the strongest risk factors for higher CCS among…
November 29, 2023
The Ethical Significance of Statistics in Medical Research
A new review article examines statistics’s pivotal role in upholding research integrity and patient safety. It scrutinizes common statistical errors in medical studies, like p-hacking and neglecting limitations. Using historical examples, it demonstrates how such errors have resulted in flawed conclusions causing public harm, including hormone therapy research. Recommendations encompass more statistical rigor by ethical…
November 27, 2023
Statistical Significance Versus Clinical Relevance
This study investigated how often statistically significant results in nuclear medicine clinical trials actually translate into clinically meaningful differences for individual patients. The authors analyzed 32 test results reported as statistically significant and found that the cutoff between normal and abnormal values averaged just 0.66 standard deviations from the mean. This means that for a…