Development of an E-learning System for the Endoscopic Diagnosis of Early Gastric Cancer: An International Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: In many countries, gastric cancer is not diagnosed until an advanced stage. An Internet-based e-learning system to improve the ability of endoscopists to diagnose gastric cancer at an early stage was developed and was evaluated for its effectiveness. METHODS: The study was designed as a randomized controlled trial. After receiving a pre-test, participants were randomly allocated to either an e-learning or non-e-learning group. Only those in the e-learning group gained access to the e-learning system. Two months after the pre-test, both groups received a post-test. The primary endpoint was the difference between the two groups regarding the rate of improvement of their test results. FINDINGS: 515 endoscopists from 35 countries were assessed for eligibility, and 332 were enrolled in the study, with 166 allocated to each group. Of these, 151 participants in the e-learning group and 144 in the non-e-learning group were included in the analysis. The mean improvement rate (standard deviation) in the e-learning and non-e-learning groups was 1·24 (0·26) and 1·00 (0·16), respectively (P<0·001). INTERPRETATION: This global study clearly demonstrated the efficacy of an e-learning system to expand knowledge and provide invaluable experience regarding the endoscopic detection of early gastric cancer (R000012039).

Long-term evaluation of arthrocentesis for the treatment of internal derangements of the temporomandibular joint.

PURPOSE: Arthrocentesis is being used for treatment of patients with temporomandibular joint disorders, including anterior disc displacement with and without reduction. This study was designed to examine the long-term effects of temporomandibular joint arthrocentesis in such patients and to evaluate their overall satisfaction with this treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study was based on the review of patients' records, a written questionnaire (self-evaluation), and clinical examination. Visual analog scales (VAS) were used for evaluation of pain and dysfunction. Twenty-six patients (39 joints) who had been treated at the Medical College of Virginia Hospital, Virginia Commonwealth University, were included in the study. There were 32 joints with anterior disc displacement without reduction (ADsR) and 7 joints with anterior displacement with reduction (ADcR). Patients all had undergone arthrocentesis as outpatients. Follow-up evaluations ranged from 10 to 96 months, with a mean of 48.7 months. RESULTS: Maximum vertical opening (MVO) prearthrocentesis ranged from 20 to 40 mm, with a mean of 25.3 +/- 5.5 mm. Immediately after arthrocentesis, the MVO ranged from 30 to 55 mm, with a mean of 43.8 +/- 5.6 mm. Maximum vertical opening at long-term follow-up ranged from 15 to 50 mm, with a mean of 37.1 +/- 8.8 mm. There was a significant increase in MVO between prearthrocentesis and postarthrocentesis both short- and long-term (P < .001). The short- and long-term postoperative VAS values for pain and dysfunction showed a significant decrease (P < .001) when compared with the VAS values preoperatively. Fourteen of the 26 patients (54%) no longer experienced pain, and the remaining 9 had less pain than before arthrocentesis as assessed by self-evaluation and clinical examination. Three of 26 patients had improvement for a period, later relapsed, and required subsequent surgery. Twenty-three of the 26 patients (88%) were completely satisfied with their treatment. Overall, an 88% success rate was achieved. CONCLUSION: Arthrocentesis can reduce pain and dysfunction, both short- and long-term, in patients with anterior disc displacement.