Translation of a patient-surgeon relationship assessment instrument (Q-PASREL) into six languages

The Questionnaire for Patient-Surgeon Relationship (Q-PASREL) is a French "patient-reported experience measure" for hand surgery patients. It is the only one which considers the impact of the patient-surgeon relationship on time to return to work and cooperation by the surgeon for administrative issues. It has been shown that a good Q-PASREL score is associated with shorter sick leave and faster return to work. To make this instrument available to more countries, we translated the Q-PASREL into six languages (English, Spanish, German, Italian, Arabic and Persian), following a validated "translation and cultural adaptation" process guideline. This process includes multiple forward and backward translations, discussions and reconciliations with final harmonization and cognitive debriefing. For each language, a team was set up, comprising a key in-country hand surgery consultant, native target-language speaker and fluent in French, and several forward and back translators. The final translated versions were reviewed and approved by the project manager. The six versions of Q-PASREL are now available in the appendices of this publication.

Comparable reliability and acceptability of telepsychiatry and face-to-face psychiatric assessments in the emergency room setting

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to compare the reliability and acceptability of psychiatric interviews using telepsychiatry and face-to-face modalities in the emergency room setting.

METHODS

In this prospective observational feasibility study, psychiatric patients (n = 38) who presented in emergency rooms between April and June 2020, went through face-to-face and videoconference telepsychiatry interviews in a non-randomised varying order. Interviewers and a senior psychiatry resident who observed both interviews determined diagnosis, recommended disposition and indication for involuntary admission. Patients and psychiatrists completed acceptability post-assessment surveys.

RESULTS

Agreement between raters on recommended disposition and indication for involuntary admission as measured by Cohen's kappa was 'strong' to 'almost perfect' (0.84/0.81, 0.95/0.87 and 0.89/0.94 for face-to-face vs. telepsychiatry, observer vs. face-to-face and observer vs. telepsychiatry, respectively). Partial agreement between the raters on diagnosis was 'strong' (Cohen's kappa of 0.81, 0.85 and 0.85 for face-to-face vs. telepsychiatry, observer vs. face-to-face and observer vs. telepsychiatry, respectively).Psychiatrists' and patients' satisfaction rates, and psychiatrists' perceived certainty rates, were comparably high in both face-to-face and telepsychiatry groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Telepsychiatry is a reliable and acceptable alternative to face-to-face psychiatric assessments in the emergency room setting. Implementing telepsychiatry may improve the quality and accessibility of mental health services.Key pointsTelepsychiatry and face-to-face psychiatric assessments in the emergency room setting have comparable reliability.Patients and providers report a comparable high level of satisfaction with telepsychiatry and face-to-face modalities in the emergency room setting.Providers report a comparable level of perceived certainty in their clinical decisions based on telepsychiatry and face-to-face psychiatric assessments in the emergency room setting.

A comparative study reveals a similar validity of telepsychiatry and face-to-face psychiatric assessment in emergency room setting

Introduction

Telepsychiatry (TP) can provide an alternative to traditional face-to-face (FTF) assessments. However, TP in the emergency room setting is much less prevalent, probably due to lack of solid evidence about its effectiveness and acceptability.

Objectives

To directly compare traditional FTF and TP modalities in the emergency room setting.

Methods

Psychiatric patients (n=38) presented to the emergency room went through traditional in-person and videoconference TP interviews in varying order. Both FTF and TP interviewers that examined the patients as well as a third psychiatrist, acting as an observer for both modalities, determined the diagnosis, disposition recommendation and indication for involuntary admission.

Results

Rater decisions had a high matching on disposition and indication for involuntary admission (Cohen’s Kappa (CK) of 0.84/0.81, 0.95/0.87 and 0.89/0.94 for FTF-TP, Observer-FTF and Observer-TP, respectively). Although identical diagnosis matching between the raters was relatively low, the partial diagnosis matching was high (CK of 0.52/0.81, 0.52/0.85 and 0.56/0.85 for FTF-TP, Observer-FTF and Observer-TP, respectively). Telepsychiatry assessments had comparable acceptability in items such as psychiatrists’ certainty and interviewers’ and patients’ satisfaction.

Conclusions

TP and FTF psychiatric assessments in the emergency room settings have similar validity and acceptability. Implementation of TP in emergency room settings might improve the mental health services’ quality and access especially for remote populations. TP is especially important during the COVID-19 pandemic to enable treatment for epidemiologically isolated patients and to protect the medical personnel.

Validity of the French version of Catquest-9SF and use of an electronic notepad for entering patient-reported outcome measures

Background

The Catquest-9SF questionnaire is a patient reported outcome measure that quantifies the visual benefits from cataract surgery. The purpose of this study was to translate and adapt the Catquest-9SF questionnaire for France, to assess its psychometric properties via Rasch analysis, and to assess its validity when completed using an electronic notepad.

Methods

The Catquest-9SF questionnaire was translated following the guidelines of the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research. Catquest-9SF and clinical data were collected from patients before and after routine cataract surgery. All questionnaire data were collected via an electronic notepad. Rasch analysis was performed to assess psychometric properties, and sensitivity to change was analysed for patients with complete paired pre- and post-operative questionnaires.

Results

A complete filled-in preoperative questionnaire was obtained for 848 patients. Rasch analysis showed good precision (person separation: 2.32, person reliability: 0.84), ordered category probability curves, no item misfit, and unidimensionality. The respondents were slightly more able than the level of item difficulty (targeting: −1.12 logits). Sensitivity was analysed on 211 paired questionnaires, and the postoperative questionnaires showed a clear ceiling effect. The effect size was 2.6. The use of an electronic notepad for completing the questionnaire worked out very well after some adjustments.

Conclusions

The French version of Catquest-9SF has good psychometric properties and is suitable for use in French-speaking patients. The use of the Catquest-9SF questionnaire in an electronic format showed good validity.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40662-021-00233-7.

Impact of Patient-Surgeon Relationship on Patient's Return to Work

BACKGROUND

Upper-limb injuries and musculoskeletal disorders represent a major economic burden for both patients and society, largely due to limitations in returning to work. We hypothesized that a positive patient-surgeon relationship may facilitate patients' recovery and lead to a faster return to work.

METHODS

This longitudinal observational study comprised 219 patients, from 8 French hand trauma centers, who were 18 to 55 years of age and were on sick leave from work because of an injury or musculoskeletal disorder of the upper limb. In addition to instruments measuring patients' functional scores and quality of life, the quality of the patient-surgeon relationship was assessed at enrollment using a specific questionnaire (Q-PASREL [Quality of PAtient-Surgeon RELationship]). Six months after enrollment, the return-to-work status was assessed. Logistic and Cox regression models were developed to identify predictors of return to work (yes/no) and the time off from work in days.

RESULTS

Overall, 74% of the patients who returned to work within 6 months after enrollment had a high or medium-high Q-PASREL score, whereas 64% of the patients who were still on sick leave had a low or medium-low Q-PASREL score. The odds of patients with a low or medium-low Q-PASREL score returning to work were, respectively, 95% and 71% lower than the odds of patients with a high score doing so, with a percent difference of 56% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 40% to 71%) for low versus high (odds ratio [OR] = 0.05 [95% CI = 0.02 to 0.13]) and 25% (95% CI = 6% to 44%) for medium-low versus high (OR = 0.29 [95% CI = 0.11 to 0.76]). All Q-PASREL items and scores were significantly associated with return to work.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with a lower Q-PASREL score and more severe disability were less likely to return to work within 6 months and had a longer time off from work. Efforts to improve the quality of patient-surgeon relationships may minimize the duration of sick leaves and accelerate patient recovery.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Increased Prevalence of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease in Hospitalized Patients

OBJECTIVE

To assess the prevalence of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and its individual phenotypes of coronary artery disease (CAD), peripheral artery disease (PAD), and cerebrovascular disease by age and sex in a large US cohort of hospitalized patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

METHODS

A nested case-control study of adults with and without SLE was conducted from the January 1, 2008, through December 31, 2014, National Inpatient Sample. Hospitalized patients with SLE were matched (1:3) by age, sex, race, and calendar year to hospitalized patients without SLE. The prevalences of CAD, PAD, and cerebrovascular disease were evaluated, and associations with SLE were determined after adjustment for common cardiovascular risk factors.

RESULTS

Among the 252,676 patients with SLE and 758,034 matched patients without SLE, the mean age was 51 years, 89% were women, and 49% were white. Patients with SLE had a higher prevalence of ASCVD vs those without SLE (25.6% vs 19.2%; OR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.44-1.47; P<.001). After multivariable adjustment, SLE was associated with a greater odds of ASCVD (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.46; 95% CI, 1.41-1.51). The association between SLE and ASCVD was observed in women and men and was attenuated with increasing age. Also, SLE was associated with increased odds of CAD (aOR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.40-1.44), PAD (aOR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.22-1.28), and cerebrovascular disease (aOR, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.65-1.71).

CONCLUSION

In hospitalized US patients, SLE was associated with increased ASCVD prevalence, which was observed in both sexes and was greatest in younger patients.

Implications of CRISPR-Based Germline Engineering for Cancer Survivors

Cancer survivors can carry germline mutations that will be transmitted to their progeny. Today, many of these mutations have been identified and can be tracked. With the recent development of genome-editing technologies and CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats), the possibility of genetically modifying the human germline-gametes and embryos-has never been closer. This perspective has sparked a controversy within the scientific community with reactions ranging from calls for a ban on germline modification to cautious approval of further research. This Editorial analyzes the possible adoption of CRISPR-based germline engineering to prevent the spread of cancer predispositions in the human population. We discuss whether the genomic edition of human sperm and eggs would contribute to rectifying or altering the heritable genome. We anticipate the emergence of a new form of liberal eugenics fueled by a logic of offer and demand from stakeholders such as cancer survivors and their relatives and offspring, but also from fertility clinics, biotech firms, insurers, and clinicians. From a regulatory perspective, validating the clinical safety and utility of CRISPR-based germline engineering is an essential step. However, with time, gradually perfecting the technology and assessing the economic benefits for stakeholders could soften society's resistance and align opinions in support of genomic decontamination of human germlines. This progressive shift would be justified in the name of cancer prevention as well as a moral obligation to facilitate the conception of cancer-free children at a cost that is acceptable to individuals and health systems.

[The French health care funding system for research and innovation in oncology]

INTRODUCTION

This article provides an overview of the French health system with respect to allocation of public resources to hospitals, to encourage research and innovation, particularly in the field of oncology. It is explained in a historical, economic and scientific perspective.

RESULTS

Important structural and conceptual reforms (T2A, HPST law, etc.) have been carried out. These have significantly impacted the way public funding is allocated. Funding of innovation and research has been modified into a more incentive logic, aimed at strengthening competitiveness between all health care actors. The funding allocation system has evolved towards a more ubiquitous redistribution, including non-academic and private institutions. The baseline endowment includes indicators relating to scientific publications (60% of the endowment), teaching (25%) and clinical trials (15%). Research funding is then redistributed by regional health agencies, and used in health care institutions at the discretion of the directorates. Other funding sources such as calls for grants, funding for mobile research centers and teams, tumor banks and temporary user licenses are also part of the funding by the French Ministry of health.

CONCLUSION

Changes in the health research funding system have an incentive purpose. They have significantly modified the global healthcare landscape. Feedback on these changes will be necessary to assess the success of the reinforcement of the dynamics of research and innovation.

Development of an instrument evaluating the impact of surgeon-patient relationship in patients on sick leave

Background: To date, no specific instruments exist to measure the quality of the patient-surgeon relationship despite its potential to influence clinical and economic outcomes in patients undergoing surgery for musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Objective: The objective was to develop and validate an instrument to assess the quality of the patient-surgeon relationship, taking into account the return to work after functional restoration surgery. Methods: The instrument development was based on literature review, cognitive interviews and expert examinations. The instrument's psychometric properties were explored in a sample of 50 French patients on sick leave with musculoskeletal disorders or hand injuries. Face validity, internal consistency and test-retest reliability were evaluated. The dimensionality of the instrument was studied using an exploratory principal component analysis. Results: The 11-item instrument showed good psychometric properties. The cognitive interviews allowed enhancing the validity of the instrument content by capturing patients' point of view. The exploratory principal component analysis demonstrated the uni-dimensionality of the instrument with the first factor accounting for 83% of the total explained variance. Conclusion:This study has developed the first instrument capable of the specific assessment of the impact of the surgeon-patient relationship on recovery, in patients with hand traumas and MSDs.

A Randomized Trial of Fixed-Dose Combination Brinzolamide 1%/Brimonidine 0.2% as Adjunctive Therapy to Travoprost 0.004

PURPOSE

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of adding fixed-combination brinzolamide 1%/brimonidine 0.2% (BBFC) as adjunctive therapy to travoprost 0.004% (TRAV) in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

DESIGN

Multicenter, randomized, double-masked, parallel-group phase 4 clinical trial.

METHODS

setting: Multicenter; 32 sites in the United States.

PATIENT POPULATION

Total of 233 patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension and with mean intraocular pressure (IOP) ≥21 mm Hg and <32 mm Hg while receiving once-daily TRAV monotherapy.

INTERVENTION

Masked BBFC or vehicle (3 times daily) adjunctive to TRAV for 6 weeks.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Mean diurnal IOP averaged over 8 AM, 10 AM, 3 PM, and 5 PM time points at week 6. Superiority of BBFC+TRAV over vehicle+TRAV was based on statistical significance of a treatment difference favoring BBFC+TRAV.

RESULTS

Mean diurnal IOP at week 6 (least squares mean ± standard error) was 17.6 ± 0.4 mm Hg and 20.7 ± 0.4 mm Hg in the BBFC+TRAV and vehicle+TRAV groups, respectively (between-group difference, -3.2 ± 0.5 mm Hg; P < .0001). Superiority of BBFC+TRAV over vehicle+TRAV was established. Mean and percent diurnal IOP change from baseline were significantly greater with BBFC+TRAV compared with vehicle+TRAV (P < .0001 for both). Conjunctival hyperemia was the most common treatment-related adverse event in either group (BBFC+TRAV, 12.8%; vehicle+TRAV, 6.0%).

CONCLUSIONS

Adjunctive treatment with BBFC added to TRAV resulted in lower mean diurnal IOP after 6 weeks of treatment compared with vehicle added to TRAV; this difference was both statistically and clinically significant.

Real-time evaluation of individual cow milk for higher cheese-milk quality with increased cheese yield

Cheese was produced in a series of experiments from milk separated in real time during milking by using the Afilab MCS milk classification service (Afikim, Israel), which is installed on the milk line in every stall and sorts milk in real time into 2 target tanks: the A tank for cheese production (CM) and the B tank for fluid milk products (FM). The cheese milk was prepared in varying ratios ranging from ~10:90 to ~90:10 CM:FM by using this system. Cheese was made with corrected protein-to-fat ratio and without it, as well as from milk stored at 4°C for 1, 2, 3, 4, and 8d before production. Cheese weight at 24h increased along the separation cutoff level with no difference in moisture, and dry matter increased. The data compiled allowed a theoretical calculation of cheese yield and comparing it to the original van Slyke equation. Whenever the value of Afi-Cf, which is the optical measure of curd firmness obtained by the Afilab instrument, was used, a better predicted level of cheese yield was obtained. In addition, 27 bulk milk tanks with milk separated at a 50:50 CM:FM ratio resulted in cheese with a significantly higher fat and protein, dry matter, and weight at 24h. Moreover, solids incorporated from the milk into the cheese were significantly higher in cheeses made of milk from A tanks. The influence of storage of milk up to 8d before cheese making was tested. Gross milk composition did not change and no differences were found in cheese moisture, but dry matter and protein incorporated in the cheese dropped significantly along the storage time. These findings confirm that milk stored for several days before processing is prone to physico-chemical deterioration processes, which result in loss of milk constituents to the whey and therefore reduced product yield. The study demonstrates that introducing the unknown parameters for calculating the predicted cheese yield, such as the empiric measured Afi-Cf properties, are more accurate and the increase in cheese yield is more than increasing just the protein level, the value that is being tested by the dairies, or even casein.

Abstract OT2-03-02: DI study: Decision impact of the NanoString® Technologies Prosigna™ in early breast cancers

Backgrounds: More than a decade of research, clinical studies, and peer reviewed publications support the value of molecular subtyping based on gene expression analyses to assess prognosis and treatment options for patients with early-stage breast cancer. Therefore, genomic assays are now being introduced to supplement the conventional diagnostic tools. Prosigna is a standardized test that measures the expression levels of 50 classifier genes in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) breast tumor tissue samples and provide a subtype classification based on the fundamental biology of individual patient's tumor (referred to as molecular subtyping), as well as a prognostic score (referred to as risk of recurrence (ROR) score) that predicts the probability of cancer recurrence over 10 years.

The primary objective of this study is to assess the extent to which Prosigna affects the medical oncologist's treatment recommendations regarding adjuvant chemotherapy and actual treatments received for patients with early-stage breast cancer. Changes will include hormonal therapy alone, hormonal therapy plus chemotherapy, and changes in types of chemotherapy if chemotherapy was recommended before and after the test. Secondary objectives will be to elicit information on investigators' confidence in the recommendations before and after the test, and by cancer recurrence risk groups, rate of chemotherapy related adverse events stratified by administration of chemotherapy, and patients' decisional conflict status, anxiety levels, and functional status before and after Prosigna results.

Multicentric prospective study. Prosigna will be performed on operative piece for all consecutively postmenopausal women matching the inclusion criteria and having signed an informed consent. Data on patient demographics, disease status, intended cancer-specific postoperative management before and after the test, tests results, investigators and patients' confidence in the treatment and in the test, will be recorded in the inclusion visit, after the tests results and 6 month post-assay.

Inclusion criteria: Postmenopausal patients with resected node-negative, estrogen-receptor-positive, HER2-negative (by the local laboratory) early-stage invasive breast cancer (T1-T2, N0, pN0 (i+), pN1 (micrometastatic), M0), able to give consent, eligible for treatment of breast cancer with adjuvant chemotherapy and with ECOG performance status of 0 or 1.

Statistical methods: The clinical and demographic characteristics of the study sample will be described using mean, median, standard deviation, and range for continuous/ordinal variables and frequency and proportion for categorical variables. Bivariate plots and crosstabs will be performed to inspect bivariate associations between variables. The proportion of patients for whom the physicians' choice of treatment changed from baseline to follow-up will be calculated along with the 95% confidence interval. The change in investigator confidence in treatment recommendations before and after Prosigna results were known will be analyzed by calculating the mean and 95% CI for the question regarding whether a physician is more confidence in treatment recommendation after ordering Prosigna.

47 patients have been included on 200 scheduled.

Citation Format: Lerebours F, Hequet D, Guinebretière J-M, Roulot A, Callens C, Gentien D, Penault-LLorca F, Zilberman S, Salmon R, Foa C, Berseneff H, Huchon C, Katz G, MacDonald M, Morel P, Bieche I, Dubot C, Rouzier R. DI study: Decision impact of the NanoString® Technologies Prosigna™ in early breast cancers. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Eighth Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2015 Dec 8-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(4 Suppl):Abstract nr OT2-03-02.

Cannabis and Alcohol Abuse Among First Psychotic Episode Inpatients

BACKGROUND

Psychoactive substance abuse, which includes abuse of alcohol and street drugs, is common among first-episode psychosis patients, but the prevalence of cannabis abuse is particularly high. However, there have been very few reported studies concerning the occurrence of psychoactive substance abuse among first-episode psychotic individuals using standard toxicological testing. We study the prevalence of cannabis and alcohol abuse among first-psychoticepisode inpatients as well as compare the demographic, diagnostic, and psychopathological profiles of substance abusers versus nonusers.

METHODS

Subjects were recruited from the Jerusalem Mental Health Center between 2012 and 2014. Ninety-one consecutively admitted psychiatric patients diagnosed using the DSM-IV criteria with a first psychotic episode due to schizophrenia, schizophreniform disorder, bipolar disorder, brief psychotic episode, and psychosis NOS disorder entered the study. The diagnoses of schizophrenia (all types), psychosis NOS disorder, brief psychotic episode, and schizophreniform disorder were categorized as "only psychosis" and those of bipolar disorder manic episode with psychotic features (congruent and incongruent) and severe depression with psychotic features were categorized as "predominantly affective symptoms." Urine tests for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) were performed during the first 48 hours of admission, and likewise self-report questionnaires were administered. Alcohol abuse and dependence were diagnosed by self-report.

RESULTS

Of the 91 subjects in the study, 49 (53.8%) did not abuse any illegal psychoactive substance. Twenty patients (22%) abused only cannabis; 14 (15.4%) abused cannabis and another psychoactive substance; 54 (59.3%) of the subjects reported no alcohol abuse; 33 (36.3%) reported occasional drinking (between two and ten times a month); and 4 (4.4%) reported continuous repeated drinking (more than ten times a month). There was no correlation between the demographic characteristics and the abuse of cannabis. Two-thirds of the "predominantly affective symptoms" subjects were positive for THC, whereas only a third of the "only psychosis" subjects screened positive for THC.

CONCLUSIONS

The percentage of cannabis and alcohol abuse in the study population is much higher than one would expect to see in the general Israeli population (according to the Knesset Research Department 7.6-10.2% of the adult Israeli population abuse cannabis). Different patterns of cannabis abuse among "predominantly affective" and "psychotic only" patients may lend credence to the preferential use of a specific substance per diagnosis.

Banking or Bankrupting: Strategies for Sustaining the Economic Future of Public Cord Blood Banks

Background

Cord blood is an important source of stem cells. However, nearly 90% of public cord blood banks have declared that they are struggling to maintain their financial sustainability and avoid bankruptcy. The objective of this study is to evaluate how characteristics of cord blood units influence their utilization, then use this information to model the economic viability and therapeutic value of different banking strategies.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of cord blood data registered between January 1st, 2009 and December 31st, 2011 in Bone Marrow Donor Worldwide. Data were collected from four public banks in France, Germany and the USA. Samples were eligible for inclusion in the analysis if data on cord blood and maternal HLA typing and biological characteristics after processing were available (total nucleated and CD34+ cell counts). 9,396 banked cord blood units were analyzed, of which 5,815 were Caucasian in origin. A multivariate logistic regression model assessed the influence of three parameters on the CBU utilization rate: ethnic background, total nucleated and CD34+ cell counts. From this model, we elaborated a Utilization Score reflecting the probability of transplantation for each cord blood unit. We stratified three Utilization Score thresholds representing four different banking strategies, from the least selective (scenario A) to the most selective (scenario D). We measured the cost-effectiveness ratio for each strategy by comparing performance in terms of number of transplanted cord blood units and level of financial deficit.

Results

When comparing inputs and outputs over three years, Scenario A represented the most extreme case as it delivered the highest therapeutic value for patients (284 CBUs transplanted) along with the highest financial deficit (USD 5.89 million). We found that scenario C resulted in 219 CBUs transplanted with a limited deficit (USD 0.98 million) that charities and public health could realistically finance over the long term. We also found that using a pre-freezing level of 18 x 10⁸ TNC would be the most cost-effective strategy for a public bank.

Conclusion

Our study shows that a swift transition from strategy A to C can play a vital role in preventing public cord blood banks worldwide from collapsing.

Drug-eluting stents: the past, present, and future

Since the advent of percutaneous coronary intervention, enormous advances have been made in the treatment of coronary artery disease. Angioplasty and bare metal stents were plagued by high rates of restenosis leading to repeat revascularization procedures. Examination of the underlying pathophysiology of restenosis led to the development of drug-eluting stents to reduce neointimal hyperplasia. However, as restenosis rates declined, length of dual antiplatelet therapy use and risk of long-term stent thrombosis associated with drug-eluting stents increased. Subsequent generations have improved each facet of stent design. Novel alloys maintain durability and reduce strut thickness to increase deliverability, biocompatible polymers decrease the inflammatory response and improve drug elution kinetics, and new generations of drugs predictably inhibit restenosis. Developments on the horizon include stents with bioabsorbable polymers and platforms. The purpose of this review is to assess the evolution of stent design and the evidence behind each generation and to peer into the future of stent technology.

Economic Impact of Gene Expression Profiling in Patients with Early-Stage Breast Cancer in France

Background and Aims

The heterogeneous nature of breast cancer can make decisions on adjuvant chemotherapy following surgical resection challenging. Oncotype DX is a validated gene expression profiling test that predicts the likelihood of adjuvant chemotherapy benefit in early-stage breast cancer. The aim of this study is to determine the costs of chemotherapy in private hospitals in France, and evaluate the cost-effectiveness of Oncotype DX from national insurance and societal perspectives.

Methods

A multicenter study was conducted in seven French private hospitals, capturing retrospective data from 106 patient files. Cost estimates were used in conjunction with a published Markov model to assess the cost-effectiveness of using Oncotype DX to inform chemotherapy decision making versus standard care. Sensitivity analyses were performed.

Results

The cost of adjuvant chemotherapy in private hospitals was estimated at EUR 8,218 per patient from a national insurance perspective and EUR 10,305 from a societal perspective. Cost-effectiveness analysis indicated that introducing Oncotype DX improved life expectancy (+0.18 years) and quality-adjusted life expectancy (+0.17 QALYs) versus standard care. Oncotype DX was found cost-effective from a national insurance perspective (EUR 2,134 per QALY gained) and cost saving from a societal perspective versus standard care. Inclusion of lost productivity costs in the modeling analysis meant that costs for eligible patients undergoing Oncotype DX testing were on average EUR 602 lower than costs for those receiving standard care.

Conclusions

As Oncotype DX was found both cost and life-saving from a societal perspective, the test was considered to be dominant to standard care. However, the delay in coverage has the potential to erode the quality of the French healthcare system, thus depriving patients of technologies that could improve clinical outcomes and allow healthcare professionals to better allocate hospital resources to improve the standard of care for all patients.

'An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure': the case for and against GnRH-agonist for fertility preservation

The late effects of cancer treatment have recently gained a worldwide interest among reproductive endocrinologists, oncologists, and all health-care providers, and the protection against iatrogenic infertility caused by chemotherapy assumes a high priority. Here, we summarize the case for and against using GnRH-agonist for fertility preservation and minimizing chemotherapy-induced gonadotoxicity. The rationale and philosophy supporting its use is that preventing premature ovarian failure (POF) is preferable to treating it, following the dictum: 'an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure'. Despite many publications on this subject, there are many equivocal issues necessitating summary. Until now, 20 studies (15 retrospective and 5 randomized, controlled trials) have reported on 1837 patients treated with GnRH-a in parallel to chemotherapy, showing a significant decrease in POF rate in survivors versus 9 studies reporting on 593 patients, with results not supporting GnRH-a use. Patients treated with GnRH-a in parallel to chemotherapy preserved their cyclic ovarian function in 91% of cases when compared with 41% of controls, with a pregnancy rate of 19-71% in the treated patients. Furthermore, seven meta-analyses have concluded that GnRH-a are beneficial and may decrease the risk of POF in survivors. However, controversy still remains regarding the efficiency of GnRH-a in preserving fertility. Since not all the methods involving fertility preservation are unequivocally successful and safe, these young patients deserve to be informed of all the various modalities to minimize gonadal damage and preserve ovarian function and future fertility. Combining several methods for a specific patient may increase the odds for minimally invasive fertility preservation.

Direct MD Simulations of Terahertz Absorption and 2D Spectroscopy Applied to Explosive Crystals

A direct molecular dynamics simulation of the THz spectrum of a molecular crystal is presented. A time-dependent electric field is added to a molecular dynamics simulation of a crystal slab. The absorption spectrum is composed from the energy dissipated calculated from a series of applied pulses characterized by a carrier frequency. The spectrum of crystalline cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine (RDX) and triacetone triperoxide (TATP) were simulated with the ReaxFF force field. The proposed direct method avoids the linear response and harmonic approximations. A multidimensional extension of the spectroscopy is suggested and simulated based on the nonlinear response to a single polarized pulse of radiation in the perpendicular polarization direction.

Cannabis Withdrawal - A New Diagnostic Category in DSM-5

BACKGROUND

Cannabis withdrawal was not formally recognized by the DSM-IV classification but is listed, albeit without diagnostic criteria by ICD-10. The American Psychiatric Association recently has included cannabis withdrawal into DSM-5 classification as part of the "Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders" Section. However, many psychiatrists as well as other medical professionals have very little information, if at all, about the new diagnostic entity.

METHOD

The information was obtained from PubMed (research words: Cannabis, THC, Hashish, Marijuana and Withdrawal). The different clinical symptoms of the phenomena as well as some pathophysiological mechanisms and treatment considerations were summarized and discussed.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

A substantial amount of scientific data has been obtained in recent years concerning reliability, validity and clinical importance of cannabis withdrawal.The possible influence of cannabis withdrawal on the severity of major psychiatric disturbances is far from being understood and deserves further research.

LIMITATIONS

The reviewed studies varied in sample size, design and methodology limiting clear conclusions.

Applying quality principles to orthopaedic surgery

The unsustainable rising cost of medical care is creating financial pressures that will critically alter the way that health care is paid for and delivered. Limited resources dictate that physicians must become more efficient at providing high quality care. In an effort to provide financial incentive for delivering quality care, the federal government instituted value-based purchasing to transform Medicare from a passive payer of claims to an active purchaser of medical care. Healthcare providers must follow the basic tenants of certain quality principles to maximize reimbursement under the value-based purchasing system.

Three-month randomized trial of fixed-combination brinzolamide, 1%, and brimonidine, 0.2%

IMPORTANCE

This study evaluates the contribution of the individual components of an investigational non-β-antagonist fixed combination of brinzolamide, 1%, and brimonidine, 0.2%. This study and its sister study provide the first randomized data showing the intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering activity and the toxicity profile of this novel topical antihypertensive fixed combination.

OBJECTIVE

To compare IOP-lowering efficacy of fixed-combination brinzolamide, 1%, and brimonidine, 0.2%, with that of its components in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

DESIGN

In this phase 3, double-masked, parallel-group, multicenter study, eligible patients were randomized 1:1:1 to treatment with fixed-combination brinzolamide, 1%, and brimonidine, 0.2%; brinzolamide, 1%; or brimonidine, 0.2%, 3 times daily for 3 months.

SETTING

Sixty-six academic and private practice study sites throughout the United States.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 660 adults with a clinical diagnosis of open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension from a referred sample were enrolled. Thirty-four patients discontinued participation due to treatment-related nonserious adverse events.

INTERVENTION

Topical administration of study medication (fixed-combination brinzolamide, 1%, and brimonidine, 0.2%; brinzolamide, 1%; or brimonidine, 0.2%) 1 drop 3 times daily for 3 months.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Mean IOP at the 3-month visit at all time points (8 AM, 10 AM, 3 PM, and 5 PM).

RESULTS

A total of 660 patients were enrolled. Baseline mean IOP values were similar among treatment groups at all 4 time points. At 3 months, the mean IOP of the brinzolamide-brimonidine group (16.3-19.8 mm Hg) was significantly lower than that of either the brinzolamide group (19.3-20.9 mm Hg; P ≤ .002) or the brimonidine group (17.9-22.5 mm Hg; P < .001) across all time points. One of 10 serious adverse events (chest pain, brinzolamide group) was judged as treatment related. A total of 129 patients experienced at least 1 treatment-related adverse effect (brinzolamide-brimonidine, 22.9%; brinzolamide, 18.6%; and brimonidine, 17.3%; P = .31), most of which were ocular.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

This registrational study provides evidence that the fixed combination of brinzolamide, 1%, and brimonidine, 0.2%, can safely and effectively lower IOP in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension, showing significantly superior IOP-lowering activity compared with either brinzolamide or brimonidine monotherapy while providing a safety profile consistent with that of its individual components.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01297517.

Fixed-combination brinzolamide 1%/brimonidine 0.2% vs monotherapy with brinzolamide or brimonidine in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension: results of a pooled analysis of two phase 3 studies

Purpose

To describe pooled efficacy and safety data from two phase 3 studies comparing brinzolamide 1%/brimonidine 0.2% fixed combination (BBFC) with its component medications, brinzolamide and brimonidine, in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

Methods

Data were pooled from two nearly identical clinical trials comparing BBFC with its component medications, each given three times daily. The 3-month efficacy outcome was mean intraocular pressure (IOP) at 0800, 1000, 1500, and 1700 hours. Safety outcomes included adverse events (AEs), best-corrected visual acuity, examination of ocular structures, pachymetry, perimetry, and vital signs.

Results

A total of 1350 patients were enrolled and included in this analysis (BBFC, n=437; brinzolamide, n=458; brimonidine, n=455). Baseline mean IOP levels were similar among the three treatment groups. At 3 months, mean IOP of the BBFC group was significantly lower than that of either monotherapy group (P<0.0001) at all the four time points. A total of 272 patients (20.1%) experienced at least one treatment-related AE (BBFC, 24.6% brinzolamide, 18.7% brimonidine, 17.4%), the majority of which were ocular AEs. One serious AE, moderate intensity chest pain, was considered related to brinzolamide treatment and resulted in study discontinuation.

Conclusions

This analysis strengthens the conclusions drawn from the two individual phase 3 studies showing that, in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension, BBFC had significantly superior IOP-lowering activity compared with either brinzolamide or brimonidine alone and a safety profile consistent with that of its individual components.

A comparative study of Arab and Jewish patients admitted for psychiatric hospitalization in Jerusalem: the demographic, psychopathologic aspects, and the drug abuse comorbidity

BACKGROUND

The influence of ethnicity on different aspects of psychiatric hospitalization is far from clear.

THE AIM OF THE STUDY

The main aim of the study was to compare the Arab and the Jewish inpatients, at the time of admission, for the demographic factors, severity of psychotic, and affective psychopathology and comorbid drug abuse rate. POPULATION, METHOD, AND TOOLS: Among 250 consecutively admitted patients in the Jerusalem Mental Health Center-Kfar Shaul Hospital, 202 Jews and 42 Arabs (aged 18-65 years) were examined within 48 hours after admission. The psychiatric diagnoses were made according to the criteria of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition. For the differential measurement of psychopathologic severity, the following rating scales were used: 21-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), and Young Mania Rating Scale. Urine tests for Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, and methamphetamine were performed using the Sure Step TM kits (Applied Biotech, Inc, San Diego, CA, USA). The Structured Clinical Interview Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, criteria for drug abuse were applied based on self-report and results of urine analysis.

RESULTS

The comparison of the 2 population showed that among the Arab inpatients, there were more males (81% vs 67.4%; P < .005). No significant difference in psychiatric diagnosis was observed. The overall severity of positive symptoms (PANSS positive) in Arab group was higher, but only slightly so (P = .05). No significant difference was observed for total rates of PANSS negative subscale. The rates of PANSS-general were also similar. The Arab patients were significantly less depressive according to 21-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (P = .032), and the total score of Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale for the Jewish group was significantly higher (P = .001). No significant difference in general severity of manic symptoms for 2 groups was detected according to Young Mania Rating Scale. The rate of comorbid drug abuse for Jewish inpatients was borderline higher (P = .068).

CONCLUSIONS

The issue of referral to psychiatric hospitalization could be culturally influenced; it may be the result of disparities in demographic, psychopathologic, and drug abuse comorbid presenting symptoms, which are demonstrated upon admission by patients of different ethnic origins.

Maintenance of certification and keys to passing the recertification examination

The American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery requires that each board-certified orthopaedic surgeon recertify every 10 years. This formal procedure of demonstrating competence as a surgeon, which used to be known as recertification, has been replaced by a more comprehensive process termed maintenance of certification (MOC). Even an experienced orthopaedic surgeon may find achieving MOC a daunting prospect. Simply preparing for and taking the recertification examination is an enormous challenge, but it is important to remember that the examination is merely one aspect of maintaining certification. Prior to sitting for the examination, each physician is required to complete the other MOC requirements, including amassing continuing medical education credits, compiling a case list, and soliciting peer recommendations. Familiarity with the MOC process, understanding the details of the examination, and proper preparation techniques will help orthopaedic surgeons gain insights into how to approach MOC.

Tachyphylaxis/tolerance to antidepressants in treatment of dysthymia: results of a retrospective naturalistic chart review study

AIM

The main goals of this chart-review study were to examine the rate of tachyphylaxis during treatment of dysthymia with antidepressants, to compare the incidence of tolerance during trials of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) and non-SSRI and to give descriptive analysis of the cases of tachyphylaxis.

METHODS

The retrospective naturalistic chart review study included 52 cases of successfully treated (with different antidepressants) patients suffering from dysthymia. The overall number of the cases of tolerance to antidepressants were registered as well as the rate of these phenomena in the groups treated with SSRI and non-SSRI.

RESULTS

The cases of tolerance/tachyphylaxis were observed in 12 patients (23% of patients) and in 13 trials (22.4% of trials). All cases of tolerance occurred during monotherapy. No cases of tachyphylaxis were observed in the non-SSRI group while in the SSRI group, tolerance at some stage of the treatment was detected in 41.9% of the successful cases (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

During the treatment of dysthymia with antidepressants in the SSRI group, tachyphylaxis/tolerance might be observed in a relatively in high proportion of cases.

A comparative study of psychiatric inpatients in a general hospital and a psychiatric hospital in Israel: demographics, psychopathological aspects and drug abuse patterns

BACKGROUND

Some specialists and policy makers advocate progression of the mental health reform in Israel by transferring beds from psychiatric to general hospitals.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the demographic, diagnostic and psychopathological profiles of psychiatric inpatients hospitalized in psychiatric and general hospitals, as well as their patterns of drug abuse, and to estimate the preparedness of general hospitals for the possible expansion of their psychiatric services.

METHODS

Between 2002 and 2006 a total of 250 patients were consecutively admitted to the Jerusalem Mental Health Center-Kfar Shaul Hospital and 220 to the psychiatric department of Sheba Medical Center, a general hospital in central Israel; the patients' ages ranged from 18 to 65. The two groups were compared for demographic features, psychiatric diagnoses and severity of psychopathology (utilizing PANSS, HAD-21, YMRS rating scales). Drug abuse was diagnosed by urine analyses and self-report.

RESULTS

The patients in the psychiatric hospital were significantly younger, predominantly male, and more dependent on social security payments. In the general hospital, diagnoses of affective and anxiety disorders prevailed, while in the psychiatric hospital schizophrenic and other psychotic patients constituted the majority. The patients in the general hospital were decidedly more depressed; in the psychiatric hospital, notably higher rates of manic symptoms as well as positive, negative and general schizophrenic symptoms were reported. For the most abused substances (opiates, cannabis and methamphetamines) the rates in the psychiatric hospital were significantly higher.

CONCLUSIONS

The differences between the two groups of inpatients were very pronounced, and therefore, the transferring of psychiatric beds to general hospitals could not be done without serious and profound organizational, educational and financial changes in the psychiatric services of general hospitals. Since each of the two inpatient systems has particular specializations and experience with the different subgroups of patients, they could coexist for a long time.

Tachyphylaxis/ tolerance to antidepressive medications: a review

Tachyphylaxis is the appearance of progressive decrease in response to a given dose after repetitive administration of a pharmacologically or physiologically active substance; the symptoms could appear also during treatment with antidepressants. Although the real frequency of the phenomenon is unclear, it may be as high as 33% during the pharmacological treatment of depression. The review deals with the possible causes and the treatment of the tachyphylaxis following antidepressant treatment.

Medical clearance risk rating as a predictor of perioperative complications after total hip arthroplasty

Hip arthroplasty has become the standard treatment of end-stage osteoarthritis. However, postoperative complications are the risks associated with joint arthroplasty, which most significantly impact patient results and the total cost of care. Currently, no predictive system has been developed for categorizing levels of risk for the development of postoperative complications in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty. We examined the association between the medical clearance risk rating by the physician performing the preoperative clearance examination and postoperative complications after total hip arthroplasty. We have demonstrated a significant association between the medical clearance risk rating and postoperative urinary track infection, and the American Society of Anesthesiologist score but no significant association to other complications. This study presents a predictive patient characteristic that may help us identify among our patients the ones that may benefit from a personally tailored preoperative planning and evaluation but demonstrates further work is necessary to better predict the risk of complications after total hip arthroplasty.

Ocular surface disease in patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension treated with either BAK-preserved latanoprost or BAK-free travoprost

Purpose

The preservative benzalkonium chloride (BAK) may adversely affect ocular surface health. This study evaluated symptoms of ocular surface disease (OSD) in patients previously treated with a BAK-preserved therapy to lower their intraocular pressure, who either continued that therapy or switched to a BAK-free therapy.

Methods

Eligible adult patients with ocular hypertension or open-angle glaucoma that had been controlled with BAK-preserved latanoprost 0.005% monotherapy (Xalatan^®) for at least one month and had a score of ≥ 13 (0 = none, 100 = most severe) on the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire were entered into this prospective, double-masked, randomized, active-controlled, multicenter trial. By random assignment, patients either continued with BAK-preserved latanoprost 0.005% or transitioned to BAK-free travoprost 0.004% (Travatan Z^® ophthalmic solution). OSDI scores were assessed again after six and 12 weeks.

Results

For the 678 evaluable patients, mean change in OSDI score from baseline to week 12 favored the travoprost 0.004% BAK-free group, but was not statistically different between groups (P = 0.10). When patients with mild OSD at baseline were assessed after 12 weeks, the mean OSDI score was significantly lower (P = 0.04) in the BAK-free travoprost 0.004% group (score = 11.6 ± 10.8 units) than in the BAK-preserved latanoprost 0.005% group (score = 14.4 ± 11.9 units), and a significantly larger percentage (P < 0.01) improved to normal OSDI scores in the BAK-free travoprost 0.004% group (62.9% of group) than in the BAK-preserved latanoprost 0.005% group (47.0% of group). Patients pretreated with BAK-preserved latanoprost 0.005% for >24 months were significantly more likely (P = 0.03) to improve to a normal OSDI score after 12 weeks if they were switched to BAK-free travoprost 0.004% (47.9% of group) than if they remained on BAK-preserved latanoprost 0.005% (33.9% of group).

Conclusions

Switching from BAK-preserved latanoprost 0.005% to BAK-free travoprost 0.004% yielded significant improvements in symptoms of OSD in patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

Cord blood banking in France: reorganising the national network

Paradoxically, France is one of the leading exporters of cord blood units worldwide, but ranks only 17th in terms of cord blood units per inhabitant, and imports 64% of cord blood grafts to meet national transplantation demands. With three operational banks in 2008, the French allogeneic cord blood network is now entering an important phase of development with the creation of seven new banks collecting from local clusters of maternities. Although the French network of public banks is demonstrating a strong commitment to reorganise and scale up its activities, the revision of France's bioethics law in 2010 has sparked a debate concerning the legalisation of commercial autologous banking. The paper discusses key elements for a comprehensive national plan that would strengthen the allogeneic banking network through which France could meet its national medical needs and guarantee equal access to healthcare.

Cannabis abuse and severity of psychotic and affective disorders in Israeli psychiatric inpatients

The influence of cannabis abuse on the severity of existing psychotic and affective symptoms is still unclear. Among 470 consecutively admitted psychotic or affective patients, 54 active (in the previous month) cannabis abusers were detected via urine tests (Sure Step TM kits; Applied Biotech Inc, San Diego, Calif) and Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID- IV) questionnaire. In 24 cases, substances other than cannabis were abused; 392 patients were nonabusers. All patients were diagnosed according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, criteria. The following rating scales were used: Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D-21), Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), and Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS). Cannabis abusers (n = 54) were significantly younger and more frequently males than nonuser patients. In this group, there were more schizophrenic patients and fewer affective and anxiety patients (chi(2) = 11.76; P < .01). The double-diagnosed patients had more prominent psychotic symptoms than the nonusers (n = 392)-PANSS positive: 19.056 +/- 8.30 vs 16.128 +/- 8.031 (P < .02; t(446) = 2.510). The difference was statistically significant for hallucinatory behavior, excitement, grandiosity, and hostility. General PANSS scale rate of abusers was lower: 33.012 +/- 9.317 vs 37.3575 +/- 11.196 (P < .01; t = 2.727), especially for depression, anxiety, somatic concern, guilt feelings, tension, motor retardation, and volition disturbances. Rates of PANSS negative scale of abusers and nonusers were not significantly different (13.815 +/- 6.868 vs 14.983 +/- 6.446) except for lower rates of social withdrawal and stereotyped thinking for abusers. No significant difference in general level of manic symptoms (YMRS) between abusers and nonusers was observed (6.778 +/- 10.826 vs 4.910 +/- 7.754), but severity of thought/language disturbances and poor insight was found significantly higher in the abusers. Cannabis abusers are obviously less depressive (HAM-D): 5.944 +/- 10.291 vs 12.896 +/- 13.946 (P < .0005, t = 3.535). Such differences were observed in the high number of the subscales. Abusers' rates were higher (although not significantly) for paranoid symptoms and general somatic symptoms. Cannabis possibly produces some antidepressive and anxiolytic effect on psychotic and affective inpatients. The "price" of this effect is often an exacerbation of psychotic and some manic symptoms.

NRP/B mutations impair Nrf2-dependent NQO1 induction in human primary brain tumors

Brain tumors are associated with genetic alterations of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. Accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cells leads to oxidative stress-induced damage, resulting in tumorigenesis. Here, we showed that the nuclear matrix protein nuclear restricted protein in brain (NRP/B) was colocalized and interacted with NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). During oxidative stress response, NRP/B expression and its interaction with Nrf2 were upregulated in SH-SY5Y cells. Association of NRP/B with Nrf2 was crucial for NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) expression. NRP/B was localized predominantly in the nucleus of normal brain cells, whereas in primary brain tumors NRP/B was almost exclusively contained in the cytoplasm. In addition, unlike wild-type NRP/B, the expression of NRP/B mutants isolated from primary brain tumors was found in the cytoplasm, and these mutants failed to induce Nrf2-dependent NQO1 transcription. Thus, NRP/B mutations and their altered localization resulted in changes in NRP/B function and deregulation of Nrf2-dependent NQO1 activation in brain tumors. This study provides insights into the mechanism by which the NRP/B modulates Nrf2-dependent NQO1 induction in cellular protection against ROS in brain tumors.

Case report: successful use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for a complete scalp degloving injury

We report a case of a complete scalp degloving injury in a 43-year-old previously healthy, tobacco-using female whose hair was caught in a tractor power take-off causing an instantaneous total scalping injury. Microsurgical replantation was started 4 hours after injury with the surgical procedure lasting 4 hours. Only the superficial temporal arteries were reanastomosed with no venous anastomosis possible. Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) treatment at 2.5 atmospheres absolute (ATA) for 90 minutes was administered immediately after surgery due to duskiness of the flap. Further HBO2 treatments were administered twice daily for seven days and then once daily for 30 days. Additionally, leech therapy was used for the first ten postoperative days. The patient's right auricle and most of the left auricle were completely lost. Despite the tenuous vascular inflow and initially absent venous drainage, at 3 month follow-up there was reepithelialization of her scalp except for an area of granulation tissue in the occipitoparietal area. At one year follow-up the area of granulation tissue was reduced, but there was no detectable hair growth or nerve function. We propose that HBO2 may facilitate tissue survival in scalp degloving injuries in the face of incomplete surgical revascularization.

Substance abuse in hospitalized psychiatric patients

BACKGROUND

The co-morbidity rate of illicit substance abuse and major mental problems in Israel is far from clear.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the extent of drug abuse in a sample of psychiatric patients hospitalized in a psychiatric hospital and in the psychiatric department of a general hospital in Israel, to compare demographic and other background factors in dual-diagnosis patients with those of abuse-free mental inpatients, and to examine the time correlation between drug abuse and the appearance of major mental problems.

METHODS

Our data were derived from self-report and urine tests. The study population comprised 470 consecutively admitted patients--250 patients in the mental health center and 220 patients in the psychiatric department of the general hospital.

RESULTS

The lifetime prevalence of drug abuse was 24%; cannabis abuse was found in 19.7%, opiates in 5.7%, cocaine in 2.7%, amphetamines in 3.4% and methamphetamine in 1.1%. Active abuse of drugs (during the last month) was registered in 17.3%, cannabis in 11.5%, opiates in 4.9%, amphetamine in 3.8%, cocaine in 1.3% and methamphetamine in 1.1%. We also found that 28.2% of active abusers used two or more substances. In 41.6% the drug abuse appeared prior to symptoms of the mental disorder; in 37.1% the duration of the mental disorders and the drug abuse was relatively similar, and in 21.3% of cases the duration of mental problems was longer than the duration of drug abuse. Dual-diagnosis patients were younger than non-abusers, more often male, unmarried, and of western origin.

CONCLUSIONS

Substance abuse (especially cannabis) among hospitalized psychiatric patients in Israel is a growing problem.

[Multisensory environmental intervention (snoezelen) as a preventive alternative to seclusion and restraint in closed psychiatric wards]

Seclusion and restraint, unfortunately, still remain a routine practice in closed psychiatric wards worldwide and in Israel. These practices often lead to distress, traumatized patients, and further increase the negative view and stigmatization of psychiatric treatment and, most especially, psychiatric hospitalization. Multisensory environmental intervention, Snoezelen, combines sensory integration theory with a client-oriented approach. Snoezelen treatment calms and relaxes agitative patients giving them a feeling of dignity, initiative and freedom of choice. The Snoezelen room is a high-tech, multisensory environment that includes music, light of fiber optic strands, calming image projections, vibrations of bubbles tubes, and soothing smells. After 30 to 40 minutes of exposure to Snoezelen, agitative patients in our closed ward reported substantial reduction of their distress level and, outwardly, appeared less agitated and displayed less aggressive and hostile behavior. Foremost, since the beginning of the multisensory environmental interventions in the closed wards, a statistically significant reduction in the number of restraints and seclusions has occurred in the closed male section in comparison to the closed female section, where snoezelen has not been administered (P < 0.05).

IN CONCLUSION

Snoezelen is an innovative and preventative alternative to seclusion and restraint in closed psychiatric settings. It produces a calming effect on agitative patients, reduces the length of time and number of seclusions and restraints, and diminishes the stigma against psychiatric treatment and hospitalization.

Ocular hypotensive efficacy of travoprost in patients unsuccessfully treated with latanoprost

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy of travoprost 0.004% monotherapy in patients unsuccessfully treated with latanoprost monotherapy.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Open-label, noncomparative study conducted at US academic and private practice clinics in adult patients with ocular hypertension or primary open-angle glaucoma who required a change in therapy (due to either inadequate efficacy or safety issues) as judged by the investigator. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured at entry and 30 days later.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Mean change in intraocular pressure (mm Hg).

RESULTS

Reported here are 488 per-protocol patients from 330 centers who were using latanoprost monotherapy prior to study entry, and who received travoprost monotherapy during the study. Patients had a mean age of 69 years, were approximately two-thirds Caucasian, 60% female, predominantly brown or blue eyes, and 91% were diagnosed as having primary open-angle glaucoma. The mean days in treatment were 31.9 +/- 6.4. Mean IOP at study entry was 21.2 mm Hg. Following travoprost monotherapy, this was reduced by a mean of 3.2 mm Hg to 18 mm Hg (p < 0.0001, paired t-test). There were 21 adverse events reported in the intent-to-treat (ITT) population for an incidence of 3.5%. There were some limitations to the current study including: no washout period, no control therapy, single IOP determinations at the beginning and the end of the study; patient compliance with the initial therapy was not measured, and the study was not masked. This study reflects a real-life situation of what a clinician can expect when he changes a patient from latanoprost monotherapy to travoprost monotherapy.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that travoprost provided a statistically and clinically significant reduction (p < 0.0001) in IOP of 3.2 mm Hg for patients who had not been successfully treated with latanoprost monotherapy. The results of this trial demonstrate the potential benefit of using travoprost as a replacement therapy in order to ensure adequate IOP control.