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Investigation and response to an outbreak of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup Y ST-1466 urogenital infections, Australia. COMMUNICABLE DISEASES INTELLIGENCE (2018) 2024; 48. [PMID: 38594793 DOI: 10.33321/cdi.2024.48.20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Abstract In 2023, an increased number of urogenital and anorectal infections with Neisseria meningitis serogroup Y (MenY) were reported in New South Wales (NSW). Whole genome sequencing (WGS) found a common sequence type (ST-1466), with limited sequence diversity. Confirmed outbreak cases were NSW residents with a N. meningitidis isolate matching the cluster sequence type; probable cases were NSW residents with MenY isolated from a urogenital or anorectal site from 1 July 2023 without WGS testing. Of the 41 cases, most were men (n = 27), of whom six reported recent contact with a female sex worker. Five cases were men who have sex with men and two were female sex workers. Laboratory alerts regarding the outbreak were sent to all Australian jurisdictions through the laboratories in the National Neisseria Network. Two additional states identified urogenital MenY ST-1466 infections detected in late 2023. Genomic analysis showed all MenY ST-1466 sequences were interspersed, suggestive of an Australia-wide outbreak. The incidence of these infections remains unknown, due to varied testing and reporting practices both within and across jurisdictions. Isolates causing invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) in Australia are typed, and there has been no MenY ST-1466 IMD recorded in Australia to end of March 2024. Concerns remain regarding the risk of IMD, given the similarity of these sequences with a MenY ST-1466 IMD strain causing a concurrent outbreak in the United States of America.
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Landscape complexity effects on Brassicogethes aeneus abundance and larval parasitism rate: a two-year field study. Sci Rep 2023; 13:22373. [PMID: 38104176 PMCID: PMC10725428 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-49690-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Global biodiversity has suffered a decline primarily attributed to landscape simplification and intensified agricultural practices. Agricultural environments, characterized by homogeneity and frequent disturbances, are often suboptimal habitats for various insect species. While agricultural fields do favour pests, they generally fail to provide suitable habitats for natural enemies. The inclusion of diverse supporting habitats, such as semi-natural habitats, grassy and woody field margins etc. surrounding agricultural fields, play a crucial role in fostering effective biodiversity conservation. Moreover, determining the influence of different adjacent habitat types is essential in elucidating their influence on pest abundance and parasitism rates. Our two-year field study focused on assessing the abundance of Brassicogethes aeneus and its parasitism rate. The findings revealed that the adjacent habitat type did not significantly increase pest abundance and the parasitism rate of B. aeneus larvae consistently stayed over the threshold for effective biological control throughout the fields. This was attributed to the high proportion (35 and 38% in the 2 study years) of semi-natural habitats within most of the 1 km radius study areas. While our study did not identify any specific adjacent habitat type or habitat within a 1 km radius that directly impacted B. aeneus abundance, it emphasises the intricate interplay between the pests, parasitism and the surrounding environment because the interactive effect of distance from the crop edge and habitat type had a significant influence on B. aeneus infestation levels but not on parasitism. Decision tree analysis suggests that > 18% semi-natural habitat is needed to ensure sufficient levels of parasitism for effective biological control. A comprehensive understanding of habitats that influence not only B. aeneus but also other pests is critical for the successful implementation of IPM strategies and conservation initiatives within the agricultural sector.
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Impact of early ischemic evaluation on clinical outcomes among patients admitted with new onset systolic heart failure. Am J Med Sci 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/s0002-9629(23)00015-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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Angiotensin receptor blockade and stereotactic body radiation therapy for early stage lung cancer ARB & SBRT for early stage lung cancer. Cancer Biol Ther 2022; 23:1-8. [PMID: 36201632 PMCID: PMC9542943 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2022.2126250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) demonstrates excellent local control in early stage lung cancer, however a quarter of patients develop recurrence or distant metastasis. Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) supports metastasis and treatment resistance, and angiotensin receptor blockade (ARB) indirectly suppresses TGF-β signaling. This study investigates whether patients taking ARBs while undergoing SBRT for early stage lung cancer exhibited improved overall survival (OS) or recurrence free survival (RFS) compared to patients not taking ARBs. This was a single institution retrospective analysis of 272 patients treated with SBRT for early stage lung cancer between 2009 and 2018. Patient health data was abstracted from the electronic medical record. OS and RFS were assessed using Kaplan-Meier method. Log-rank test was used to compare unadjusted survival between groups. Univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs). Of 247 patients analyzed, 24 (10%) patients took ARBs for the duration of radiotherapy. There was no difference in mean age, median tumor diameter, or median biologic effective dose between patients taking ARBs or not. Patients taking ARBs exhibited increased OS (ARB = 96.7 mo.; no ARB = 43.3 mo.; HR = 0.25 [95% CI: 0.10 to 0.62, P = .003]) and increased RFS (median RFS, ARB = 64.3 mo.; No ARB = 35.1 mo.; HR = 0.26 [95% CI: 0.10 to 0.63, P = .003]). These effects were not seen in patients taking angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) or statins. ARB use while undergoing SBRT for early stage lung cancer may increase OS and RFS, but ACEI use does not show the same effect.
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2021 Canadian Surgery Forum01. Design and validation of a unique endoscopy simulator using a commercial video game03. Is ethnicity an appropriate measure of health care marginalization?: A systematic review and meta-analysis of the outcomes of diabetic foot ulceration in the Aboriginal population04. Racial disparities in surgery — a cross-specialty matched comparison between black and white patients05. Starting late does not increase the risk of postoperative complications in patients undergoing common general surgical procedures06. Ethical decision-making during a health care crisis: a resource allocation framework and tool07. Ensuring stability in surgical training program leadership: a survey of program directors08. Introducing oncoplastic breast surgery in a community hospital09. Leadership development programs for surgical residents: a review of the literature10. Superiority of non-opioid postoperative pain management after thyroid and parathyroid operations: a systematic review and meta-analysis11. Timing of ERCP relative to cholecystectomy in patients with ductal gallstone disease12. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing intraoperative red blood cell transfusion strategies13. Postoperative outcomes after frail elderly preoperative assessment clinic: a single-institution Canadian perspective14. Selective opioid antagonists following bowel resection for prevention of postoperative ileus: a systematic review and meta-analysis15. Peer-to-peer coaching after bile duct injury16. Laparoscopic median arcuate ligament release: a video abstract17. Retroperitoneoscopic approach to adrenalectomy19. Endoscopic Zenker diverticulotomy: a video abstract20. Variability in surgeons’ perioperative management of pheochromocytomas in Canada21. The contribution of surgeon and hospital variation in transfusion practice to outcomes for patients undergoing elective gastrointestinal cancer surgery: a population-based analysis22. Perioperative transfusions for gastroesophageal cancers: risk factors and short- and long-term outcomes23. The association between frailty and time alive and at home after cancer surgery among older adults: a population-based analysis24. Psychological and workplace-related effects of providing surgical care during the COVID-19 pandemic in British Columbia, Canada25. Safety of venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: a systematic review26. Complications and reintervention following laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis27. Synchronization of pupil dilations correlates with team performance in a simulated laparoscopic team coordination task28. Receptivity to and desired design features of a surgical peer coaching program: an international survey9. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on rates of emergency department utilization due to general surgery conditions30. The impact of the current COVID-19 pandemic on the exposure of general surgery trainees to operative procedures31. Association between academic degrees and research productivity: an assessment of academic general surgeons in Canada32. Laparoscopic endoscopic cooperative surgery (LECS) for subepithelial gastric lesion: a video presentation33. Effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on acute care general surgery at an academic Canadian centre34. Opioid-free analgesia after outpatient general surgery: a pilot randomized controlled trial35. Impact of neoadjuvant immunotherapy or targeted therapies on surgical resection in patients with solid tumours: a systematic review and meta-analysis37. Surgical data recording in the operating room: a systematic review of modalities and metrics38. Association between nonaccidental trauma and neighbourhood socioeconomic status during the COVID-19 pandemic: a retrospective analysis39. Laparoscopic repair of a transdiaphragmatic gastropleural fistula40. Video-based interviewing in medicine: a scoping review41. Indocyanine green fluorescence angiography for prevention of anastomotic leakage in colorectal surgery: a cost analysis from the hospital payer’s perspective43. Perception or reality: surgical resident and faculty assessments of resident workload compared with objective data45. When illness and loss hit close to home: Do health care providers learn how to cope?46. Remote video-based suturing education with smartphones (REVISE): a randomized controlled trial47. The evolving use of robotic surgery: a population-based analysis48. Prophylactic retromuscular mesh placement for parastomal hernia prevention: a retrospective cohort study of permanent colostomies and ileostomies49. Intracorporeal versus extracorporeal anastomosis in laparoscopic right hemicolectomy: a retrospective cohort study on anastomotic complications50. A lay of the land — a description of Canadian academic acute care surgery models51. Emergency general surgery in Ontario: interhospital variability in structures, processes and models of care52. Trauma 101: a virtual case-based trauma conference as an adjunct to medical education53. Assessment of the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Surgical Risk Calculator for predicting patient-centred outcomes of emergency general surgery patients in a Canadian health care system54. Sustainability of a narcotic reduction initiative: 1 year following the Standardization of Outpatient Procedure (STOP) Narcotics Study55. Barriers to transanal endoscopic microsurgery referral56. Geospatial analysis of severely injured rural patients in a geographically complex landscape57. Implementation of an incentive spirometry protocol in a trauma ward: a single-centre pilot study58. Impostor phenomenon is a significant risk factor for burnout and anxiety in Canadian resident physicians: a cross-sectional survey59. Understanding the influence of perioperative education on performance among surgical trainees: a single-centre experience60. The effect of COVID-19 pandemic on current and future endoscopic personal protective equipment practices: a national survey of 77 endoscopists61. Case report: delayed presentation of perforated sigmoid diverticulitis as necrotizing infection of the lower limb62. Investigating disparities in surgical outcomes in Canadian Indigenous populations63. Fundoplication is superior to medical therapy for Barrett esophagus disease regression and progression: a systematic review and meta-analysis64. Development of a novel online general surgery learning platform and a qualitative preimplementation analysis65. Hagfish slime exudate as a potential novel hemostatic agent: developing a standardized assessment protocol66. The effect of the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic on surgical oncology case volumes and wait times67. Safety of same-day discharge in high-risk patients undergoing ambulatory general surgery68. External validation of the Codman score in colorectal surgery: a pragmatic tool to drive quality improvement69. Improved morbidity and gastrointestinal restoration rates without compromising survival rates for diverting loop ileostomy with colonic lavage versus total abdominal colectomy for fulminant Clostridioides difficile colitis: a multicentre retrospective cohort study70. Potential access to emergency general surgical care in Ontario71. Immersive virtual reality (iVR) improves procedural duration, task completion and accuracy in surgical trainees: a systematic review01. Clinical validation of the Canada Lymph Node Score for endobronchial ultrasound02. Venous thromboembolism in surgically treated esophageal cancer patients: a provincial population-based study03. Venous thromboembolism in surgically treated lung cancer patients: a population-based study04. Is frailty associated with failure to rescue after esophagectomy? A multi-institutional comparative analysis of outcomes05. Routine systematic sampling versus targeted sampling of lymph nodes during endobronchial ultrasound: a feasibility randomized controlled trial06. Gastric ischemic conditioning reduces anastomotic complications in patients undergoing esophagectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis07. Move For Surgery, a novel preconditioning program to optimize health before thoracic surgery: a randomized controlled trial08. In case of emergency, go to your nearest emergency department — Or maybe not?09. Does preoperative SABR increase the risk of complications from lung cancer resection? A secondary analysis of the MISSILE trial10. Segmental resection for lung cancer: the added value of near-infrared fluorescence mapping diminishes with surgeon experience11. Toward competency-based continuing professional development for practising surgeons12. Stereotactic body radiotherapy versus surgery in older adults with NSCLC — a population-based, matched analysis of long-term dependency outcomes13. Role of adjuvant therapy in esophageal cancer patients after neoadjuvant therapy and curative esophagectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis14. Evaluation of population characteristics on the incidence of thoracic empyema: an ecological study15. Determining the optimal stiffness colour threshold and stiffness area ratio cut-off for mediastinal lymph node staging using EBUS elastography and AI: a pilot study16. Quality assurance on the use of sequential compression stockings in thoracic surgery (QUESTs)17. The relationship between fissureless technique and prolonged air leak for patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy18. CXCR2 inhibition as a candidate for immunomodulation in the treatment of K-RAS-driven lung adenocarcinoma19. Assessment tools for evaluating competency in video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy: a systematic review20. Understanding the current practice on chest tube management following lung resection among thoracic surgeons across Canada21. Effect of routine jejunostomy tube insertion in esophagectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis22. Recurrence of primary spontaneous pneumothorax following bullectomy with pleurodesis or pleurectomy: a retrospective analysis23. Surgical outcomes following chest wall resection and reconstruction24. Outcomes following surgical management of primary mediastinal nonseminomatous germ cell tumours25. Does robotic approach offer better nodal staging than thoracoscopic approach in anatomical resection for non–small cell lung cancer? A single-centre propensity matching analysis26. Competency assessment for mediastinal mass resection and thymectomy: design and Delphi process27. The contemporary significance of venous thromboembolism (deep venous thrombosis [DVT] and pulmonary embolus [PE]) in patients undergoing esophagectomy: a prospective, multicentre cohort study to evaluate the incidence and clinical outcomes of VTE after major esophageal resections28. Esophageal cancer: symptom severity at the end of life29. The impact of pulmonary artery reconstruction on postoperative and oncologic outcomes: a systematic review30. Association with surgical technique and recurrence after laparoscopic repair of paraesophageal hernia: a single-centre experience31. Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) in esophagectomy32. Surgical treatment of esophageal cancer: trends in surgical approach and early mortality at a single institution over the past 18 years34. Adverse events and length of stay following minimally invasive surgery in paraesophageal hernia repair35. Long-term symptom control comparison of Dor and Nissen fundoplication following laparoscopic para-esophageal hernia repair: a retrospective analysis36. Willingness to pay: a survey of Canadian patients’ willingness to contribute to the cost of robotic thoracic surgery37. Radiomics in early-stage lung adenocarcinoma: a prediction tool for tumour immune microenvironments38. Effectiveness of intraoperative pyloric botox injection during esophagectomy: how often is endoscopic intervention required?39. An artificial intelligence algorithm for predicting lymph node malignancy during endobronchial ultrasound40. The effect of major and minor complications after lung surgery on length of stay and readmission41. Measuring cost of adverse events following thoracic surgery: a scoping review42. Laparoscopic paraesophageal hernia repair: characterization by hospital and surgeon volume and impact on outcomes43. NSQIP 5-Factor Modified Frailty Index predicts morbidity but not mortality after esophagectomy44. Trajectory of perioperative HRQOL and association with postoperative complications in thoracic surgery patients45. Variation in treatment patterns and outcomes for resected esophageal cancer at designated thoracic surgery centres46. Patient-reported pretreatment health-related quality of life (HRQOL) predicts short-term survival in esophageal cancer patients47. Analgesic efficacy of surgeon-placed paravertebral catheters compared with thoracic epidural analgesia after Ivor Lewis esophagectomy: a retrospective noninferiority study48. Rapid return to normal oxygenation after lung surgery49. Examination of local and systemic inflammatory changes during lung surgery01. Implications of near-infrared imaging and indocyanine green on anastomotic leaks following colorectal surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis02. Repeat preoperative endoscopy after regional implementation of electronic synoptic endoscopy reporting: a retrospective comparative study03. Consensus-derived quality indicators for operative reporting in transanal endoscopic surgery (TES)04. Colorectal lesion localization practices at endoscopy to facilitate surgical and endoscopic planning: recommendations from a national consensus Delphi process05. Black race is associated with increased mortality in colon cancer — a population-based and propensity-score matched analysis06. Improved survival in a cohort of patients 75 years and over with FIT-detected colorectal neoplasms07. Laparoscopic versus open loop ileostomy reversal: a systematic review and meta-analysis08. Posterior mesorectal thickness as a predictor of increased operative time in rectal cancer surgery: a retrospective cohort study09. Improvement of colonic anastomotic healing in mice with oral supplementation of oligosaccharides10. How can we better identify patients with rectal bleeding who are at high risk of colorectal cancer?11. Assessment of long-term bowel dysfunction in rectal cancer survivors: a population-based cohort study12. Observational versus antibiotic therapy for acute uncomplicated diverticulitis: a noninferiority meta-analysis based on a Delphi consensus13. Radiotherapy alone versus chemoradiotherapy for stage I anal squamous cell carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis14. Is the Hartmann procedure for diverticulitis obsolete? National trends in colectomy for diverticulitis in the emergency setting from 1993 to 201515. Sugammadex in colorectal surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis16. Sexuality and rectal cancer treatment: a qualitative study exploring patients’ information needs and expectations on sexual dysfunction after rectal cancer treatment17. Video-based interviews in selection process18. Impact of delaying colonoscopies during the COVID-19 pandemic on colorectal cancer detection and prevention19. Opioid use disorder associated with increased anastomotic leak and major complications after colorectal surgery20. Effectiveness of a rectal cancer education video on patient expectations21. Robotic-assisted rectosigmoid and rectal cancer resection: implementation and early experience at a Canadian tertiary centre22. An online educational app for rectal cancer survivors with low anterior resection syndrome: a pilot study23. The effects of surgeon specialization on the outcome of emergency colorectal surgery24. Outcomes after colorectal cancer resections in octogenarians and older in a regional New Zealand setting — What are the predictors of mortality?25. Long-term outcomes after seton placement for perianal fistulae with and without Crohn disease26. A survey of patient and surgeon preference for early ileostomy closure following restorative proctectomy for rectal cancer — Why aren’t we doing it?27. Crohn disease independently associated with longer hospital admission after surgery28. Short-stay (≤ 1 d) diverting loop ileostomy closure can be selectively implemented without an increase in readmission and complication rates: an ACS-NSQIP analysis29. A comparison of perineal stapled rectal prolapse resection and the Altemeier procedure at 2 Canadian academic hospitals30. Mental health and substance use disorders predict 90-day readmission and postoperative complications following rectal cancer surgery31. Early discharge after colorectal cancer resection: trends and impact on patient outcomes32. Oral antibiotics without mechanical bowel preparation prior to emergency colectomy reduces the risk of organ space surgical site infections: a NSQIP propensity score matched study33. The impact of robotic surgery on a tertiary care colorectal surgery program, an assessment of costs and short-term outcomes — a Canadian perspective34. Should we scope beyond the age limit of guidelines? Adenoma detection rates and outcomes of screening and surveillance colonoscopies in patients aged 75–79 years35. Emergency department admissions for uncomplicated diverticulitis: a nationwide study36. Obesity is associated with a complicated episode of acute diverticulitis: a nationwide study37. Green indocyanine angiography for low anterior resection in patients with rectal cancer: a prospective before-and-after study38. The impact of age on surgical recurrence of fibrostenotic ileocolic Crohn disease39. A qualitative study to explore the optimal timing and approach for the LARS discussion01. Racial, ethnic and socioeconomic disparities in diagnosis, treatment and survival of patients with breast cancer: a SEER-based population analysis02. First-line palliative chemotherapy for esophageal and gastric cancer: practice patterns and outcomes in the general population03. Frailty as a predictor for postoperative outcomes following pancreaticoduodenectomy04. Synoptic electronic operative reports identify practice variation in cancer surgery allowing for directed interventions to decrease variation05. The role of Hedgehog signalling in basal-like breast cancer07. Clinical and patient-reported outcomes in oncoplastic breast conservation surgery from a single surgeon’s practice in a busy community hospital in Canada08. Upgrade rate of atypical ductal hyperplasia: 10 years of experience and predictive factors09. Time to first adjuvant treatment after oncoplastic breast reduction10. Preparing to survive: improving outcomes for young women with breast cancer11. Opioid prescription and consumption in patients undergoing outpatient breast surgery — baseline data for a quality improvement initiative12. Rectal anastomosis and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy: Should we avoid diverting loop ileostomy?13. Delays in operative management of early-stage, estrogen-receptor positive breast cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic — a multi-institutional matched historical cohort study14. Opioid prescribing practices in breast oncologic surgery15. Oncoplastic breast reduction (OBR) complications and patient-reported outcomes16. De-escalating breast cancer surgery: Should we apply quality indicators from other jurisdictions in Canada?17. The breast cancer patient experience of telemedicine during COVID-1918. A novel ex vivo human peritoneal model to investigate mechanisms of peritoneal metastasis in gastric adenocarcinoma (GCa)19. Preliminary uptake and outcomes utilizing the BREAST-Q patient-reported outcomes questionnaire in patients following breast cancer surgery20. Routine elastin staining improves detection of venous invasion and enhances prognostication in resected colorectal cancer21. Analysis of exhaled volatile organic compounds: a new frontier in colon cancer screening and surveillance22. A clinical pathway for radical cystectomy leads to a shorter hospital stay and decreases 30-day postoperative complications: a NSQIP analysis23. Fertility preservation in young breast cancer patients: a population-based study24. Investigating factors associated with postmastectomy unplanned emergency department visits: a population-based analysis25. Impact of patient, tumour and treatment factors on psychosocial outcomes after treatment in women with invasive breast cancer26. The relationship between breast and axillary pathologic complete response in women receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer01. The association between bacterobilia and the risk of postoperative complications following pancreaticoduodenectomy02. Surgical outcome and quality of life following exercise-based prehabilitation for hepatobiliary surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis03. Does intraoperative frozen section and revision of margins lead to improved survival in patients undergoing resection of perihilar cholangiocarcinoma? A systematic review and meta-analysis04. Prolonged kidney procurement time is associated with worse graft survival after transplantation05. Venous thromboembolism following hepatectomy for colorectal metastases: a population-based retrospective cohort study06. Association between resection approach and transfusion exposure in liver resection for gastrointestinal cancer07. The association between surgeon volume and use of laparoscopic liver resection for gastrointestinal cancer08. Immune suppression through TIGIT in colorectal cancer liver metastases09. “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts” — a combined strategy to reduce postoperative pancreatic fistula after pancreaticoduodenectomy10. Laparoscopic versus open synchronous colorectal and hepatic resection for metastatic colorectal cancer11. Identifying prognostic factors for overall survival in patients with recurrent disease following liver resection for colorectal cancer metastasis12. Modified Blumgart pancreatojejunostomy with external stenting in laparoscopic Whipple reconstruction13. Laparoscopic versus open pancreaticoduodenectomy: a single centre’s initial experience with introduction of a novel surgical approach14. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy versus upfront surgery for borderline resectable pancreatic cancer: a single-centre cohort analysis15. Thermal ablation and telemedicine to reduce resource utilization during the COVID-19 pandemic16. Cost-utility analysis of normothermic machine perfusion compared with static cold storage in liver transplantation in the Canadian setting17. Impact of adjuvant therapy on overall survival in early-stage ampullary cancers: a single-centre retrospective review18. Presence of biliary anaerobes enhances response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma19. How does tumour viability influence the predictive capability of the Metroticket model? Comparing predicted-to-observed 5-year survival after liver transplant for hepatocellular carcinoma20. Does caudate resection improve outcomes in patients undergoing curative resection for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma? A systematic review and meta-analysis21. Appraisal of multivariable prognostic models for postoperative liver decompensation following partial hepatectomy: a systematic review22. Predictors of postoperative liver decompensation events following resection in patients with cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma: a population-based study23. Characteristics of bacteriobilia and impact on outcomes after Whipple procedure01. Inverting the y-axis: the future of MIS abdominal wall reconstruction is upside down02. Progressive preoperative pneumoperitoneum: a single-centre retrospective study03. The role of radiologic classification of parastomal hernia as a predictor of the need for surgical hernia repair: a retrospective cohort study04. Comparison of 2 fascial defect closure methods for laparoscopic incisional hernia repair01. Hypoalbuminemia predicts serious complications following elective bariatric surgery02. Laparoscopic adjustable gastric band migration inducing jejunal obstruction associated with acute pancreatitis: aurgical approach of band removal03. Can visceral adipose tissue gene expression determine metabolic outcomes after bariatric surgery?04. Improvement of kidney function in patients with chronic kidney disease and severe obesity after bariatric surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis05. A prediction model for delayed discharge following gastric bypass surgery06. Experiences and outcomes of Indigenous patients undergoing bariatric surgery: a mixed-methods scoping review07. What is the optimal common channel length in revisional bariatric surgery?08. Laparoscopic management of internal hernia in a 34-week pregnant woman09. Characterizing timing of postoperative complications following elective Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy10. Canadian trends in bariatric surgery11. Common surgical stapler problems and how to correct them12. Management of choledocholithiasis following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Can J Surg 2021; 64:S80-S159. [PMID: 35483046 PMCID: PMC8677574 DOI: 10.1503/cjs.021321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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Assessment of brominated flame retardants in a small mixed waste electronic and electrical equipment (WEEE) plastic recycling stream in the UK. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 780:146543. [PMID: 33773338 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.146543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Identifying the presence of brominated flame retardants (BFRs) within individual polymer types prior to extrusion has given us a unique perspective on which polymers may be problematic in meeting European Union (EU) low persistent organic pollutant (POP) content limits (LPCLs) and the potential for mixed engineering plastics (MEP) to be used as a viable recycled product. Our findings suggest that careful management of the polymer types within the feed chips prior to extrusion could deliver extruded polymer pellets that meet the EU LPCL values for POP-BFRs (i.e. <1000 mg/kg). Within this study, three fractions of extruded polymer pellets ("light", "medium", and "heavy" MEP) were created using density separation. Each fraction was characterised for 28 legacy and novel BFRs with brominated diphenyl ether-209 (BDE-209) (68-37,000 mg/kg) and tetrabromobisphenol-A (TBBP-A) (17-120,000 mg/kg) both predominant and ubiquitous. Portable X-ray fluorescence (XRF) was utilised to measure Br in 120 individual MEP chips of various polymer types. Those chips that XRF flagged as having high Br concentrations (>2500 mg/kg) were subjected to further evaluation for BFR content via mass spectrometry analysis and the results compared with the XRF Br data. This revealed that in 22% of the 120 chips studied, XRF incorrectly identified the LPCL to be exceeded. Our data also identifies the presence of the novel BFRs decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE) and 1,2-bis(2,4,6-tribromophenoxy) ethane (BTBPE) in plastics derived from waste electronic and electrical equipment (WEEE). While the "light-MEP" samples contained POP-BFR concentrations below LPCLs, the "medium-MEP" and "heavy-MEP" fractions exceeded such limits. Management of the polymer chips by colour sorting resulted in significant reductions in concentrations of all BFRs in the clear polymers such that LPCL limits were not exceeded; however, concentration reductions in white polymers were insufficient to meet LPCLs.
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ROLES OF PROGRAMMED DEATH LIGAND-1 (PDL-1) AND ANTIGEN-PRESENTING NATURAL KILLER (AP-NK) CELLS IN PROMOTING IMMUNOSUPPRESSIVE TUMOR MICROENVIRONMENT (TME) IN ORAL CANCER (OC). Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.oooo.2021.03.177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Long-term Follow-up After Radiation Therapy for Laryngeal Amyloidosis. Laryngoscope 2020; 131:1810-1815. [PMID: 33009850 DOI: 10.1002/lary.29061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Laryngeal amyloidosis (LA) is a rare disease characterized by extracellular protein deposition within the larynx. Treatment is difficult due to the frequently submucosal and multifocal nature of disease. The mainstay of treatment is surgical resection; however, recurrence rates are high. Recently, use of radiotherapy (RT), either alone or postoperatively, for LA has been adapted from the management of extramedullary plasmacytoma and has been shown to provide local disease control. Here, we describe the experience with adjuvant RT for LA at our center. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective case series. METHODS Retrospective study of patients with amyloidosis of the larynx, with or without other disease sites, seen at a tertiary academic center between 2011 and 2019. Outcomes included disease characteristics, recurrence rates, treatment modalities, and pre- and posttreatment voice handicap index (VHI)-10. RESULTS Ten patients met eligibility criteria. Mean follow-up time for all patients was 62.0 ± 41.0 months; mean follow-up time after last treatment was 51 ± 55 months. All but one patient underwent surgical resection of disease. Seven patients underwent subsequent RT. Of these seven, six underwent RT at our institution; five received a dose of 45 Gray (Gy); and one received a dose of 20 Gy. All seven completed RT without toxicity-related interruption. Patients undergoing RT underwent 2.1 ± 1.3 surgical procedures prior to RT; no patients required surgery after RT. Mean pretreatment VHI-10 was 22.9 ± 8.1; mean posttreatment VHI-10 was 12.9 ± 13.3. CONCLUSION RT after surgery for LA can provide good local control without unacceptable toxicity and may decrease the need for further surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 4 Laryngoscope, 131:1810-1815, 2021.
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Association of Sarcopenia With Oncologic Outcomes of Primary Surgery or Definitive Radiotherapy Among Patients With Localized Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2020; 146:714-722. [PMID: 32525518 PMCID: PMC7290710 DOI: 10.1001/jamaoto.2020.1154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Importance The negative association of low lean muscle mass (sarcopenia) with survival outcomes in head and neck cancers, including oropharyngeal carcinoma, is established. However, it is not known whether the choice of primary treatment modality (surgery or radiotherapy) is associated with oncologic outcomes of patients with sarcopenia and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). Objective To examine whether primary surgical resection or definitive radiotherapy is associated with improved survival for patients with sarcopenia and localized OPSCC. Design, Setting, and Participants A cohort study was conducted of patients with clinically staged T1 to T2, N0 to N2 OPSCC with cross-sectional abdominal imaging within 60 days prior to treatment and treated between January 1, 2005, and December 31, 2017. Skeletal muscle mass was measured at the third lumbar vertebra using previously defined techniques and sarcopenia was defined as less than 52.4 cm2/m2 of muscle for men and less than 38.5 cm2/m2 for women. In addition, associated patient demographic characteristics, cancer data, treatment information, and survival outcomes were assessed. Statistical analysis was performed from December 3, 2018, to August 28, 2019. Main Outcomes and Measures Primary outcomes were overall survival and disease-specific survival. Results Among the 245 patients who met study inclusion criteria, 209 were men (85.3%) and the mean (SD) age was 62.3 (7.8) years. Sarcopenia was detected in 135 patients (55.1%), while normal skeletal muscle mass was detected in 110 patients (44.9%). For the 110 patients without sarcopenia, primary treatment modality was not associated with improved survival. For patients with sarcopenia at diagnosis, primary surgical resection was associated with improved overall survival (hazard ratio [HR], 0.37; 95% CI, 0.17-0.82) and disease-specific survival (HR, 0.22; 95% CI, 0.07-0.68). This association persisted after propensity score matching, as up-front surgery was associated with improved overall survival (HR, 0.33; 95% CI, 0.12-0.91) and disease-specific survival (HR, 0.17; 95% CI, 0.04-0.75) survival. Conclusions and Relevance This study suggests that sarcopenia has a negative association with survival for patients with OPSCC. Primary surgery and radiotherapy confer similar survival associations for patients with normal skeletal muscle mass and localized OPSCC. However, up-front surgical resection may be associated with improved survival outcomes for patients with sarcopenia.
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897 The Implementation of a Radial Lounge: A Bed to Chair Nursing Led Initiative. Heart Lung Circ 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.hlc.2020.09.904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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EP1.11-23 Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial of FDG-PET-CT in Follow Up of Stage II-IIIA NSCLC Post Treatment. J Thorac Oncol 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtho.2019.08.2244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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A national survey of out-of-hours working and fatigue in consultants in anaesthesia and paediatric intensive care in the UK and Ireland. Anaesthesia 2019; 74:1509-1523. [PMID: 31478198 DOI: 10.1111/anae.14819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The tragic death of an anaesthetic trainee driving home after a series of night shifts prompted a national survey of fatigue in trainee anaesthetists. This indicated that fatigue was widespread, with significant impact on trainees' health and well-being. Consultants deliver an increasing proportion of patient care resulting in long periods of continuous daytime duty and overnight on-call work, so we wished to investigate their experience of out-of-hours working and the causes and impact of work-related fatigue. We conducted a national survey of consultant anaesthetists and paediatric intensivists in the UK and Ireland between 25 June and 6 August 2018. The response rate was 46% (94% of hospitals were represented): 84% of respondents (95%CI 83.1-84.9%) contribute to a night on-call rota with 32% (30.9-33.1%) working 1:8 or more frequently. Sleep disturbance on-call is common: 47% (45.6-48.4%) typically receive two to three phone calls overnight, and 48% (46.6-49.4%) take 30 min or more to fall back to sleep. Only 15% (14.0-16.0%) reported always achieving 11 h of rest between their on-call and their next clinical duty, as stipulated by the European Working Time Directive. Moreover, 24% (22.8-25.2%) stated that there is no departmental arrangement for covering scheduled clinical duties following a night on-call if they have been in the hospital overnight. Overall, 91% (90.3-91.7%) reported work-related fatigue with over half reporting a moderate or significantly negative impact on health, well-being and home life. We discuss potential explanations for these results and ways to mitigate the effects of fatigue among consultants.
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Meaningful changes in the Short Form 12 physical and mental summary scores after total knee arthroplasty. Knee 2019; 26:861-868. [PMID: 31109846 DOI: 10.1016/j.knee.2019.04.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Revised: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to identify minimal clinically important difference (MCID), minimal important change (MIC) and minimal detectable change (MDC) for the Short Form (SF-) 12 physical and mental component summary (PCS, MCS) scores after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) using an anchor based methodology. METHODS During a 10-year period, 2589 TKA were performed. SF-12 PCS and MCS scores were recorded preoperatively and at one year postoperatively. At one year, patients were asked "How much did the knee replacement surgery improve the quality of your life?" Their response was recorded as: a great improvement, moderate improvement, little improvement, no improvement at all, or the quality of my life is worse. Patients recording a little (n = 211) and no (n = 115) were used to calculate the MCID and the MIC. The MDC90 was calculated using distribution based methods for the whole cohort. RESULTS The MCID was 1.8 (p = 0.04) for the PCS and 1.5 (p = 0.33) for the MCS score. The MIC was 2.7 (p = 0.04) for the PCS and -1.4 (p = 0.17) for the MCS score. The MDC90 was 8.9 for the PCS and 13.8 for the MCS score. CONCLUSION The MCID for the PCS can be used to compare the outcomes between groups, and the MIC can be used to ensure that a clinical difference has been observed for a cohort of patients. The values for the MDC90 can be used to assess whether or not an individual patient has experienced a change.
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Telemedicine-Enabled Clinical Trial of Metformin in Patients With Prostate Cancer. JCO Clin Cancer Inform 2019; 1:1-10. [PMID: 30657386 DOI: 10.1200/cci.17.00044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Clinical trials are critical to informing cancer care but often are hampered by slow accrual and lack of generalizability because of poor geographic accessibility. We tested the feasibility of replacing onsite study visits with telemedicine visits in a prospective clinical trial. METHODS Castration-naïve patients with prostate cancer and a rising serum prostate-specific antigen after definitive local therapy were eligible. Patients were required to have a single onsite visit for enrollment. Study treatment consisted of oral metformin 850 mg daily for 1 month followed by 850 mg twice daily for 5 months. Telehealth video visits (televisits) were conducted monthly by using a Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act-compliant smartphone application. The primary objective was to determine the feasibility of telemedicine-enabled study visits. Secondary objectives were defining safety, anticancer activity, quality of life, and patient satisfaction. RESULTS Fifteen patients with a median age of 68 years (range, 57 to 83 years) and median one-way driving time to the study center of 71 minutes (range, 12 to 147 minutes) were enrolled. The patients completed 84 eligible televisits (completion rate, 100%; 95% CI, 0.80 to 1). Diarrhea was the most common adverse event but was limited to grade 1 in severity; a single patient experienced grade ≥ 3 adverse events. Seven patients (46.7%; 95% CI, 24.8% to 69.9%) had a ≤ 20% increase in prostate-specific antigen relative to baseline. Patients agreed or strongly agreed that they would participate in a telemedicine-enabled clinical trial in the future. CONCLUSION To our knowledge, this interventional oncology clinical trial is the first to be conducted through telemedicine. Telemedicine-enabled trials are feasible and may overcome geographic barriers to trial participation. Metformin was generally well tolerated but associated with modest anticancer activity.
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Cemented Exeter total hip arthroplasty with a 32 mm head on highly crosslinked polyethylene: Does age influence functional outcome, satisfaction, activity, stem migration, and periprosthetic bone mineral density? Bone Joint Res 2019; 8:275-287. [PMID: 31346456 PMCID: PMC6609865 DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.86.bjr-2018-0300.r1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Our primary aim was to describe migration of the Exeter stem with a 32 mm head on highly crosslinked polyethylene and whether this is influenced by age. Our secondary aims were to assess functional outcome, satisfaction, activity, and bone mineral density (BMD) according to age. Patients and Methods A prospective cohort study was conducted. Patients were recruited into three age groups: less than 65 years (n = 65), 65 to 74 years (n = 68), and 75 years and older (n = 67). There were 200 patients enrolled in the study, of whom 115 were female and 85 were male, with a mean age of 69.9 years (sd 9.5, 42 to 92). They were assessed preoperatively, and at three, 12 and, 24 months postoperatively. Stem migration was assessed using Einzel-Bild-Röntgen-Analyse (EBRA). Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Harris Hip Score (HHS), Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS), EuroQol-5 domains questionnaire (EQ-5D), short form-36 questionnaire (SF-36,) and patient satisfaction were used to assess outcome. The Lower Extremity Activity Scale (LEAS), Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, and activPAL monitor (energy expelled, time lying/standing/walking and step count) were used to assess activity. The BMD was assessed in Gruen and Charnley zones. Results Mean varus/valgus tilt was -0.77⁰ and axial subsidence was -1.20 mm. No significant difference was observed between age groups (p ⩾ 0.07). There was no difference according to age group for postoperative WOMAC (p ⩾ 0.11), HHS (p ⩾ 0.06), HOOS (p ⩾ 0.46), EQ-5D (p ⩾ 0.38), patient satisfaction (p ⩾ 0.05), or activPAL (p ⩾ 0.06). Patients 75 years and older had a worse SF-36 physical function (p = 0.01) and physical role (p = 0.03), LEAS score (p < 0.001), a shorter TUG (p = 0.01), and a lower BMD in Charnley zone 1 (p = 0.02). Conclusion Exeter stem migration is within normal limits and is not influenced by age group. Functional outcome, patient satisfaction, activity level, and periprosthetic BMD are similar across all age groups. Cite this article: N. D. Clement, M. Bardgett, K. Merrie, S. Furtado, R. Bowman, D. J. Langton, D. J. Deehan, J. Holland. Cemented Exeter total hip arthroplasty with a 32 mm head on highly crosslinked polyethylene: Does age influence functional outcome, satisfaction, activity, stem migration, and periprosthetic bone mineral density? Bone Joint Res 2019;8:275–287. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.86.BJR-2018-0300.R1.
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Ultrasonic cement removal in cement-in-cement revision total hip arthroplasty: What is the effect on the final cement-in-cement bond? Bone Joint Res 2019; 8:246-252. [PMID: 31346452 PMCID: PMC6609863 DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.86.bjr-2018-0313.r1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Previous studies have evidenced cement-in-cement techniques as reliable in revision arthroplasty. Commonly, the original cement mantle is reshaped, aiding accurate placement of the new stem. Ultrasonic devices selectively remove cement, preserve host bone, and have lower cortical perforation rates than other techniques. As far as the authors are aware, the impact of ultrasonic devices on final cement-in-cement bonds has not been investigated. This study assessed the impact of cement removal using the Orthosonics System for Cemented Arthroplasty Revision (OSCAR; Orthosonics) on final cement-in-cement bonds. Methods A total of 24 specimens were manufactured by pouring cement (Simplex P Bone Cement; Stryker) into stainless steel moulds, with a central rod polished to Stryker Exeter V40 specifications. After cement curing, the rods were removed and eight specimens were allocated to each of three internal surface preparation groups: 1) burr; 2) OSCAR; and 3) no treatment. Internal holes were recemented, and each specimen was cut into 5 mm discs. Shear testing of discs was completed by a technician blinded to the original grouping, recording ultimate shear strengths. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was completed, inspecting surfaces of shear-tested specimens. Results The mean shear strength for OSCAR-prepared specimens (33.6 MPa) was significantly lower than for the control (46.3 MPa) and burr (45.8 MPa) groups (p < 0.001; one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Tukey’s post hoc analysis). There was no significant difference in shear strengths between control and burr groups (p = 0.57). Scanning electron microscopy of OSCAR specimens revealed evidence of porosity undiscovered in previous studies. Conclusion Results show that the cement removal technique impacts on final cement-in-cement bonds. This in vitro study demonstrates significantly weaker bonds when using OSCAR prior to recementation into an old cement mantle compared with cement prepared with a burr or no treatment. This infers that care must be taken in surgical decision-making regarding cement removal techniques used during cement-in-cement revision arthroplasty, suggesting that the risks and benefits of ultrasonic cement removal need consideration. Cite this article: A. Liddle, M. Webb, N. Clement, S. Green, J. Liddle, M. German, J. Holland. Ultrasonic cement removal in cement-in-cement revision total hip arthroplasty: What is the effect on the final cement-in-cement bond? Bone Joint Res 2019;8:246–252. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.86.BJR-2018-0313.R1.
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Preclinical evaluation of 64Cu-labeled monomeric and trimeric (RGDfK) conjugates based on a novel chelating platform. Nucl Med Biol 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/s0969-8051(19)30238-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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A socio-cultural study of traditional healers role in African health care. Infect Agent Cancer 2019; 14:15. [PMID: 31249608 PMCID: PMC6585125 DOI: 10.1186/s13027-019-0232-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There is a widely held view that a major cause of delay in diagnosis of cancer at an early stage in Africa is the fact that many patients consult traditional healers first and are often treated by them until curative treatment cannot be undertaken. Purpose This qualitative study aimed at identifying cancer patients who have used traditional healers and their traditional healers’ understanding of cancer, its causes and treatment, patients’ motivations for patronizing traditional healers and their opinion about collaboration between physicians of western medicine and traditional healers as part of overall health care system. Methods Ethical approval was obtained from the UI/UCH IRB. Twenty people participated in the study, nine cancer patients, six traditional healers and five faith based healers using three focused group discussions employing a semi structured interview. Data analysis The audio taped recorded responses to the semi structured questions were transcribed and thematically analyzed. The themes that emerged from focus group discussions with the patients and healers relate to the meaning of cancer, the causes of cancer (due to satanic attack), the cure for cancer (being possible through prayers to God and use of herbs), reason for using traditional healers (financial consideration, convenience, incorporation of their spiritual beliefs and recommendation by others) and need for collaboration between orthodox medicine and traditional healers. Conclusion Patients and alternative healers have a poor understanding of the causes and treatment of cancer. They desire to seek a closer collaboration between healers and western physicians to enhance better care for cancer patients. This has implication for policy makers who will facilitate the relationship in order to control cancer care and improve the quality of care of cancer patients in Nigeria.
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Development of concentration-specific equine exit exams to evaluate course content and competency of graduates. J Equine Vet Sci 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2019.03.166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Survey results of US radiation oncology providers' contextual engagement of watch-and-wait beliefs after a complete clinical response to chemoradiation in patients with local rectal cancer. J Gastrointest Oncol 2018; 9:1127-1132. [PMID: 30603131 DOI: 10.21037/jgo.2018.08.02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Watchful waiting in rectal cancer patients with a complete clinical response (cCR) to chemoradiation therapy (CRT) forgo upfront resection has been proposed. Growing evidence suggests that a watch-and-wait approach using resection for salvage of local recurrence may improve quality of life without jeopardizing outcomes. The current acceptance of watch-and-wait by US radiation oncologists (ROs) is unknown. Methods US ROs completed our IRB-approved anonymous e-survey regarding non-surgical management of patients who achieved a cCR to neoadjuvant CRT. Self-ranked knowledge of the OnCoRe Project-UK prospective observational study of watch-and-wait-was tested for its association with ROs' attitudes using the Chi-squared or Fisher's test, as indicated. Supporters of observation are self-identified. Results Of the 220 respondents, 48% (n=106) of respondents support watchful waiting and 48% claimed familiarity with the OnCoRe Project. Respondents supporting observation were more likely to be familiar with the publication (P=0.029). Among watch-and-wait supporters, 59% (n=62) felt comfortable discussing this approach and 41% preferred the conversation be initiated by other specialists. There was no association between comfort level in discussing watch-and-wait and familiarity with the OnCoRe Project. ROs treating more than 10 locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) patients annually felt more comfortable discussing watch-and-wait (P=0.015) compared to ROs seeing fewer patients. Conclusions Almost half of surveyed US ROs support watch-and-wait, though many do not feel comfortable discussing this paradigm with patients. Knowledge of the OnCoRe Project is associated with support of watch-and-wait, yet not comfort level in leading the discussion. These results inform provider attitudes toward future clinical study participation.
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A prospective in silico analysis of interdisciplinary and interobserver spatial variability in post-operative target delineation of high-risk oral cavity cancers: Does physician specialty matter? Clin Transl Radiat Oncol 2018; 12:40-46. [PMID: 30148217 PMCID: PMC6105928 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctro.2018.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 07/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The aim of this study was to determine the interdisciplinary agreement in identifying the post-operative tumor bed. Methods Three radiation oncologists (ROs), four surgeons, and three radiologists segmented post-operative tumor and nodal beds for three patients with oral cavity cancer. Specialty cohort composite contours were created by STAPLE algorithm implementation results for interspecialty comparison. Dice similarity coefficient and Hausdorff distance were utilized to compare spatial differentials between specialties. Results There were significant differences between disciplines in target delineation. There was unacceptable variation in Dice similarity coefficient for each observer and discipline when compared to the STAPLE contours. Within surgery and radiology disciplines, there was good consistency in volumes. ROs and radiologists have similar Dice similarity coefficient scores compared to surgeons. Conclusion There were significant interdisciplinary differences in perceptions of tissue-at-risk. Better communication and explicit description of at-risk areas between disciplines is required to ensure high-risk areas are adequately targeted.
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Preferential use of imaging modalities in staging newly diagnosed rectal cancer: a survey of US radiation oncologists. J Gastrointest Oncol 2018; 9:435-440. [PMID: 29998008 DOI: 10.21037/jgo.2018.01.19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Accurate staging is crucial for management of patients with newly diagnosed rectal cancer. Endorectal ultrasound (EUS) has been the standard modality in the United States for decades, with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) now preferred by national guidelines. Positron emission tomography (PET), conversely, is not recommended. The current utilization of imaging modalities by American radiation oncologists in staging newly diagnosed rectal cancer is unknown. Methods American radiation oncologists completed an anonymous institutional review board-approved online survey probing their imaging preferences for initial staging of rectal cancer patients. Results We received 220 responses from American radiation oncologists, with 39% in academic centers and with 45% seeing more than 10 rectal cancer patients per year. Most respondents utilize all three imaging modalities for rectal cancer staging-EUS, MRI and positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT). Fifty-two percent and 38% of respondents are high utilizers of EUS and MRI, respectively, defined as ordering these tests at least 75% of the time. Forty seven percent were high PET utilizers. The latter was associated with practice in a private setting (P=0.015) and being within 10 years from residency training completion (P<0.01). Conclusions Our analysis reveals a dramatic discordance among national guidelines and the practice patterns among American radiation oncologists. More rely on PET for initial staging of rectal cancer patients than on pelvic MRI. Further research needs to determine the most effective imaging work-up of patients with an initial diagnosis of rectal cancer.
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Genetically predicted complement component 4A expression: effects on memory function and middle temporal lobe activation. Psychol Med 2018; 48:1608-1615. [PMID: 29310738 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291717002987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The longstanding association between the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) locus and schizophrenia (SZ) risk has recently been accounted for, partially, by structural variation at the complement component 4 (C4) gene. This structural variation generates varying levels of C4 RNA expression, and genetic information from the MHC region can now be used to predict C4 RNA expression in the brain. Increased predicted C4A RNA expression is associated with the risk of SZ, and C4 is reported to influence synaptic pruning in animal models. METHODS Based on our previous studies associating MHC SZ risk variants with poorer memory performance, we tested whether increased predicted C4A RNA expression was associated with reduced memory function in a large (n = 1238) dataset of psychosis cases and healthy participants, and with altered task-dependent cortical activation in a subset of these samples. RESULTS We observed that increased predicted C4A RNA expression predicted poorer performance on measures of memory recall (p = 0.016, corrected). Furthermore, in healthy participants, we found that increased predicted C4A RNA expression was associated with a pattern of reduced cortical activity in middle temporal cortex during a measure of visual processing (p < 0.05, corrected). CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that the effects of C4 on cognition were observable at both a cortical and behavioural level, and may represent one mechanism by which illness risk is mediated. As such, deficits in learning and memory may represent a therapeutic target for new molecular developments aimed at altering C4's developmental role.
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The rate and predictors of patient satisfaction after total knee arthroplasty are influenced by the focus of the question: a standard satisfaction question is required. Bone Joint J 2018; 100-B:740-748. [PMID: 29855236 DOI: 10.1302/0301-620x.100b6.bjj-2017-1292.r1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Aims The primary aim of this study was to assess the rate of patient satisfaction one year after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) according to the focus of the question asked. The secondary aims were to identify independent predictors of patient satisfaction according to the focus of the question. Patients and Methods A retrospective cohort of 2521 patients undergoing a primary unilateral TKA were identified from an established regional arthroplasty database. Patient demographics, comorbidities, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12) scores were collected preoperatively and one year postoperatively. Patient satisfaction was assessed using four questions, which focused on overall outcome, activity, work, and pain. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent preoperative predictors of increased stiffness when adjusting for confounding variables. Results Using patient satisfaction with the overall outcome (n = 2265, 89.8%) as the standard, there was no difference in the rate of satisfaction for pain relief (n = 2277, odds ratio (OR) 0.95, 95% confident intervals (CI) 0.79 to 1.14, p = 0.60), but patients were more likely to be dissatisfied with activities (79.3%, n = 2000/2521, OR 2.22, 95% CI 1.96 to 2.70, p < 0.001) and work (85.8%, n = 2163/2521, OR 1.47, 95% CI 1.23 to 1.75, p < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis identified different predictors of satisfaction for each of the focused satisfaction questions. Overall satisfaction was influenced by diabetes (p = 0.03), depression (p = 0.004), back pain (p < 0.001), and SF-12 physical (p = 0.008) and mental (p = 0.01) components. Satisfaction with activities was influenced by depression (p = 0.001), back pain (p < 0.001), WOMAC stiffness score (p = 0.03), and SF-12 physical (p < 0.001) and mental (p < 0.001) components. Satisfaction with work was influenced by depression (p = 0.007), back pain (p < 0.001), WOMAC function (p = 0.04) and stiffness (p = 0.05) scores, and SF-12 physical (p < 0.001) and mental (p < 0.001) components. Satisfaction with pain relief was influenced by diabetes (p < 0.001), back pain (p < 0.001), and SF-12 mental component (p = 0.04). Conclusion The focus of the satisfaction question significantly influences the rate and the predictors of patient satisfaction after TKA. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:740-8.
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Does a fine line exist between regional and metastatic pelvic lymph nodes in rectal cancer-striking discordance between national guidelines and treatment recommendations by US radiation oncologists. J Gastrointest Oncol 2018; 9:441-447. [PMID: 29998009 DOI: 10.21037/jgo.2018.02.05] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Management of rectal cancer with involved lateral pelvic lymph nodes (LPLNs) at the time of diagnosis-the stage we refer institutionally to as Stage 3.5-is controversial. The American Joint Committee on Cancer's 7th edition classifies internal iliac lymph nodes (LNs) as regional (Stage III), but both external and common iliac LNs as metastatic (Stage IV). However, in many Asian countries all LPLNs are considered regional and patients are treated with curative intent, with literature supporting improved outcomes with LPLN dissection. Management patterns of these patients by US radiation oncologists (ROs) are unknown. Methods American ROs completed an anonymous institutional review board-approved online questionnaire regarding rectal cancer management. Results Among the 220 completed responses, 45% treat more than 10 patients annually and 39% work in academia. We found 10.5% and 34.2% recommend biopsy of clinically involved internal and common iliac LNs, respectively. The vast majority of responders-98.6% and 94.5%-treat involved internal and common iliac LNs with curative intent, respectively. Respondents recommend treatment intensification to involved internal iliac LNs by dissection of the nodal basin (88.2%) and radiation therapy (RT) boost (59.1%), and treatment intensification to involved common iliac LNs by LN dissection (76.4%) and RT boost (63.6%). Conclusions Our analysis reveals that the vast majority of US ROs approach patients with involved LPLNs, both regional (internal iliac) and metastatic (common iliac), with curative intent. They recommend treatment intensification with surgical resection and/or RT boost to involved nodes. Prospective clinical trials need to determine the appropriate management of patients with Stage 3.5 rectal cancer.
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Coping With Knife: Postoperative Management of Nodular Lymphocyte Predominant Hodgkin Lymphoma. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2018; 100:547-548. [PMID: 29413265 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2017.10.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2017] [Revised: 10/25/2017] [Accepted: 10/27/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Abstract
AIMS The primary aim of this study was to assess whether patient satisfaction one year after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) changed with longer follow-up. The secondary aims were to identify predictors of satisfaction at one year, persistence of patient dissatisfaction, and late onset dissatisfaction in patients that were originally satisfied at one year. PATIENTS AND METHODS A retrospective cohort consisting of 1369 patients undergoing a primary TKA for osteoarthritis that had not undergone revision were identified from an established arthroplasty database. Patient demographics, comorbidities, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores, and Short Form 12 (SF-12) questionnaire scores were collected preoperatively, and one and five years postoperatively. In addition, patient satisfaction was assessed at one and five years postoperatively. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors of satisfaction at one and five years. RESULTS The overall rate of satisfaction did not change from one (91.7%, n = 1255) to five (90.1%, n = 1234) years (p = 0.16). Approximately half (n = 53/114) of the patients who were dissatisfied at one year became satisfied with their TKA at five years, whereas 6% (n = 74/1255) of those who were satisfied at one year became dissatisfied at five years. At one year, patients with lung disease (p = 0.04), with depression (p = 0.001), with back pain (p < 0.001), undergoing unilateral TKA (p = 0.001), or with a worse preoperative WOMAC pain score (p = 0.04) were more likely to be dissatisfied. Patients with gastric ulceration (p = 0.04) and a worse WOMAC stiffness score (p = 0.047) were at increased risk of persistent dissatisfaction at five years. In contrast, a worse WOMAC pain score (p = 0.01) at one year was a predictor of dissatisfaction in previously satisfied patients at five years. CONCLUSION Three groups of dissatisfied patients exist after TKA: 'early' dissatisfaction at one year, 'persistent' dissatisfaction with longer follow-up, and 'late' dissatisfaction developing in previously satisfied patients at one year. All three groups have different independent predictors of satisfaction, and potentially addressing risk factors specific to these groups may improve patient outcome and their satisfaction. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:161-9.
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The anatomy of forearm free flap phalloplasty for transgender surgery. Clin Anat 2017; 31:145-151. [PMID: 29178477 DOI: 10.1002/ca.23014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2017] [Accepted: 11/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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Trainee fatigue - time for a culture change? A reply. Anaesthesia 2017; 72:1563-1564. [DOI: 10.1111/anae.14127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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A national survey of the effects of fatigue on trainees in anaesthesia in the UK. Anaesthesia 2017; 72:1069-1077. [PMID: 28681546 DOI: 10.1111/anae.13965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Long daytime and overnight shifts remain a major feature of working life for trainees in anaesthesia. Over the past 10 years, there has been an increase in awareness and understanding of the potential effects of fatigue on both the doctor and the patient. The Working Time Regulations (1998) implemented the European Working Time Directive into UK law, and in August 2009 it was applied to junior doctors, reducing the maximum hours worked from an average of 56 per week to 48. Despite this, there is evidence that problems with inadequate rest and fatigue persist. There is no official guidance regarding provision of a minimum standard of rest facilities for doctors in the National Health Service, and the way in which rest is achieved by trainee anaesthetists during their on-call shift depends on rota staffing and workload. We conducted a national survey to assess the incidence and effects of fatigue among the 3772 anaesthetists in training within the UK. We achieved a response rate of 59% (2231/3772 responses), with data from 100% of NHS trusts. Fatigue remains prevalent among junior anaesthetists, with reports that it has effects on physical health (73.6% [95%CI 71.8-75.5]), psychological wellbeing (71.2% [69.2-73.1]) and personal relationships (67.9% [65.9-70.0]). The most problematic factor remains night shift work, with many respondents commenting on the absence of breaks, inadequate rest facilities and 57.0% (55.0-59.1) stating they had experienced an accident or near-miss when travelling home from night shifts. We discuss potential explanations for the results, and present a plan to address the issues raised by this survey, aiming to change the culture around fatigue for the better.
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Improving outcomes in veterans with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma through implementation of a multidisciplinary clinic. Head Neck 2017; 39:1106-1112. [PMID: 28370667 DOI: 10.1002/hed.24721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Treatment of head and neck cancer is complex, and a multidisciplinary clinic may improve the coordination of care. The value of a head and neck multidisciplinary clinic has not yet been established in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). METHODS A retrospective review was conducted of Veterans Affairs patients with oropharyngeal SCC undergoing concurrent chemoradiation before and after implementation of the head and neck multidisciplinary clinic. RESULTS Fifty-two patients before and 54 patients after multidisciplinary clinic were included in this study. Age, tobacco use, and p16+ status were similar between groups. With multidisciplinary clinic, time to treatment decreased, and utilization of supportive services, including speech pathology, dentistry, and nutrition increased. The 5-year disease-specific survival rate increased from 63% to 81% (p = .043) after implementation of the multidisciplinary clinic. Multivariate analysis showed that disease stage (p = .016), p16 status (p = .006), and multidisciplinary clinic participation (p = .042) were predictors of disease-specific survival. CONCLUSION Implementation of a multidisciplinary clinic improved care coordination and disease-specific survival in patients with oropharyngeal SCC. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 39: 1106-1112, 2017.
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Influence of Fractionation Scheme and Tumor Location on Toxicities After Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy for Large (≥5 cm) Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Multi-institutional Analysis. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2017; 97:778-785. [PMID: 28244414 PMCID: PMC10865429 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2016.11.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2016] [Revised: 11/21/2016] [Accepted: 11/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To describe the impact of fractionation scheme and tumor location on toxicities in stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for ≥5-cm non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), as part of a multi-institutional analysis. METHODS Patients with primary ≥5-cm N0 M0 NSCLC who underwent ≤5-fraction SBRT were examined across multiple high-volume SBRT centers. Collected data included clinical/treatment parameters; toxicities were prospectively assessed at each institution according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events. Patients treated daily were compared with those treated every other day (QOD)/other nondaily regimens. Stratification between central and peripheral tumors was also performed. RESULTS Ninety-two patients from 12 institutions were evaluated (2004-2016), with median follow-up of 12 months. In total there were 23 (25%) and 6 (7%) grade ≥2 and grade ≥3 toxicities, respectively. Grades 2 and 3 pulmonary toxicities occurred in 9% and 4%, respectively; 1 patient treated daily experienced grade 5 radiation pneumonitis. Of the entire cohort, 46 patients underwent daily SBRT, and 46 received QOD (n=40)/other nondaily (n=6) regimens. Clinical/treatment parameters were similar between groups; the QOD/other group was more likely to receive 3-/4-fraction schemas. Patients treated QOD/other experienced significantly fewer grade ≥2 toxicities as compared with daily treatment (7% vs 43%, P<.001). Patients treated daily also had higher rates of grade ≥2 pulmonary toxicities (P=.014). Patients with peripheral tumors (n=66) were more likely to receive 3-/4-fraction regimens than those with central tumors (n=26). No significant differences in grade ≥2 toxicities were identified according to tumor location (P>.05). CONCLUSIONS From this multi-institutional study, toxicity of SBRT for ≥5-cm lesions is acceptable, and daily treatment was associated with a higher rate of toxicities.
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Telemedicine-enabled clinical trial of metformin in patients (pts) with biochemically-recurrent prostate cancer (PCa). J Clin Oncol 2017. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2017.35.6_suppl.243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
243 Background: Clinical trials are critical to informing cancer care but are hampered by slow accrual and suboptimal generalizability, both contributed to by poor geographic accessibility. We previously reported that > 50% of the US population resides > 1 hour from the nearest PCa clinical trial site (Galsky, JAMA Int Med, 2015). We sought to test the feasibility of replacing on-site study visits with telemedicine visits in a prospective clinical trial. Methods: Castration-naïve non-metastatic pts with PCa and a rising PSA after local therapy were eligible. Pts required a single on-site visit for enrollment. Treatment consisted of metformin 850 mg QD x 1 month followed by 850 mg BID x 5 months. Telemedicine visits were conducted monthly using a HIPAA-compliant smartphone application. The primary objective was to determine feasibility defined as completion of all eligible telemedicine visits by > 2/3 enrolled pts; pts were ineligible for future telemedicine visits if treatment discontinued early for toxicity or disease progression. Secondary objectives included safety, % patients with ≤ 20% PSA rise at 6 months, quality of life, and patient satisfaction. Results: 15 pts were enrolled, median age 68 (range, 57, 83), one-way driving time 1.3 hours (range, 0.2-2.8), Gleason score 7 (range, 6, 9), and pre-study PSA 4.1 (range, 0.52, 31.7). The 6 month course of metformin was completed by 11/15 (73%) pts; 2 discontinued early due to rising PSA, 1 due to adverse event (AE), and 1 remains on study. Excluding 1 pt still on study, 14/14 (100%; 95% CI 76, 100) pts completed all 78 eligible telemedicine visits. The most common AEs were diarrhea (grade 1 = 60%) and fatigue (grade 1 = 20%); 1 pt experienced grade ≥ 3 AE (dehydration). The 6-month PSA was ≤ 20% baseline in 1 pt; median % PSA change at last televisit was +52.8% (range, -3.0, +318.8). Quality of life and pt satisfaction will be reported at the meeting. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first ever interventional oncology clinical trial conducted via telemedicine. Telemedicine-enabled trials are feasible and may overcome barriers to trial participation. Metformin was generally well tolerated but associated with minimal anti-PCa activity as measured by PSA. Clinical trial information: NCT02376166.
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Multi-institutional experience of stereotactic body radiotherapy for large (≥5 centimeters) non-small cell lung tumors. Cancer 2017; 123:688-696. [PMID: 27741355 PMCID: PMC10905610 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.30375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2016] [Revised: 08/31/2016] [Accepted: 09/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is the standard of care for patients with nonoperative, early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) measuring < 5 cm, but its use among patients with tumors measuring ≥5 cm is considerably less defined, with the existing literature limited to small, single-institution reports. The current multi-institutional study reported outcomes evaluating the largest such population reported to date. METHODS Clinical/treatment characteristics, outcomes, toxicities, and patterns of failure were assessed in patients with primary NSCLC measuring ≥5 cm without evidence of distant/lymph node metastasis who underwent SBRT using ≤5 fractions. Statistics included Kaplan-Meier survival analyses and univariate/multivariate Cox proportional hazards models. RESULTS A total of 92 patients treated from 2004 through 2016 were analyzed from 12 institutions. The median follow-up was 12 months (15 months in survivors). The median age and tumor size among the patients were 73 years (range, 50-95 years) and 5.4 cm (range, 5.0-7.5 cm), respectively. The median dose/fractionation was 50 Gray/5 fractions. The actuarial local control rates at 1 year and 2 years were 95.7% and 73.2%, respectively. The disease-free survival rate was 72.1% and 53.5%, respectively, at 1 year and 2 years. The 1-year and 2-year disease-specific survival rates were 95.5% and 78.6%, respectively. The median, 1-year, and 2-year overall survival rates were 21.4 months, 76.2%, and 46.4%, respectively. On multivariate analysis, lung cancer history and pre-SBRT positron emission tomography maximum standardized uptake value were found to be associated with overall survival. Posttreatment failures were most commonly distant (33% of all disease recurrences), followed by local (26%) and those occurring elsewhere in the lung (23%). Three patients had isolated local failures. Grade 3 to 4 toxicities included 1 case (1%) and 4 cases (4%) of grade 3 dermatitis and radiation pneumonitis, respectively (toxicities were graded according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events [version 4.0]). Grades 2 to 5 radiation pneumonitis occurred in 11% of patients. One patient with a tumor measuring 7.5 cm and a smoking history of 150 pack-years died of radiation pneumonitis. CONCLUSIONS The results of the current study, which is the largest study of patients with NSCLC measuring ≥5 cm reported to date, indicate that SBRT is a safe and efficacious option. Cancer 2017;123:688-696. © 2016 American Cancer Society.
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A Case of Aggressive Psychosis in the Setting of Regular Dextromethorphan Abuse. PSYCHOSOMATICS 2016; 57:655-656. [PMID: 27814836 DOI: 10.1016/j.psym.2016.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2016] [Revised: 06/06/2016] [Accepted: 06/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Progressive radiolucent lines following the implantation of the cemented Rimfit acetabular component in total hip arthroplasty using the rimcutter technique: cause for concern? Bone Joint J 2016; 98-B:313-9. [PMID: 26920955 DOI: 10.1302/0301-620x.98b3.36613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
AIMS The highly cross-linked polyethylene Exeter RimFit flanged cemented acetabular component was introduced in the United Kingdom in 2010. This study aimed to examine the rates of emergence of radiolucent lines observed when the Rimfit acetabular component was implanted at total hip arthroplasty (THA) using two different techniques: firstly, the 'rimcutter' technique in which the flange sits on a pre-prepared acetabular rim; and secondly, the 'trimmed flange' technique in which the flange is trimmed and the acetabular component is seated inside the rim of the acetabulum. PATIENTS AND METHODS The radiographs of 150 THAs (75 'rimcutter', 75 'trimmed flange') involving this component were evaluated to assess for radiolucencies at the cement/bone interface by three observers. RESULTS Rimfit acetabular components implanted using the rimcutter technique had significantly higher rates of radiolucency than those introduced using the 'trimmed flange' technique one year post-operatively (one zone: 63/75 (84%) vs 17/75 (23%); two zones 42/75 (56%) vs 0/75 (0%); all three zones 17/75 (23%) vs 0/75 (0%):(all p < 0.001). CONCLUSION On the basis of these findings, we have stopped using the 'rimcutter' technique when implanting the Rimfit acetabular component and have reverted to the 'trimmed flange' technique. TAKE HOME MESSAGE Surgeons should be vigilant of the performance of the Rimfit acetabular component when used alongside the rim cutter device due to an observed higher rate of progressive radiolucencies with this combination of component / technique.
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THE COMMUNITY FALLS PATHWAY—AN URGENT CARE INITIATIVE HELPING FALLEN OLDER PATIENTS TO STAY AT HOME. Arch Emerg Med 2015. [DOI: 10.1136/emermed-2015-205372.54] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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The influence of the strength of bone on the deformation of acetabular shells: a laboratory experiment in cadavers. Bone Joint J 2015; 97-B:473-7. [PMID: 25820884 DOI: 10.1302/0301-620x.97b4.35017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Concerns have been raised that deformation of acetabular shells may disrupt the assembly process of modular prostheses. In this study we aimed to examine the effect that the strength of bone has on the amount of deformation of the acetabular shell. The hypothesis was that stronger bone would result in greater deformation. A total of 17 acetabular shells were inserted into the acetabula of eight cadavers, and deformation was measured using an optical measuring system. Cores of bone from the femoral head were taken from each cadaver and compressed using a materials testing machine. The highest peak modulus and yield stress for each cadaver were used to represent the strength of the bone and compared with the values for the deformation and the surgeon's subjective assessment of the hardness of the bone. The mean deformation of the shell was 129 µm (3 to 340). No correlation was found between deformation and either the maximum peak modulus (r² = 0.011, t = 0.426, p = 0.676) or the yield stress (r² = 0.024, t = 0.614, p = 0.549) of the bone. Although no correlation was found between the strength of the bone and deformation, the values for the deformation observed could be sufficient to disrupt the assembly process of modular acetabular components.
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Metabolic tumor volume as a prognostic imaging-based biomarker for head-and-neck cancer: pilot results from Radiation Therapy Oncology Group protocol 0522. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2015; 91:721-9. [PMID: 25752384 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2014.12.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2014] [Revised: 12/03/2014] [Accepted: 12/09/2014] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate candidate fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) imaging biomarkers for head-and-neck chemoradiotherapy outcomes in the cooperative group trial setting. METHODS AND MATERIALS Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) protocol 0522 patients consenting to a secondary FDG-PET/CT substudy were serially imaged at baseline and 8 weeks after radiation. Maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), SUV peak (mean SUV within a 1-cm sphere centered on SUVmax), and metabolic tumor volume (MTV) using 40% of SUVmax as threshold were obtained from primary tumor and involved nodes. RESULTS Of 940 patients entered onto RTOG 0522, 74 were analyzable for this substudy. Neither high baseline SUVmax nor SUVpeak from primary or nodal disease were associated with poor treatment outcomes. However, primary tumor MTV above the cohort median was associated with worse local-regional control (hazard ratio 4.01, 95% confidence interval 1.28-12.52, P=.02) and progression-free survival (hazard ratio 2.34, 95% confidence interval 1.02-5.37, P=.05). Although MTV and T stage seemed to correlate (mean MTV 6.4, 13.2, and 26.8 for T2, T3, and T4 tumors, respectively), MTV remained a strong independent prognostic factor for progression-free survival in bivariate analysis that included T stage. Primary MTV remained prognostic in p16-associated oropharyngeal cancer cases, although sample size was limited. CONCLUSION High baseline primary tumor MTV was associated with worse treatment outcomes in this limited patient subset of RTOG 0522. Additional confirmatory work will be required to validate primary tumor MTV as a prognostic imaging biomarker for patient stratification in future trials.
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Supporting Practices to Adopt Registry-Based Care (SPARC): protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Implement Sci 2015; 10:46. [PMID: 25885661 PMCID: PMC4399225 DOI: 10.1186/s13012-015-0232-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2015] [Accepted: 03/11/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diabetes is predicted to increase in incidence by 42% from 1995 to 2025. Although most adults with diabetes seek care from primary care practices, adherence to treatment guidelines in these settings is not optimal. Many practices lack the infrastructure to monitor patient adherence to recommended treatment and are slow to implement changes critical for effective management of patients with chronic conditions. Supporting Practices to Adopt Registry-Based Care (SPARC) will evaluate effectiveness and sustainability of a low-cost intervention designed to support work process change in primary care practices and enhance focus on population-based care through implementation of a diabetes registry. METHODS SPARC is a two-armed randomized controlled trial (RCT) of 30 primary care practices in the Virginia Ambulatory Care Outcomes Research Network (ACORN). Participating practices (including control groups) will be introduced to population health concepts and tools for work process redesign and registry adoption at a meeting of practice-level implementation champions. Practices randomized to the intervention will be assigned study peer mentors, receive a list of specific milestones, and have access to a physician informaticist. Peer mentors are clinicians who successfully implemented registries in their practices and will help champions in the intervention practices throughout the implementation process. During the first year, peer mentors will contact intervention practices monthly and visit them quarterly. Control group practices will not receive support or guidance for registry implementation. We will use a mixed-methods explanatory sequential design to guide collection of medical record, participant observation, and semistructured interview data in control and intervention practices at baseline, 12 months, and 24 months. We will use grounded theory and a template-guided approach using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research to analyze qualitative data on contextual factors related to registry adoption. We will assess intervention effectiveness by comparing changes in patient-level hemoglobin A1c scores from baseline to year 1 between intervention and control practices. DISCUSSION Findings will enhance our understanding of how to leverage existing practice resources to improve diabetes care in primary care practices by implementing and using a registry. SPARC has the potential to validate the effectiveness of low-cost implementation strategies that target practice change in primary care. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT02318108.
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The immunobiology of cobalt: demonstration of a potential aetiology for inflammatory pseudotumours after metal-on-metal replacement of the hip. Bone Joint J 2014; 96-B:1172-7. [PMID: 25183586 DOI: 10.1302/0301-620x.96b9.33476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Abnormal wear of cobalt-containing metal-on-metal joints is associated with inflammatory pseudotumours. Cobalt ions activate human toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), which normally responds to bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in sepsis. Activation of TLR4 by LPS increases the expression of chemokines IL-8 and CXCL10, which recruit leukocytes and activated T-cells, respectively. This study was designed to determine whether cobalt induces a similar inflammatory response to LPS by promoting the expression of IL-8 and CXCL10. A human monocytic cell line, derived from acute monocytic leukaemia, was treated with cobalt ions and expression of IL-8 and CXCL10 measured at mRNA and protein levels. Cobalt-treated macrophages showed a 60-fold increase in IL-8 mRNA, and an eightfold increase in production of the mature chemokine (both p < 0.001); expression of the CXCL10 gene and protein was also significantly increased by cobalt (both p < 0.001). Experiments were also performed in the presence of CLI-095, a TLR4-specific antagonist which abrogated the cobalt-mediated increase in IL-8 and CXCL10 expression. These findings suggest that cobalt ions induce inflammation similar to that observed during sepsis by the simultaneous activation of two TLR4-mediated signalling pathways. These pathways result in increased production of IL-8 and CXCL10, and may be implicated in pseudotumour formation following metal-on-metal replacement.
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Abstract
Patient and physician awareness and acceptance of trials and patient ineligibility are major cancer clinical trial accrual barriers. Yet, trials are typically conceived and designed by small teams of researchers with limited patient input. We hypothesized that through crowdsourcing, the intellectual and creative capacity of a large number of researchers, clinicians, and patients could be harnessed to improve the clinical trial design process. In this study, we evaluated the feasibility and utility of using an internet-based crowdsourcing platform to inform the design of a clinical trial exploring an antidiabetic drug, metformin, in prostate cancer. Over a six-week period, crowd-sourced input was collected from 60 physicians/researchers and 42 patients/advocates leading to several major (eg, eligibility) and minor modifications to the clinical trial protocol as originally designed. Crowdsourcing clinical trial design is feasible, adds value to the protocol development process, and may ultimately improve the efficiency of trial conduct.
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Medical Marijuana Use in Patients With History of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Treated With Radiation Therapy. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2014.05.2078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Use of crowdsourcing for cancer clinical trial development. J Clin Oncol 2014. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2014.32.15_suppl.e16019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Cabozantinib targets tyrosine kinases including the hepatocyte growth factor receptor (MET) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor 2, which are important drug targets in renal cell carcinoma (RCC). PATIENTS AND METHODS This single-arm open-label phase I trial evaluated the safety and tolerability of cabozantinib in heavily pretreated patients with metastatic clear cell RCC. RESULTS The study enrolled 25 RCC patients for whom standard therapy had failed. Patients received a median of two prior systemic agents, and most patients had previously received at least one VEGF pathway inhibiting therapy (22 patients [88%]). Common adverse events included fatigue, diarrhea, nausea, proteinuria, appetite decreased, palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia, and vomiting. Partial response was reported in seven patients (28%). Median progression-free survival was 12.9 months, and median overall survival was 15.0 months. CONCLUSION Cabozantinib demonstrates preliminary anti-tumor activity and a safety profile similar to that seen with other multitargeted VEGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors in advanced RCC patients. Further evaluation of cabozantinib in RCC is warranted. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01100619.
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Prospects for higher spatial resolution quantitative X-ray analysis using transition element L-lines. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014. [DOI: 10.1088/1757-899x/55/1/012017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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Heavy PETting: Reducing Radiation Exposure From Intradepartment Positron Emission Tomography Scans. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2014; 88:545. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2013.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2013] [Revised: 11/05/2013] [Accepted: 11/07/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Metabolic Tumor Volume as a Predictive Imaging Biomarker in Head-and-Neck Cancer: Pilot Results From RTOG 0522. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2013.06.496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
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Protecting Human Research Participants: Reading vs Understanding the Consent Form. J Natl Cancer Inst 2013; 105:927-8. [DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djt152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Exploring types of individual unlearning by local health-care managers: an original empirical approach. HEALTH SERVICES AND DELIVERY RESEARCH 2013. [DOI: 10.3310/hsdr01020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundThe ability of health-care managers or organisations to adapt and respond to change is vital if they are to succeed in the contemporary health-care environment. Change involves the learning of new behaviours and giving up, or abandoning, some established ones – more formally defined as unlearning. However, research on unlearning is lacking. This original exploratory study investigates UK NHS health-care managers' engagement with behavioural unlearning and cognitive unlearning, and also considers the related concept of fading. The study also investigates the impact of individual unlearning on participating health-care managers' decision-making.Research questions(1) To what extent do health-care managers engage with the process of unlearning and what impact does the engagement with this process have on health-care managers' decision-making? (2) What are the barriers and enablers that influence the engagement of health-care managers with the process of unlearning? (3) To what extent does the health-care setting affect the level of engagement with the process of unlearning by health-care managers?MethodsThe study investigated these questions through an examination of the academic literature. Several management (Business Source Complete, Emerald), psychological (PsycINFO), health (MEDLINE) and education [Education Resources Information Center (ERIC)] electronic databases were searched for English-language articles that were published between January 2000 and March 2012. The literature provided the basis for original exploratory research that investigated local health-care managers' experiences of unlearning. A case study approach was adopted for empirical data collection, using qualitative interviews to investigate experiences of unlearning in two secondary care NHS trusts (an acute trust and a mental health trust). A total of 85 episodes of unlearning were identified from a purposive sample of 29 health-care managers. The sample participants varied in terms of clinical/non-clinical background, type of department/unit and length of time as a manager.ResultsThe findings show that the health-care managers who participated in this study engaged with unlearning and fading. The engagement is triggered through either an individual experience or a change event. There was little evidence to indicate that health-care setting or professional background had a strong influence over health-care managers' engagement with unlearning, although this finding is limited by the exploratory nature of the study, sample size and range of settings examined. Participants identified a variety of barriers to individual unlearning including personal behaviour and staff resistance to change. Enablers such as personal skills, attitudes and relationships were more commonly cited than organisational enablers such as policies, procedures and work circumstances. The findings also suggest that unlearning does influence the decision-making of health-care managers, encouraging a more discovery-orientated approach.LimitationsThis study has a number of limitations. It is an exploratory study involving a small number of participants drawn from two NHS trusts, which limits the depth of insight that it can provide regarding specific aspects of unlearning processes. Further, because of the relatively low numbers of participants in our study, the findings provide limited insights regarding theextentto which managers engage with processes of unlearning across different health-care settings and theimpacton their decision-making. Finally, the study is able to provide only a limited interpretation of the nature of fading, although the empirical data do provide evidence that fading should not be conceptualised as a type of individual unlearning.ConclusionsThe study has enhanced the theory of individual unlearning by reconceptualising existing unlearning models and developing a new typology that distinguishes between four separate types of individual unlearning. The findings demonstrate that health-care managers who participated in this study engaged with unlearning processes and that this engagement impacted on their decision-making processes. After engaging with individual unlearning, several managers moved away from idea imposition approaches to decision-making in favour of more discovery-focused approaches, which have been reported in academic literature to be more successful. Future work that investigates a greater number of health-care managers' experiences of unlearning in a wider range of settings is necessary to establish the significance of health-care setting to individual unlearning experiences and provide greater generalisability to the findings of this study.FundingThe National Institute for Health Services and Delivery Research programme.
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