Patient preferences for diabetes-related complications in Taiwan

Background: As the prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) continues to increase rapidly, there has been a rising need not only to assess the clinical outcomes but also the impact of DM on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of affected individuals. Most previous studies have found that having complications is strongly associated with decreased HRQoL in DM patients. As such, it is crucial to measure individuals’ preferences for DM-related complications in order to assess the magnitude of complications’ effect on overall HRQoL. In addition, preference scores are an essential component of cost–utility analyses (CUAs), which studies can incorporate healthcare costs, HRQoL and clinical outcomes of DM into one analysis.

Objective: The aims of this study were to assess the preference scores of DM-related complications using both the standard gamble (SG), a choice-based method, and visual analogue scale (VAS), a scaling method. We also aimed to assess several possible factors that might be associated with the preference scores of the complications.

Methods: This is a cross-sectional interview-administered survey, and 213 patients with type 2?DM were interviewed. The respondents’ preference scores of eleven DM-related complications were obtained using VAS and SG techniques. Demographic information, clinical characteristics and risk attitudes were also collected to explore factors that may affect patients’ preference scores.

Results: Nearly one quarter of participants in Taiwan ranked at least one of the complications worse than death. The mean VAS scores ranged from 0.004 (amputation) to 0.47 (nocturnal hypoglycemia) while the mean adjusted SG scores ranged from 0.30 (blindness) to 0.66 (nocturnal hypoglycemia). There were significant differences in all of the complications’ preference scores depending on risk attitudes.

Conclusion: Both the VAS and SG methods were used to elicit the preference scores of DM-related complications, and the preference scores derived could be useful for future cost utility analyses.     

Personalizing surgical margins in retroperitoneal sarcomas: an update

Introduction: Tumor biology, as well as completeness of surgical resection, are two important prognostic factors when treating retroperitoneal sarcoma (RPS). A frontline extended surgical approach is associated with improved local control and possibly improved survival. However, this approach has to be tailored to each histological subtype, as the patterns of growth and recurrence risks vary significantly among them.

Areas covered: We provide a review of the literature in RPS, describing the behavior of each of the five main histologic subtypes: well-differentiated liposarcoma (WDLPS), dedifferentiated liposarcoma (DDLPS), leiomyosarcoma (LMS), solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST). The prognostic factors relevant to oncologic outcomes of RPS, the role of margins and the importance of local control are discussed. Finally, a histologic specific surgical approach to RPS is provided in detail.

Expert opinion: While tumor-related factors are paramount, the only intervenable predictive factor is extent and quality of surgery. The extended surgical approach has been advocated for previously and again we describe it in more detail, tailored specifically to the tumor subtype. The aim of this approach is to maximize the possibility of achieving a complete resection through a standardized approach based on histologic behavior and site of origin.     

量化体育锻炼对维持性血液透析患者生活质量和疾病转归的影响

目的:观察量化体育锻炼对维持性血液透析(MHD)患者的应用效果,探讨临床治疗体会。方法:将64例MHD患者随机分成2组各32例,对照组给予常规健康宣教、干预治疗和自主锻炼,观察组在其基础上给予量化体育锻炼干预治疗;观察2组患者的运动量指标变化情况,比较生活质量和疾病转归等相关指标。结果:干预6个月后,2组的上肢锻炼时间和步行运动量均较干预前明显提高(P0.01,0.05),观察组的提高幅度更高于对照组(P0.01);2组的疲乏状态、日常生活活动能力(ADL)、焦虑自评量表(SAS)和睡眠质量评分量表(SPIEGEL)等指标均较干预前明显降低(均P0.05),改良SGA评分明显提高(P0.01,0.05),观察组的改善幅度更高于对照组(P0.01)。治疗后,观察组的内瘘血管良好率和肾功能平稳率高于对照组(均P0.05),并发症率和再入院率降低(P0.05)。结论:对MHD患者给予量化体育锻炼干预治疗,能显著提高康复锻炼的运动量和优化锻炼效果,提高患者的生活质量,改善疾病预后。     

Early diffusion-weighted imaging and outcome prediction of comatose survivors after suicidal hanging

Purpose

Early outcome prediction after suicidal hanging is challenging in comatose survivors. We analysed the early patterns of brain diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI) abnormalities in comatose survivors after suicidal hanging.

The need for new control strategies for particulate matter in parenterals

An undesirable characteristic in lyophilized parenteral products is the potential presence of particulate matter in the final product, which may affect patient safety. In this study, quality risk management tools described in the International Conference on Harmonization Guideline Q9 were used to estimate the risks for a pharmaceutical manufacturing line, based on three critical quality attributes: (1) visible particulate matter; (2) lyo-cake collapse traces; and (3) lyo-cake melt-back traces. Together with a Process Failure Mode Effect Analysis (PFMEA), an input-output analysis of the individual unit operations identified seven major material classes of extrinsic particulate matter. In addition to the process assessment, an experimental investigation of the location of impurities in lyophilized products was performed. To that end, intentionally contaminated vials were examined to locate the particulate matter and its possible migration. The results emphasize the importance of a full transmission mode release testing since the particles may enter the interior of the lyo-cake. A theoretical explanation of the observed impurity locations is provided.     

Confessions of a New York rupture researcher: An insider’s guide and critique

Objective: The study of alliance rupture has become quite prevalent since 1990 and especially in the past 10 years where we have seen a noticeable surge in empirical publications on the subject. This honorary paper attempts to provide a critical review of this literature from the perspective of someone who has contributed to it in his collaborative work on a research program designed to investigate ruptures and to develop intervention and training models to resolve them. Method: This paper is organized into three topics or sections: (1) alliance rupture, (2) rupture resolution, and (3) alliance training; and it addresses definitions, findings, questions, and lessons with regard to each topic. Results/Conclusions: It suggests some clinical conceptualizations (concerning agency and communion as well as mutual recognition), training implications (regarding emotion regulation and deliberate practice), and methodological considerations (promoting pluralism and contextualism), along with future directions.