Ultra-low-dose unenhanced chest CT: Prospective comparison of high kV/low mA versus low kV/high mA protocols

Purpose

To qualitatively and quantitatively compare unenhanced ultra-low-dose chest computed tomography (ULD-CT) acquired at 80 kVp and 135 kVp.

Detection and characterization of MRI breast lesions using deep learning

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to assess the potential of a deep learning model to discriminate between benign and malignant breast lesions using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and characterize different histological subtypes of breast lesions.

Is the endovascular embolization of tributaries of the internal iliac veins essential in the treatment of isolated pelvic-perineal reflux?

Aim: The aim of study was to investigate the opportunities of local phlebectomy in the elimination of isolated pelvic-perineal reflux (PPR), as well as to determine the feasibility of endovascular embolization of the tributaries of internal iliac veins in PPR. Clinical trial no. NCT01598051.

Materials and methods: The work is based on the results of examination and treatment of 43 female patients with varicose veins of the pelvis, perineum, and lower extremities. Patients had no signs of pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS). All patients underwent duplex ultrasound scanning (DUS) and ovariography with pelvic phlebography (OPP). For the elimination of PPR, local phlebectomy was performed in the major labia and perineal area, with maximal possible mobilization of the vessel within the operative wound (33 patients). In 10 patients with isolated varicose transformation of the superficial veins on the posterior thigh, mini-phlebectomy was performed using the Varady phlebectomy extractors.

Results and discussion: The varicose syndrome of the external genitalia, perineum, and posterior thigh was successfully treated in 100% of patients. Findings suggest that thorough mobilization and excision of the veins of the pudendal labia, perineum, and subcutaneous veins of the thigh is a reliable method for eliminating the pathological reflux from the intrapelvic veins to the superficial veins of the perineum and lower extremities. No recurrences of vulvar, perineal varices or dilation of the veins of the lower extremities were observed in 100% of patients over the 3-year follow-up period.

Conclusion: Local phlebectomy is an effective technique for eliminating the isolated PPR in patients with varicose transformation of intrapelvic, vulvar, or perineal veins. Endovascular embolization of the tributaries of the internal iliac veins is not an essential component in the treatment of PPR. The present study has a limitation due to the absence of patients with PCS. The effectiveness of phlebectomy in the treatment of isolated PPR was studied.     

Interpersonal positive reframing in the daily lives of couples coping with breast cancer

Abstract

Objectives: This study examined word use as an indicator of interpersonal positive reframing in daily conversations of couples coping with breast cancer and as a predictor of stress.

Design: The Electronically Activated Recorder (EAR) and Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC) were used to examine naturally occurring word use conceptually linked to positive reframing (positive emotion, negative emotion, and cognitive processing words).

Sample: Fifty-two couples coping with breast cancer.

Methods: Couples wore the EAR, a device participants wear, that audio-recorded over one weekend (>16,000 sound files), and completed self-reports of positive reframing (COPE) and stress (Perceived Stress Scale). LIWC, a software program, measured word use.

Findings: Both partners’ word use (i.e., positive emotion and cognitive processing words) was associated with their own reported positive reframing, and spouses’ word use was also indicative of patients’ positive reframing. Results also revealed that, in general, words indicating positive reframing predicted lower levels of stress.

Conclusions: Findings supported the hypothesis that partners—and particularly spouses of breast cancer patients—may assist each other’s coping by positively reframing the cancer experience and other negative experiences in conversation.     

Differentiated Thyroid Cancer in Children: A UK Multicentre Review and Review of the Literature

Aims

To obtain an overview of the management and outcomes of children aged 18 years or younger diagnosed with differentiated thyroid carcinoma of follicular cell origin across the UK, by collecting and analysing data from the limited number of centres treating these patients. This multicentre data might provide a more realistic perspective than single-institution series.

A Canadian Prospective Study of Linkage of Randomized Clinical Trial to Cancer and Mortality Registry Data

In a prospective study, we sought to determine acceptability of linkage of administrative and clinical trial data among Canadian patients and Research Ethics Boards (REBs). The goal is to develop a more harmonized approach to data, with potential to improve clinical trial conduct through enhanced data quality collected at reduced cost and inconvenience for patients. On completion of the original LY.12 randomized clinical trial in lymphoma ({"type":"clinical-trial","attrs":{"text":"NCT00078949","term_id":"NCT00078949"}}NCT00078949), participants were invited to enrol in the Long-term Innovative Follow-up Extension (LIFE) component. Those consenting to do so provided comprehensive identifying information to facilitate linkage with their administrative data. We prospectively designed a global assessment of this innovative approach to clinical trial follow-up including rates of REB approval and patient consent. The pre-specified benchmark for patient acceptability was 80%. Of 16 REBs who reviewed the research protocol, 14 (89%) provided approval; two in Quebec declined due to small patient numbers. Of 140 patients invited to participate, 115 (82%, 95% CI 76 to 88%) from across 9 Canadian provinces provided consent and their full name, date of birth, health insurance number and postal code to facilitate linkage with their administrative data for long-term follow-up. Linkage of clinical trial and administrative data is feasible and acceptable. Further collaborative work including many stakeholders is required to develop an optimized secure approach to research. A more coordinated national approach to health data could facilitate more rapid testing and identification of new effective treatments across multiple jurisdictions and diseases from diabetes to COVID-19.     

Degree of Bystander-Patient Relationship and Prehospital Care for Opioid Overdose

Abstract

Background

Across the spectrum of patient care for opioid overdose, an important, yet frequently overlooked feature is the bystander, or witness to the overdose event. For other acute medical events such as cardiac arrest and stroke, research supports that the presence of a bystander is associated with better outcomes. Despite the similarities, however, this well-established conceptual framework has yet to be applied in the context of overdose patient outcomes. The objective of this study was to assess the association between the nature of the bystander-patient relationship and prehospital care measures in patients being treated for opioid overdose.     

Midterm Outcomes of the Dissected Aorta Repair Through Stent Implantation Trial

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