PREDICT-GTN 1: Can we improve the FIGO scoring system in gestational trophoblastic neoplasia?

Gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) patients are treated according to the eight-variable International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) scoring system, that aims to predict first-line single-agent chemotherapy resistance. FIGO is imperfect with one-third of low-risk patients developing disease resistance to first-line single-agent chemotherapy. We aimed to generate simplified models that improve upon FIGO. Logistic regression (LR) and multilayer perceptron (MLP) modelling (n = 4191) generated six models (M1-6). M1, all eight FIGO variables (scored data); M2, all eight FIGO variables (scored and raw data); M3, nonimaging variables (scored data); M4, nonimaging variables (scored and raw data); M5, imaging variables (scored data); and M6, pretreatment hCG (raw data) + imaging variables (scored data). Performance was compared to FIGO using true and false positive rates, positive and negative predictive values, diagnostic odds ratio, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, Bland-Altman calibration plots, decision curve analysis and contingency tables. M1-6 were calibrated and outperformed FIGO on true positive rate and positive predictive value. Using LR and MLP, M1, M2 and M4 generated small improvements to the ROC curve and decision curve analysis. M3, M5 and M6 matched FIGO or performed less well. Compared to FIGO, most (excluding LR M4 and MLP M5) had significant discordance in patient classification (McNemar's test P < .05); 55-112 undertreated, 46-206 overtreated. Statistical modelling yielded only small gains over FIGO performance, arising through recategorisation of treatment-resistant patients, with a significant proportion of under/overtreatment as the available data have been used a priori to allocate primary chemotherapy. Streamlining FIGO should now be the focus.     

Respecting the circle of life: one year outcomes from a randomized controlled comparison of an HIV risk reduction intervention for American Indian adolescents

Potential for widespread transmission of HIV/AIDS among American Indian (AI) adolescents exists, yet no evidence-based interventions (EBIs) have been adapted and evaluated with this population. Intensive psychoeducation may improve knowledge and decision-making which could potentially translate to reductions in HIV risk behaviors. A peer group randomized controlled comparison of an adapted EBI vs. control was delivered over an eight-day summer basketball camp in one reservation-based tribal community to adolescents ages 13–19. Outcome data were gathered immediately post-camp and at 6 and 12 months follow-up. Self-selected peer groups were randomized to intervention (n = 138) or control (n = 129) conditions for a total sample of 267 participants (56.2% female), mean age 15.1 years (SD = 1.7). Intervention participants had better condom use self-efficacy post-camp (Adjusted Mean Difference [AMD] = ?0.75, p < 0.005) and at 6 (AMD = ?0.44, p < 0.005) and 12 months (AMD = ?0.23, p < 0.05) follow-up. Intervention participants also had higher HIV prevention and transmission knowledge (post-camp: AMD = 0.07, p < 0.01; 6 months: AMD = 0.06, p < 0.01) were more likely to believe condoms prevent sexually transmitted infections (post-camp: RR = 1.41, p < 0.005; 6 months: RR = 1.34, p < 0.05), to talk with an adult about HIV/AIDS (post-camp: RR=1.78, p < 0.005; 6 months: RR = 1.14, p < 0.005), had higher partner negotiation efficacy related to substance use during sex (post-camp: AMD = 0.37, p < 0.01), and were more likely to intend to use a condom (post-camp: RR = 1.39, p < 0.01). The adapted intervention had short- and medium-term impacts on AI adolescent risk for HIV/AIDS, but attenuated at 12 months. Intervention delivery through a community-based camp is feasible and acceptable with strong retention. Additional study is needed to evaluate the adapted intervention's impact on sexual risk behaviors and if booster sessions and parent involvement translate to long-term impacts.     

Investigation of Bimetallic Nickel Catalysts in Catalyst‐Transfer Polymerization of π‐Conjugated Polymers

A comparative study involving bimetallic nickel catalysts designed from disubstituted N,N,N′,N′‐tetra(diphenylphosphanylmethyl)benzene diamine bridging ligands is reported. Catalyst behavior is explored in the Kumada catalyst‐transfer polymerization (KCTP) using poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT) as the model system. The success of a controlled polymerization is monitored by analyzing monomer conversion, degree of polymerization, end‐group identity, and molecular weight distribution. The characterization of P3HT obtained from KCTP initiated with the bimetallic catalysts shows chain‐growth behavior; however, the presence of Br/Br end‐groups and broader molecular weight distribution reveals a reduced controlled polymerization compared to the commonly employed Ni(dppp)Cl₂. The observed increase in intermolecular chain transfer and termination processes in KCTP initiation with the bimetallic catalysts can be attributed to a weaker Ni(0)‐π‐aryl complex interaction, which is caused by increased steric crowding of the coordination sphere.     

Chest wall pain following lung stereotactic body radiation therapy using 48 Gy in three fractions: A search for predictors

Purpose

Chest wall pain is an uncommon but bothersome late complication following lung stereotactic body radiation therapy. Despite numerous studies investigating predictors of chest wall pain, no clear consensus has been established for a chest wall constraint. The aim of our study was to investigate factors related to chest wall pain in a homogeneous group of patients treated at our institution.

Dynamic LVOT Obstruction and Aortic Stenosis in the Same Patient: A Case of Challenging Doppler Hemodynamics

We present a patient with both dynamic left ventricular outflow tract obstruction and valvular aortic stenosis. The aortic valve was calcified, and velocities and gradients measured by continuous‐wave Doppler met standard criteria for severe aortic stenosis. The increased subvalvular velocities invalidated assumptions of the simplified Bernoulli equation; correction using the longer form of the Bernoulli equation suggested a lower but still significant gradient. The complex shape of the subvalvular spectral Doppler envelope indicated supranormal systolic function and dynamic left ventricular outflow obstruction. Left heart catheterization with an end‐hole catheter was required to determine the subvalvular and valvular components of the obstruction.     

沙苑子本草考证

沙苑子为我国常用中药,药用历史悠久。通过查阅本草文献,对沙苑子名称、基原、功效、产地及伪品5个方面进行考证,得知其名称演变大致经过"白蒺藜""沙苑蒺藜""沙苑子"3个阶段;历代本草记载沙苑子基原为扁茎黄芪的干燥成熟种子,古今应用品种基本一致;沙苑子补肾固精功效的记载自宋《本草衍义》起逐渐清晰明确;沙苑子道地产区自宋时起为陕西沙苑,明清时期产地逐渐转到陕西潼关、山西等地,建国后以陕西省为主向北扩散,以陕西潼关为佳;沙苑子建国前有马薸子、色微绿伪品及紫云英子等混伪品,建国后有紫云英、猪屎豆、华黄芪和直立黄芪的种子等混伪品。为沙苑子正本清源,并为其进一步深入开发提供参考。     

腰硬联合镇痛及患者自控镇痛对产程及分娩结局的影响

目的 探讨腰硬联合(CSEA)及患者自控镇痛(PCEA)对产程及分娩结局的影响。方法 随机选取2014年1~12月足月待产、无妊娠合并症和并发症初产妇996例,其中503例产妇于活跃期实施CSEA+PCEA镇痛(分娩镇痛组),493例未行分娩镇痛(对照组),分别记录并比较两组产妇各产程时间、子宫收缩、镇痛效果、运动神经阻滞程度、产程中缩宫素的使用率、产后出血率、羊水Ⅲ度污染率、新生儿Apgar评分、产钳助产和剖宫产率。结果 分娩镇痛组第一产程、第二产程较对照组有所延长,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);第三产程无明显改变;子宫收缩力减弱;分娩镇痛组较对照组镇痛效果显著,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);运动阻滞程度低;缩宫素使用率、产后出血率、羊水Ⅲ度污染率、及新生儿Apgar评分及产钳助产和剖宫产率两组比较,差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论 腰硬联合分娩镇痛可能会使第一产程、第二产程延长,对子宫收缩力有一定的影响,但并未增加缩宫素的使用率及产钳助产和剖宫产率,其镇痛效果显著,运动阻滞程度低,对分娩结局无不良影响。     

新型管理模式在护理实习教学管理中的应用探讨

目的探讨在进行护理实习教学管理期间新型管理模式应用可行性。方法选择我院2018年1月-2019年2月102例实习护生作为试验对象;数字奇偶法分组后探究每组教学管理模式;对照组(51名):选择传统护理教学管理模式展开;试验组(51名):选择新型护理教学管理模式展开;比较两组护实习护生行为规范合格率、平均业务学习出勤率以及教学满意度评分结果。结果试验组实习护生规范合格率(98.04%)高于对照组(64.71%)(P<0.05);试验组实习护生平均业务学习出勤率(98.04%)高于对照组(62.75%)(P<0.05);试验组实习护生各项教学满意度评分均高于对照组(P<0.05)。结论医院实习护生在接受新型护理实习教学管理后,对于规范合格率的提升,平均业务学习出勤率的提升以及教学满意度评分的提升,均获得显著效果,最终为医院实习护生的学习效率以及护理安全提升奠定了基础。