Pretreatment neurocognitive function (NCF) status in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients (pts) with comparison to control cohort.

2012 ◽  
Vol 30 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 5587-5587
Author(s):  
Albiruni Ryan Abdul Razak ◽  
Hui Kong Gan ◽  
Gregory Russell Pond ◽  
Kattleya M Tirona ◽  
Eric Xueyu Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multivariable Analysis ◽  
Smoking History ◽  
Patient Demographics ◽  
Control Subjects ◽  
Disease Characteristics ◽  
Mild Brain Injury ◽  
Z Scores ◽  
Pre Treatment ◽  
And Control

5587 Background: There is increasing evidence that NCF abnormalities may occur in cancer pts. Data on pre-treatment NCF in HNC pts are lacking. This study reports NCF in pts with newly diagnosed, curable HNC compared to controls. Methods: HNC pts underwent a 2-hour battery of NCF tests prior to radio +/-chemo(bio)therapy. Domains tested were intelligence (IQ), memory, language, attention, processing speed, executive function and manual dexterity. Test performances were transformed into Z-scores using normative data (score < -1 signified deficit). Pts also had self-reported assessments for NCF, quality of life (QOL), fatigue and affect. Data obtained were compared to non-cancer controls who underwent the same tests. Results: Eighty HNC and 30 control subjects were assessed. Objective NCF testing demonstrated that HNC and control cohorts were similar across all domains, except for IQ, with pts having higher scores (mean 0.55 vs 0.12, p=0.03). However, individual analysis showed that 39% of HNC and 43% of control subjects had abnormal Z-scores in ≥ 2 domains. Multivariable analysis of factors associated with ≥ 2 abnormal NCF domains included: low education level, significant smoking history (≥ 10 pack year), previous mild brain injury, gender, and group (pt vs control). Amongst pts, HPV -ve status and non-oropharyngeal tumors were also associated with decreased NCF. Pts reported statistically worse subjective baseline symptoms compared to controls: NCF (mean FACT-COG 33.7 vs 18.2, p=0.002), QOL (FACT H&N 33.8 vs 14.9), fatigue (FACT-F 35.1 vs 15.1), anxiety (HADS 7.0 vs 3.1) and depression (HADS 3.9 vs 1.2), p<0.01 for all five parameters. Conclusions: Objectively assessed NCF was similar between HNC pts and controls, but a proportion of participants in both cohorts have multi-domain abnormal Z-scores. Several patient demographics and disease characteristics were associated with abnormal NCFs. Subjectively, pts reported worse NCF, QOL, fatigue and affect. These data suggest that participant and disease characteristics may play a larger role in determining NCF than previously shown. Whether such characteristics impact subsequent NCF is under investigation in a longitudinal study.

scholarly journals Membrane condenser as emerging technology for water recovery and gas pre-treatment: current status and perspectives

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Adele Brunetti ◽  
Francesca Macedonio ◽  
Giuseppe Barbieri ◽  
Enrico Drioli
Keyword(s):  
Current Status ◽  
Innovative Technology ◽  
Water Recovery ◽  
Treatment Unit ◽  
Treatment Stage ◽  
Treatment Technologies ◽  
Pre Treatment ◽  
And Control

Abstract The recent roadmap of SPIRE initiative includes the development of “new separation, extraction and pre-treatment technologies” as one of the “key actions” for boosting sustainability, enhancing the availability and quality of existing resources. Membrane condenser is an innovative technology that was recently investigated for the recovery of water vapor for waste gaseous streams, such as flue gas, biogas, cooling tower plumes, etc. Recently, it has been also proposed as pre-treatment unit for the reduction and control of contaminants in waste gaseous streams (SOx and NOx, VOCs, H2S, NH3, siloxanes, halides, particulates, organic pollutants). This perspective article reports recent progresses in the applications of the membrane condenser in the treatment of various gaseous streams for water recovery and contaminant control. After an overview of the operating principle, the membranes used, and the main results achieved, the work also proposes the role of this technology as pre-treatment stage to other separation technologies. The potentialities of the technology are also discussed aspiring to pave the way towards the development of an innovative technology where membrane condenser can cover a key role in redesigning the whole upgrading process.

Clinical Evaluation of the Modified Faine Criteria in Patients Admitted with Suspected Leptospirosis to the Territorial Hospital, New Caledonia, 2018 to 2019

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hélène Guibreteau ◽  
Arnaud Tarantola ◽  
Cyrille Goarant ◽  
Shirley Gervolino ◽  
Ann-Claire Gourinat ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New Caledonia ◽  
Multivariable Analysis ◽  
Model Performance ◽  
Area Under The Curve ◽  
Tertiary Hospital ◽  
Control Subjects ◽  
Biological Part ◽  
And Gender ◽  
And Control ◽  
Pcr Test

Leptospirosis is endemic in New Caledonia. Clinical diagnosis is often difficult and its evolution can be fatal. Leptospirosis requires specific management before biological confirmation. Modified Faine criteria (Faine Score) have been suggested to diagnose leptospirosis on epidemiological (parts A and B) and biological (part C) criteria. The main objective of our study was to assess the relevance of the epidemiological–clinical modified Faine score, parts A and B (MF A + B), in patients with suspected leptospirosis in New Caledonia. A monocentric case–control study was conducted in suspect patients for whom a Leptospira polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test was done within the first 7 days of signs onset at the tertiary hospital from January 1, 2018 to January 4, 2019. Cases and control subjects were matched 1:2 in the gender and age categories. Bivariate, and then multivariable, analyses studied the association between the MF A + B score and a positive Leptospira PCR test, adjusted on the variables retained. In all, 35 cases and 70 control subjects matched for age and gender were analyzed. Multivariable analysis by logistic regression found a significant association between an MF A + B score taken from the categories “possible leptospirosis” (score, 20–25) and “presumed leptospirosis” (score, > 26), and the case or control subject status (P < 0.0001). Model performance was high, with an area under the curve value of 99.27%, 93.55% sensitivity, and 96.36% specificity, which classified subjects correctly in 95.35% of cases. Our study suggests using the MF A + B score to identify possible cases of leptospirosis and initiate antibiotic therapy before biological confirmation in New Caledonia. This score should be evaluated in areas where more differential diagnoses exist and where PCR is not widely available.

Quality of Life Assessment in Turkish Patients with Schizophrenia and Their Relatives

2004 ◽  
Vol 95 (1) ◽  
pp. 197-206 ◽  
Author(s):  
Köksal Alptekin ◽  
Berna Binnur Akdede ◽  
Yildiz Akvardar ◽  
Songül çelikgün ◽  
N. Sinem Dilşen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Life Quality ◽  
Life Assessment ◽  
World Health ◽  
World Health Organization Quality ◽  
Control Subjects ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
And Control ◽  
Turkish Patients

Quality of life of first-degree relatives living in the same household with patients having schizophrenia has not been sufficiently explored. 30 patients with schizophrenia (16 women, 14 men), diagnosed using DSM–IV criteria, 31 of their relatives (15 women, 16 men), and 34 control subjects (21 women, 13 men) were included in the study. The mean age of the patients, their relatives, and the control subjects were 39.8 ± 10.9, 58.1 ± 12.5 and 37.3 ± 17.0, respectively. The World Health Organization Quality of Life–Brief Form was administered to all subjects. Quality of life was worse for the patient group than for their relatives and control subjects, but relatives of the patients and control subjects were not significantly different on Quality of life. Quality of life was negatively correlated with the severity of psychopathology and extrapyramidal side effects induced by antipsychotic drugs in the patients.

scholarly journals Pilot Study on Visual Function and Fundus Autofluorescence Assessment in Diabetic Patients

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana M. Calvo-Maroto ◽  
José J. Esteve-Taboada ◽  
Rafael J. Pérez-Cambrodí ◽  
David Madrid-Costa ◽  
Alejandro Cerviño
Keyword(s):  
Visual Function ◽  
Pigment Epithelium ◽  
Fundus Autofluorescence ◽  
Retinal Pigment ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Diabetic Patients ◽  
Control Subjects ◽  
Fundus Imaging ◽  
And Control

Purpose. Evaluate optimized fundus autofluorescence (FAF) imaging in early stages of diabetic retinopathy (DR) and relate findings with conventional colour fundus imaging and visual function in diabetic patients and control subjects.Materials and Methods. FAF and colour images were obtained using the CR-2 Plus digital nonmydriatic retinal camera in seven diabetic patients and thirteen control subjects. Visual-Functioning Questionnaire-25 (VFQ-25) and Diabetes Self-Management Questionnaire (DSMQ) were used to assess the quality of life and diabetes self-care. Contrast sensitivity function (CSF) was evaluated with the Vistech 6500 chart.Results. FAF and optimized-FAF imaging showed more retinal alterations related to DR than colour imaging. In diabetic patients, compatible signs with microaneurysms, capillary dilations, and haemorrhages were less numerous in colour imaging than optimized-FAF and FAF imaging in areas analysed. Control subjects at risk of developing DM showed more retinal pigment epithelium defects than those without risk in all retinal areas. Significant differences were not found in VFQ-25 and CSF between diabetic patients and control subjects.Conclusions. FAF and optimized-FAF imaging showed significant alterations related to DR not observed in colour imaging. FAF and optimized-FAF images could be a useful complementary tool for detecting early alterations associated with the development and progression of DR.

Aspects of awareness in patients with Alzheimer's disease

2013 ◽  
Vol 25 (7) ◽  
pp. 1167-1179 ◽  
Author(s):  
Selina Mårdh ◽  
Thomas Karlsson ◽  
Jan Marcusson
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Everyday Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Semistructured Interview ◽  
Disease Awareness ◽  
Control Subjects ◽  
Healthy Control ◽  
And Control

ABSTRACTBackground: The purpose of the present study was to gain insight into Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients’ perception of the world through the study of a few aspects of awareness. The aspects in focus of the study were disease awareness, metacognition, managing of everyday life, and as a complement, the agreement (calibration) between patients and their spouses on the studied aspects was considered.Method: A mixed-method evaluation design was used involving 15 AD patients, their spouses, and 15 elderly healthy control subjects. The study comprised both a semistructured interview (AD patients and spouse) and a neuropsychological assessment (AD patients and control subjects).Results: The patients were aware of their disease and able to report on their illness. Despite this awareness, they were unable to realize and manage the practical and cognitive implications of their impairment. The results also indicate that patients and spouses were not well calibrated regarding thoughts about the disease and problems in handling the cognitive deterioration.Conclusions: The findings of our study have relevance to patients’ well being and how they manage everyday life. An open dialogue on these issues between spouses and in the care for AD patients would hopefully enhance quality of life for all parties involved.

Insulin Tolerance Test: human growth hormone response and insulin resistance in primary unipolar depressed, bipolar depressed and control subjects

1982 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 45-55 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen H. Koslow ◽  
Peter E. Stokes ◽  
Joseph Mendels ◽  
Alan Ramsey ◽  
Regina Casper
Keyword(s):  
Growth Hormone ◽  
Human Growth Hormone ◽  
Human Growth ◽  
Tolerance Test ◽  
Insulin Tolerance Test ◽  
Control Subjects ◽  
Insulin Tolerance ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Pre Treatment ◽  
And Control

SynopsisPreliminary data from the National Institute of Mental Health – Clinical Research Branch Collaborative Program on the Psychobiology of Depression dealing with the human growth hormone (hGH) response to the Insulin Tolerance Test (ITT) during the pre-treatment (drug-free) period of the study are presented in this paper. Data are reported for 54 unipolar depressed, 21 bipolar depressed, and 40 normal control subjects, who represent approximately 50% of the final subject sample to be studied. In this population the unipolar depressed subjects showed a significantly greater resistance to insulin-induced hypoglycaemia than bipolar and control subjects. After applying the inclusion/exclusion criteria necessary to interpret hGH responses accurately, the data from only 54 subjects were acceptable. Mean peak hGH concentrations were not significantly different among the three groups. There was, however, a significant difference in the distributions of the hGH peak response, with the bipolar depressed population demonstrating greater variability in response than unipolar and control populations. These findings are discussed as they relate to previous reports and theoretical considerations.

scholarly journals Review of the Multidisciplinary Voice Clinic in a District General Hospital of the United Kingdom

2016 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 154-156
Author(s):  
Louise Marie Evans ◽  
Parry Haf Beca ◽  
Helen Patterson ◽  
Alagar Chandra Mohan
Keyword(s):  
Patient Satisfaction ◽  
District General Hospital ◽  
Language Therapy ◽  
Patient Demographics ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Pre Treatment ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Voice

Introduction The Voice Clinic is a multidisciplinary specialist voice clinic. Our aim is to review patient demographics, subjective symptoms both at presentation and 16 months post clinic and patient satisfaction.   Methods A retrospective review of all pre treatment voice clinic questionnaires for all new patients who attended the voice clinic over a 3-month period. A telephone interview was conducted 16 months after first presentation to determine patient satisfaction and whether patient’s symptoms had improved.    Results A total of 25 patients who had completed a pre clinic questionnaire were identified, 17/25 completed the follow up interview. 88% of patients reported symptoms of ≥ 6 months duration. 41% underwent Speech and Language Therapy (SALT), 24% had medical management, 6% surgery, and 30% were given advice only. On a severity scale of 1- 10 (10 most severe) 40% rated their voice severity to be ≥5/10 at presentation, 16 months later this was 11% of patients.  56% rated the impact of their voice on their life to be ≥ 5/10 at presentation, 16 months later this was 6%.   Conclusion   Although limited the review shows that for the majority of patients their symptoms and quality of life improved after review at the multidisciplinary clinic.

Resistance Monitor and Control for Vacuum Evaporation of Metals and Carbon

1976 ◽  
Vol 34 ◽  
pp. 572-573
Author(s):  
Russell L. Steere ◽  
Eric F. Erbe ◽  
J. Michael Moseley
Keyword(s):  
Electronic Device ◽  
Point Sources ◽  
High Contrast ◽  
Variable Resistor ◽  
Quality Of Results ◽  
Low Contrast ◽  
Evaporation Source ◽  
And Control ◽  
At Will

We have designed and built an electronic device which compares the resistance of a defined area of vacuum evaporated material with a variable resistor. When the two resistances are matched, the device automatically disconnects the primary side of the substrate transformer and stops further evaporation.This approach to controlled evaporation in conjunction with the modified guns and evaporation source permits reliably reproducible multiple Pt shadow films from a single Pt wrapped carbon point source. The reproducibility from consecutive C point sources is also reliable. Furthermore, the device we have developed permits us to select a predetermined resistance so that low contrast high-resolution shadows, heavy high contrast shadows, or any grade in between can be selected at will. The reproducibility and quality of results are demonstrated in Figures 1-4 which represent evaporations at various settings of the variable resistor.

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