Glycemic Control and Awareness of Insulin Therapy

Introduction: Glycemic control is associated with better health outcomes among patients with diabetes. No previous research has examined the relationship between knowledge of one’s insulin dose and glycemic control. This study sought to determine if patients who accurately recalled their insulin dose achieved better glycemic control than patients who could not remember their dose. Methods: Interviews were conducted with 106 patients. Data were collected during patients’ appointments at two endocrinology clinics in Wichita, Kansas from May 29, 2018 to February 15, 2019. Adequate glycemic control was defined as an HbA1c of less than 7.5%.  A multiple logistic regression model was developed to identify factors associated with glycemic control.    Results: Of the 109 patients asked to participate, 105 agreed to participate in the study. About half (45%, n = 48) were male. Patients’ mean age was 50 years (SD = 17). Seventy-seven percent (n = 81) were overweight (body mass index (BMI) of 25 to 29.9) or obese (BMI >30). Patients who correctly stated their insulin dose had a mean Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) of 6.9% (SD = 0.98), whereas those who incorrectly stated their dose had a mean HbA1c of 9.5% (SD = 1.9; p <0.0001).   Conclusions: There was a significant relationship between knowledge of one’s insulin dose and adequate glycemic control

Technological requirements for microwave ablation of adrenal masses

Microwave thermal ablation is under consideration for minimally invasive treatment of bilateral adrenal adenomas, symptomatic of Conn's syndrome. Currently available microwave technologies are ill-suited to precise ablation of small adrenal targets. We report on our preliminary computational and experimental efforts towards the design of microwave ablation systems for targeting adrenal masses. Broadband dielectric properties of ex vivo bovine adrenal glands were experimentally measured. Computer simulations demonstrated the feasibility of achieving precise ablation of adrenal lesions with 2.45 GHz systems. Experiments in ex vivo adrenal tissue using a water-cooled 2.45 GHz antenna illustrated the feasibility of heating 10-20 mm adrenal targets with 40 W power applied for 1 min. These preliminary results warrant further investigation and development of microwave technology for precise ablation of adrenal masses.The research leading to these results has received funding from the European Research Council under the European Union's Horizon 2020 Programme/ERC Grant Agreement BioElecPro n. 637780. We also acknowledge funding through the KSU Johnson Cancer Research Center and the support of COST Action TD1301 and BM1309 EMF-MED for the convened session.peer-reviewe

Preparation, photo- and electrochemical studies of a homoleptic imine-phosphaalkene Cu(I) complex

A 1,8-Diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU) functionalized phosphaalkene was used as a bidentate ligand towards a [Cu(I)L-2](+) complex. The spectroscopic, electrochemical and photophysical properties of the compound were studied revealing a rich redox chemistry indicative of ligand non-innocence. The compound is weakly emissive with excited state lifetimes of up to 9 ns. NMR and electrochemical analysis indicate a complex dynamic behavior of this photosensitizer in solution

Technological requirements for microwave ablation of adrenal masses

Microwave thermal ablation is under consideration for minimally invasive treatment of bilateral adrenal adenomas, symptomatic of Conn\u27s syndrome. Currently available microwave technologies are ill-suited to precise ablation of small adrenal targets. We report on our preliminary computational and experimental efforts towards the design of microwave ablation systems for targeting adrenal masses. Broadband dielectric properties of ex vivo bovine adrenal glands were experimentally measured. Computer simulations demonstrated the feasibility of achieving precise ablation of adrenal lesions with 2.45 GHz systems. Experiments in ex vivo adrenal tissue using a water-cooled 2.45 GHz antenna illustrated the feasibility of heating 10-20 mm adrenal targets with 40 W power applied for 1 min. These preliminary results warrant further investigation and development of microwave technology for precise ablation of adrenal masses.The research leading to these results has received funding from the European Research Council under the European Union\u27s Horizon 2020 Programme/ERC Grant Agreement BioElecPro n. 637780. We also acknowledge funding through the KSU Johnson Cancer Research Center and the support of COST Action TD1301 and BM1309 EMF-MED for the convened session

An evaluation of the pugh controlled convergence method

This paper evaluates a method known as Pugh Controlled Convergence and its relationship to recent developments in design theory. Computer executable models are proposed simulating a team of people involved in iterated cycles of evaluation, ideation, and investigation. The models suggest that: 1) convergence of the set of design concepts is facilitated by the selection of a strong datum concept; 2) iterated use of an evaluation matrix can facilitate convergence of expert opinion, especially if used to plan investigations conducted between matrix runs; and 3) ideation stimulated by the Pugh matrices can provide large benefits both by improving the set of alternatives and by facilitating convergence. As a basis of comparison, alternatives to Pugh's methods were assessed such as using a single summary criterion or using a Borda count. The models we developed suggest that Pugh's method, under a substantial range of assumptions, results in better design outcomes than those from these alternative procedures.</p

Association of emotional support with quality of life, mental health, and survival in older adults with gastrointestinal malignancies–Results from the CARE registry

Abstract Background Emotional support (ES) is the most frequently reported support need among older adults with cancer. Yet, the association of ES with cancer outcomes is largely unknown. This study examined the association of ES with health‐related quality of life (HRQoL), mental health, and survival among older adults with gastrointestinal (GI) malignancies. Methods We included newly diagnosed older adults (≥60 years) with GI cancer undergoing self‐reported geriatric assessment at their first clinic visit. ES was measured using an adaptation of the Medical Outcomes Study (dichotomized adequate ES vs. inadequate ES). Outcomes included physical and mental HRQoL, anxiety, depression, and survival. Multivariable linear regression evaluated the association between ES and HRQoL scores. Multivariable logistic regression evaluated the association of ES with anxiety and depression. All models were adjusted for age at geriatric assessments, race, sex, and cancer type/stage. Results 795 participants were included. Median patient age was 68 years (IQR: 64–74), 58% were male, and most cancers were either colorectal (37.9%) or pancreatic (30.8%). Most (77.6%) had adequate ES. Patients with inadequate ES were more likely to be Black (31.5 vs. 20.8%, p = 0.005), disabled (24.1 vs. 10.4%, p < 0.001), widowed/divorced (54.2 vs. 24.8%, p < 0.001) and had lower physical and mental HRQoL t‐scores (Physical β: −3.35, 95% CI: −5.25, −1.46; Mental β: ‐2.46, 95% CI: −4.11, −0.81) and higher odds of depression (aOR: 2.22, CI: 1.34–3.69). This study found no difference between those with adequate ES versus inadequate ES in the proportion of deaths within 1 year of diagnosis (24.3% vs. 24.2%, p = 0.966), or within 2 years of diagnosis (32.4% vs. 33.2%, p = 0.126). Conclusions Older adults with inadequate ES have worse physical and mental HRQoL and higher odds of depression compared to those with adequate ES