Chemotherapy and diffuse low-grade gliomas: a survey within the European Low-Grade Glioma Network.

Diffuse low-grade gliomas (DLGGs) are rare and incurable tumors. Whereas maximal safe, functional-based surgical resection is the first-line treatment, the timing and choice of further treatments (chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or combined treatments) remain controversial. An online survey on the management of DLGG patients was sent to 28 expert centers from the European Low-Grade Glioma Network (ELGGN) in May 2015. It contained 40 specific questions addressing the modalities of use of chemotherapy in these patients. The survey demonstrated a significant heterogeneity in practice regarding the initial management of DLGG patients and the use of chemotherapy. Interestingly, radiation therapy combined with the procarbazine, CCNU (lomustine), and vincristine regimen has not imposed itself as the gold-standard treatment after surgery, despite the results of the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group 9802 study. Temozolomide is largely used as first-line treatment after surgical resection for high-risk DLGG patients, or at progression. The heterogeneity in the management of patients with DLGG demonstrates that many questions regarding the postoperative strategy and the use of chemotherapy remain unanswered. Our survey reveals a high recruitment potential within the ELGGN for retrospective or prospective studies to generate new data regarding these issues

Computer-assisted and patient-specific 3-D planning and evaluation of a single-cut rotational osteotomy for complex long-bone deformities

Malunion after long bone fracture results in an incorrect position of the distal bone segment. This misalignment may lead to reduced function of the limb, early osteoarthritis and chronic pain. An established treatment option is a corrective osteotomy. For complex malunions, a single-cut rotational osteotomy is sometimes preferred in cases of angular deformity in three dimensions. However, planning and performing this type of osteotomy is relatively complex. This report describes a computer-assisted method for 3-D planning and realizing a single-cut rotational osteotomy with a patient-specific cutting guide for orienting the osteotomy and an angled jig for adjusting the rotation angle. The accuracy and reproducibility of the method is evaluated experimentally using plastic bones. In addition, complex rotational deformities are simulated by a computer to investigate the relation between deformity and correction parameters. The computed relation between deformity and correction parameters enables the surgeon to judge the feasibility of a single-cut rotational osteotomy. This appears possible for deformities combining axial misalignment with sufficient axial rotation. The proposed 3-D method of preoperative planning and transfer with a patient-specific cutting guide and angled jig renders the osteotomy procedure easily applicable, accurate, reproducible, and is a good alternative for complex and expensive navigation systems

Optimal functional outcome measures for assessing treatment for Dupuytren's disease: A systematic review and recommendations for future practice

This article is available through the Brunel Open Access Publishing Fund. Copyright © 2013 Ball et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.Background: Dupuytren's disease of the hand is a common condition affecting the palmar fascia, resulting in progressive flexion deformities of the digits and hence limitation of hand function. The optimal treatment remains unclear as outcomes studies have used a variety of measures for assessment. Methods: A literature search was performed for all publications describing surgical treatment, percutaneous needle aponeurotomy or collagenase injection for primary or recurrent Dupuytren’s disease where outcomes had been monitored using functional measures. Results: Ninety-one studies met the inclusion criteria. Twenty-two studies reported outcomes using patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) ranging from validated questionnaires to self-reported measures for return to work and self-rated disability. The Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score was the most utilised patient-reported function measure (n=11). Patient satisfaction was reported by eighteen studies but no single method was used consistently. Range of movement was the most frequent physical measure and was reported in all 91 studies. However, the methods of measurement and reporting varied, with seventeen different techniques being used. Other physical measures included grip and pinch strength and sensibility, again with variations in measurement protocols. The mean follow-up time ranged from 2 weeks to 17 years. Conclusions: There is little consistency in the reporting of outcomes for interventions in patients with Dupuytren’s disease, making it impossible to compare the efficacy of different treatment modalities. Although there are limitations to the existing generic patient reported outcomes measures, a combination of these together with a disease-specific questionnaire, and physical measures of active and passive individual joint Range of movement (ROM), grip and sensibility using standardised protocols should be used for future outcomes studies. As Dupuytren’s disease tends to recur following treatment as well as extend to involve other areas of the hand, follow-up times should be standardised and designed to capture both short and long term outcomes

Herstellung und Untersuchung von Silbergalliumsulfid-Schichten fuer die Anwendung als Photoleiter

SIGLEDEGerman

Measurements of shoulder mobility by patient and surgeon correlate poorly: a prospective study

A questionnaire, which allowed graphing of self-assessment of active and passive shoulder motion by drawing lines onto prepared diagrams, was sent to 221 consecutive patients scheduled to attend our outpatient clinic. At consultation, shoulder motion was measured using a goniometer by surgeons, who were blinded to the results of the patient-based self-assessment. One-hundred and fifty-eight complete data sets were available for evaluation. Mean differences between patient and surgeon measurements were 18 degrees +/- 19 degrees . While mean values for most degrees of freedom were similar between patient and surgeon measurements, some rotational movements were overestimated by patients. Correlation of patient and surgeon based assessments were poor for all degrees of freedom (r(2) <or= .52). Dominance (right/left handed), gender, age, pathology, pain, and subjective shoulder value did not significantly impact on the correlation. Combining surgeon and patient based information in the same study is inappropriate. Comparisons and meta-analysis of shoulder studies need to take the type of data acquisition into account

Der neue holsteinische Robinson; oder, Entdeckung und bevölkerung der insel Angely. Ein lesebuch zur belehrung und unterhaltung für die jugend.

Mode of access: Internet

Fertigungstechnologie grossflaechiger Solar-Generatoren. T.2 Abschlussbericht. Berichtszeitraum: 1.11.1984-31.12.1986

TIB: RO 3826 (86008)+a / FIZ - Fachinformationszzentrum Karlsruhe / TIB - Technische InformationsbibliothekSIGLEDEGerman

Erprobung und Optimierung der Fertigungstechnologie grossflaechiger Cu2S/CdS-Solargeneratoren Schlussbericht. Abschlussdatum: Oktober 1984

TIB: RN 2598 (86-042) / FIZ - Fachinformationszzentrum Karlsruhe / TIB - Technische InformationsbibliothekSIGLEDEGerman