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Tracheoesophageal speech: predictors of success and social validity ratings.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine long-term success rates and predictors of success for patients who had undergone either primary or secondary tracheoesophageal puncture. An additional aim was to compare judgments of communication effectiveness made by a speech-language pathologist with those made by the patient or significant other. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-six laryngectomees were initially rated on a 5-point functional communication scale. These ratings resulted in the formation of two distinct groups that were identified as "successful" and "unsuccessful." The groups were compared on the basis of age at time of surgery and 10 categorical variables that have been implicated in the success or failure of tracheoesophageal puncture surgery. RESULTS: Results indicated that nearly two thirds of the patients had successful communication at an average of approximately 4 years posttracheoesophageal puncture. For the 13 patients judged as "unsuccessful," reduced vision, limited arm/hand movement, and history of radiotherapy were found in significantly greater numbers. When communication profile ratings made by a speech-language pathologist were compared with those made by the patient or significant other (P/SO), approximately one-third varied by at least "1" scale value, with the vast majority resulting in comparatively higher ratings by the speech-language pathologist. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study are in general agreement with previously published success rates for tracheoesophageal puncture and attest to the long-term nature of these success rates in a majority of patients. Additional investigation is necessary to identify factors that may contribute to discrepancies between clinician expectations and those of the patient or significant other.

Female↗
PubMed2001

[Independent predictive factors of acute and first year success after electrical cardioversion in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation].

OBJECTIVES: We retrospectively analyzed the predictive factors of successfully electrical cardioversion in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation. METHODS: We included 118 patients, 68 men and 50 women, with a mean age of 65.1 years and a length of arrhythmia evolution of 83.3 days. These patients consecutively underwent electrical cardioversion in our Cardiology Department with a follow-up of one year to determine relapses. Structural cardiopathy was observed in 63.6% of the patients and 43.7% presented a left atrium between 4 and 5 cms. We analyzed the clinical and echocardiographic factors which predict the acute and first year success of electrical cardioversion. RESULTS: The cardioversion was effective in 73.7% (CI 95%, 64.6%-81.1%) of the patients and 35.6% (CI 95%, 25.8%-46.6%) had a relapse within the first year. The inexistence of cardiomyopathy and therapy with amiodarone were predictive of acute success (p < 0.04 and p < 0.03, respectively). The length of arrhythmia evolution did not predict acute success but did so when relapses were analyzed. The size of the left atrium is predictive of both acute and long term success (p < 0.02 and p < 0.001, respectively). Logistic regression showed that the size of the left atrium and the patient's age were the only predictive factors of acute and first year success. CONCLUSIONS: Electrical cardioversion is very efficient in the short-term, despite numerous relapses. Patient age and the size of left atrium are associated with acute and long-term success of cardioversion.

Aged↗
PubMed1997

Predictors of success and major complications for primary percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty in acute myocardial infarction. An analysis of the 1990 to 1994 Society for Cardiac Angiography and Interventions registries.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine predictors of successful coronary angioplasty for acute myocardial infarction (MI) and associated predictors of the major complications of in-hospital mortality and emergency coronary artery bypass graft surgery. BACKGROUND: Primary angioplasty is being increasingly used to treat acute MI, but factors affecting the success and major complications have not been well studied. Forty laboratories have been contributing clinical and procedural data to the Society of Cardiac Angiography and Interventions (SCA&I) on primary angioplasty for acute MI. METHODS: Univariable and stepwise multivariable logistic regression analysis of clinical and procedural variables was used to calculate predictors of success and major complications. RESULTS: There were 4,366 primary angioplasty procedures reported from 1990 through 1994, with an overall success rate of 91.5%, an in-hospital mortality rate of 2.5% and a rate of emergency surgery of 4.3%. Higher laboratory primary angioplasty volume and lower age were predictive of success. An intraaortic balloon pump in place, cardiogenic shock and a moribund condition had negative predictive effects. Unsuccessful angioplasty, cardiogenic shock or a moribund state were predictive of in-hospital death. Unsuccessful angioplasty, the absence of a history of hypertension and the absence of congestive heart failure were predictive of emergency surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The rates of success and major complications in the SCA&I Registry are similar to other series. Predictors of success and major complications can be assessed and may be useful for risk stratifying candidates for primary angioplasty in acute MI.

Aged↗
PubMed2003

Volume regression of abdominal aortic aneurysms and its relation to successful endoluminal exclusion.

OBJECTIVES: Evaluating the success of endoluminal repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) is frequently based on diameter measurements and determining the presence of endoleaks. The use of three-dimensional volumetric data and observation of morphologic changes in the aneurysm and device have been proposed to be more appropriate for postdeployment surveillance. The purpose of this study was to analyze the long-term volumetric and morphologic data of 161 patients who underwent endovascular AAA exclusion and to assess the utility of volume measurements for determining successful AAA repair. METHODS: Patients with spiral computed tomography scans obtained preoperatively, within the first postoperative month, at 6 months, and annually thereafter, were included in this analysis. Computerized interactive three-dimensional reconstruction of each AAA scan was performed. Total aneurysm sac volume was measured at each time interval (mean preoperative volume 169.0 +/- 78.5 mL), and the significance of volume changes was determined by mixed linear modeling, a form of repeated measures analysis, to account for longitudinal data clustered at the individual level. Sixty-two patients (38%) developed endoleaks at some time during follow-up-15 type I leaks, 45 type II leaks, and 2 type III leaks. The patients with type I and type III leaks were treated with cuffs, and the type II leaks were treated either with observation, side-branch embolization, or required open conversion. RESULTS: Aneurysm sac volume increased slightly at 1-month follow-up (+3.3%), and then decreased steadily to -12.9% at 5 years (P <.0001). This effect remained unchanged after controlling for the three device types used in our study population. Patients who did not exhibit an endoleak (n = 99) showed a significant decrease in aneurysm volume across the entire follow-up duration when compared with those who did exhibit an endoleak (n = 62) (P <.0001). The presence of a 10% or greater decrease in volume at 6 months demonstrated a sensitivity of 64%, a specificity of 95%, a positive predictive value of 95%, a negative predictive value of 62%, and an accuracy of 75% for predicting primary clinical success defined by successful deployment of the device; freedom from aneurysm- or procedure-related death; freedom from endoleak, rupture, migration, or device malfunction; or conversion to open repair. CONCLUSIONS: Volumetric analysis may be used to predict successful endoluminal exclusion of AAAs. Volume regression appears to be device-independent and should be expected in most clinically successful cases. The presence of volume increases in the first 6 months is suspicious for an endoleak that is pressurizing the aneurysm sac and heralds the need for closer evaluation and possible intervention. A volume decrease of 10% or greater at 6 months and continuing regression over time is associated with successful endovascular repair.

Aged↗
PubMed2001

Upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage and transcatheter embolotherapy: clinical and technical factors impacting success and survival.

PURPOSE: To identify clinical and technical factors influencing the outcome of transcatheter embolotherapy for nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal (GI) hemorrhage and to quantify the impact of successful intervention on patient survival. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of all patients (n = 163) who underwent arterial embolization for acute upper GI hemorrhage at a university hospital over an 11.5-year period. Clinical success was defined as target area devascularization that resulted in the clinical cessation of bleeding and stabilization of hemoglobin level. The clinical condition of each patient at intervention was defined by history, laboratory examination, and two composite indicator variables. With use of logistic regression, the dependent variable, clinical success, was modeled on two categories of clinical and technical variables. A final model regressed patient survival on clinical success and other clinical variables. RESULTS: None of the procedural variables analyzed had a significant influence on clinical success. Several clinical variables did impact clinical success, including multiorgan system failure (OR, 0.36; P =.030), coagulopathy (OR, 0.36; P =.026), and bleeding subsequent to trauma (OR, 7.1; P =.040) or invasive procedures (OR, 6.5; P =.009). Regardless of their clinical condition at intervention, patients who underwent clinically successful embolization were 13.3 times more likely to survive than those who had an unsuccessful procedure (CI, 4.54-39.2; P =.000). Nevertheless, patients with multiorgan system failure were 17.5 times more likely to die, independent of the outcome of the procedure (CI, 0.014-0.229; P =.000). CONCLUSION: Arresting nonvariceal upper GI hemorrhage with transcatheter embolotherapy has a large positive effect on patient survival, independent of clinical condition or demonstrable extravasation at intervention. Aggressive treatment with transcatheter embolotherapy is advisable in patients with acute nonvariceal upper GI hemorrhage.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Specific pulmonary responses during the cycle-run succession in triathletes.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between alterations in pulmonary function (i.e., diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide and pulmonary volumes) and the ventilatory response elicited during the cycle-run succession in triathletes. Ten well-trained triathletes performed three exercises: 1) 30 min cycling plus 20 min of running, termed the cycle-run succession; 2) 30 min cycling; and 3) 20 min running. Before and 10 min after each trial, the triathletes underwent pulmonary function testing, including spirometry and diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide. During all trials, ventilatory data were collected every minute using an automated breath-by-breath system. The ventilatory response was significantly higher in the run subsequent to cycling as compared with the run performed independently (P<0.001). There was no change in pulmonary volumes before and after exercises; however, the diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide and the transfer coefficient were similarly decreased (P<0.05) after cycling and the cycle-run succession, but not decreased after running. The increase in minute ventilation in the run segment of the cycle-run succession versus in running alone was significantly correlated with the decrease in diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide measured after versus before the cycle-run succession (P<0.01). This same increase in ventilation was also correlated with the decrease in diffusing capacity measured after the cycle-run succession versus after cycling alone (P<0.03). These results suggest the possibility that the DLCO decrease contributes in part to the ventilatory increase noted in the run after cycling during the cycle-run succession of the triathlon.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

The benefits of frequent positive affect: does happiness lead to success?

Numerous studies show that happy individuals are successful across multiple life domains, including marriage, friendship, income, work performance, and health. The authors suggest a conceptual model to account for these findings, arguing that the happiness-success link exists not only because success makes people happy, but also because positive affect engenders success. Three classes of evidence--crosssectional, longitudinal, and experimental--are documented to test their model. Relevant studies are described and their effect sizes combined meta-analytically. The results reveal that happiness is associated with and precedes numerous successful outcomes, as well as behaviors paralleling success. Furthermore, the evidence suggests that positive affect--the hallmark of well-being--may be the cause of many of the desirable characteristics, resources, and successes correlated with happiness. Limitations, empirical issues, and important future research questions are discussed.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed2006

Early sildenafil dose optimization and personalized instruction improves the frequency, flexibility, and success of sexual intercourse in men with erectile dysfunction.

We investigated the effect of early sildenafil dose optimization and personalized instructions on sexual intercourse success in 1109 men beginning sildenafil therapy for erectile dysfunction. In phase 1 (4 weeks), patients followed the instructions contained in the sildenafil (50 mg) sample pack and had 1.4 sexual intercourse attempts per week with 82% success. Patients (17%) had a second intercourse attempt (80% successful): 58% occurred within 4 h, 20% within 5-8 h, and 22% within 9-24 h of the first attempt. In phase 2 (4 weeks), sildenafil was adjusted as needed (53% to 100 mg, and 2% to 25 mg), and investigators provided personalized instructions to facilitate patient success. Sexual intercourse attempts increased to 1.7 per week, with 91% success, and 18% were followed by a second attempt, of which 91% were successful. Most patients requested the 100-mg dose, which helped improve sexual intercourse frequency, flexibility and success.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Determinants of successful ablation of idiopathic ventricular tachycardias with left bundle branch block morphology from the right ventricular outflow tract.

The aim of the study was to define the factors that may predict the outcomes of radiofrequency ablation from the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) in patients with idiopathic VT with a QRS morphology of LBBB. Endocardial mapping and RF ablation from the RVOT were performed in 35 patients (14 men, mean age 41 +/- 14 years), and VT was successfully ablated in 30 patients. There was no significant difference with regard to clinical characteristics and electrophysiological findings between patients with successful and failed ablation. The VTs with successful ablation showed an rS (n = 16) or QS (n = 14) pattern in lead V1, and all five VTs with failed ablation showed an rS pattern in lead V1. Although the absence of an R wave in lead V1 did not differ between patients with successful and failed ablation (P = 0.13), the absence of an R wave in lead V1 predicted VT successfully ablated from the RVOT (positive predictive value 100%; negative predictive value 24%). The VTs with successful ablation had a median precordial transitional zone at lead V4 (range V3-V6), whereas all five VTs with failed ablation had precordial transition zones at lead V3 (P = 0.004). Furthermore, a presence of an R wave in lead V1 associated with a precordial transition zone at lead V3 predicted VT not successfully ablated from the RVOT (positive predictive value 100%; negative predictive value 100%). In conclusion, some VTs with LBBB and inferior or normal axis cannot be ablated from the RVOT. The presence of an R wave in lead V1 associated with a precordial transition zone at lead V3 suggest that some VTs may not arise from the RVOT.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Safety of a single successful conversion of ventricular fibrillation before the implantation of cardioverter defibrillators.

UNLABELLED: Multiple successful conversions of ventricular fibrillation (VF) at 10 J below the maximum output of implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) have been recommended as a minimum device implantation criterion. This recommendation is based on the probabilistic properties of defibrillation that necessitates multiple shocks to establish an adequate safety margin for the conversion of subsequent spontaneous arrhythmias. We hypothesized that a single successful shock at a 14 J may suffice. METHODS AND RESULTS: The Low Energy Safety Study (LESS) enrolled 720 patients undergoing initial ICD implantation with a dual-coil transvenous lead and active pulse generator. At implant, an enhanced defibrillation threshold (DFT++) was determined by a rigorous protocol beginning at 14 J, and requiring at least 4 shocks. Fifty percent of all patients were then randomized to full output shock energy and the conversion rates for spontaneous ventricular tachyarrhythmias at rates > 200 beats/min were measured. There were 318 patients randomized to 31 J, of whom 254 were successfully defibrillated by an initial 14 J shock. During a mean follow-up of 24 +/- 12 months, 112 spontaneous VF episodes occurred in 31 patients. The combined conversion success of the first and second shock (when needed) did not differ between the subgroup of patients who were successfully defibrillated by an initial 14 J shock, regardless of the results of additional testing, and the whole cohort who underwent more systematic testing (97% vs 97%). All spontaneous episodes of VF were successfully treated during long-term follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: A first successful shock of 14 J may be a sufficient endpoint to allow the implantation of ICDs with the Triad lead configuration, when programming all shocks to 31 J.

Aged↗
PubMed1999

Effect of labor analgesia on breastfeeding success.

BACKGROUND: The effect of labor analgesia on breastfeeding success is not well defined. Some authors have hypothesized that labor analgesia may affect lactation success. The purpose of this observational study was to determine if intrapartum analgesia influenced breastfeeding success at 6 weeks postpartum in a setting that strongly supported breastfeeding. METHODS: Healthy women with uncomplicated term pregnancies who planned to breastfeed consented to a telephone interview. We recorded demographic data, labor induction status, delivery mode, and analgesic medications. At between 6 and 8 weeks postpartum, patients were asked to describe breastfeeding use, problems encountered, solutions derived, sources of support and information, and satisfaction. We created a logistic regression model using intrapartum analgesia information and controlling for demographic factors previously correlated with lactation success. RESULTS: We enrolled 189 women, contacted 177 women postpartum, and obtained complete data on 171 women. Of these, 59 percent received epidural analgesia, 72 percent breastfed fully, and 20 percent breastfed partially (> 50% of infant nutrition) at 6 weeks postpartum. After controlling for demographics and labor outcome, we could not demonstrate a correlation between breastfeeding success at 6 to 8 weeks and labor analgesia. CONCLUSIONS: In a hospital that strongly promotes breastfeeding, epidural labor analgesia with local anesthetics and opioids does not impede breastfeeding success. We recommend that hospitals that find decreased lactation success in parturients receiving epidural analgesia reexamine their postdelivery care policies.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Determinants of first-shock success for atrial implantable cardioverter defibrillators.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to identify determinants of first-shock success for defibrillation of spontaneous atrial fibrillation (AF) in ambulatory patients with an atrial implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). The determinants of first-shock success in ambulatory patients with atrial ICDs are unknown. METHODS AND RESULTS: We used the generalized estimating equation method to analyze determinants of first-shock success in 50 consecutive atrial ICD recipients in whom DFT+ (weakest shock that defibrillates on two consecutive trials) was determined at implant and spontaneous AF was shocked with shock strength > or = 2 x DFT+. DFT+ was 6.2 +/- 3.1 J. Of 470 first shocks, 407 were successful (generalized estimating equation 85%, confidence interval 79% to 90%). Determinants of first-shock success were use of coronary sinus electrode (univariate P = 0.02; multivariate P < 0.001, relative risk 5.0), absence of a Class III antiarrhythmic drug (univariate P = 0.06; multivariate P < 0.001, relative risk 3.2), absence of early recurrence of atrial fibrillation (ERAF; univariate P = 0.06; multivariate P = 0.02, relative risk 2.9), and longer duration of AF prior to shock > or = 3 hours (univariate: P = 0.02; multivariate P = NS). Sinus rhythm >1 minute persisted after 93% of first shocks in patients without documented ERAF but after only 58% of shocks in patients with documented ERAF (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Reducing ERAF is critical to achieving a clinically acceptable rate of persistent sinus rhythm after first shocks. For first shocks > or = 2 x DFT +, success is not increased by programming stronger shocks. Early cardioversion does not increase first-shock success.

Ambulatory Care↗
PubMed1994

The cost of a successful delivery with in vitro fertilization.

BACKGROUND: The use of in vitro fertilization has engendered considerable debate about who should have the procedure, whether health insurance should cover the cost, and if so, to what extent. We investigated the cost of a successful delivery with in vitro fertilization. METHODS: We calculated the cost per successful delivery with in vitro fertilization (defined as at least one live birth) for a general population of couples undergoing in vitro fertilization and for two subgroups: couples with a diagnosis of tubal disease (who have a better chance of success), and couples in which the woman is over the age of 40 years and the man has a low sperm count (who have a lower chance of success). Information on charges per cycle of in vitro fertilization was obtained from six facilities across the country; delivery rates with this procedure were estimated from the literature. RESULTS: On average, the cost incurred per successful delivery with in vitro fertilization increases from $66,667 for the first cycle of in vitro fertilization to $114,286 by the sixth cycle. The cost increases because with each cycle in which fertilization fails, the probability that a subsequent effort will be successful declines. Sensitivity analyses indicated that the cost per delivery ranges from $44,000 to $211,940. For couples with a better chance of successful in vitro fertilization (i.e., those with a diagnosis of tubal disease), it costs $50,000 per delivery for the first cycle and $72,727 for the sixth. For couples in which the woman is older and there is a diagnosis of male-factor infertility, the cost rises from $160,000 for the first cycle to $800,000 for the sixth. CONCLUSIONS: The debate about insurance coverage for in vitro fertilization must take into account ethical judgments and social values. But analyses of costs and cost effectiveness help elucidate the economic implications of using in vitro fertilization and thus inform the policy discussion.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Paramedic success rate for blind nasotracheal intubation is improved with the use of an endotracheal tube with directional tip control.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: Blind nasotracheal intubation (BNTI) is used to secure the airway in patients who are spontaneously breathing. The success rate for BNTI is often lower than for orotracheal intubation. We conducted this study to determine whether the use of an endotracheal tube (ETT) capable of directional tip control can improve the BNTI success rate. METHODS: This prospective, experimental study was conducted by a state emergency medical services agency during 1997, 1998, and 1999. Consecutive patients undergoing attempted BNTI or orotracheal intubation were included. Five paramedic units were trained to use an ETT with triggeractivated distal tip directional control for BNTIs (intervention group). Ten units used conventional ETTs for BNTIs and served as concurrent controls (control group). Subjects in the 2 groups were enrolled concurrently with nonrandomized allocation based on the agency providing service. An intubation attempt was defined by tube passage, and success was defined as confirmed endotracheal placement. RESULTS: A total of 219 BNTIs were studied (141 in the control group and 78 in the intervention group). BNTI was successful in 82 (58%) of 141 cases using conventional ETTs, and in 56 (72%) of 78 cases using directional tip control (P =.04). The overall success rate was 63%. CONCLUSION: Use of ETTs with distal directional control is associated with a higher success rate for BNTI than conventional ETTs. Use of ETTs with directional tip control significantly improves the success rates for BNTIs.

Allied Health Personnel↗
PubMed2001

Training with video imaging improves the initial intubation success rates of paramedic trainees in an operating room setting.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Video imaging of intubation as seen by the laryngoscopist has not been a part of traditional instruction methods, and its potential impact on novice intubation success rates has not been evaluated. METHODS: We prospectively tracked the success rates of novice intubators in paramedic classes who were required to watch a 26-minute instructional videotape made with a direct laryngoscopy imaging system (video group). We compared the prospectively obtained intubation success rate of the video group against retrospectively collected data from prior classes of paramedic students (traditional group) in the same training program. All classes received the same didactic airway instruction, same mannequin practice time, same paramedic textbook, and were trained in the same operating room with the same teaching staff. RESULTS: The traditional group (n=113, total attempts 783) had a mean individual intubation success rate of 46.7% (95% confidence interval 42.2% to 51.3%). The video group (n=36, total attempts 102) had a mean individual intubation success rate of 88.1% (95% confidence interval 79.6% to 96.5%). The difference in mean intubation success rates between the 2 groups was 41.4% (95% confidence interval 31.1% to 50.7%, P <.0001). The 2 groups did not differ in respect to age, male sex, or level of education. CONCLUSION: An instructional videotape made with the direct laryngoscopy video system significantly improved the initial success rates of novice intubators in an operating room setting.

Allied Health Personnel↗
PubMed2004

Success in the workplace following traumatic brain injury: are we evaluating what is most important?

PURPOSE: Vocational outcome, and in particular full-time paid work, is considered an important indicator of successful rehabilitation following traumatic brain injury (TBI). However it has not been established that these outcomes adequately or accurately represent the values of the people with TBI. This paper describes a study exploring the experiences of individuals who attempted returning to work following TBI, with emphasis on factors that related to perceptions of 'success' or 'failure'. METHOD: A phenomenological study, interviewing seven people with moderate to severe TBI was conducted. The interview data were analysed for themes relating to experiences of success or failure in the workplace. Community consultation provided additional perspectives in the interpretation and validation of results. RESULTS: The results of this study support in part the assumption that paid employment is indicative of success following TBI. Equally prevalent were findings that challenged this assumption, including situations where: (1) return to employment contributed to catastrophic personal events, (2) feelings of success were achieved even though paid employment was not, and (3) success in the workplace was associated with factors other than hours worked or pay earned. CONCLUSIONS: This research suggests that the use of work placement as a measure of successful rehabilitation might misrepresent the perspective of individuals with TBI. A multifactorial approach to evaluating vocational rehabilitation is recommended, which incorporates the subjective experience of work.

Achievement↗
PubMed2005

Implantation of different malignant human cell lines in an athymic mouse does not alter success and growth rates of either xenograft.

PURPOSE: Human xenografts in athymic mice are frequently used as preclinical models of cancer to investigate the targeting of drugs. In order to distinguish specific from nonspecific targeting of the xenograft, the mice can be implanted with different malignant cell lines. We studied in xenograft success and growth rates after implantation of human lymphoma and breast cancer cells to begin an assessment of the validity of this approach for distinguishing specific from nonspecific targeting. Investigations were undertaken to determine the effect of two different cell-line xenografts, and prior radiation needed for one of the xenografts, on implantation success and growth rates. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Female athymic mice were given 4 Gy of external beam radiation 4 days prior to subcutaneous (s.c.) abdominal implantation of 6 x 10(6) Raji human lymphoma cells. One week later, 3 x 10(6) hamster blood transfusion (HBT) 3477 human breast cancer cells were implanted s.c. in a contralateral abdominal site. Xenografts were evaluated frequently thereafter. Xenograft success and growth rates were compared to those observed in "historical" control groups, wherein only a single xenograft of each type was implanted. RESULTS: Raji xenografts developed from 73.7% of the implantations, and 100% of the HBT 3477 xenografts were successful in the experimental group. The "historical" Raji xenograft success rate was 74.1% (+/-9.3%), and the "historical" HBT 3477 xenografts success rate was 99.0% (+/-1.1%). HBT 3477 xenografts did not affect the growth rate of the Raji xenografts, and the mean doubling time for the experimental Raji xenografts was 6.3 days (+/-4.5 days), compared to the "historical" control group mean of 5.1 days (+/-3.9 days; p = 0.2). Similarly, the growth rates for the HBT 3477 xenografts were not affected by the Raji xenografts and the pre-radiation needed for this model. Mean doubling time for HBT 3477 xenografts in the presence of Raji xenografts was 9.2 days (+/-17.6 days), compared to a doubling time of 1.4 days (+/-15.2 days; p = 0.55 and 0.94 studies 1 and 2, respectively). Mean HBT 3477 xenograft doubling time for the "historical" control group was 4.4 days (+/-6.0 days). CONCLUSIONS: Implantation of Raji xenografts and HBT 3477 breast cancer xenografts in the same mouse did not affect xenograft success or growth rates, even when whole-body radiation of 4 Gy was used to promote Raji xenografts. These observations are not intended to imply an absence of differences in other biological parameters in this sytem or to encourage extrapolation of the conclusions indiscriminately to other preclinical models. Contrarily, our aim was to encourage other investigators to further validate these frequently used approaches.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed2003

Definition of successful aging by elderly Canadian males: the Manitoba Follow-up Study.

PURPOSE: Although the concept of successful aging is used widely in the field of gerontology, there is no agreed-on standard or common underlying definition for measuring success in aging. Our recent survey of an elderly male population asked respondents to define "successful aging." This paper describes the themes that evolved from those definitions, explores interrelationships between the themes, and examines the association between characteristics of respondents and the themes provided in their definition. DESIGN AND METHODS: The Manitoba Follow-up Study has followed a cohort of 3,983 World War II Royal Canadian Air Force male aircrew recruits since July 1, 1948. At a mean age of 78 years in 1996, the survivors were surveyed and asked, "What is your definition of successful aging?" and "Would you say you have aged successfully?" A content analysis identified themes emerging from their definitions. RESULTS: The most frequent of the 20 component themes from the definitions of successful aging as provided by 30% of the 1,771 respondents related to "health and disease"; "physical," "mental," and "social activity" were more likely to be found in a definition including "interest," "having goals," "family," or "diet," and they were less likely to be mentioned with themes of "independence" or "health." Many of the themes reflect an individual's attitudes toward life and the aging process. Current life satisfaction, self-rated health, and limitation in activities of daily living were significantly associated with an increased likelihood of reporting specific themes in definitions. IMPLICATIONS: As health care professionals adapt to the changing demographic composition of society, it should be of interest to understand what successful aging might mean to the elderly males to whom they are attending.

Activities of Daily Living↗