Lifestyle and sociodemographic factors associated with treatment choice of clinically localized prostate cancer in an equal access healthcare system.

Sociodemographic and lifestyle factors may play a role in determining whether patients with clinically localized prostate cancer (PC) are managed with active surveillance (AS), radical prostatectomy (RP), or radiation therapy (RT); however, these relationships have not been well examined. In a cross-sectional study conducted within an equal access healthcare system, multivariable adjusted regression analysis revealed that living with a spouse or partner was associated with a 65% lower chance of being managed by RT (P = 0.001) and 57% lower risk of being managed by AS (P = 0.042) compared with RP. No other sociodemographic or lifestyle factors were independently associated with treatment modality.

Utilizing Drones to Restore and Maintain Radio Communication During Search and Rescue Operations.

INTRODUCTION: The ability of rescuers to maintain contact with incident command (IC) and each other is a critical component of search and rescue (SAR) operations. When rescuers lose radio communication with operation leaders, the effectiveness of operations may be substantially affected. This often occurs owing to the limitations of standard communications equipment in difficult terrain or when victims are beyond line-of-sight. This study investigates the viability of using an aerial drone-repeater system configuration to restore and maintain radio communications between IC and deployed rescuers. METHODS: SAR operators in Southern Utah identified 10 areas where radio communication is compromised during live rescue operations. Trained SAR personnel were deployed to these areas in a mock exercise. After confirmed loss of communication, a repeater-equipped aerial drone was piloted 122 m above IC to restore communication. Once restored, communication was assessed at regular intervals for the duration of the mock deployment. RESULTS: In all 10 areas tested, communication was successfully restored. In all cases, once communication was restored, no additional loss of radio contact occurred. The time between communication loss and restoration across the 10 scenarios was 6.5±1.1 (4.4-9.3) min (mean±SD with range). CONCLUSIONS: This method of restoring radio communication among SAR personnel could drastically improve the ability to assist victims and help mitigate the risks faced by rescuers. SAR leaders should be made aware of the useful applications of drones during SAR operations, especially in instances where communication is compromised.