Predictive approaches for post-therapy PET/CT in patients with extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma: a retrospective study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the prognostic capacity of three methods of fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose (F-FDG) PET/CT analysis carried out after therapy in patients with extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (ENKTL). The three methods of PET/CT analysis included the International Harmonization Project (IHP) criteria, the Deauville five-point scale (5-PS), and standardized uptake value (SUV)-based assessment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty-nine patients diagnosed with ENKTL were enrolled. Each patient underwent three F-FDG PET/CT scans: (i) baseline, (ii) after two to four cycles of chemotherapy (early response assessment), and (iii) at the end of treatment (evaluation of the final response). Post-therapy F-FDG PET/CT results were determined on the basis of IHP criteria, 5-PS, and change in the maximum F-FDG uptake (ΔSUVmax). IHP criteria, 5-PS, and ΔSUVmax were then examined for their ability to predict progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). RESULTS: Over a median follow-up of 25 months, 5-PS and ΔSUVmax were significant predictors of PFS and OS. After multivariate analysis, 5-PS could predict PFS (P=0.008) and OS (P=0.002) independently. ΔSUVmax was found to be an independent predictor of PFS (P=0.019), but not OS, and had a lower accuracy and positive predictive value than 5-PS. CONCLUSION: Post-therapy PET/CT analysis using the 5-PS is more able to predict survival than analysis with IHP or [INCREMENT]SUVmax in ENKTL patients.

Improved Radiologists' Efficiency and Accuracy with the Application of Scripting Software for the Automated Reporting of Comparison Studies.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: The American College of Radiology reporting guidelines state that "comparison with relevant examinations and reports should be part of the radiologic consultation and report when appropriate and available." MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated the use of open-source Windows scripting software for the automated retrieval of the date and time of prior studies. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The date and time of the comparative study are transferred automatically to the present report in a structured voice recognition dictation system with a "regular expression substitution pattern" construct.

A snapshot of the status of problem-based learning (PBL) in Chinese medical schools.

INTRODUCTION: In North America, where it was born, problem-based learning (PBL) has seen dips and rises in its popularity, but its inherent strengths have led to its spread to medical schools all over the world. Although its use at medical schools in some Western countries has already been examined, no one has looked at its status in many other countries, including China. The aim of this study is to determine the number of schools currently using PBL in China, the degree to which they use it, and the reasoning behind such usage. METHODS: We used survey and internet search to examine PBL usage at Chinese medical schools. We were able to collect data from 43 first-class Chinese medical schools that are geographically diverse and thus representative of medical schools all across China. RESULTS: 34 (79.1%) of the 43 medical schools use PBL in the preclinical curriculum. Of the 34, data were collected from 24 (70.6%) medical schools regarding the extent of their PBL usage. Nine (37.5%) schools use PBL for less than 10% of preclinical hours, 14 (58.3%) schools use PBL for 10-50% of preclinical hours, and one (4.2%) school uses PBL for more than 50% of preclinical hours. CONCLUSION: In our sample of Chinese medical institutions, a large majority of schools use PBL, however, most schools use it for less than 50% of total preclinical curricular hours. Our results suggest that schools are interested in increasing the number of curricular hours devoted to PBL but are constrained by resources.

Association between maternal behavior in infancy and adult mental health: a 30-year prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Existing theories suggest that the mother-infant relationship has a potentially significant effect on long-term adult mental health, but there are few empirical data to support this view. Even fewer prior studies have examined the specific dynamics of the mother-infant relationship and their association with adult mental health. METHODS: A total of 1752 inner-city infants born between 1960 and 1965 were followed prospectively as a part of the Collaborative Perinatal Project (CPP) and the Johns Hopkins Pathways to Adulthood Study. Multiple observations of development and an extensive adult interview were performed. Maternal behavior was observed and systematically rated at the infant's 4-month pediatric neurological evaluation and at 8 months by a developmental psychologist. Factor analysis was used to organize the maternal behavior variables into different types of dysfunctional mother-infant relationships. Adult mental health was assessed at the follow-up interview, when the infant had reached the age of 27-33 years, by the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) and self-perception of current mental health. RESULTS: There was a significant association between unsupportive maternal behavior at 8 months and subsequent poor adult mental health (Fisher's exact test, p=0.026). There was no association between overly involved maternal behavior and poor mental health as an adult. After adjustment for potential confounding variables, the elevated rates of poor adult mental health in children of mothers who exhibited unsupportive maternal behavior at 8 months persisted (OR=1.41 [95% CI=1.00-1.97], p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Infants who experience unsupportive maternal behavior at 8 months have an increased risk for developing psychological sequelae later in life.

Suicidal ideation in medical students: who is at risk?

INTRODUCTION: Suicide is one of the most tragic problems medical schools are facing today. It is an issue that has not escaped medical schools in either developing or developed nations. To combat this trend, medical educators require efficient and effective strategies for the immediate identification of students who are at an elevated risk of harming themselves. MATERIALS AND METHODS: National Yang Ming University medical students were surveyed on various demographic, academic, personal, and extracurricular subjects as well as assessed for suicidal ideation. In addition, students completed the Chinese Health Questionnaire (CHQ, a translated and modified version of the General Health Questionnaire, GHQ), and the Taiwanese Depression Questionnaire (TDQ, a translated and modified version of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies' Depression Scale, CES-D). RESULTS: The rate of suicidal ideation was significantly higher in second year students as opposed to fi rst year students (P <0.01). Students of lower socioeconomic status (P = 0.04), with non-inflammatory joint pain (P = 0.02), with headache (P = 0.047), with sleep disorders (P = 0.04), who scored as depressed on the TDQ (P <0.01), and/or who scored abnormally on the CHQ (P <0.01) were all significantly more likely to have experienced suicidal ideation. CONCLUSION: A number of groups at high risk for suicidal ideation, and thus in greater need of support, were identified. Suicide intervention programmes and depression counselling should target older students and students of lower socioeconomic status. Students presenting to university clinics with non-inflammatory joint pain, headache, and/or sleep disorders should be evaluated for suicidal tendencies. The TDQ and CHQ are potentially valuable screening tests for early detection of potential suicidal students.