Evaluate Quality Of Life Research Articles

What does success mean for autistic men? A narrative exploration of self-determination.

Studies involving autistic adults have often focused on negative outcomes and quality of life ratings. This study provides a different viewpoint by examining the perspectives of autistic men who consider themselves to be successful. Data were gathered from 10 men who shared their experiences and perceptions regarding their journey to achieve success. Self-determination theory provided a useful lens for examining the men's narratives and understanding the factors that led to their success. Analysis of interviews revealed four main themes: (1) being my own self, (2) a competent professional, (3) solving problems in a neurotypical world, and (4) relating and connecting. These themes reflect the men's perception of their own self-determination including their autonomy, competence, and relatedness with others. The men's sense of success was derived from their ability to achieve competence in their work, act without help or influence from others and demonstrate a high level of self-awareness and self-reflection. Despite this, many continued to experience difficulty in the social areas of their lives.Implications: These findings suggest that self-determination theory may present an alternative and more positive means of enacting support programs for autistic individuals, and males in particular.

Psychological Status and Quality of Life Associated with Radioactive Iodine Treatment of Patients with Differentiated Thyroid Cancer: Results of Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and Short-Form (36) Health Survey.

Purpose:The objective is to investigate psychological status and quality of life (QoL) using Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Short-Form (36) Health Survey (SF-36) questionnaires in patients with proven differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) who are referred for radioactive iodine (RAI) ablation before, during, and after treatment.Methods:Of patients who underwent total thyroidectomy with a pathologically proven DTC (papillary and follicular types) referred for RAI treatment to our department in 2018, 150, in whom the diagnosis was newly established, were referred for the first course of RAI treatment and were consecutively enrolled in the study. The patients received an oral dose of radioiodine (3700 or 5550 MBq). For evaluation of anxiety, depression, and QoL, all patients are given two standard questionnaires, HADS, and SF-36 and are requested to answer them at four time points. First one was at 1 month before RAI, second was at the time of RAI treatment. Third and fourth ones were 1 week and 6 months later, respectively.Results:The mean age of patients was 39.17 (±12.95) years and 121 (80.7%) were female and 29 (19.3%) were male. Values of HADS and SF-36 scores at corresponding time points were significantly correlated using Pearson correlation (HADS and SF-36 scores at 1 month before RAI: r = −0.56, P < 0.001; at time of RAI: r = −0.71, P < 0.001; 6 months after RAI: r = 0.19, P = 0.021). Using paired-sample t-test, for HADS, except for difference between time points of 1 month before RAI and time of RAI, pairwise difference between scores of other time points was statistically significant after Bonferroni correction. For SF-36, pairwise difference between scores of all three time points was statistically significant. Interaction of age, gender, RAI dose, and thyroid-stimulating hormone level at the time of RAI on HADS and SF-36 scores did not show statistical significance.Conclusion:Trend in scores over several-months’ time discloses gradual improvement of QoL and merits close observation but limited psychiatric intervention.

A Prospective Study of Propranolol and Flunarizine in the Prophylactic Therapy of Migraine in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Migraine is a common, recurrent, severe headache that interferes with normal functioning and quality of life (QOL). This prospective observational study was conducted to evaluate and compare the effectiveness and safety flunarizine(10mg), calcium channel antagonist, and propranolol(40mg) in the prophylaxis of migraine with or without aura. This Study included 70 patients of migraine and was divided into 2 treatment groups. SF 36 v1 questionaire were used for the evaluation of health related QOL. Both treatment groups led to a significant reduction in severity, frequency and duration after one month. The difference between two treatments was statistically significant. Sedation was noted with both treatments. Propranolol can be the better treatment for reducing the severity and frequency of migraine.

Fatigue Characteristics of Prestressed Concrete Beam under Freezing and Thawing Cycles

In order to reveal the influence of freezing and thawing on fatigue properties of the prestressed concrete beam, a kind of novel freeze‐thaw test method for large concrete structure components was proposed, and the freeze‐thaw experiments and fatigue failure test of prestressed concrete hollow beams were performed in this paper. Firstly, the compressive strength and dynamic elastic modulus of standard specimens subjected to different numbers of freeze‐thaw cycles (0, 50, 75, and 100) were determined. Then, the static and dynamic experiments were performed for prestressed concrete beams under different freeze‐thaw cycles. Depending on the static failure test results, the fatigue load for the prestressed concrete beam model was carried out, the fatigue tests for prestressed concrete beam under freezing and thawing cycles were done, and the influence of fatigue loading times on dynamic and static characteristics of prestressed concrete beam was also studied. Finally, the relation between fatigue characteristics and numbers of freeze‐thaw cycles was established, and the fatigue life prediction formulas of prestressed concrete beams under freeze‐thaw cycles were developed. The research shows that the freezing and thawing cycles had obvious influence on fatigue life, and the freezing and thawing cycles should be taken into account for life prediction and quality evaluation of prestressed concrete beams.

Evolution of perioperative quality of life in patients under enhanced recovery after surgery care in colorectal cancer.

the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols aim to improve postoperative outcomes by obtaining a functional rehabilitation after surgery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of ERAS on the quality of life (QOL) of patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgeries. a cohort observational study was designed of patients with colorectal cancer undergoing elective surgeries during a one-year period. Patients were included when the ERAS protocol was fully achieved for all the interventions, including the expected hospital discharge day. Patient reported outcomes (PROs) were evaluated by the EORTC QLQ-C30 and the QLQ-CR29 questionnaires on three different occasions: baseline before surgery and on postoperative days 7 and 30. the study included 40 patients who completed QOL evaluations with a mean age of 70 ± 11 years. There were no statistical differences between preoperative and postoperative QOL scores. By subgroups of QOL items, a significant decrease was observed in physical activity and role functioning when comparing preoperative vs postoperative status, whereas the cognitive, social and emotional functioning scales were similar or improved over time. in our experience, surgery under ERAS protocols did not have an impact on decreasing global QOL in patients undergoing elective colorectal cancer surgery. The use of ERAS protocols in colorectal surgery achieves a positive influence, not only by decreasing surgical-related complications but also in terms of functional recovery, by decreasing the negative effects of surgery on patient QOL.

HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE OF PATIENTS WITH PERMANENT CARDIAC PACING

ABSTRACT Objective: to assess the health-related quality of life of patients with a permanent cardiac pacemaker. Method: descriptive, observational, cross-sectional study conducted in the arrhythmia outpatient unit of a university hospital located in the interior of São Paulo, Brazil. The consecutive and non-probabilistic sample was composed of both sexes, older than 29 years old, having a pacemaker for at least one month. Those lacking the cognitive condition to answer the questionnaires, as well as those with dyspnea, weakness, or fatigue at the time the instruments were applied, or with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator, were excluded. The generic instrument Medical Outcomes Study 36 - Item Short-Form Health Survey, composed of 36 questions distributed into eight domains along with the specific instrument Assessment of Quality of Life and Related Events, composed of 20 questions distributed into three domains, were used to assess health-related quality of life. Results: 88 patients participated; most were men, had a partner, and were aged 64.3 (±13) years old on average. The domains from the Medical Outcomes Study 36 that obtained the highest means, that is, were the best-rated, were Social Functioning (78.1; ±26.8) and Emotional Well-Being (68.2; ±23.9), while the lowest means were obtained by Physical Health (48.2; ±41.4) and Physical Functioning (58.5; ±27.9). In regard to the Assessment of Quality of Life and Related Events, the Arrhythmia domain had the highest mean and best quality of life (78.2; ±20.7), while the lowest mean was Dyspnea (71.1; ±26.8). Conclusion: the patients gave the highest health-related quality of life ratings in regard to mental domains and the lowest ratings for the physical domains.

Influence of the Nursing Effect on the Antiinflammatory Effect of Atorvastatin in Acute Cerebral Infarction

To observe the antiinflammatory effect and nursing effect of atorvastatin on acute cerebral infarction, 180 patients with acute cerebral infarction who were treated in the Chengdu Fifth People’s Hospital were selected as research subjects. They were divided into the control group (90) which received the routine treatment and the research group which was given atorvastatin treatment (90 cases). In addition, the patients in the research group were provided with a comprehensive nursing intervention program, while the control group was given routine nursing mode. The therapeutic effects and nursing effects of the two groups were compared. By comparing the serum lipid-related indices of the two groups, it was found that the patients in the research group had a significant advantage over the control group. Through observing and comparing the levels of markers of immune inflammation, the improvement in the serum tumor necrosis factor level, IL-6 and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 concentrations in the research group was more significant, P<0.05. In addition, the comprehensive life quality evaluation score and FMA exercise ability score of the research group showed significant advantages, P<0.05. For patients with acute cerebral infarction, atorvastatin treatment can produce good antiinflammatory effect and the treatment effect can be significantly improved after adopting scientific nursing measures.

Influence of Nursing Effect on the Antiinflammatory Potential of Atorvastatin in Acute Cerebral Infarction

The present study was aimed to observe the antiinflammatory and nursing effect of atorvastatin on acute cerebral infarction. About 180 patients with acute cerebral infarction who were treated in Chengdu Fifth People’s Hospital were selected as research subjects. They were divided into the control group (90 cases) and the research group (90 cases). The control group received conventional treatment while the research group received atorvastatin treatment. In addition, the research group received a comprehensive nursing intervention program, while the control group received only a routine nursing mode. The therapeutic effects and nursing effects of the 2 groups were compared. By comparing the serum lipid-related indices of the two groups, the patients in the research group were found to have a significant advantage over the control group. Through observing and comparing the levels of markers of immune inflammation, the improvement in serum TNF level, IL-6 and ICAM-1 concentrations in the research group was more significant, p<0.05. In addition, the comprehensive life quality evaluation score and FMA exercise ability score of the research group showed significant advantages, p<0.05. For patients with acute cerebral infarction, atorvastatin treatment can produce good antiinflammatory effect and the treatment effect can be significantly improved after adopting scientific nursing measures.

Physical therapy for young men having vertebrogenic lumbosacral pain

Objective: to develop and experimentally explain physical therapy methods for vertebrogenic lumbosacral pain.&#x0D; Material and methods: 20 young men having vertebrogenic lumbosacral pain took part in the experiment at training motor mode, they were divided into two groups – experimental and control one, containing 10 people each. Men in experimental group had physical therapy according to original program, men from the control group – did it according to common recommendation of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine. Pedagogical and medico-biological studies have been carried out since October 2019 up to December 2019. Physical therapy courses in both experimental and control group lasted for two months. Clinical methods (medical history, visual examination), assessment according to Visual Analogue Scale of pain (VAS), lumbar spine mobility investigation, life quality evaluation according to Oswes try Disability Index questionnaire.&#x0D; Results: The presented efficiency of physical therapy program for training motor mode using the exercises on Redcord Suspension System: dynamic exercises to improve spine mobility, static exercises to strengthen and improve core and lower extremity muscles endurance, exercises using slings to improve proprioception; therapeutic massage according to Yefimenko methods: massage of lumbosacral region of spine, glutes, favorable number of procedures – is 15-20 ones; instrumental physiotherapy methods: ultrasound (1.2 – 1.4 W-cm2), double-pole interference (25-27 mA), Trabert’s current (7-8-12 mA).&#x0D; Conclusions: In the course of study undertaken we have made a conclusion that physical therapy program developed and introduced at the premises of Kinezio Medical Center of Physical Rehabilitation and Sport Medicine in Kharkov for young men having vertebrogenic lumbosacral pain allowed advancing efficiency of medical rehabilitation, is accessible for all specialized rehabilitation facilities and appears worthy of practical application.

NQPC-14 COMPARISON OF QOL SCALES IN PATIENTS WITH BRAIN TUMORS

PURPOSEMeasurement of quality of life (QOL) of patients with brain tumors is a challenge, because parameters of the established QOL scales for cancer patients are easily affected by the focal neurological deficits. Thus, simpler QOL scales which are feasible for evaluation of QOL with severe neurological deficits are required. We compared the results of four QOL scales in patients with brain tumors.METHODSFrom 2015 to 2018, we prospectively performed EORTC QLQ-C30/BN20 (C30/BN20), KPS, EQ-5D and “Distress and Impact Thermometer (DIT)” every three months.RESULTS2150 QOL evaluations from 710 patients were analyzed. The median age was 54 years (range 14–97). 319 glioma, 93 meningioma, 165 brain metastases and 133 other brain tumors were included. Global health status of C30/BN20 strongly correlated with QOL scores calculated by EQ-5D and DIT; it also showed correlation with KPS (correlation coefficients: 0.632, -0.675, -0.622, 0.412, respectively (p<0.001)). Most items of C30/BN20 showed relatively strong correlation with QOL scores, whereas KPS strongly correlated to physical activities and DIT strongly correlated to items related to psychological status. Seizures did not corelate with any other QOL scales. In patients with KPS≤60, wide dispersion of QOL scores and DIT were observed. In these patients, KPS correlated only with items 1–3 of EQ-5D and DIT with item 5. When time course of QOL scores in malignant glioma was evaluated, it was maintained until first remission, and significantly impaired at recurrence, compared to onset (p=0.014).CONCLUSIONQOL scores can be used as an alternative for C30/BN20, and QOL time course of glioma can be adequately evaluated with it. KPS and DIT can also be alternative scales. These two scales should desirably be used in combination in patients with low KPS. Evaluations of feasibility and validity of these QOL scales in patients who cannot answer C30/BN20 are warranted.

NQPC-03 PROGNOSTIC SIGNIFICANCE OF QUALITY-OF-LIFE EVALUATION OVER TIME IN CLINICAL PRACTICE FOR PATIENTS WITH GLIOBLASTOMA

BACKGROUNDSEvaluation of quality of life (QOL) has been considered as an indispensable modality for assessment of treatment impact for patients with malignant brain tumor, especially glioblastoma. However, changes in patients’ QOL under clinical practice with current standard of care (SOC) have not been clearly and routinely explored, so that solid baseline QOL data under SOC are not available for reliable comparison with those with novel treatments. Here we retrospectively examined changes in QOL during SOC in glioblastoma patients.PATIENTS AND METHODSPatients with histologically confirmed glioblastoma treated in our institute from April 2016 to April 2019, who underwent QOL evaluations using EORTC QLQ-C-30/BN-20 were eligible. Outcomes were assessed with clinical factors including therapeutic regimens.RESULTSForty-two patients, median age 64 yo (25–87), male/female 26/16, were identified having longitudinal QOL data along with medical records. Median initial KPS and mini-mental state examination (MMSE) score were 70 (20–90) and 27, respectively, suggesting this cohort containing those in good performance status. In four patients whose QOL queries were answered by a family, median MMSE was 16, indicating the impaired NCF affect self-report ability. Long term survivors without progression remained at an adequate functional scale level, while those who recurred declined in functional scale after progression, often accompanied with an increase in symptom scales associated with tumor location. The domains of declined functional scales varied among patients, and there was no clear tendency associated with patients’ backgrounds such as age and gender. The functional scale level improved in most cases when the recurrent disease was successfully treated, but it gradually declined in a stepwise fashion by repeated recurrences.CONCLUSIONSChanges in QOL in patients with glioblastoma were found to associate with disease status. The small number of patients who could be evaluated for QOL over time prevented extracting significant factors affecting QOL outcomes.

QUALITY OF LIFE EVALUATION ACCORDING TO THE LOCATION OF THE TUMOR IN PATIENTS DIAGNOSED WITH HEAD AND NECK CANCER

Objective To evaluate the quality of life according to the location of the tumor in patients diagnosed with head and neck cancer. Study Design This is a cross-sectional study. The sample consisted of 74 patients with a diagnosis of head and neck cancer that were treated from January 2017 to January 2018 at 2 hospitals located in Feira de Santana city (Bahia-Brazil). The socioeconomic and clinical data were collected in a specific form and in the medical record, and the quality of life evaluation was performed using the University of Washington Quality of Life Questionnaire (UW-QOL), version 4. Results Regarding the composite quality of life domain of the UW-QOL questionnaire, the patients had a mean of 848, and chewing and anxiety were the most affected domains; saliva and shoulder were the least affected domains. When comparing tumor location with quality of life, the oral tumors had the worst mean (802) and thyroid tumors, the best mean (1053), being statistically significant (P = .044). Conclusions Head and neck cancer is a clinical condition that affects the patient's quality of life. The location of the tumor will determine the treatment to which the patient will be subjected and his or her quality of life.

The relationship between self-reported viral load suppression and quality of life among people living with HIV in South Carolina

ABSTRACT Ensuring the wellbeing of people living with HIV (PLWH) has become a significant public health concern in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy. This study was to assess the quality of life (QoL) among PLWH in South Carolina (SC) and to examine the relationship between self-reported viral load (VL) suppression and their perceived QoL. In 2018, a cross-sectional survey was conducted among 402 PLWH from a large immunology clinic in SC. The WHOQoL brief version (WHOQoL-HIV-BREF) instrument with six domains (physical health, psychological health, social relations, independence, environmental health, and spirituality) and two specific questions (overall rate of QoL and satisfaction with health) were used. On a five-point scale, the participants rated their overall rating of QoL as good (mean = 4.07). The participants reported their psychological health as the highest (mean = 3.88) followed by environmental health (mean = 3.82), social relations (mean = 3.69), and independence (mean = 3.47). 71% reported an undetected VL. In multivariable analyses, self-awareness of undetected VL was significantly associated with satisfaction with health, psychological health, social relations, environmental health, but negatively associated with spirituality. These findings suggest that self-awareness of undetected VL had a significant impact on their perceived QoL beyond sociodemographic factors among PLWH who were linked to care in SC.

Sleep Quality and Quality of Life Among Healthy High School Athletes.

We examined the association between sleep quality and quality of life (QOL) among uninjured high school athletes. Participants completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Pediatric Profile 25 questionnaire. One hundred ten athletes reported poor sleep quality (mean PSQI: 6.6 ± 2.0; mean age: 15.3 ± 1.1; 62% female); 162 athletes reported good sleep quality (mean PSQI: 2.3 ± 1.3; mean age: 15.1 ± 1.7; 33% female). After adjusting for sex and age, worse sleep quality was associated with higher physical function/mobility (β = 0.034; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.007-0.060; P = .01), anxiety (β= 0.391; 95% CI = 0.263-0.520; P < .001), depressive symptom (β = 0.456; 95% CI = 0.346-0.565; P < .001), fatigue (β = 0.537; 95% CI = 0.438-0.636; P < .001), pain interference (β = 0.247; 95% CI = 0.119-0.375; P < .001), and pain intensity (β = 0.103; 95% CI = 0.029-0.177; P = .006) ratings. Poor self-reported sleep quality among adolescent athletes was associated with worse QOL ratings. Clinicians should consider assessing sleep hygiene to provide guidance on issues pertaining to reduced QOL.

Quality of Life and Disease Impact of Atopic Dermatitis and Psoriasis on Children and Their Families.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) and psoriasis are common chronic skin diseases affecting children. These disorders negatively impact the quality of life (QoL) of patients in health-related aspects such as physical, psychosocial, and mental functioning. This health impact is more accurately represented when accounting for the numerous comorbidities associated with each disorder, and the impact the disorders have on patients’ families. A number of QoL tools have been developed and can be routinely implemented in the evaluation of QoL in pediatric patients and their caregivers. Ways to improve QoL include a multidisciplinary approach to care, education, and psychological support.

Osteosarcopenic obesity, the coexistence of osteoporosis, sarcopenia and obesity and consequences in the quality of life in older adults ≥65 years-old in Greece.

Objective:We investigated the coexistence of sarcopenia and obesity in older adults≥65 years diagnosed with osteoporosis and the association with Quality of Life (QoL)Methods:A Cross-sectional survey has been performed on a randomized sample of 50 diagnosed osteoporotic elderly people from both sexes (Men=16; Women=34)Measurements:Quantitative ultrasound was conducted to identify osteoporosis and defined with a T score ≤2.5. Validated anthropometric equations were used in order to estimate body fat percentage and skeletal muscle mass so as to detect the reallocation of body fat and lean muscle. 10m gait speed and hand grip strength was measured in order to diagnose sarcopenia according to European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) algorithm. The evaluation of QoL was conducted using a QoL questionnaire specific to osteoporosis. The data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and a chi-square test was performed to examine if Osteosarcopenic Obesity (OSO) is sex related and the correlation between OSO and QoLResults:From the 50 participants, 40%(n=19) were classified as people with OSO and 60%(n=31) without OSO. From n=19 people that experienced OSO women represent 20% (n=9) and men 18% (n=9); with the latter had a greater decline in muscle mass than women, while women had lower BMD than men according to the z score. OSO is not related with sex (p>.05) and there is no significant association between OSO and QoL (p> .05 for all the domains of QoL questionnaire)Conclusion:Osteoporosis in the elderly often coexists with reduced muscle mass and muscle strength as well as an increase in adiposity and was independently associated with QoL. People that experience OSO presenting lower functionality that increases the risk for falls and bone fractures originated from the decline in bone and muscle mass, and increased adiposity. Increased awareness of OSO may help develop efficient interventions and public health policies for healthier and more active elderly people.

The effectiveness of catgut implantation at acupoints for allergic rhinitis: A protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Catgut implantation at acupoint (CIAA) is increasing used in allergic rhinitis therapy, and many studies have published that it is effective in the treatment of allergic rhinitis. However, it is controversy if CIAA can provide an evidence-based clinical benefit in the allergic rhinitis population. We will go through 8 databases, and conduct a systematic review of CIAA and health-related outcomes in allergic rhinitis patients according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews. The primary objective is to assess the impact of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines on clinical outcomes relevant to allergic rhinitis patients, such as effective rate, life-quality evaluation, and adverse events. Cochrane Risk Assessment Tool will be used to assess the quality of eligible studies according to the Cochrane handbook. The results of this systematic review will provide a synthesis of current evidence of CIAA and we have a specific opportunity to determine the efficacy and safety of it. This study will explore whether or not CIAA can be used as one of the nondrug therapies to prevent or treat allergic rhinitis.PROSPERO registration number: CRD42018095074 (https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/#recordDetails).

Development of Ambient Stable Retort Pouch Processed Ramasseri Idli

Development retort pouch packaged Ramasseri idli was undertaken with specific objectives of standardisation of thermal process in retort pouch package, shelf life study and quality evaluation. The Ramasseri idli, an indigenous cereal- legume based food of south India, was procured and packaged in retort pouches with one idli in each pouch. The idlis were pasteurized at different time temperature combinations to achieve desired F0 values (110°C for F0=3 min, 110°C for F0=6 min 100°C for F0=3 min, 110°C for F0=6 min). After thermal processing the pouches were stored for shelf life studies under ambient storage (28°C) and refrigerated storage (7°C). The processed product was analysed for microbial and physico-chemical qualities viz; moisture content, pH, water activity, colour and texture using standard procedure at regular intervals. Based on physico-chemical characteristics and sensory evaluation, the thermal processed Ramasseri idli at 100°C for F0=6 min and stored under refrigeration showed best results up to three week of storage among the four treatments. The microbial analysis also showed that the product was safe up to 3 weeks of storage.

Application of diffusion tensor tractography in the surgical treatment of brain tumors located in functional areas

The present study aimed to explore the application of diffusion tensor tractography (DTT) in the preoperative planning and prognostic evaluation of tumors located in the functional areas of the brain. A total of 42 patients diagnosed with intracranial tumors were randomly assigned to either the trial or the control group. DT imaging (DTI) was performed on the basis of preoperative conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and analyzed for patients in the trial group. Patients in the control group underwent only routine MRI scans. The effect of DTT on the prognosis of patients was evaluated by tumor resection rate and quality of life evaluation using Karnofsky performance score (KPS) comparison between the trial and control groups. There were no significant differences for total tumor removal rate in the trial group (85.71%) compared with that in the control group (71.43%) (P>0.05). The rate of postoperative symptom improvement in the trial group (85.71%) was significantly higher compared with that in the control group (47.62%) (P<0.05). The KPS value of the trial group was significantly higher postoperatively (78.57±17.40) compared with that preoperatively (66.67±16.23) (P<0.05). The KPS value of the control group postoperatively (72.38±19.21) was significantly higher compared with that preoperatively (66.67±16.00) (P<0.05). The postoperative KPS improvement rate [postoperative value-preoperative value)/preoperative value] of the trial group was significantly higher compared with that in the control group. In conclusion, the use of DTT is an effective supplement to traditional MRI, with particular relevance in preoperative planning, particularly for tumors in the functional area of the brain, and can significantly improve the prognostic function of patients.

Satisfaction with the Aesthetic Effect and Quality of Life for Women after Breast Conserving Therapy (BCT)-Preliminary Research.

All methods of breast cancer treatment may potentially lead to breast deformities, which are often associated with the reduced mental well-being of patients. Breast conserving therapy (BCT) is commonly used, and its core element is breast conserving surgery (BCS).The aim of this study was to determine the level of satisfaction with the aesthetic outcome of surgery and quality of life (QoL) of breast cancer patients undergoing BCT in a longitudinal study performed three months, six months and 12 months after surgery. This longitudinal observational study was carried out on a group of 91 women. The Breast-QTM BCT 1.0 questionnaire was used in this study. Before surgery, patients assessed their satisfaction with the appearance of their breasts (SwB) at an average level of M = 56.0. Satisfaction with the aesthetic outcome (SwO) of BCS was highest among all patients three months after surgery (M = 63.0). The mean score in the sub-scale of psychosocial well-being (Psycho-soc W-B) before surgery was M = 62.0, while in the subsequent periods of the study, it was higher. The mean score for physical well-being (Physical W-B) before surgery was M = 69.92; and in the subsequent study periods, it was lower. The level of patient satisfaction with the outcome of the surgery and the QoL related to health do not differ significantly in post-operative observation. QoL in terms of psychosocial functioning in patients undergoing BCT is significantly higher 12 months after surgery compared to the pre-operative period. Patient satisfaction with the BCS aesthetic outcome is positively related to the evaluation of QoL in terms of psychosocial functioning.