Quality-adjusted life years and surgical waiting list:Systematic review of the literature

BACKGROUND The quality-adjusted life year(QALY)is a metric that is increasingly used today in the field of health economics to evaluate the value of different medical treatments and procedures.Surgical waiting lists(SWLs)represent a pressing problem in public healthcare.The QALY measure has rarely been used in the context of surgery.It would be interesting to know how many QALYs are lost by patients on SWLs.AIM To investigate the relationship between QALYs and SWLs in a systematic review of the scientific literature.METHODS The study was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Statement.An unlimited search was carried out in PubMed,updated on January 19,2024.Data on the following variables were investigated and analyzed:Specialty,country of study,procedure under study,scale used to measure QALYs,the use of a theoretical or real-life model,objectives of the study and items measured,the economic value assigned to the QALY in the country in question,and the results and conclusions published.RESULTS Forty-eight articles were selected for the study.No data were found regarding QALYs lost on SWLs.The specialties in which QALYs were studied the most in relation to the waiting list were urology and general surgery,with 15 articles each.The country in which the most studies of QALYs were carried out was the United States(n=21),followed by the United Kingdom(n=9)and Canada(n=7).The most studied procedure was organ transplantation(n=39),including 15 kidney,14 liver,5 heart,4 lung,and 1 intestinal.Arthroplasty(n=4),cataract surgery(n=2),bariatric surgery(n=1),mosaicplasty(n=1),and septoplasty(n=1)completed the surgical interventions included.Thirty-nine of the models used were theoretical(the most frequently applied being the Markov model,n=34),and nine were real-life.The survey used to measure quality of life in 11 articles was the European Quality of Life-5 dimensions,but in 32 articles the survey was not specified.The willingness-to-pay per QALY gained ranged from$100000 in the United States to€20000 in Spain.CONCLUSION The relationship between QALYs and SWLs has only rarely been studied in the literature.The rate of QALYs lost on SWLs has not been determined.Future research is warranted to address this issue.

Quality of life in patients with gastroenteropancreatic tumours: A systematic literature review

BACKGROUND Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumours(GEP-NETs)are slow-growing cancers that arise from diffuse endocrine cells in the gastrointestinal tract(GINETs)or the pancreas(P-NETs).They are relatively uncommon,accounting for 2%of all gastrointestinal malignancies.The usual treatment options in advanced GEP-NET patients with metastatic disease include chemotherapy,biological therapies,and peptide receptor radionuclide therapy.Understanding the impact of treatment on GEP-NET patients is paramount given the nature of the disease.Health-related quality of life(HRQoL)is increasingly important as a concept reflecting the patients’perspective in conjunction with the disease presentation,severity and treatment.AIM To conduct a systematic literature review to identify literature reporting HRQoL data in patients with GEP-NETs between January 1985 and November 2019.METHODS The PRISMA guiding principles were applied.MEDLINE,Embase and the Cochrane library were searched.Data extracted from the publications included type of study,patient population data(mid-gut/hind-gut/GI-NET/P-NET),sample size,intervention/comparators,HRQoL instruments,average and data spread of overall and sub-scores,and follow-up time for data collection.RESULTS Forty-three publications met the inclusion criteria.The heterogeneous nature of the different study populations was evident;the percentage of female participants ranged between 30%-60%,whilst average age ranged from 53.8 to 67.0 years.Eight studies investigated GI-NET patients only,six studies focused exclusively on P-NET patients and the remaining studies involved both patient populations or did not report the location of the primary tumour.The most commonly used instrument was the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-C30(n=28)with consistent results across studies;the GI-NET-specific module Quality of Life Questionnaire-GINET21 was used in six of these studies.A number of randomised trials demonstrated no HRQoL changes between active treatment and placebo arms.The Phase III NETTER-1 study provides the best data available for advanced GEP-NET patients;it shows that peptide receptor radionuclide therapy can significantly improve GEP-NET patients’HRQoL.CONCLUSION HRQoL instruments offer a means to monitor patients’general disease condition,disease progression and their physical and mental well-being.Instruments including the commonly used European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-C30 and GINET21 lack,however,validation and a defined minimal clinical important difference specifically for GINET and P-NET patients.

The Applicability and Productiveness of a Systematic Literature Review Methodology in Volcanology Research: Case of the Magma Pathway at the Mount Cameroon Volcano

The presented research illustrates the applicability and productiveness of the systematic literature review methodology, a non-empirical methodology in the geological sciences, particularly volcanology. The systematic literature review methodology is a replicable, rigorous, and transparent methodology for synthesizing existing literature to answer questions on a specific topic. The synthesis allows for knowledge consolidation, such as identifying knowledge gaps. In our illustration of this methodology, we focused on the expanding knowledge about the magma pathway at Mount Cameroon, one of Africa’s active volcanoes. Our synthesis of the relevant international geoscience research literature is based on the framework of knowledge about the magma pathway beneath a typical basaltic volcano. The framework has three primary components: magma supply, storage, and transport to erupting vents. Across these components is a total of twelve secondary components. The result is a previously non-existent and fragmented overall understanding of the magma pathway at Mount Cameroon. The gaps in the understanding (such as in the magma supply rates, timescales of chamber processes, and magma ascent rates) may be addressed in future research. Another key implication of the presented research lies in the proof of concept of the systematic literature review methodology as an applicable qualitative research methodology in the study of volcanoes.

Relation and Relationships Between Folk Literature and Classical Literature:Taking Autochthony as a Case Study

According to current discipline classification,folk literature is usually categorized as an individual research field,distinguished from classical literature or classical canon,which leads to the fact that in current research,the study of folk literature is often separated from the study of classical texts,or even opposed to it.This paper intends to review the relations and relationships between the two and argues that,at least,in ancient Greek world of culture,there is a considerable intersection between folk literature and classical literature.In many cases,a myth appeared both in the two literary fields,and thus these two fields were often intertwined and in conversation.Taking Athenian autochthony as a case study,this paper shows that this myth not only appeared as a folk story in daily occasions such as symposium,architecture,and vase painting,but also entered classic texts such as the tragic works of the three great tragedians and even Plato’s philosophical works,becoming one part of“classical literature”.By examining the application of the myth in folk literature and classical literature,it can be seen that in ancient Greece,folk and classical literature not only communicated and borrowed from each other,but also formed a dialogue between the two,thus constructing a lively and living literary world.

Therapeutic Communication Methods Targeting Families and Family Members: A Literature Review

Background and Purpose: Therapeutic communication is a new term in family health care nursing, defined by Hohashi (2019) as a method of family intervention, and characterized by inclusion of not only verbal conversation but also nonverbal interaction. However, specific therapeutic communication methods have not been systematized. The purpose of this study was to clarify therapeutic communication methods for families/family members from the perspectives of verbal communication and non-verbal communication through a review of existing literature. Methods: We conducted a search using the medical literature databases PubMed and Ichushi-Web using the keywords “therapeutic communication”. Analysis was performed on seven articles from PubMed and 14 articles from Ichushi-Web that described therapeutic communication methods performed by healthcare professionals for families/family members. Through directed content analysis, therapeutic communication methods were subcategorized, and classified into three categories: verbal communication, non-verbal communication, and verbal/non-verbal communication. Results: A total of 23 subcategories were extracted. Verbal communication included 11 subcategories, such as “asking questions using the communicatee’s words as they are”. Non-verbal communication included five subcategories, such as “noticing changes in the content of the communicatee’s story”. And verbal/non-verbal communication featured seven subcategories, such as “making the communicatee aware of one’s own beliefs”. Conclusion: Therapeutic communication methods included basic care/caring in family interviews/meetings, as well as verbal communication and non-verbal communication that act on family/family members’ beliefs. It is believed that changes in family/family members’ beliefs can be used to eliminate, reduce, or improve problematic conditions in the family. .

Quality of life scales for patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease:A literature review

Gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD)is a common chronic disease of the gastrointestinal tract that occurs in 3.1%of the Chinese population[1].Heartburn,acid regurgitation and epigastric pain are typical clinical symptoms of GERD.These symptoms can affect patients'work productivity,sleep,diet and daily activities,thus resulting in a reduced quality of life(QOL)[2].Although patient QOL is increasingly being considered as a medical outcome index in the evaluation of the impact of GERD symptoms on patients'health status,measuring patient QOL in clinical trials can be challenging due to the lack of a standard assessment tool.Therefore,we aim to review the commonly used generic,disease-specific and hybrid QOL questionnaires to evaluate patients with GERD to provide a reference for clinical nursing work.

“十七年”时期《中国文学》(Chinese Literature)“计划翻译模式”研究

“十七年”时期以《中国文学》(Chinese Literature)和外文出版社为代表的国家翻译机构翻译实践形成了一种特殊的翻译模式,即“计划翻译模式”。首先,作为中国文学对外翻译的组织者与业务负责人,叶君健经过“下乡”完成知识分子身份认同和思想认识的改造。其次,作为冷战时期中国国家对外文化交流的窗口,《中国文学》精心设计翻译策略,开展国家文学翻译实践。再次,作为国家翻译机构和国家文化单位,外文出版社服务于国家对外宣传的翻译目的。最后,翻译界经过组织化、计划化的整合,成为社会主义文化建设的工具,中国文学对外翻译是冷战时期重要的国家文化工程。

African Francophone Literature in China

This paper delves into the current landscape of African Francophone literature in China.It begins by tracing the history of the French language in Africa and the emergence and development of African Francophone literature,and then provides an overview of the research achievements of African Francophone literature in China,including monographs,translated literary works and academic papers,highlighting the translation and research on the key African Francophone writers.

Exploring Marine Literature in University Curriculum Development from the Perspective of a Maritime Power

As a nation with an extensive coastline,China has regions that have flourished and prospered due to the sea,and marine culture has developed vigorously,with marine literature being an indispensable component.In the new era,the youth in higher education institutions should focus on the ocean,listen to,inherit,and promote marine literature,aligning with policies to establish confidence in marine culture.Research indicates that the integration of marine literature offers numerous benefits to students’learning and future development,playing a crucial role in education.This paper will analyze the significance of marine literature in education,its current development status,and explore the application value of Chinese marine literature in educational settings.

The Exploration of Identity and Belonging in Post-World War II German Literature

The research paper explores belongingness and identity in post-WWII German literature through the lens of iconic scholars,including Wolf,Şenocak,and Grass.The three authors are central and prominent figures in building German literature in the aftermath of the war.National divisions in Germany,rebuilding destroyed communities,and guilt struggles marked this literature.German authors utilized literature during the war to question and comprehend fractures,structures,and the comprehensive identity of a nation with issues of guilt,war,splitting,differences,and divisions.By comprehensively linking Wolf and Grass’authorships to modern debates on multiculturism and migration,we derive fundamental insights and ideas into their applicability to issues affecting our world today.Some of the contemporary issues are immigration,civil wars,and trauma affecting people.Authors like Grass had a significant role to play during post-WWII in Germany,like dealing with and handling migrant and refugee experiences,returning of soldiers,the Holocaust,and the hardships of life.

Research on Intergenerational Writing in Contemporary German Immigrant Literature

With the deepening of globalization,immigration and pluralism have become increasingly common social phenomena.The research of the resulting immigrant literature is an important way to understand the mental journey of immigrant groups and their construction of cultural identity.In the German-speaking area,immigrant literature has gradually taken center stage over the years,becoming an important part of the German language literature,and immigrant writers have also frequently won various literary prizes,which can be described as particularly dazzling.Meanwhile,generations of writers have been thinking about and exploring the intergenerational relationships and differences among immigrant groups in the context of their own experiences.This paper will focus on some outstanding immigrant writers and discuss the intergenerational writing in immigrant literature by means of their works.

Salvage the Bones and The Not Yet: Environmental Crisis Writing of Post-Katrina Literature

After Hurricane Katrina in 2005,literary works related to such a crisis sprouted the southern America,which are known as Post-Katrina Literature.This thesis,taking Salvage the Bones and The Not Yet as examples,scrutinizes how writers respond to the Post-Katrina environmental crisis in different ways.In Salvage the Bones,Jesmyn Ward employs a biographical genre to record the Katrina disaster,thereby,writings serving as a way of healing the psychic trauma of the writer herself;and in The Not Yet,Moira Crone presents a post-natural world by the employment of the Cli-Fi genre.Both writers enrich the tradition of Southern literature as well as American eco-literature.

On Translation of Children’s Literature Based on Reception Aesthetics:A Case Study of The Secret Garden

Grounded in reader-centered theories,Reception Aesthetics prioritizes the active engagement and acceptance of target readers.This study examines the translation of children’s literature through the lens of Reception Aesthetics,using Li Wenjun’s rendition of The Secret Garden as a case study.The objective is to scrutinize various aspects of the translation-including vocabulary,syntax,rhetorical devices,and cultural nuances-and to discern how the adaptation and application of diverse translation strategies cater to the aesthetic expectations.

Translation Strategies of Ambiguity in English Language and Literature

The translation of English language and literary works has always been crucial for cross-cultural communication.However,a key challenge in translating such works is the accurate communication of ambiguity,which refers to expressions deliberately used in English texts with unclear meanings.These expressions are often poetic and carry deep symbols and implications,adding a unique charm to literary works.This article explores the manifestations of ambiguity in English language and literature and the translation strategies that can be employed to optimize the translation of ambiguity in the English language and literature.

A Case of Lautropia mirabilis Infection in a Lung Transplant Patient and a Review of the Literature

Lautropia mirabilis is an opportunistic pathogen that typically causes intestinal and oral infections when the body’s immune system is compromised or the microbial flora is imbalanced.Respiratory infections caused by Lautropia mirabilis are extremely rare.The symptoms and severity of Lautropia mirabilis infection may vary depending on individual differences and the site of infection.Through a review of relevant literature and this case study,it has been observed that Lautropia mirabilis may also cause pulmonary infectious diseases,and in immunocompromised patients,it can lead to severe infections,potentially resulting in death.

Current and Future Research on Work-Family Balance:A Comprehensive Analysis Based on Literature

For a long time,the issue of work-family balance has been a focus of research by scholars in organizational behavior,psychology,and other fields.In 2020,COVID-19 swept across the globe.The change in work and lifestyle brought about by the great closure blurred the boundary between work and life.The work-family balance faced unprecedented challenges,both for organizations and individuals.So,since the COVID-19 epidemic,what trends and achievements have emerged in the research on work-family balance?To clarify these issues,the author of this article searched 70 pieces of literature related to work-family balance published between 2020 and 2023 based on core databases including the SSCI,ESCI,and SCIE.After analyzing and summarizing the latest research focuses,conclusions,and future directions of retrieved literature,the author predicted the future research directions of the work-family balance.

Irregular dietary habits as a predictor of stunting occurrence among children under 5 years of age:a literature review

Objective:To identify the illustration of feeding patterns of stunting children using literature review method.Methods:This study was a descriptive narrative research using literature review approach to explore dietary habits of children with stunting problem.All the literature review processes employed Guideline Review measurement of Joanna Briggs Institute.Related ar ticles in literature were obtained from journal databases,such as Pub Med,Science Direct,Google Scholar,and Dimensions through structured research question with Patient,Exposure an interest,Outcome or response(PEO)methods.Results:This study found 2246 published ar ticles from 2018 to 2021 about children with stunting.Screening process was conducted fur ther to eliminate ar ticles with irrelevant titles and abstracts,and also the unsuitable ar ticles with the research question;hence,about 9 ar ticles were eligible to be reviewed ahead.All these ar ticles mentioned that children with irregular dietary habits would likely experience stunting.The low intake of nutritional food became the major predictor of stunting.Conclusions:Inappropriate feeding patterns and the variety of food were being the factors of stunting emergence among children<5 years of age.High consumption of carbohydrates,less animal-based protein,and misunderstanding about intake of sweetenedcondensed milk predisposed children to suffer stunting.

Reflections on Conducting Kindergarten Language Education Activities Based on Children’s Literature

In early childhood education,language education is a crucial component,yet in kindergarten teaching,there often exists issues such as“emphasis on knowledge and neglect of practice.”To address this problem,teachers need to incorporate children’s literature in a reasonable manner to create a conducive environment for language education for young children.This article analyzes and discusses the significance of integrating children’s literature into kindergarten language education activities,and proposes strategies for addressing the current issues in kindergarten language education activities and conducting them based on children’s literature.

Sorafenib for advanced renal cell carcinoma in real-life practice: a literature review

Sorafenib is a new treatment indicated for patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma who have failed prior cytokine-based therapy or are considered unsuitable for such therapy. Although treatment with sorafenib under ‘ideal trial conditions’ has been extensively studied, registration and reimbursement authorities are also interested in the behavior of sorafenib in real-life practice. This study aims to conduct a literature review of the dosage and treatment duration;safety, tolerability and effectiveness;costs and cost-effectiveness of sorafenib in routine clinical care. Studies were identified by searching PubMed, Embase, Centre for Reviews and Dissemination databases, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and EconLit up to November 2010. The literature search included articles published in peer-reviewed journals, congress abstracts, and internal studies of Bayer Schering Pharma. Eight studies were included. An open-label study observed stable disease for at least eight weeks in 80% of patients. The most common drug-related adverse events were hand-foot skin reaction, rash, hypertension, and fatigue. Although treatment with sorafenib led to fewer dose reductions, it was also associated with a shorter treatment duration, less time to pro-gression and a shorter survival time as compared to sunitinib. Monthly health care costs were lower with sorafenib as compared to sunitinib. A post-marketing surveillance study showed that patients rated the tolerability and effectiveness of sorafenib as very good, good or sufficient. In conclusion, the current evidence is too limited to derive conclusions and existing studies suffer from methodological shortcomings.

Second Life in Language Learning: A Literature Review of Journals from 2012 to 2016

As a platform based on virtual reality(VR), Second Life(SL) is drawing much attention abroad because of its immersive environment. However, the number of research related to VR or SL assisted language learning is not large and this domain needs to be analyzed further.This paper aims to analyze the applications and research of SL in language learning, based on the journals in web of science from 2012 to 2016, and trying to find out hints for future research and implications for teachers and researchers with a summary of previous studies. By searching key words"Second Life"and"Language Learning"in web of science from2012 to 2016, 15 papers were selected finally. Mind maps and summary tables are used to demonstrate and analyze papers. It is found that most SL research is employed at universities, and research themes are varied from interaction to students' learning attitudes. Mixed research methods are used in both qualitative study and quantitative study. In terms of pedagogy, technical problems should be eliminated in order to optimize learning environment, and activity design is also important in SL for teachers to teach languages.