For optimal design of constant stress accelerated life test(CSALT) with two-stress, if the stresses could not reach the highest levels simultaneously, the test region becomes non-rectangular. For optimal CSALT desig...For optimal design of constant stress accelerated life test(CSALT) with two-stress, if the stresses could not reach the highest levels simultaneously, the test region becomes non-rectangular. For optimal CSALT design on non-rectangle test region, the present method is only focused on non-rectangle test region with simple boundary, and the optimization algorithm is based on experience which can not ensure to obtain the optimal plan. In this paper, considering the linear-extreme value model and the optimization goal to minimize the variance of lifetime estimate under normal stress, the optimal design method of two-stress type-I censored CSALT plan on general non-rectangular test region is proposed. First, two properties of optimal test plans are proved and the relationship of all the optimal test plans is determined analytically. Then, on the basis of the two properties, the optimal problem is simplified and the optimal design method of two-stress CSALT plan on general non-rectangular test region is proposed. Finally, a numerical example is used to illustrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the method, The result shows that the proposed method could obtain the optimal test plan on non-rectangular test regions with arbitrary boundaries. This research provides the theory and method for two-stress optimal CSALT planning on non-rectangular test regions.展开更多
This paper deals with an extension of the one-period model in non-life insurance markets (cf. [1]) by using a transition probability matrix depending on some economic factors. We introduce a multi-period model and in ...This paper deals with an extension of the one-period model in non-life insurance markets (cf. [1]) by using a transition probability matrix depending on some economic factors. We introduce a multi-period model and in each period the solvency constraints will be updated. Moreover, the model has the inactive state including some uninsured population. Similar results on the existence of premium equilibrium and sensitivity analysis for this model are presented and illustrated by numerical results.展开更多
This study presents an estimation approach to non-life insurance claim counts relating to a specified time. The objective of this study is to estimate the parameters in non-life insurance claim counting process, inclu...This study presents an estimation approach to non-life insurance claim counts relating to a specified time. The objective of this study is to estimate the parameters in non-life insurance claim counting process, including the homogeneous Poisson process (HPP) and the non-homogeneous Poisson process (NHPP) with a bell-shaped intensity. We use the estimating function, the zero mean martingale (ZMM) as a procedure of parameter estimation in the insurance claim counting process. Then, Λ(t) , the compensator of is proposed for the number of claims in the time interval . We present situations through a simulation study of both processes on the time interval . Some examples of the situations in the simulation study are depicted by a sample path relating to its compensator Λ(t). In addition, an example of the claim counting process illustrates the result of the compensator estimate misspecification.展开更多
Background: Patient-reported outcomes of the quality of life (QOL) after an open thoracotomy have not been studied. To determine the physical and mental changes in surgical patients is very important for medical staff...Background: Patient-reported outcomes of the quality of life (QOL) after an open thoracotomy have not been studied. To determine the physical and mental changes in surgical patients is very important for medical staffs. The surgical patient’s satisfaction and overall healthy changes were evaluated by the patient-self assessment questionnaires. Materials and Methods: From July 2007 to April 2008, 26 patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) underwent surgical resection. The outcome of the QOL was evaluated by using two kinds of questionnaire surveys from the European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30) and the anti-aging QOL assessment (AA-QOL). The EORTC QLQ-C30 consisted of five domains (physical, role, cognitive, emotional, and social functionings) and global QOL. The AA-QOL contained 51 items;30 physical and 21 mental symptoms regarding the elderly and the aging population. The patients replied to the two questionnaires at two different times, i.e., at pre-surgery (baseline) and at post-surgery (2 weeks after the operation). The obtained data of these scores were averaged and compared between the two points of the pre-surgery and post-surgery. Results: Regarding the outcomes of the EORTC QLQ-C30, the physical and social functioning became significantly worse after the surgery. In contrast, the global QOL significantly became better after the surgery. For the symptom at post-surgery, three of which were “nausea and vomiting”, “pain”, and “appetite loss”, became significantly worse compared to those at pre-surgery. Regarding the outcomes of the AA-QOL, the physical symptoms (muscular pain/stiffness, palpitations, dyspnea, no feeling of good health, anorexia, and coughing and sputum) became significantly worse after the surgery. Regarding the mental symptoms, there were no significant differences. Conclusions: Regarding the outcomes based on the changes in the QOL after surgery, the physical symptoms became worse compared to the mental symptoms. To clarify the perioperative healthy changes of the QOL reported by patients with lung cancers is very important for multidisciplinary teamwork, which should play a role in providing the appropriate care and treatment and useful information for a preoperative patient’s decision making of receiving surgical treatment.展开更多
The aim of this study is to propose an estimation approach to non-life insurance claim counts related to the insurance claim counting process, including the non-homogeneous Poisson process (NHPP) with a bell-shaped in...The aim of this study is to propose an estimation approach to non-life insurance claim counts related to the insurance claim counting process, including the non-homogeneous Poisson process (NHPP) with a bell-shaped intensity and a beta-shaped intensity. The estimating function, such as the zero mean martingale (ZMM), is used as a procedure for parameter estimation of the insurance claim counting process, and the parameters of model claim intensity are estimated by the Bayesian method. Then,Λ(t), the compensator of N(t) is proposed for the number of claims in a time interval (0,t]. Given the process over the time interval (0,t]., the situations are presented through a simulation study and some examples of these situations are also depicted by a sample path relating N(t) to its compensatorΛ(t).展开更多
Objective: To observe and compare the effect of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) combined with chemotherapy (CT) on immune function and quality of life (QOL)of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in sta...Objective: To observe and compare the effect of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) combined with chemotherapy (CT) on immune function and quality of life (QOL)of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ. Methods: One hundred cases with stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ NSCLC were randomly divided into two groups. The treated group (n=50) received CT combined with TCM, and the control group received CT alone. The percentage of T lymphocyte subset in peripheral blood and the change of natural killer (NK) cell count were observed after treatment. The QOL and tolerance of CT were also compared between the two groups after treatment. Results: In the treated group, CD3 cell count, CD4 cell count, CD4/ CDg ratio and NK cell activity were higher than those in control group, while CD8 cell count in the treated group was lower than that in the control group (P<0.05), and QOL and tolerance of CT in the treated group were also better (P<0.05). Conclusion: TCM combined with CT could raise the patients' ability in tolerating CT in stage Ⅲ-ⅣNSCLC.展开更多
The development of aqueous battery with dual mechanisms is now arousing more and more interest.The dual mechanisms of Zn^(2+)(de)intercalation and I^(-)/I_(2)redox bring unexpected effects.Herein,differing from previo...The development of aqueous battery with dual mechanisms is now arousing more and more interest.The dual mechanisms of Zn^(2+)(de)intercalation and I^(-)/I_(2)redox bring unexpected effects.Herein,differing from previous studies using Zn I_(2)additive,this work designs an aqueous Bi I_(3)-Zn battery with selfsupplied I^(-).Ex situ tests reveal the conversion of Bi I_(3)into Bi(discharge)and Bi OI(charge)at the 1st cycle and the dissolved I^(-)in electrolyte.The active I^(-)species enhances the specific capacity and discharge medium voltage of electrode as well as improves the generation of Zn dendrite and by-product.Furthermore,the porous hard carbon is introduced to enhance the electronic/ionic conductivity and adsorb iodine species,proven by experimental and theoretical studies.Accordingly,the well-designed Bi I_(3)-Zn battery delivers a high reversible capacity of 182 m A h g^(-1)at 0.2 A g^(-1),an excellent rate capability with 88 m A h g^(-1)at 10 A g^(-1),and an impressive cyclability with 63%capacity retention over 20 K cycles at 10 A g^(-1).An excellent electrochemical performance is obtained even at a high mass loading of 6 mg cm^(-2).Moreover,a flexible quasi-solid-state Bi I_(3)-Zn battery exhibits satisfactory battery performances.This work provides a new idea for designing high-performance aqueous battery with dual mechanisms.展开更多
Majority of the patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer(NSCLC)experience two or more disease related symptoms,which may have a negative impact on their health-related quality of life(HR QOL).These patients p...Majority of the patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer(NSCLC)experience two or more disease related symptoms,which may have a negative impact on their health-related quality of life(HR QOL).These patients prefer a therapy that would improve disease related symptoms,as opposed or treatment that slightly prolongs their survival without improving symptoms.The improvements of the symptoms augment the significance of improved response rates or progression free survivals.The choice of the questionnaires to evaluate patients-reported outcomes(PROs)and HRQOL benefits and methods of collecting the data and their interpretations are very important and are discussed in this manuscript.PROs and HR QOL outcomes are important in patients with advanced NSCLC only when the data are collected and analyzed correctly.Then they can be viewed as components of the total value of a treatment,providing a comprehensive picture of the benefits and risks of anticancer therapies.Enabling the patients to feel during the last months of their lives more comfortable and not be dependent on their loved ones is a very important task in the treatment of advanced NSCLC.展开更多
Background: Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) of quality of life (QOL) during chemotherapy involving lung cancer are very important for the medical staffs. Patients’ satisfaction and healthy changes were evaluated by ...Background: Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) of quality of life (QOL) during chemotherapy involving lung cancer are very important for the medical staffs. Patients’ satisfaction and healthy changes were evaluated by the patient-self assessment. Materials and Methods: From July 2007 to April 2008, a total of 19 patients received chemotherapy. The QOL data were collected by using the QOL questionnaire for cancer patients treated with anticancer drugs (QOL-ACD) and the anti-aging QOL assessment (AA-QOL). The AA-QOL contained 51 items: 30 of physical and 21 of mental symptoms of the elderly and the aging population. The patients replied to the questions at two different times, i.e., at pre-chemotherapy (baseline) and at post-chemotherapy (2 weeks after the chemotherapy). Results: Regarding the hematological toxicities, for the grade 3/4 toxicities, there were 12 neutropenia (12/19, 63.2%) and 3 thrombocytopenia (3/19, 15.8%). For the grade 3 febrile neutropenia, there were 5 cases (5/19, 26.3%). Regarding the non-hematological toxicities, there was no grade 3 and grade 4 toxicities. Based on the outcomes of the QOL-ACD, the three items (“physical condition”, “social attitude”, and “overall QOL”) at post-chemotherapy became significantly worse compared to the baseline. Regarding the outcomes of the AA-QOL, 4 items of physical symptoms (“thirst”, “anorexia”, “early satiety”, and “diarrhea”) became significantly worse compared to the baseline. Regarding the mental symptoms, 2 items (“nothing to look forward in life” and “a sense of uselessness”) became significantly worse compared to the baseline. Conclusion: Regarding the PROs of the QOL during the chemotherapy term, both the physical and mental symptoms had become worse. To clarify the changes in the QOL during chemotherapy is very important for multidisciplinary teamwork, which should play the role of providing the appropriate cares and treatment as patient-support.展开更多
Background: We have developed a new next-generation intrapleural hyperthermic chemotherapy (IPHC) for non-small cell lung cancer with dissemination, which is a hybrid chemotherapy combined with oral S-1 medication plu...Background: We have developed a new next-generation intrapleural hyperthermic chemotherapy (IPHC) for non-small cell lung cancer with dissemination, which is a hybrid chemotherapy combined with oral S-1 medication plus conventional cisplatin-based IPHC. We now report the preliminary feasibility and outcome of quality of life (QOL) regarding this hybrid IPHC. Methods: The patient was a 76-year-old male with a 2-cm nodule in the left upper lobe. After partial resection by video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS), which was diagnosed with advanced pulmonary adenocarcinoma with intrapleural dissemination. We initially performed two regimens of systemic chemotherapy, S-1 (day 1 - 21, 100 mg 2X/day) + CDDP (day 8, 60 mg/m<sup>2</sup>) and S-1 (day 1 - 14,100 mg 2X/day) + CBDCA (day 1, AUC 5). The regimen of next-generation IPHC is oral S-1 medication (day 1 - 21, 100 mg/day) + intrapleural hyperthermic perfusion of cisplatin (200 mg/m<sup>2</sup>) with VATS (day 8,43°C, 2 hours). Adverse outcomes, QOL, and pleural effusion were assessed in three regimens. To investigate the outcomes of the QOL, the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QOL Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-LC13), the QOL questionnaire for cancer patients treated with anticancer drugs (QOL-ACD), the Cancer Dyspnea Score (CDS), and the St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) were used. Results: During the IPHC treatment course, grade 3 neutropenia, anemia, and diarrhea were observed. The physical function after IPHC became worse compared to that before the IPHC. Fatigue during chemotherapy (CBDCA+S-1) was more pronounced than that during the IPHC. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea during the IPHC were prevalent than those of chemotherapy. The overall QOL after the IPHC was improved compared to that before the IPHC. Regarding before and after the IPHC, the physical function after the IPHC became worse compared to that before the IPHC, on the other hand, the global QOL before and after the IPHC had not dramatically changed. Pleural effusion was controlled after the IPHC for more than 1 year. Conclusion: The first case of a clinical trial of the next-generation IPHC showed grade 3 adverse events. However, it was an acceptable feasibility compared to the usual platinum doublet chemotherapy. The effectiveness of the IPHC allowed the patient to obtain a good control of the pleural effusion and preserved the patient’s QOL.展开更多
It is projected that aged population (≥60 years) will continue to increase globally, including in Africa. This is due to reduced population growth, decreased fecundity and improved medical interventions;factors which...It is projected that aged population (≥60 years) will continue to increase globally, including in Africa. This is due to reduced population growth, decreased fecundity and improved medical interventions;factors which increase life expectancy. While this is typical for developed countries, it is not the same for Africa and similar developing regions. In these regions, a significant proportion of death is due to non-communicable diseases (NCD’s) such as hypertension, cerebrovascular accident, coronary heart disease, diabetes mellitus, chronic renal disease and cancer, among others. Rising prevalence of NCD’s due mainly to western style diets and sedentary living is made worse by inadequate nutrition education, high prevalence of low birth weight, poor health services, lack of efficient tobacco control and deficient planning of built environment. In order to halt the possible reduction in life expectancy occasioned by NCD’s, efforts by the community, health planners and governments in Africa to address relevant NCD’s, must be put in place. Suggested measures are: nutrition education, regular community directed physical exercise, improved environmental planning and development. Others are review of present health service model, early detection, prevention and treatment of NCD’s, including improved antenatal care to reduce low birth weights, and establishment of policies and measures that decreased access to tobacco especially by women of childbearing age. Africa and similar developing regions cannot fund the health bill due to NCD’s and their complications;hence it is important that this scourge is attended to with all seriousness.展开更多
Objective: To observe the effect of Shenfu injection (参附注射液, SFI) in treating non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients on quality of life with gemcitabine (GEM) plus cisplatin (GP) regimen. Methods: ...Objective: To observe the effect of Shenfu injection (参附注射液, SFI) in treating non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients on quality of life with gemcitabine (GEM) plus cisplatin (GP) regimen. Methods: Thirty-four patients were ready to receive GP regimen chemotherapy for treating NSCLC disease, according to lot-drawing, they were divided into SFI pre-treatment group (18 cases) and SFI post-treatment group ( 16 cases). SFI pre-treatment group: During the first treatment course, chemotherapy was begun with SFI 60 ml, intravenous dripping on the 3rd day, once daily, consecutively for 10 days; on the 1st day, GP regimen (GEM 1250 mg/m^2 , intravenous dripping, on the 1st and 8th day; cisplatin 70 mg/m^2 on the 2nd day; 21 days as one cycle) was carried out; in the second treatment course GP regimen was merely given to serve as the self-control. SFI post-treatment group: the medicament sequence order was reversed from that of pre-treatment group. Using dual international quality of life (QOL) scores, the effect of SFI on the patients" QOL was observed through randomized self pre- and post- crossover control. Results: The QOL in the 34 patients after being treated by SFI in combination with GP chemotherapy regimen in one group, and GP chemotherapy regimen alone in the other, was improved in different degrees, with significant difference (P〈0.01); comparision of SFI combined with GP chemotherapy regimen with GP chemotherapy alone showed that QOL in patients was significantly different (P〈0.01). Conclusion: SFI could improve QOL in patients with NSCLC who were treated with GP regimen.展开更多
In this paper, ultrasonic (20 kHz) fatigue tests were performed on specimens of a high-strength steel in very high cycle fatigue (VHCF) regime. Experimental results showed that for most tested specimens failed in ...In this paper, ultrasonic (20 kHz) fatigue tests were performed on specimens of a high-strength steel in very high cycle fatigue (VHCF) regime. Experimental results showed that for most tested specimens failed in a VHCF regime, a fatigue crack originated from the interior of specimen with a fish-eye pattern, which contained a fine granular area (FGA) centered by an inclusion as the crack origin. Then, a two-parameter model is proposed to predict the fatigue life of high-strength steels with fish-eye mode failure in a VHCF regime, which takes into account the inclusion size and the FGA size. The model was verified by the data of present experiments and those in the literature. Furthermore, an analytic formula was obtained for estimating the equivalent crack growth rate within the FGA. The results also indicated that the stress intensity factor range at the front of the FGA varies within a small range, which is irrespective of stress amplitude and fatigue life.展开更多
Objective: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of Shenqi Fuzheng injection combined with gemcitabine plus cisplatin(GP) in the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: we performed a syst...Objective: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of Shenqi Fuzheng injection combined with gemcitabine plus cisplatin(GP) in the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: we performed a systematicsearch in the electronic databases such as Cochrane Library, Pubmed, Embase, Chinese Journal Full-text Database,Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Full-text Database andWanfang Database up to 30 January 2017. Randomized controlled trials (RCT) of Shenqi Fuzheng Injectioncombined with GP chemotherapy in the treatment of advanced NSCLC were searched, and all the RCTs wereconducted on methodological quality assessment. Data extraction and data analysis were according to standards ofCochrane systematic review. Results: Eight trials were included including a total of 701 patients. Meta-analysisresults: Shenqi Fuzheng injection combined with GP chemotherapy could significantly improve the functionalstatus of patients with NSCLC (OR = 3.44, 95% CI [2.26, 5.25], P 〈 0.0001) and clinical treatment efficacy (OR =(OR = 0.31, 95%CI [0.20, 0.47], P 〈 0.0001. The rate of leukopenia (OR = .31, 95%CI [0.20,0.47], P 〈 0.0001),thrombocytopenia (OR = 0.58, 95%CI [0.37, 0.91], P = 0.020), hemoglobin decline ((OR = 0.31, 95%CI [0.16,0.59], P = 0.0004) and incidence of gastrointestinal reactions (OR = 0.58,P 〈 0.05) could be reduced. Conclusion:Shenqi Fuzheng injection combined with GP chemotherapy in the treatment of advanced NSCLC obtainedsignificantly clinical efficacy. The quality of the literature incorporated is low, the conclusion requires high-qualityresearch to further prove.展开更多
BACKGROUND:There are several reasons why resuscitation measures may lead to inferior results:difficulties in team building,delayed realization of the emergency and interruption of chest compression.This study investig...BACKGROUND:There are several reasons why resuscitation measures may lead to inferior results:difficulties in team building,delayed realization of the emergency and interruption of chest compression.This study investigated the outcome of a new form of in-hospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation(CPR) training with special focus on changes in self-assurance of potential helpers when faced with emergency situations.METHODS:Following a 12-month period of CPR training,questionnaires were distributed to participants and non-participants.Those non-participants who intended to undergo the training at a later date served as control group.RESULTS:The study showed that participants experienced a significant improvement in selfassurance,compared with their remembered self-assurance before the training.Their self-assurance also was significantly greater than that of the control group of non-participants.CONCLUSION:Short lessons in CPR have an impact on the self-assurance of medical and non-medical personnel.展开更多
基金supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos. 50935002, 51075370, 51105341)National Hi-tech Research and Development Program of China(863 Program, Grant No. 2007AA04Z409)+1 种基金the Technology Foundation of National Defense ProgramZhejiang Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. Y1100777, Y1080762)
文摘For optimal design of constant stress accelerated life test(CSALT) with two-stress, if the stresses could not reach the highest levels simultaneously, the test region becomes non-rectangular. For optimal CSALT design on non-rectangle test region, the present method is only focused on non-rectangle test region with simple boundary, and the optimization algorithm is based on experience which can not ensure to obtain the optimal plan. In this paper, considering the linear-extreme value model and the optimization goal to minimize the variance of lifetime estimate under normal stress, the optimal design method of two-stress type-I censored CSALT plan on general non-rectangular test region is proposed. First, two properties of optimal test plans are proved and the relationship of all the optimal test plans is determined analytically. Then, on the basis of the two properties, the optimal problem is simplified and the optimal design method of two-stress CSALT plan on general non-rectangular test region is proposed. Finally, a numerical example is used to illustrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the method, The result shows that the proposed method could obtain the optimal test plan on non-rectangular test regions with arbitrary boundaries. This research provides the theory and method for two-stress optimal CSALT planning on non-rectangular test regions.
文摘This paper deals with an extension of the one-period model in non-life insurance markets (cf. [1]) by using a transition probability matrix depending on some economic factors. We introduce a multi-period model and in each period the solvency constraints will be updated. Moreover, the model has the inactive state including some uninsured population. Similar results on the existence of premium equilibrium and sensitivity analysis for this model are presented and illustrated by numerical results.
文摘This study presents an estimation approach to non-life insurance claim counts relating to a specified time. The objective of this study is to estimate the parameters in non-life insurance claim counting process, including the homogeneous Poisson process (HPP) and the non-homogeneous Poisson process (NHPP) with a bell-shaped intensity. We use the estimating function, the zero mean martingale (ZMM) as a procedure of parameter estimation in the insurance claim counting process. Then, Λ(t) , the compensator of is proposed for the number of claims in the time interval . We present situations through a simulation study of both processes on the time interval . Some examples of the situations in the simulation study are depicted by a sample path relating to its compensator Λ(t). In addition, an example of the claim counting process illustrates the result of the compensator estimate misspecification.
文摘Background: Patient-reported outcomes of the quality of life (QOL) after an open thoracotomy have not been studied. To determine the physical and mental changes in surgical patients is very important for medical staffs. The surgical patient’s satisfaction and overall healthy changes were evaluated by the patient-self assessment questionnaires. Materials and Methods: From July 2007 to April 2008, 26 patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) underwent surgical resection. The outcome of the QOL was evaluated by using two kinds of questionnaire surveys from the European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30) and the anti-aging QOL assessment (AA-QOL). The EORTC QLQ-C30 consisted of five domains (physical, role, cognitive, emotional, and social functionings) and global QOL. The AA-QOL contained 51 items;30 physical and 21 mental symptoms regarding the elderly and the aging population. The patients replied to the two questionnaires at two different times, i.e., at pre-surgery (baseline) and at post-surgery (2 weeks after the operation). The obtained data of these scores were averaged and compared between the two points of the pre-surgery and post-surgery. Results: Regarding the outcomes of the EORTC QLQ-C30, the physical and social functioning became significantly worse after the surgery. In contrast, the global QOL significantly became better after the surgery. For the symptom at post-surgery, three of which were “nausea and vomiting”, “pain”, and “appetite loss”, became significantly worse compared to those at pre-surgery. Regarding the outcomes of the AA-QOL, the physical symptoms (muscular pain/stiffness, palpitations, dyspnea, no feeling of good health, anorexia, and coughing and sputum) became significantly worse after the surgery. Regarding the mental symptoms, there were no significant differences. Conclusions: Regarding the outcomes based on the changes in the QOL after surgery, the physical symptoms became worse compared to the mental symptoms. To clarify the perioperative healthy changes of the QOL reported by patients with lung cancers is very important for multidisciplinary teamwork, which should play a role in providing the appropriate care and treatment and useful information for a preoperative patient’s decision making of receiving surgical treatment.
文摘The aim of this study is to propose an estimation approach to non-life insurance claim counts related to the insurance claim counting process, including the non-homogeneous Poisson process (NHPP) with a bell-shaped intensity and a beta-shaped intensity. The estimating function, such as the zero mean martingale (ZMM), is used as a procedure for parameter estimation of the insurance claim counting process, and the parameters of model claim intensity are estimated by the Bayesian method. Then,Λ(t), the compensator of N(t) is proposed for the number of claims in a time interval (0,t]. Given the process over the time interval (0,t]., the situations are presented through a simulation study and some examples of these situations are also depicted by a sample path relating N(t) to its compensatorΛ(t).
文摘Objective: To observe and compare the effect of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) combined with chemotherapy (CT) on immune function and quality of life (QOL)of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ. Methods: One hundred cases with stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ NSCLC were randomly divided into two groups. The treated group (n=50) received CT combined with TCM, and the control group received CT alone. The percentage of T lymphocyte subset in peripheral blood and the change of natural killer (NK) cell count were observed after treatment. The QOL and tolerance of CT were also compared between the two groups after treatment. Results: In the treated group, CD3 cell count, CD4 cell count, CD4/ CDg ratio and NK cell activity were higher than those in control group, while CD8 cell count in the treated group was lower than that in the control group (P<0.05), and QOL and tolerance of CT in the treated group were also better (P<0.05). Conclusion: TCM combined with CT could raise the patients' ability in tolerating CT in stage Ⅲ-ⅣNSCLC.
基金funding from National Natural Science Foundation of China(52103053,52102312)Huxiang Young Talents of Hunan Province(2022RC1004)+1 种基金Macao Young Scholars Program(AM2021011)Foundation of State Key Laboratory of Utilization of Woody Oil Resource(GZKF202126)。
文摘The development of aqueous battery with dual mechanisms is now arousing more and more interest.The dual mechanisms of Zn^(2+)(de)intercalation and I^(-)/I_(2)redox bring unexpected effects.Herein,differing from previous studies using Zn I_(2)additive,this work designs an aqueous Bi I_(3)-Zn battery with selfsupplied I^(-).Ex situ tests reveal the conversion of Bi I_(3)into Bi(discharge)and Bi OI(charge)at the 1st cycle and the dissolved I^(-)in electrolyte.The active I^(-)species enhances the specific capacity and discharge medium voltage of electrode as well as improves the generation of Zn dendrite and by-product.Furthermore,the porous hard carbon is introduced to enhance the electronic/ionic conductivity and adsorb iodine species,proven by experimental and theoretical studies.Accordingly,the well-designed Bi I_(3)-Zn battery delivers a high reversible capacity of 182 m A h g^(-1)at 0.2 A g^(-1),an excellent rate capability with 88 m A h g^(-1)at 10 A g^(-1),and an impressive cyclability with 63%capacity retention over 20 K cycles at 10 A g^(-1).An excellent electrochemical performance is obtained even at a high mass loading of 6 mg cm^(-2).Moreover,a flexible quasi-solid-state Bi I_(3)-Zn battery exhibits satisfactory battery performances.This work provides a new idea for designing high-performance aqueous battery with dual mechanisms.
文摘Majority of the patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer(NSCLC)experience two or more disease related symptoms,which may have a negative impact on their health-related quality of life(HR QOL).These patients prefer a therapy that would improve disease related symptoms,as opposed or treatment that slightly prolongs their survival without improving symptoms.The improvements of the symptoms augment the significance of improved response rates or progression free survivals.The choice of the questionnaires to evaluate patients-reported outcomes(PROs)and HRQOL benefits and methods of collecting the data and their interpretations are very important and are discussed in this manuscript.PROs and HR QOL outcomes are important in patients with advanced NSCLC only when the data are collected and analyzed correctly.Then they can be viewed as components of the total value of a treatment,providing a comprehensive picture of the benefits and risks of anticancer therapies.Enabling the patients to feel during the last months of their lives more comfortable and not be dependent on their loved ones is a very important task in the treatment of advanced NSCLC.
文摘Background: Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) of quality of life (QOL) during chemotherapy involving lung cancer are very important for the medical staffs. Patients’ satisfaction and healthy changes were evaluated by the patient-self assessment. Materials and Methods: From July 2007 to April 2008, a total of 19 patients received chemotherapy. The QOL data were collected by using the QOL questionnaire for cancer patients treated with anticancer drugs (QOL-ACD) and the anti-aging QOL assessment (AA-QOL). The AA-QOL contained 51 items: 30 of physical and 21 of mental symptoms of the elderly and the aging population. The patients replied to the questions at two different times, i.e., at pre-chemotherapy (baseline) and at post-chemotherapy (2 weeks after the chemotherapy). Results: Regarding the hematological toxicities, for the grade 3/4 toxicities, there were 12 neutropenia (12/19, 63.2%) and 3 thrombocytopenia (3/19, 15.8%). For the grade 3 febrile neutropenia, there were 5 cases (5/19, 26.3%). Regarding the non-hematological toxicities, there was no grade 3 and grade 4 toxicities. Based on the outcomes of the QOL-ACD, the three items (“physical condition”, “social attitude”, and “overall QOL”) at post-chemotherapy became significantly worse compared to the baseline. Regarding the outcomes of the AA-QOL, 4 items of physical symptoms (“thirst”, “anorexia”, “early satiety”, and “diarrhea”) became significantly worse compared to the baseline. Regarding the mental symptoms, 2 items (“nothing to look forward in life” and “a sense of uselessness”) became significantly worse compared to the baseline. Conclusion: Regarding the PROs of the QOL during the chemotherapy term, both the physical and mental symptoms had become worse. To clarify the changes in the QOL during chemotherapy is very important for multidisciplinary teamwork, which should play the role of providing the appropriate cares and treatment as patient-support.
文摘Background: We have developed a new next-generation intrapleural hyperthermic chemotherapy (IPHC) for non-small cell lung cancer with dissemination, which is a hybrid chemotherapy combined with oral S-1 medication plus conventional cisplatin-based IPHC. We now report the preliminary feasibility and outcome of quality of life (QOL) regarding this hybrid IPHC. Methods: The patient was a 76-year-old male with a 2-cm nodule in the left upper lobe. After partial resection by video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS), which was diagnosed with advanced pulmonary adenocarcinoma with intrapleural dissemination. We initially performed two regimens of systemic chemotherapy, S-1 (day 1 - 21, 100 mg 2X/day) + CDDP (day 8, 60 mg/m<sup>2</sup>) and S-1 (day 1 - 14,100 mg 2X/day) + CBDCA (day 1, AUC 5). The regimen of next-generation IPHC is oral S-1 medication (day 1 - 21, 100 mg/day) + intrapleural hyperthermic perfusion of cisplatin (200 mg/m<sup>2</sup>) with VATS (day 8,43°C, 2 hours). Adverse outcomes, QOL, and pleural effusion were assessed in three regimens. To investigate the outcomes of the QOL, the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QOL Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-LC13), the QOL questionnaire for cancer patients treated with anticancer drugs (QOL-ACD), the Cancer Dyspnea Score (CDS), and the St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) were used. Results: During the IPHC treatment course, grade 3 neutropenia, anemia, and diarrhea were observed. The physical function after IPHC became worse compared to that before the IPHC. Fatigue during chemotherapy (CBDCA+S-1) was more pronounced than that during the IPHC. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea during the IPHC were prevalent than those of chemotherapy. The overall QOL after the IPHC was improved compared to that before the IPHC. Regarding before and after the IPHC, the physical function after the IPHC became worse compared to that before the IPHC, on the other hand, the global QOL before and after the IPHC had not dramatically changed. Pleural effusion was controlled after the IPHC for more than 1 year. Conclusion: The first case of a clinical trial of the next-generation IPHC showed grade 3 adverse events. However, it was an acceptable feasibility compared to the usual platinum doublet chemotherapy. The effectiveness of the IPHC allowed the patient to obtain a good control of the pleural effusion and preserved the patient’s QOL.
文摘It is projected that aged population (≥60 years) will continue to increase globally, including in Africa. This is due to reduced population growth, decreased fecundity and improved medical interventions;factors which increase life expectancy. While this is typical for developed countries, it is not the same for Africa and similar developing regions. In these regions, a significant proportion of death is due to non-communicable diseases (NCD’s) such as hypertension, cerebrovascular accident, coronary heart disease, diabetes mellitus, chronic renal disease and cancer, among others. Rising prevalence of NCD’s due mainly to western style diets and sedentary living is made worse by inadequate nutrition education, high prevalence of low birth weight, poor health services, lack of efficient tobacco control and deficient planning of built environment. In order to halt the possible reduction in life expectancy occasioned by NCD’s, efforts by the community, health planners and governments in Africa to address relevant NCD’s, must be put in place. Suggested measures are: nutrition education, regular community directed physical exercise, improved environmental planning and development. Others are review of present health service model, early detection, prevention and treatment of NCD’s, including improved antenatal care to reduce low birth weights, and establishment of policies and measures that decreased access to tobacco especially by women of childbearing age. Africa and similar developing regions cannot fund the health bill due to NCD’s and their complications;hence it is important that this scourge is attended to with all seriousness.
文摘Objective: To observe the effect of Shenfu injection (参附注射液, SFI) in treating non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients on quality of life with gemcitabine (GEM) plus cisplatin (GP) regimen. Methods: Thirty-four patients were ready to receive GP regimen chemotherapy for treating NSCLC disease, according to lot-drawing, they were divided into SFI pre-treatment group (18 cases) and SFI post-treatment group ( 16 cases). SFI pre-treatment group: During the first treatment course, chemotherapy was begun with SFI 60 ml, intravenous dripping on the 3rd day, once daily, consecutively for 10 days; on the 1st day, GP regimen (GEM 1250 mg/m^2 , intravenous dripping, on the 1st and 8th day; cisplatin 70 mg/m^2 on the 2nd day; 21 days as one cycle) was carried out; in the second treatment course GP regimen was merely given to serve as the self-control. SFI post-treatment group: the medicament sequence order was reversed from that of pre-treatment group. Using dual international quality of life (QOL) scores, the effect of SFI on the patients" QOL was observed through randomized self pre- and post- crossover control. Results: The QOL in the 34 patients after being treated by SFI in combination with GP chemotherapy regimen in one group, and GP chemotherapy regimen alone in the other, was improved in different degrees, with significant difference (P〈0.01); comparision of SFI combined with GP chemotherapy regimen with GP chemotherapy alone showed that QOL in patients was significantly different (P〈0.01). Conclusion: SFI could improve QOL in patients with NSCLC who were treated with GP regimen.
基金supported by the National Basic Research Program of China (Grant 2012CB937500)the National Natural Science Foundations of China (Grants 11172304 and 11202210)
文摘In this paper, ultrasonic (20 kHz) fatigue tests were performed on specimens of a high-strength steel in very high cycle fatigue (VHCF) regime. Experimental results showed that for most tested specimens failed in a VHCF regime, a fatigue crack originated from the interior of specimen with a fish-eye pattern, which contained a fine granular area (FGA) centered by an inclusion as the crack origin. Then, a two-parameter model is proposed to predict the fatigue life of high-strength steels with fish-eye mode failure in a VHCF regime, which takes into account the inclusion size and the FGA size. The model was verified by the data of present experiments and those in the literature. Furthermore, an analytic formula was obtained for estimating the equivalent crack growth rate within the FGA. The results also indicated that the stress intensity factor range at the front of the FGA varies within a small range, which is irrespective of stress amplitude and fatigue life.
文摘Objective: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of Shenqi Fuzheng injection combined with gemcitabine plus cisplatin(GP) in the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: we performed a systematicsearch in the electronic databases such as Cochrane Library, Pubmed, Embase, Chinese Journal Full-text Database,Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Full-text Database andWanfang Database up to 30 January 2017. Randomized controlled trials (RCT) of Shenqi Fuzheng Injectioncombined with GP chemotherapy in the treatment of advanced NSCLC were searched, and all the RCTs wereconducted on methodological quality assessment. Data extraction and data analysis were according to standards ofCochrane systematic review. Results: Eight trials were included including a total of 701 patients. Meta-analysisresults: Shenqi Fuzheng injection combined with GP chemotherapy could significantly improve the functionalstatus of patients with NSCLC (OR = 3.44, 95% CI [2.26, 5.25], P 〈 0.0001) and clinical treatment efficacy (OR =(OR = 0.31, 95%CI [0.20, 0.47], P 〈 0.0001. The rate of leukopenia (OR = .31, 95%CI [0.20,0.47], P 〈 0.0001),thrombocytopenia (OR = 0.58, 95%CI [0.37, 0.91], P = 0.020), hemoglobin decline ((OR = 0.31, 95%CI [0.16,0.59], P = 0.0004) and incidence of gastrointestinal reactions (OR = 0.58,P 〈 0.05) could be reduced. Conclusion:Shenqi Fuzheng injection combined with GP chemotherapy in the treatment of advanced NSCLC obtainedsignificantly clinical efficacy. The quality of the literature incorporated is low, the conclusion requires high-qualityresearch to further prove.
文摘BACKGROUND:There are several reasons why resuscitation measures may lead to inferior results:difficulties in team building,delayed realization of the emergency and interruption of chest compression.This study investigated the outcome of a new form of in-hospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation(CPR) training with special focus on changes in self-assurance of potential helpers when faced with emergency situations.METHODS:Following a 12-month period of CPR training,questionnaires were distributed to participants and non-participants.Those non-participants who intended to undergo the training at a later date served as control group.RESULTS:The study showed that participants experienced a significant improvement in selfassurance,compared with their remembered self-assurance before the training.Their self-assurance also was significantly greater than that of the control group of non-participants.CONCLUSION:Short lessons in CPR have an impact on the self-assurance of medical and non-medical personnel.