The study of topological quantum field theories increasingly relies upon concepts from higher-dimensional algebra such as n-categories and n-vector spaces. We review progress towards a definition n-category suited for this purpose, outline program in which n-dimensional TQFTs are to be described representations. First we describe "suspension" operation on n-categories, hypothesize that the k-fold suspension weak stabilizes k >= n+2. give evidence hypothesis its relation stable homotopy...

Some 50 total mesorectal excision specimens were examined following rectal for cancer. Circumferential margin involvement was rare, but tumour deposits present in 17 of 44 patients with pT3 tumours, and 23 had nodal involvement. No patient a pT2 Failure to excise the mesorectum completely has potential leave gross or microscopic residual disease that may theory predispose local failure. Total is necessary avoid incomplete pathological evaluation understaging

To conduct a pilot test of decision aid designed to help patients choose among currently recommended colorectal cancer screening programs.Randomized controlled trial comparing patient based on multicriteria decision-making theory with simple educational intervention.96 at average risk for seen in an Internal Medicine practice Rochester, New York.The two primary outcome measures were process and the outcome. Patient was assessed using decisional conflict scale. Decision defined as proportion...

The analytic hierarchy process (AHP) is a quantitative decision making technique created es pecially for complicated, multicriteria problems. This report reviews the theoretical foundations of AHP and shows how to use it in step-by-step fashion.

The degree of consensus and the accuracy subjective prior probability estimates made by 104 clinicians were examined. clinicians' compared with objective probabilities obtained from published sources actual patient outcomes. Each clinician seven based upon written case summaries abstracted records. Consensus was measured calculating estimate ranges standard deviations. varied widely: smallest range 80 (2%-82%); four greater than 90. average deviation 19.5. Using these Bayes' theorem, widely...

For many healthcare decisions, multiple alternatives are available with different combinations of advantages and disadvantages across several important dimensions. The complexity current decisions thus presents a significant barrier to informed decision making, key element patient-centered care. Interactive dashboards were developed facilitate making in Management, field marked by similarly complicated choices. These utilize data visualization techniques reduce the cognitive effort needed...

Background. US colorectal cancer screening guidelines for people at average risk endorse multiple options and recommend that decisions reflect individual patient preferences. Methods. The authors used the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) to ascertain decision priorities of attending primary care practices in Rochester, New York; Birmingham, Alabama; Indianapolis, Indiana. analysis included 4 criteria, 3 subcriteria, 10 options. Results. Four hundred eighty-four completed study; 66% were...

There is an increased interest in the use of multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) to support regulatory and reimbursement making. The EVIDEM framework was developed provide pragmatic health care, estimate value healthcare interventions, aid priority-setting. objectives this study were test 1) influence different weighting techniques on overall outcome MCDA exercise, 2) discriminative power criteria such techniques, 3) whether result similar weights set proposed by framework.A sample 60...

To determine if patients managed with a cystectomy enhanced recovery pathway (CERP) have improved quality of care after radical (RC), as defined by decrease in length hospital stay (LOS) without an increase complications or readmissions compared those not CERP.The Quality Improvement Cystectomy Care Enhanced Recovery (QUICCER) study was non-randomized quasi-experimental study. Data were collected between June 2011 and April 2015. The CERP implemented July 2013. primary endpoint LOS....

Targeted medical decision-making is a current strategy for addressing the heterogeneity in patient population, especially when patients' preferences are included process. In this paper, we propose user-customizable hybrid framework that can be adjusted at group level to target decision Our provides flexible design, capable of balancing gain from reduction provider time against cost prediction inaccuracy resulting customization. The combines descriptive process, used patients based on...

Early identification of patients at low risk for poor outcome after acute upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage would allow reduction diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. We identified six early predictors good outcome: age less than 75 years, no unstable comorbid illness, ascites found on physical examination, normal prothrombin time, and, within an hour presentation, systolic blood pressure 100 mm Hg or greater nasogastric aspirate free fresh blood. Presence all defined the low-risk...

The analytic hierarchy process (AHP) was used to determine which of seven recommended antibiotic regimens represented optimal initial therapy for a young woman hospitalized treat ment acute pyelonephritis. model included the following criteria: maximize cure, minimize adverse effects (broken down into very serious, and limited), resis tance, cost (divided total patient cost). criteria were weighted according judgments made by 61 practicing clinicians. Alternatives compared relative using...

To investigate the feasibility and utility of Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) for medication decision-making in type 2 diabetes.We conducted an AHP with nine diabetes experts using structured interviews to rank add-on therapies (to metformin) diabetes. During AHP, participants compared treatment alternatives relative eight outcomes (hemoglobin A1c-lowering seven potential harms) importance different outcomes. The model instrument were pre-tested pilot-tested prior use. Results discussed...

In the setting of finite healthcare resources, developing cost-efficient strategies for periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) diagnosis is paramount. The current levels knowledge allow PJI diagnostic recommendations based on scientific evidence but do not consider benefits, opportunities, costs, and risks different alternatives.We determined best strategy knee hip in ambulatory Medicare patients, utilizing evaluation through multicriteria decision analysis (MCDA).The definition supported by...

Abstract Accurate preoperative staging of rectal cancer is necessary to identify patients who might benefit from adjuvant therapy. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was evaluated in 20 consecutive with undergoing ‘curative’ surgery. Detailed histopathological examination the resected lesion correlated findings MRI. MRI concurred histological 18 using Dukes or tumour node metastasis classification but only 14 modified Astler–Coller system. diagnosed transmural invasion all one patient...

Introduction. Because current evidence suggests that numeracy affects how people make decisions, it is an important factor to account for in studies assessing the effectiveness of medical decision support interventions. Subjective and objective assessment methods are available vary theoretical background, skills assessed, known relationship with making skills, ease implementation. The best way use these tools assess when conducting decision-making research currently unknown. Methods. We...

Abstract Background Current practice guidelines offer different management recommendations for adults presenting with a sore throat. The key issue is the extent to which clinical likelihood of Group A streptococcal infection should affect patient decisions. To help resolve this issue, we conducted multi-criteria decision analysis using Analytic Hierarchy Process. Methods We defined optimal four criteria: 1) reduce symptom duration; 2) prevent infectious complications, local and systemic; 3)...