Older people at risk of social isolation (n = 393) completed the EQ-5D and the SF-12. Multiple regression analyses were performed to examine the relationship between levels of social isolation and health status/HRQL, controlling for demographic/clinical characteristics. The agreement between EQ-5D and SF-6D (SF-12) scores was explored using descriptive psychometric techniques.

Health status and health state values were much lower than UK general population age-matched norms. After controlling for depression, physical co-morbidities,

age, gender, living alone status, employment and accommodation, social isolation was significantly associated, to a degree that was clinically relevant, with EQ-5D DSI, SF-6D (SF-12) and SF-12 MCS scores. The potential for ceiling effects on the EQ-5D with this population was identified.

This work highlights the burden that social Dihydrotestosterone isolation may have on the health and buy LGX818 well-being

of older people. The potential HRQL gains from addressing social isolation may be considerable, with those at risk of social isolation also a key target group.”
“This questionnaire study describes the fertility and ovarian function in 143 adult female cancer survivors with only one ovary due to cryopreservation of the other. The women were asked about their ovarian function (as defined by the presence of a spontaneous menstrual cycle), pregnancies and their outcome. The mean follow-up time was 58 months after cryopreservation (range 24-129 months). The risk of premature ovarian failure was high in the group of patients with leukaemia (13/15; 87%) but low in the breast cancer group (5/54; 9%). Fifty-seven women had actively tried to become pregnant after end of treatment; of these, 41 women obtained a total of 68 pregnancies resulting in 45 live births and five ongoing pregnancies, 15 spontaneous abortions, one ectopic pregnancy and two elective abortions. In the remaining 86 women without a pregnancy wish, there had

been five elective abortions. Ninety-three per cent of the pregnancies were after natural conception and only four cases were a result of fertility treatment. The overall risk of premature ovarian failure was low (22%). Patients who retain their ovarian function after treatment of a malignant disease have a good chance of becoming pregnant. selleck products (C) 2013, Reproductive Healthcare Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“The electrical characteristics of pentacene-based organic thin film transistors (OTFTs) using poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) as the gate dielectric are reported. Uniform pinhole-free and crack-free films of PMMA could be obtained by spin coating, with a lower limit of thickness of about 150 nm. The effects of the insulator thickness and channel dimensions on the performance of the devices have been investigated. Leakage currents, which are present in many polymeric gate dielectrics, were reduced by patterning the pentacene active layer.