Outcomes in stage I non-small cell lung cancer following the introduction of stereotactic body radiotherapy in Alberta - A population-based study.

Purpose: To review outcomes of patients with stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) following the introduction of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT).

Methods: SBRT cases were linked to the cancer registry database along with clinical, treatment and health service parameters for n=2146 cases of stage I NSCLC diagnosed between 2005 and 2011. The pre-diagnosis Aggregated Clinical Risk Grouping score (ACRG3) was used as a proxy for pre-treatment patient comorbidity.

Gender-specific aspects of cardiovascular disease.

When William Heberden gave his classic description of angina pectoris in 1768, he inadvertently described a gender-specific difference in heart disease when he noted the predominance of men with this condition. It is only in the last few decades that the medical profession has recognized that women are equally afflicted with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, albeit with some differences in presentation, risk factors and outcomes. This article will detail the ways in which men and women differ when it comes to the number one killer in the developed, and increasingly the developing, world.

Anatomically safe and minimally invasive transcrestal technique for procurement of autogenous cancellous bone graft from the mid-iliac crest.

Background: Open iliac bone harvesting techniques can result in significant complications and residual morbidity. In reconstructive procedures where a small volume of autogenous cancellous bone graft is required, a minimally invasive technique for bone harvesting applied at the mid-iliac crest has been deemed satisfactory. We sought to assess the application of a well-established surgical technique to procure adequate volume of autogenous cancellous iliac bone graft with minimal trauma to adjacent structures.

Validity of administrative data claim-based methods for identifying individuals with diabetes at a population level.

Objectives: This study assessed the validity of a widely-accepted administrative data surveillance methodology for identifying individuals with diabetes relative to three laboratory data reference standard definitions for diabetes.

Methods: We used a combination of linked regional data (hospital discharge abstracts and physician data) and laboratory data to test the validity of administrative data surveillance definitions for diabetes relative to a laboratory data reference standard. The administrative discharge data methodology includes two definitions for diabetes: a strict administrative data definition of one hospitalization code or two physician claims indicating diabetes; and a more liberal definition of one hospitalization code or a single physician claim.