bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dosimetric evaluation of new approaches in GRID therapy using nonconventional radiation sources
Authors: Martínez‐Rovira I. , Fois G. , Prezado Y. 
Published: January 2015

Purpose:Spatial fractionation of the dose has proven to be a promising approach to increase the tolerance of healthy tissue, which is the main limitation of radiotherapy. A good example of that is GRID therapy, which has been successfully used in the management of large tumors with low toxicity. The aim of this work is to explore new avenues using nonconventional sources: GRID therapy by using kilovoltage (synchrotron) x‐rays, the use of very high‐energy electrons, and proton GRID therapy. They share in common the use of the smallest possible grid sizes in order to exploit the dose–volume effects.Methods:Monte Carlo simulations (penelope/peneasy and geant4/GATE codes) were used as a method to study dose distributions resulting from irradiations in different configurations of the three proposed techniques. As figure of merit, percentage (peak and valley) depth dose curves, penumbras, and central peak‐to‐valley dose ratios (PVDR) were evaluated. As shown in previous biological experiments, high PVDR values are requested for healthy tissue sparing. A superior tumor control may benefit from a lower PVDR.Results:High PVDR values were obtained in the healthy tissue for the three cases studied. When low energy photons are used, the treatment of deep‐seated tumors can still be performed with submillimetric grid sizes. Superior PVDR values were reached with the other two approaches in the first centimeters along the beam path. The use of protons has the advantage of delivering a uniform dose distribution in the tumor, while healthy tissue benefits from the spatial fractionation of the dose. In the three evaluated techniques, there is a net reduction in penumbra with respect to radiosurgery.Conclusions:The high PVDR values in the healthy tissue and the use of small grid sizes in the three presented approaches might constitute a promising alternative to treat tumors with such spatially fractionated radiotherapy techniques. The dosimetric results presented here support the interest of performing radiobiology experiments in order to evaluate these new avenues.
High sensitivity phase retrieval method in grating‐based x‐ray phase contrast imaging
Authors: Wu Zhao , Gao Kun , Chen Jian , Wang Dajiang , Wang Shenghao , Chen Heng , Bao Yuan , Shao Qigang , Wang Zhili , Zhang Kai , Zhu Peiping , Wu Ziyu 
Published: January 2015

Purpose:Grating‐based x‐ray phase contrast imaging is considered as one of the most promising techniques for future medical imaging. Many different methods have been developed to retrieve phase signal, among which the phase stepping (PS) method is widely used. However, further practical implementations are hindered, due to its complex scanning mode and high radiation dose. In contrast, the reverse projection (RP) method is a novel fast and low dose extraction approach. In this contribution, the authors present a quantitative analysis of the noise properties of the refraction signals retrieved by the two methods and compare their sensitivities.Methods:Using the error propagation formula, the authors analyze theoretically the signal‐to‐noise ratios (SNRs) of the refraction images retrieved by the two methods. Then, the sensitivities of the two extraction methods are compared under an identical exposure dose. Numerical experiments are performed to validate the theoretical results and provide some quantitative insight.Results:The SNRs of the two methods are both dependent on the system parameters, but in different ways. Comparison between their sensitivities reveals that for the refraction signal, the RP method possesses a higher sensitivity, especially in the case of high visibility and/or at the edge of the object.Conclusions:Compared with the PS method, the RP method has a superior sensitivity and provides refraction images with a higher SNR. Therefore, one can obtain highly sensitive refraction images in grating‐based phase contrast imaging. This is very important for future preclinical and clinical implementations.
Mutation detection in formalin-fixed prostate cancer biopsies taken at the time of diagnosis using next-generation DNA sequencing
Authors: Manson-Bahr David , Ball Richard , Gundem Gunes , Sethia Krishna , Mills Robert , Rochester Mark , Goody Victoria , Anderson Elizabeth , O'Meara Sarah , Flather Marcus , Keeling Matthew , Yazbek-Hanna Marcelino , Hurst Rachel , Curley Helen , Clark Jeremy , Brewer Daniel S , McDermott Ultan , Cooper Colin 
Published: January 2015

AimsAssessing whether next-generation DNA sequencing (NGS) can be used to screen prostate cancer for multiple gene alterations in men routinely diagnosed with this disease and/or who are entered into clinical trials. Previous studies are limited and have reported only low success rates.MethodsWe marked areas of cancer on H&E-stained sections from formalin-fixed needle biopsies, and used these as templates to dissect cancer-rich tissue from adjacent unstained sections. DNA was prepared using a Qiagen protocol modified to maximise DNA yield. The DNA was screened simultaneously for mutations in 365 cancer-related genes using an Illumina HiSeq 2000 NGS platform.ResultsFrom 63 prostate cancers examined, 59 (94%) of the samples yielded at least 30 ng of DNA, the minimum amount of DNA considered suitable for NGS analysis. Patients in the D'Amico high-risk group yielded an average of 1033 ng, intermediate-risk patients 401 ng, and low-risk patients 97 ng. NGS of eight samples selected from high-risk and intermediate-risk groups gave a median exon read depth of 962 and detectedTMPRRS2-ERGfusions, as well as a variety of mutations including those in theSPOP,TP53,ATM,MEN1,NBPF10,NCOR2,PIK3CBandMAP2K5 (MEK5)genes.ConclusionsUsing the methods presented here, NGS technologies can be used to screen a high proportion of patients with prostate cancer for mutations in cancer-related genes in tissue samples opening up its general use in the context of clinical trials or routine diagnosis.
CONSIDERATION OF LIFE CYCLE ENERGY USE AND GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS IN ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE PLANNING PROCESSES: EXAMPLES OF SWEDEN, NORWAY, DENMARK AND THE NETHERLANDS
Authors: MILIUTENKO SOFIIA , KLUTS INGEBORG , LUNDBERG KRISTINA , TOLLER SUSANNA , BRATTEBØ HELGE , BIRGISDÓTTIR HARPA , POTTING JOSÉ 
Published: January 2015

Energy use and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with life cycle stages of road infrastructure are currently rarely assessed during road infrastructure planning. This study examines the road infrastructure planning process, with emphasis on its use of Environmental Assessments (EA), and identifies when and how Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) can be integrated in the early planning stages for supporting decisions such as choice of road corridor. Road infrastructure planning processes are compared for four European countries (Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and the Netherlands). The results show that only Norway has a formalised way of using LCA during choice of road corridor. Only the Netherlands has a requirement for using LCA in the later procurement stage. It is concluded that during the early stages of planning, LCA could be integrated as part of an EA, as a separate process or as part of a Cost-Benefit Analysis.
Conflicting Results Between Randomized Trials and Observational Studies on the Impact of Proton Pump Inhibitors on Cardiovascular Events When Coadministered With Dual Antiplatelet Therapy
Authors: Melloni Chiara , Washam Jeffrey B. , Jones W. Schuyler , Halim Sharif A. , Hasselblad Victor , Mayer Stephanie B. , Heidenfelder Brooke L. , Dolor Rowena J. 
Published: January 2015

Background—
Discordant results have been reported on the effects of concomitant use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) for cardiovascular outcomes. We conducted a systematic review comparing the effectiveness and safety of concomitant use of PPIs and DAPT in the postdischarge treatment of unstable angina/non–ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction patients.

Methods and Results—
We searched for clinical studies in MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, from 1995 to 2012. Reviewers screened and extracted data, assessed applicability and quality, and graded the strength of evidence. We performed meta-analyses of direct comparisons when outcomes and follow-up periods were comparable. Thirty-five studies were eligible. Five (4 randomized controlled trials and 1 observational) assessed the effect of omeprazole when added to DAPT; the other 30 (observational) assessed the effect of PPIs as a class when compared with no PPIs. Random-effects meta-analyses of the studies assessing PPIs as a class consistently reported higher event rates in patients receiving PPIs for various clinical outcomes at 1 year (composite ischemic end points, all-cause mortality, nonfatal MI, stroke, revascularization, and stent thrombosis). However, the results from randomized controlled trials evaluating omeprazole compared with placebo showed no difference in ischemic outcomes, despite a reduction in upper gastrointestinal bleeding with omeprazole.

Conclusions—
Large, well-conducted observational studies of PPIs and randomized controlled trials of omeprazole seem to provide conflicting results for the effect of PPIs on cardiovascular outcomes when coadministered with DAPT. Prospective trials that directly compare pharmacodynamic parameters and clinical events among specific PPI agents in patients with unstable angina/non–ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction treated with DAPT are warranted.
Effect of a Computer-Guided, Quality Improvement Program for Cardiovascular Disease Risk Management in Primary Health Care
Authors: Peiris David , Usherwood Tim , Panaretto Kathryn , Harris Mark , Hunt Jennifer , Redfern Julie , Zwar Nicholas , Colagiuri Stephen , Hayman Noel , Lo Serigne , Patel Bindu , Lyford Marilyn , MacMahon Stephen , Neal Bruce , Sullivan David , Cass Alan , Jackson Rod , Patel Anushka 
Published: January 2015

Background—
Despite effective treatments to reduce cardiovascular disease risk, their translation into practice is limited.

Methods and Results—

Using a parallel arm cluster-randomized controlled trial in 60 Australian primary healthcare centers, we tested whether a multifaceted quality improvement intervention comprising computerized decision support, audit/feedback tools, and staff training improved (1) guideline-indicated risk factor measurements and (2) guideline-indicated medications for those at high cardiovascular disease risk. Centers had to use a compatible software system, and eligible patients were regular attendees (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged ≥35 years and others aged ≥45 years). Patient-level analyses were conducted using generalized estimating equations to account for clustering. Median follow-up for 38 725 patients (mean age, 61.0 years; 42% men) was 17.5 months. Mean monthly staff support was <1 hour/site. For the coprimary outcomes, the intervention was associated with improved overall risk factor measurements (62.8% versus 53.4% risk ratio; 1.25; 95% confidence interval, 1.04–1.50;
P
=0.02), but there was no significant differences in recommended prescriptions for the high-risk cohort (n=10 308; 56.8% versus 51.2%;
P
=0.12). There were significant treatment escalations (new prescriptions or increased numbers of medicines) for antiplatelet (17.9% versus 2.7%;
P
<0.001), lipid-lowering (19.2% versus 4.8%;
P
<0.001), and blood pressure–lowering medications (23.3% versus 12.1%;
P
=0.02).

Conclusions—
In Australian primary healthcare settings, a computer-guided quality improvement intervention, requiring minimal support, improved cardiovascular disease risk measurement but did not increase prescription rates in the high-risk group. Computerized quality improvement tools offer an important, albeit partial, solution to improving primary healthcare system capacity for cardiovascular disease risk management.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=336630
. Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry No. 12611000478910.
The interference by HbF on HbA1c (BM Test HbA1c) measurement in enzymatic method
Authors: Nitta Takenori , Yamashiro Yasuhiro , Hattori Yukio , Ezumi Tomoko , Nishioka Mituaki , Nakamura Junji 
Published: January 2015

Background High performance liquid chromatography and immunological and enzymatic methods are known as the methods for HbA1c measurement. However, the differences in the principles of the methods may cause slight discrepancies, which become problems especially in the regions where hemoglobinopathies that have high HbF concentrations are commonly seen. In this report, we discuss the effect of HbF on the HbA1c measurement by the enzymatic method (BM Test HbA1c) which can be applied to automatic analyzer of high sample throughput. Methods Thirty-five samples (HbF concentration: between 1.4 and 90.1%) and 68 samples (HbF concentration: <1.0%) were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography (Tosoh G8) and BM Test HbA1c. The results by BM Test HbA1c were compared with those by the high performance liquid chromatography and International Federation of Clinical Chemistry reference method. Results The high and positive correlation coefficient was demonstrated between the enzymatic and International Federation of Clinical Chemistry methods for the samples with normal HbF concentration. The samples with high HbF concentration exhibited high and positive correlation coefficient, although the figure is lower than that of the normal HbF concentration group. Conclusions BM Test HbA1c revealed a high and positive correlation with high performance liquid chromatography and International Federation of Clinical Chemistry reference methods. However, the HbA1c values by BM Test HbA1c and high performance liquid chromatography method were lower than those by International Federation of Clinical Chemistry reference method when the HbF concentration was high. BM Test HbA1c had some deviation from the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry reference method, while no significant interference was seen when the HbF values were less than 15%. When HbF is higher than 15%, however, the interpretation of HbA1c by BM Test may require some special consideration.
The role of anger and ongoing stressors in mental health following a natural disaster
Authors: Forbes David , Alkemade Nathan , Waters Elizabeth , Gibbs Lisa , Gallagher Colin , Pattison Phillipa , Lusher Dean , MacDougall Colin , Harms Louise , Block Karen , Snowdon Elyse , Kellet Connie , Sinnott Vikki , Ireton Greg , Richardson John , Bryant Richard A 
Published: January 2015

Objective: Research has established the mental health sequelae following disaster, with studies now focused on understanding factors that mediate these outcomes. This study focused on anger, alcohol, subsequent life stressors and traumatic events as mediators in the development of mental health disorders following the 2009 Black Saturday Bushfires, Australia’s worst natural disaster in over 100 years. Method: This study examined data from 1017 (M = 404, F = 613) adult residents across 25 communities differentially affected by the fires and participating in the Beyond Bushfires research study. Data included measures of fire exposure, posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, alcohol abuse, anger and subsequent major life stressors and traumatic events. Structural equation modeling assessed the influence of factors mediating the effects of fire exposure on mental health outcomes. Results: Three mediation models were tested. The final model recorded excellent fit and observed a direct relationship between disaster exposure and mental health outcomes (b = .192, p < .001) and mediating relationships via Anger (b = .102, p < .001) and Major Life Stressors (b = .128, p < .001). Each gender was compared with multiple group analyses and while the mediation relationships were still significant for both genders, the direct relationship between exposure and outcome was no longer significant for men ( p = .069), but remained significant (b = .234, p < .001) for women. Conclusions: Importantly, anger and major life stressors mediate the relationship between disaster exposure and development of mental health problems. The findings have significant implications for the assessment of anger post disaster, the provision of targeted anger-focused interventions and delivery of government and community assistance and support in addressing ongoing stressors in the post-disaster context to minimize subsequent mental health consequences.
Cooling the UK housing stock post-2050s
Authors: Gupta Rajat , Gregg Matt , Williams Katie 
Published: January 2015

This paper investigates the risk of projected post-2050s overheating in existing, retrofitted and new-build dwellings in the United Kingdom. As shown in the previous research, passive measures may not be sufficient in mitigating overheating risk. Therefore, mechanical cooling technologies that may be deployed to ‘adapt’ to a warming climate are tested for energy and CO2 implications. For retrofits, heating demand is projected to remain dominant, whereas in post-2016 new-build, greater cooling system efficiency will be important. Thermal mass is shown to reduce future cooling load. The heat recovery element of mechanical ventilation with heat recovery may be rendered unnecessary in super-efficient homes. Ceiling fans coupled with natural ventilation may be sufficient in providing thermal comfort in the north of England. Ultimately, not planning for future overheating and cooling systems could create a new performance gap in design, construction and occupant behaviour. Practical application: Overheating, already experienced in dwellings throughout the United Kingdom and projected to increase in occurrence, should be considered in all new design and retrofit. Dwellings designed to meet thermal comfort performance targets may be at risk of non-compliance as a result of a warming climate. Furthermore, dwellings designed to meet energy performance targets may be at risk of non-compliance as a result of potential need for cooling systems. The findings have implications for policy-making in relation to decarbonisation of the electricity grid, implementation of the Green Deal and upgrading building regulations to future-proof new and existing housing against a warming climate.
Using the new CIBSE design summer years to assess overheating in London: Effect of the urban heat island on design
Authors: Virk Gurdane , Mylona Anastasia , Mavrogianni Anna , Davies Michael 
Published: January 2015

The new CIBSE design summer years (DSYs) for London Weather Centre, Heathrow and Gatwick in London are now available for three baseline years: 1976, 1989 and 2003. This study tested how these different design summer years impacted the assessment of overheating in a naturally ventilated office in London. Two office designs were tested, an uninsulated and one retrofitted with insulation and night cooling. The choice of baseline year impacted the level of overheating for both the uninsulated and retrofitted models. Tested in the more severe years, 1976 and 2003, the offices experienced the highest levels of overheating. When an office was retrofitted and night cooled, the choice of location had more of animpact on overheating due to the urban heat island effect. London Weather Centre and Heathrow experienced higher levels of overheating than Gatwick. The study highlights the need for designers to carefully consider how the differences between the weather files will impact their overheating assessment depending on their buildings’ fabric and ventilation design. Practical application: This study provides initial testing of the how the new CIBSE design summer years impact overheating within a naturally ventilated office in London. Initial analysis of the weather files highlights the differences between locations and baseline years. These differences are then shown to have an impact on overheating depending on the building fabric and ventilation strategy. The results highlight how important it is that practitioners understand how both the weather variables and building and ventilation design will impact the predicted levels of overheating.
Clinical value of fat-suppressed 3D volume isotropic spin-echo (VISTA) sequence compared to 2D sequence in evaluating internal structures of the knee
Authors: Lim Daekeon , Han Lee Young , Kim Sungjun , Song Ho-Taek , Suh Jin-Suck 
Published: January 2015

Background Although many three-dimensional (3D) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences have been used in the clinical field, there are no studies on fat-suppressed (FS) 3D sequences for the diagnosis of knee abnormalities. Purpose To evaluate the usefulness of FS 3D volume isotropic turbo spin echo acquisition (VISTA) imaging for diagnosis of internal structures of knee. Material and Methods In 137 patients with 138 knee MRI examinations who had undergone both FS 3D VISTA MRI and two-dimensional (2D) MRI of the knee at 3.0 T, arthroscopic surgery was subsequently performed. Multiplanar reformations (MPR) of FS 3D VISTA images and their MPR sequences were compared with 2D MR images of axial T1-weighted (T1W) images, axial FS T2-weighted (T2W) images, coronal FS T2W images, and sagittal T2W images. Two musculoskeletal radiologists reviewed the images independently. Results Arthroscopy revealed 33 anterior cruciate ligament tears, three posterior cruciate ligament tears, 42 lateral meniscus tears, and 68 medial meniscus tears. Five medial collateral ligament tears were clinically confirmed. Image acquisition time was shorter for FS 3D VISTA imaging than 2D imaging. There were no significant differences in diagnostic values between FS 3D VISTA and 2D imaging ( P > 0.05). There were excellent inter-observer agreements for both FS 3D VISTA and 2D imaging (κ > 0.84). Conclusion FS 3D VISTA imaging could replace 2D imaging because of equal diagnostic ability and shorter scan time.
Comparative efficacy of long-acting muscarinic antagonists in preventing COPD exacerbations: a network meta-analysis and meta-regression
Authors: Oba Yuji , Lone Nazir A. 
Published: January 2015

Background: We hypothesized a class effect of currently available long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMAs; i.e. tiotropium as a dry powder inhaler or a soft mist inhaler, aclidinium bromide, and glycopyrronium) in preventing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations. The hypothesis was tested with a network meta-analysis. Methods: Several databases and manufacturer’s websites were searched for relevant clinical trials. Randomized, controlled trials, of at least 12 weeks duration, comparing a LAMA with placebo or another LAMA were included. Moderate-to-severe and severe exacerbations were chosen as the outcome assessment criteria. The data were pooled using network meta-analysis. Results: A total of 27 studies with 48,140 subjects were included. All LAMAs reduced moderate-to-severe exacerbations compared with placebo. However, there were no statistically significant differences in preventing moderate-to-severe or severe exacerbations among LABAs. In a subgroup analysis restricting studies to those that had a minimum of 6 months of treatment, glycopyrronium was associated with the least-effective strategy and aclidinium was associated with the greatest probability of being the best therapy in preventing severe exacerbations. Our meta-regression analysis suggested that the prevention of COPD exacerbations were less effective in studies which allowed concomitant use of a long-acting beta agonist (LABA). Conclusion: All LAMAs were equally effective in preventing moderate-to-severe exacerbations. Aclidinium was associated with the lowest risk for severe exacerbations when treatment duration was 6 months or longer. The concomitant use of LABA may not enhance the efficacy of LAMAs in preventing COPD exacerbations. More studies are needed to further examine above findings.