bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Case Report: MR-Guided Adaptive Radiotherapy, Some Room to Maneuver
Authors: Li Winnie , Winter Jeff , Padayachee Jerusha , Dang Jennifer , Kong Vickie , Chung Peter 
Published: April 2022

BackgroundA magnetic resonance linear accelerator (MR-Linac) provides superior soft tissue contrast to evaluate inter- and intra-fraction motion and facilitate online adaptive radiation therapy (ART). We present here an unusual case of locally advanced castrate-resistant prostate cancer treated with high-dose palliative ultra-hypofractionated radiation therapy on the MR-Linac with significant inter-fraction tumor regression.Case PresentationThe patient was a 65-year-old man diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer to bone and pelvic lymph nodes 7 years prior. At diagnosis, he presented with a PSA of 23 ng/ml and was commenced on a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonist, achieving a PSA nadir of 4.68 ng/ml at 12 months. The patient subsequently had progressive lower urinary tract symptoms, his PSA increased to 47 ng/ml, and there was a markedly enlarged pelvic mass involving the prostate with gross extra-capsular disease and invasion into the posterior bladder wall. The patient was referred for palliative radiation to the pelvic mass due to urinary symptoms, pain, and lower limb paraesthesia. Treatment was planned to be delivered on the MR-Linac with a schedule of 36 Gy over 6 weekly factions allowing for maximal target dose delivery while minimizing surrounding organs at risk (OARs) radiation exposure. Unexpectedly, the target volume had a marked 49% (453 cc to 233 cc) reduction that was accounted for in the online adaptive process. A new reference plan was generated after 3 fractions to add sacral plexus as an OAR, previously not visible due to mass encroachment. The patient reported ongoing reduction in urinary symptoms, pelvic pain, and lower limb paresthesia by the end of treatment.ConclusionUsing daily MR-guided ART, improved visualization of the changing target and OARs ensured safe dose escalation. The unexpected positive response of the target and improved patient outcomes demonstrated the added value of the MR-Linac for online adaptive radiotherapy in this setting.
Relieving Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain in Older Adults Using Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation: Effects on Pain Intensity, Quality, and Pain-Related Outcomes
Authors: Harvey Marie-Philippe , Martel Marylie , Houde Francis , Daguet Inès , Riesco Eléonor , Léonard Guillaume 
Published: April 2022

IntroductionChronic pain is a significant health problem and is particularly prevalent amongst the elderly. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique that has been proposed to reduce chronic pain. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the efficacy of active and sham tDCS in reducing pain in older individuals living with chronic musculoskeletal pain.Materials and MethodsTwenty-four older individuals (mean age: 68 ± 7 years) suffering from chronic musculoskeletal pain were randomized to receive either anodal tDCS over the contralateral motor cortex (2 mA, 20 min; n = 12) or sham tDCS (20 min; n = 12) for five consecutive days. Pain logbooks were used to measure pain intensity. Questionnaires (McGill Pain Questionnaire, Brief Pain Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory [BDI], Beck Anxiety Inventory, Pain Catastrophizing Scale [PCS], and Margolis Pain Drawing and Scoring System [MPDSS]) were also used to assess pain in its globality.ResultsAnalysis of pain logbooks revealed that active tDCS led to a reduction in daily average pain intensity (all p ≤ 0.04), while sham tDCS did not produce any change (p = 0.15). Between-group comparisons for change in pain intensity reduction between active and sham tDCS showed a trend during treatment (p = 0.08) which was significant at the follow-up period (p = 0.02). Active tDCS also improved scores of all questionnaires (all p ≤ 0.02), while sham tDCS only reduced MPDSS scores (p = 0.04). Between-group comparisons for the pain-related outcomes showed significant differences for BDI et PCS after the last tDCS session.ConclusionsThese results suggest that anodal tDCS applied over the primary motor cortex is an effective modality to decrease pain in older individuals. tDCS can also improve other key outcomes, such as physical and emotional functioning, and catastrophic thinking.
Pediatric Preventive Care in Middle-High Resource Countries—The Padova Chart for Health in Children
Authors: Galderisi Alfonso , Perilongo Giorgio , Caprio Sonia , Da Dalt Liviana , Di Salvo Giovanni , Gatta Michela , Giaquinto Carlo , Rizzuto Rosario , Robb Adelaide , Sly Peter David , Simonelli Alessandra , Staiano Annamaria , Vettor Roberto , Baraldi Eugenio 
Published: April 2022

ImportanceThe Padova Chart for Health in Children (PCHC) aims to gather the evidence of healthcare promotion and protection for chidren and adolescents (i.e., aged &lt;18 y) into a single document in order to guide families, healthcare providers and social actors on healthy choices. No more than 2% of Europeans and North Americans aged &lt;30 y have a healthy lifestyle. This, together with metabolic and brain plasticity during childhood, creates the ideal opportunity to implement preventive strategies. Guided interventions promoting healthy lifestyle in children and families therefore have a key role in abating the unprecedented pandemic of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in adulthood.ObservationsThe PCHC is divided into four sections: nutrition, cardiovascular health, respiratory health, and mental and social health. Each section is structured in an ALICE approach (assessment, lobbying, intervention, call-for-action, evaluation): assessment of necessity, describing relevance to healthcare; lobbying to identify those who can effect the proposed interventions; interventions involving family, school and peers; a call-for-action to define priorities among the proposed interventions; and objective evaluation measures that can be applied on a population basis.Conclusions and RelevanceInterventions promoting health in childhood require joint action from multiple institutional, local and family representatives, with the shared goal of promoting health across the entire age group. These lifestyle interventions have the potential to change the lifetime risk trajectory for NCDs.
NUDT15 Genetic Variants in Chinese Han, Uighur, Kirghiz, and Dai Nationalities
Authors: Zhang Fang , Amat Gulbanur , Tang Yanjing , Chen Ru , Tian Xin , Hu Wenting , Chen Changcheng , Shen Shuhong , Xie Yangyang 
Published: April 2022

BackgroundThiopurines are widely used as anti-cancer and immunosuppressant agents, but have a narrow therapeutic index owing to frequent toxicity and life-threatening bone marrow suppression. The nudix hydrolase 15 (NUDT15) genetic polymorphism is strongly associated with the tolerance and myelosuppressive effect of mercaptopurine administration, but the frequency of NUDT15 variants is known to vary among different ethnic groups or nationalities. At present, the NUDT15 gene polymorphism in ethnic minorities such as the Uighur, Kirghiz, and Dai nationalities in China is unclear.ProcedureDNA samples were isolated from 1,071 Chinese children, including 675 Han children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and 396 healthy minority children, including 118 Uighur, 126 Kirghiz, and 152 Dai participants. The coding regions of NUDT15 exons 1 to 3 were amplified by polymerase chain reaction. NUDT15 genotypes were identified by Sanger sequencing.ResultsFive NUDT15 genetic variants of coding regions including rs746071566 (c.55_56insGAGTCG), rs186364861 (c.52G &gt; A), c.137C &gt; G, and c.138T &gt; G in exon 1, and the variant rs116855232 (c.415C &gt; T) in exon 3 were found among the participants. The frequency of NUDT15 rs746071566 variants was lower in the Uighur and Kirghiz populations than in the Han population and in other East Asian nationalities, while the frequency of c.415C &gt; T variants was lower in the Dai population. The c.52G &gt; A variant was relatively uncommon in children of the Han, Uighur, Kirghiz, and Dai ethnic groups. Notably, the rare variants c.137C &gt; G and c.138T &gt; G in a Uighur child were predicted to be disruptive sites.ConclusionIn summary, our results illustrate the NUDT15 polymorphisms in Chinese children of Han, Uighur, Kirghiz, and Dai nationalities, and provide the most effective detection recommendations for different ethnic groups to predict thiopurine-related toxicity, which could be used to guide future clinical thiopurine dose adjustment.
What Is Teamwork? A Mixed Methods Study on the Perception of Teamwork in a Specialized Neonatal Resuscitation Team
Authors: Ediger Krystyna , Rashid Marghalara , Law Brenda Hiu Yan 
Published: April 2022

IntroductionNeonatal resuscitation is a team-based activity involving many decisions and tasks. Non-technical factors, such as teamwork, are increasingly recognized as impacting how well-neonatal resuscitation is performed, and therefore influencing infant outcomes. Prior studies on teamwork in neonatal resuscitation have focused on quantification of teamwork behaviors, or the effects of team training. This study aimed to explore healthcare providers' own perception of teamwork in this specialized environment to identify perceived barriers and facilitators to effective team functioning.MethodsThis single-center exploratory sequential mixed methods study used two phases. First, semi-structured interviews were conducted, and thematic analysis used to identify themes. Subsequently, interview data informed the development of quantitative surveys to explore selected themes in the wider team.ResultsFrom ten semi-structured interviews, seven themes were identified including: (1) Team Composition, (2) Effective Communication, (3) Team leadership, (4) Hierarchy, (5) Team Training, (6) Debriefing, and (7) Physical Environment. Perceived teamwork facilitators include role assignment, familiarity, team composition, talking out loud to maintain shared mental models, leadership, and team training. Perceived barriers included time pressures, ad hoc team, ineffective leadership, and space limitations. Selected themes (Communication, Speaking up, Hierarchy, and Leadership) were further explored via electronic surveys distributed via email to all members of the resuscitation team. There were 105 responses; a response rate of ~53%. All respondents agreed or strongly agreed that speaking up is important; however, not all felt comfortable doing so. Neonatal fellows (14%) and nurses (12%) were most likely to report not feeling comfortable speaking up. All respondents agreed that team communication is important to an effective resuscitation. Most respondents (91.5%) agreed that a hierarchy exists within the team; 54.3% believed that hierarchy positively contributes to effective resuscitation. All respondents agreed or strongly agreed that having a clearly defined leader is important in delivery room resuscitations. Ineffective leadership was the most cited reason for poor team communication.ConclusionsIn this mixed methods study of perceptions of teamwork within a specialized, multi-disciplinary neonatal resuscitation team, communication, hierarchy, and leadership were positively perceived and facilitates teamwork. However, even in this environment, some nurses and trainees expressed discomfort with speaking up.
Magnetic Nozzle and RPA Simulations vs. Experiments for a Helicon Plasma Thruster Plume
Authors: Cichocki Filippo , Navarro-Cavallé Jaume , Modesti Alberto , Ramírez Vázquez Gonzalo 
Published: April 2022

The experimental characterization of electrodeless plasma thrusters with a magnetic nozzle is fundamental in the process of increasing their maturity to reach the industrialization level. Moreover, it offers the unique opportunity of validating existing numerical models for the expansion of a magnetized plasma plume, and for the synthetic simulation of diagnostics measurements, like those of a retarding potential analyzer, which provides essential information regarding the ion beam energy distribution function. Simulations to experiments comparison ultimately enables a better understanding of the physical processes behind the observed experimental curves. In this work, input experimental data of a Helicon plasma plume is used to simulate both a magnetic nozzle expansion in the divergent field region, and the corresponding measurements of a retarding potential analyzer, through dedicated small-scale simulations of this diagnostics tool. Magnetic nozzle simulation and experimental results agree well in terms of the angular distribution of the ion current at 40 cm distance from the source, and also in the prediction of the energies of the two main peaks of the ion energy distribution function: a first one at 45 eV due to source ions, and a second one, at 15–20 eV, due to ions from charge-exchange and ionization collisions in the plume. Finally, the small-scale simulation of the retarding potential analyzer permits to assess the parasitic effects caused by the ion current collected by the different analyzer grids. The inclusion of the retarding and electron suppression grids currents in the overall I-V characteristic is shown to correct almost entirely these effects on the obtained ion velocity distribution.
The Effect of Pre-operative Psychological Interventions on Psychological, Physiological, and Immunological Indices in Oncology Patients: A Scoping Review
Authors: Hanalis-Miller Tsipi , Nudelman Gabriel , Ben-Eliyahu Shamgar , Jacoby Rebecca 
Published: April 2022

IntroductionThe stressful pre-operative period exerts a profound impact on psychological, physiological and immunological outcomes. Oncological surgeries, in particular, elicit significantly higher stress responses than most other surgeries. Managing these responses through psychological interventions may improve long-term outcomes. The purpose of the current research was to review studies that have explored pre-operative psychological interventions in cancer patients in order to map the types of current interventions and provide an initial assessment of whether these interventions improved psychological, physiological, and/or immunological indices as well as long-term cancer outcomes.MethodsA systematic literature search for studies that included pre-operative psychological interventions in oncology patients was conducted, using the databases PubMed and Web of Science. Inclusion criteria included studies pertaining to oncological surgery in adults, study designs that included a clearly defined pre-operative psychological intervention and control group.ResultsWe found 44 studies, each using one of the following interventions: psychoeducation, cognitive interventions, relaxation techniques, integrated approaches. All the studies reported improved immediate post-operative psychological, physiological, and/or immunological outcomes. Only a few studies addressed long-term cancer outcomes, and only one reported improved survival.ConclusionsResearch on pre-operative interventions with cancer patients is missing systematic methods. Studies provide varying results, which makes it difficult to compare them and reach reliable conclusions. There is considerable heterogeneity in the literature regarding the specific intervention used, the timing of intervention, the characteristics of the patients studied and the outcome measures. In order to improve research in this field, including the measurement of long-term outcomes, we suggest some steps that should be taken in further research.
Responsivity of the Striatal Dopamine System to Methylphenidate—A Within-Subject I-123-β-CIT-SPECT Study in Male Children and Adolescents With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Aster Hans-Christoph , Romanos Marcel , Walitza Susanne , Gerlach Manfred , Mühlberger Andreas , Rizzo Albert , Andreatta Marta , Hasenauer Natalie , Hartrampf Philipp E. , Nerlich Kai , Reiners Christoph , Lorenz Reinhard , Buck Andreas K. , Deserno Lorenz 
Published: April 2022

Background:Methylphenidate (MPH) is the first-line pharmacological treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). MPH binds to the dopamine (DA) transporter (DAT), which has high density in the striatum. Assessments of the striatal dopamine transporter by single positron emission computed tomography (SPECT) in childhood and adolescent patients are rare but can provide insight on how the effects of MPH affect DAT availability. The aim of our within-subject study was to investigate the effect of MPH on DAT availability and how responsivity to MPH in DAT availability is linked to clinical symptoms and cognitive functioning.MethodsThirteen adolescent male patients (9–16 years) with a diagnosis of ADHD according to the DSM-IV and long-term stimulant medication (for at least 6 months) with MPH were assessed twice within 7 days using SPECT after application of I-123-β-CIT to examine DAT binding potential (DAT BP). SPECT measures took place in an on- and off-MPH status balanced for order across participants. A virtual reality continuous performance test was performed at each time point. Further clinical symptoms were assessed for baseline off-MPH.ResultsOn-MPH status was associated with a highly significant change (−29.9%) of striatal DAT BP as compared to off-MPH (t = −4.12, p = 0.002). A more pronounced change in striatal DAT BP was associated with higher off-MPH attentional and externalizing symptom ratings (Pearson r = 0.68, p = 0.01). Striatal DAT BP off-MPH, but not on-MPH, was associated with higher symptom ratings (Pearson r = 0.56, p = 0.04).ConclusionOur findings corroborate previous reports from mainly adult samples that MPH changes striatal DAT BP availability and suggest higher off-MPH DAT BP, likely reflecting low baseline DA levels, as a marker of symptom severity.
Comparisons of Serum Interleukin-8 Levels in Major Depressive Patients With Drug-Free Versus SSRIs Versus Healthy Controls
Authors: Zhu Zhen Hua , Song Xiao Ying , Man Li Juan , Chen Peng , Tang Zhen , Li Rong Hua , Ji Cai Fang , Dai Ning Bin , Liu Fang , Wang Jing , Zhang Jianping , Jia Qiu Fang , Hui Li 
Published: April 2022

ObjectiveThe interleukin-8 (IL-8) has been reported to play an important role in depression, which might be modulated by the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate serum IL-8 levels, depressive symptom, and their associations in drug-free MDD patients, MDD patients with SSRIs, and healthy controls (HCs).MethodsFifty-seven drug-free MDD patients (male/female = 35/22, mean age: 39.24 years), 30 MDD patients with SSRIs (male/female = 11/19, mean age: 39.73 years), and 101 HCs (male/female = 52/49, mean age: 37.38 years) were recruited in this cross-sectional study. Serum IL-8 levels and depressive symptom were assessed using the Flow Cytometer and Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD). The analysis of variance was used for the comparison between groups. The relationship between serum log10IL-8 levels and HAMD score was analyzed by Pearson correlation.ResultsSerum log10IL-8 levels were lower in all patients than HCs after controlling for covariates (F= 4.86,p= 0.03). There was significant difference in serum Log10IL-8 levels among three groups after controlling for covariates (F= 14.63,p&lt; 0.001). Serum Log10IL-8 levels in drug-free patients were lower compared to HCs (F= 19.38,p&lt; 0.001) or patients with SSRIs (F= 21.89,p&lt; 0.001) after controlling for covariates. However, there was not difference in serum log10IL-8 levels between patients with SSRIs and HCs after controlling for covariates. Moreover, serum Log10IL-8 levels were negatively correlated with HAMD score in all patients (r= −0.37,p= 0.02). Also, serum Log10IL-8 levels were negatively correlated with HAMD score in drug-free patients (r= −0.74,p= 0.01), but not in patients with SSRIs.ConclusionOur data supported that the decline in serum IL-8 levels was association with depression. Moreover, the SSRIs might modulate increased serum IL-8 levels of depression.
Scaling Up Physical Activity Promotion Projects on the Community Level for Women in Difficult Life Situations and Older People: BIG-5 and GET-10—A Study Protocol
Authors: Till Maike , Abu-Omar Karim , Herbert-Maul Annika , Fleuren Tobias , Reimers Anne Kerstin , Ziemainz Heiko 
Published: April 2022

IntroductionPhysical inactivity is a major risk factor for a population's health, especially among socially disadvantaged groups. Many health promotion projects focus on increasing physical activity among their respective target groups. However, because they are mostly developed and implemented under laboratory conditions, they fail when being scaled to real-world settings. The community-based participatory research projects BIG and GESTALT have demonstrated their effectiveness regarding the physical activity promotion in real-world settings by employing a participatory method.Material and AnalysisWithin the context of the BIG-5 and GET-10 projects, these previously implemented and tested participatory projects are scaled to 15 additional settings in Bavaria, Germany. By applying an overarching mixed-methods evaluation framework, the aim is to gain insights into a) the recruitment of communities for scale-up; b) the specific results of the projects according to the RE-AIM framework. In the recruitment of communities, standardized information on the first contact, the consultation process, the person in charge, and previously implemented health promotion projects are collected. A systematic web search will complete information on each community and their health promotion activities. Results will be compared with information on those communities most in need, here according to the deprivation index of communities in Bavaria, Germany. The scale-up process and its results will be measured using semi-structured interviews with project coordinators. A standardized questionnaire will be used with the course's participants. Applying the RE-AIM framework, the collected data will be analyzed deductively.DiscussionWe expect the results to be highly relevant for the effective scale-up of any health promotion project. The study will enhance the understanding of how to reach those communities most in need of health promotion projects and will identify the barriers coordinators face in reaching socially disadvantaged groups.ConclusionAlthough participatory projects are often used as individual projects, little is known about the scaling up of participatory health promotion projects. This cross-cutting evaluation of two projects aims at producing data on the barriers and facilitators for the reach of settings most in need, and those success factors for a durable implementation.