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Radiation Oncology (London, England) Oct 2013To investigate the effect of computed tomography (CT) contrast enhancement (CE) on the 3D dose distributions of non-coplanar small field beams in the CyberKnife (CK)...
BACKGROUND
To investigate the effect of computed tomography (CT) contrast enhancement (CE) on the 3D dose distributions of non-coplanar small field beams in the CyberKnife (CK) treatment planning system (TPS) for the stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR).
METHODS
Twenty-two pre-CE CT treatment plans were recruited to this retrospective plan study. Their post-CE CT plans were based on the pre-CE CT plan data and calculated using the same MU and beam paths in either Ray-Tracing or Monte Carlo (MC) algorithms. The differences in the doses of the beam path and the reference point between the pre- and post-CE CT plans were compared. The minimum, maximum, and mean doses in dose-volume histograms (DVHs) of target and organs-at-risk (OARs) were also compared.
RESULTS
The dose differences between the pre- and post-CE plans in a single beam path were less than 1.05% in both calculation algorithms, with respect to the prescription dose. At the center of the target volume, it was 1.9% (maximum 6.2%) in Ray-Tracing and 1.6% (maximum 4.0%) in MC. The CA effect showed on average 1.2% difference in the OAR maximum dose (maximum 7.8% in Ray-Tracing and 7.2% in MC). In the lung cases, the CT CE resulted in a dose difference of 2.4% (from 1.0% to 6.5%) without the calculation algorithm effect (maximum 20.3%).
CONCLUSIONS
The CK treatment plan using the post-CE CT generally afforded less than 2% dose differences from the pre-CE CT plan. However, it could be up to 7.8% depending on the target positions in a body and be more than 20% with the calculation algorithms. Thus, the post-CE CT in CK treatment plans should be used with careful consideration for the CA effect, target position, and calculation algorithm factors.
Topics: Contrast Media; Humans; Neoplasms; Organs at Risk; Radiosurgery; Radiotherapy Planning, Computer-Assisted; Retrospective Studies; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
PubMed: 24139405
DOI: 10.1186/1748-717X-8-244 -
Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine.... 2022Spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy is characterized by slow-progressive muscle weakness, decreased functional performance and falls. Research into the use of exercise in...
OBJECTIVE
Spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy is characterized by slow-progressive muscle weakness, decreased functional performance and falls. Research into the use of exercise in spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy has shown equivocal to negative results, although authors suggest that patients with spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy may benefit from both increased exercise intensity and shorter bout duration. The aim of this case report is to explore the safety of a moderate intensity strength training programme coupled with dynamic balance and function-specific training in a patient with spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy.
CASE REPORT
A 56-year-old man with spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy presented with multiple falls and declining performance in physical, vocational, and recreational activities. Examination revealed several musculoskeletal impairments that were sub-clinical to mild compared with an SBMA natural history cohort.
INTERVENTION AND OUTCOME
A 15-week moderate intensity exercise programme combining weight-lifting and functional exercises was performed under clinical supervision. Exercise volume, frequency and intensity were adjusted based on patient-reported outcomes and muscle damage blood markers. Performance-based and self-reported functional improvements occurred that exceeded the minimal clinically important difference. The intervention was well tolerated and the patient nearly doubled his baseline 10-repetition maximums for weight-lifting exercises.
CONCLUSION
Exercise therapy combining weight-lifting and upright functional training led to meaningful performance improvements in this case of a patient with spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy and relatively low disease burden.
PubMed: 36072267
DOI: 10.2340/jrmcc.v5.2513 -
Computational Statistics & Data Analysis May 2021A Bayesian approach is proposed that unifies Gaussian Bayesian network constructions and comparisons between two networks (identical or differential) for data with graph...
A Bayesian approach is proposed that unifies Gaussian Bayesian network constructions and comparisons between two networks (identical or differential) for data with graph ordering unknown. When sampling graph ordering, to escape from local maximums, an adjusted single queue equi-energy algorithm is applied. The conditional posterior probability mass function for network differentiation is derived and its asymptotic proposition is theoretically assessed. Simulations are used to demonstrate the approach and compare with existing methods. Based on epigenetic data at a set of DNA methylation sites (CpG sites), the proposed approach is further examined on its ability to detect network differentiations. Findings from theoretical assessment, simulations, and real data applications support the efficacy and efficiency of the proposed method for network comparisons.
PubMed: 33408431
DOI: 10.1016/j.csda.2020.107156 -
Sports Medicine (Auckland, N.Z.) Sep 2023Load-velocity relationships are commonly used to estimate one-repetition maximums (1RMs). Proponents suggest these estimates can be obtained at high frequencies and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Load-velocity relationships are commonly used to estimate one-repetition maximums (1RMs). Proponents suggest these estimates can be obtained at high frequencies and assist with manipulating loads according to session-by-session fluctuations. Given their increasing popularity and development of associated technologies, a range of load-velocity approaches have been investigated.
OBJECTIVE
This systematic review and individual participant data (IPD) meta-analysis sought to quantify the predictive validity of individualised load-velocity relationships for the purposes of 1RM prediction.
METHODS
In September 2022, a search of MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science and Scopus was conducted for published research, with Google Scholar, CORE and British Ethos also searched for unpublished research. Studies were eligible if they were written in English, and directly compared a measured and predicted 1RM using load-velocity relationships in the squat, bench press, deadlift, clean or snatch. IPD were obtained through requests to primary authors and through digitisation of in-text plots (e.g. Bland-Altman plots). Risk of bias was assessed using the Prediction model Risk Of Bias ASsessment Tool (PROBAST) and the review conducted in accordance with PRISMA-IPD guidelines and an a priori protocol. Absolute and scaled standard error of the estimates (SEE/SEE%) were calculated for two-stage aggregate analyses, with bootstrapping performed for sampling variances. Estimates were pooled using three-level hierarchical models with robust 95% confidence intervals (CIs). One-stage analyses were conducted with random intercepts to account for systematic differences across studies and prediction residuals calculated in the absolute scale (kg) and as a percentage of the measured 1RM. Moderator analyses were conducted by including a priori defined categorical variables as fixed effects.
RESULTS
One hundred and thirty-seven models from 26 studies were included with each identified as having low, unclear or high risk of bias. Twenty studies comprising 434 participants provided sufficient data for meta-analyses, with raw data obtained for 8 (32%) studies. Two-stage analyses identified moderate predictive validity [SEE% 9.8, 95% CI 7.4% to 12.2%, with moderator analyses demonstrating limited differences based on the number of loads (β = 0.006, 95% CI - 1.6 to 1.6%) or the use of individual or group data to determine 1RM velocity thresholds (β: = - 0.4, 95% CI - 1.9 to 1.0%)]. One-stage analyses identified that predictions tended to be overestimations (4.5, 95% CI 1.5 to 7.4 kg), which expressed as a percentage of measured 1RM was equal to 3.7 (95% CI 0.5 to 6.9% 1RM). Moderator analyses were consistent with those conducted for two-stage analyses.
CONCLUSIONS
Load-velocity relationships tend to overestimate 1RMs irrespective of the modelling approach selected. On the basis of the findings from this review, practitioners should incorporate direct assessment of 1RM wherever possible. However, load-velocity relationships may still prove useful for general monitoring purposes (e.g. assessing trends across a training cycle), by providing high-frequency estimates of 1RM when direct assessment may not be logistically feasible. Given limited differences in predictions across popular load-velocity approaches, it is recommended that practitioners opting to incorporate this practice select the modelling approach that best suits their practical requirements.
REGISTRATION
https://osf.io/agpfm/ .
Topics: Humans; Exercise Therapy; Resistance Training; Bias; Posture; Muscle Strength; Weight Lifting
PubMed: 37493929
DOI: 10.1007/s40279-023-01854-9 -
Arquivos Brasileiros de Oftalmologia Jun 2020To measure the central-to-peripheral corneal thickness and its volume according to age and gender in 10-30-year-old patients with Down syndrome (DS) and in matched...
PURPOSE
To measure the central-to-peripheral corneal thickness and its volume according to age and gender in 10-30-year-old patients with Down syndrome (DS) and in matched individuals without DS.
METHODS
In the report, 202 normal pattern right eyes of patients with Down syndrome and 190 right eyes of individuals without Down syndrome and compared averages using independent sample t-tests and multiple linear regression models. The measured variables included the apical corneal thickness; the minimum corneal thickness; the average thickness on rings at 2 mm (R2), 3 mm (R3), and 4 mm (R4); the corneal volume in the central zones at 2-, 3-, 4-, and 10-mm diameters; Ambrosio's relational thickness; and the pachymetric progression indices.
RESULTS
The mean age of the participants was 16.99 ± 4.70 and 17.22 ± 4.54 years (p=0.636). The means ± SD were 516.7 ± 33.0 and 555.7 ± 33.1 µm for apical corneal thicknesses, 508.0 ± 33.5 and 549.0 ± 40.6 µm for minimum corneal thicknesses, 543.0 ± and 588.4 ± 33.8 µm for R2s, 584.9 ± 35.6 and 637.0 ± µm for R3s, 646.9 ± 38.5 and 707.6 ± 37.1 µm for R4s, 396.4 ± 102.3 and 462.7 ± 96.2 µm for Ambrosio's relational thicknesses, 1.36 ± 0.37 and 1.22 ± 0.18 for pachymetric progression index maximums, 1.62 ± 0.11 and 1.74 ± 0.11 mm3 for corneal volume at 2 mm, 3.73 ± 0.24 and 4.01 ± 0.24 mm3 for corneal volume at 3 mm, 6.76 ± 0.44 and 7.30 ± 0.43 mm3 for corneal volume at 4 mm, and 57.03 ± 3.44 and 61.51 ± 3.40 mm3 for total corneal volume in the Down syndrome and control groups, respectively (all p<0.001). All the above indices were inversely related to age, but not to gender. Ambrosio's relational thickness maximum and the pachymetric progression index maximum were independent of age and gender.
CONCLUSION
Non-keratoconic patients with Down syndrome had thin corneas with a homogeneous distribution. Therefore, the reference ranges of cornea thickness and volume should be re-defined for this patient population.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Child; Cornea; Corneal Topography; Cross-Sectional Studies; Down Syndrome; Humans; Keratoconus; Reference Values; Young Adult
PubMed: 32490977
DOI: 10.5935/0004-2749.20200058 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Nov 2021To efficiently convert and utilize intermittent solar energy, a novel solar-driven ethanol steam reforming (ESR) system integrated with a membrane reactor is proposed....
To efficiently convert and utilize intermittent solar energy, a novel solar-driven ethanol steam reforming (ESR) system integrated with a membrane reactor is proposed. It has the potential to convert low-grade solar thermal energy into high energy level chemical energy. Driven by chemical potential, hydrogen permeation membranes (HPM) can separate the generated hydrogen and shift the ESR equilibrium forward to increase conversion and thermodynamic efficiency. The thermodynamic and environmental performances are analyzed via numerical simulation under a reaction temperature range of 100-400 °C with permeate pressures of 0.01-0.75 bar. The highest theoretical conversion rate is 98.3% at 100 °C and 0.01 bar, while the highest first-law efficiency, solar-to-fuel efficiency, and exergy efficiency are 82.3%, 45.3%, and 70.4% at 215 °C and 0.20 bar. The standard coal saving rate (SCSR) and carbon dioxide reduction rate (CDRR) are maximums of 101 g·m·h and 247 g·m·h at 200 °C and 0.20 bar with a hydrogen generation rate of 22.4 mol·m·h. This study illustrates the feasibility of solar-driven ESR integrated with a membrane reactor and distinguishes a novel approach for distributed hydrogen generation and solar energy utilization and upgradation.
PubMed: 34834013
DOI: 10.3390/molecules26226921 -
Membranes Jun 2024Design considerations concerning the maximum purity of a membrane separator, and the resultant maximum effective selectivity of the membranes were explored by modeling a...
Design considerations concerning the maximum purity of a membrane separator, and the resultant maximum effective selectivity of the membranes were explored by modeling a binary gas membrane separator (pressure-driven permeance) using a dimensionless form. Although the maximum purity has an analytical solution at the limit of zero recovery or stage cut, this solution over-predicts the obtained purity as the recovery is increased. Furthermore, at combinations of high recovery, low feed mole fraction, and low pressure ratio, the maximum purity becomes independent of selectivity above some critical selectivity. As a consequence of this purity limitation, a maximum selectivity is defined at which further increases in selectivity will result in less than a 1% change in the final purity. An equation is obtained that specifies the region in which a limiting purity is less than unity (indicating the existence of a limiting selectivity); operating at less than the limiting pressure ratio results in a purity limitation less than unity. This regime becomes larger and more significant as the inlet mole fraction decreases (e.g., inlet feed mole fraction of 10% and pressure ratio of 100 results in a maximum useful membrane selectivity of only 130 at 95% recovery). These results suggest that membrane research should focus on increasing permeance rather than selectivity for low-concentration separations. The results found herein can be used to set benchmarks for membrane development in various gas separation applications.
PubMed: 38921510
DOI: 10.3390/membranes14060143 -
BMC Veterinary Research Aug 2016Grape and blueberry extracts are known to protect against age-related cognitive decline. However, beneficial effects achieved by mixing grape and blueberry extracts have...
BACKGROUND
Grape and blueberry extracts are known to protect against age-related cognitive decline. However, beneficial effects achieved by mixing grape and blueberry extracts have yet to be evaluated in dogs, or their bioavailability assessed. Of concern to us were cases of acute renal failure in dogs, after their ingestion of grapes or raisins. The European Pet Food Industry Federation (2013) considers only the grape or raisin itself to be potentially dangerous; grape-seed extracts per-se, are not considered to be a threat. Our aim was therefore to evaluate the renal and hepatic safety, and measure plasma derivatives of a polyphenol-rich extract from grape and blueberry (PEGB; from the Neurophenols Consortium) in dogs. Polyphenol expression was analyzed by UHPLC-MS/MS over 8 hours, for dogs given PEGB at 4 mg/kg. Safety was evaluated using four groups of 6 dogs. These groups received capsules containing no PEGB (control), or PEGB at 4, 20, or 40 mg/kg BW/d, for 24 weeks. Blood and urine samples were taken the week prior to study commencement, then at the end of the 24-wk study period. Routine markers of renal and liver damage, including creatinine (Creat), blood urea nitrogen, albumin, minerals, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and alanine transaminase (ALT) were measured. Biomarkers for early renal damage were also evaluated in plasma (cystatin C (CysC), and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL)), and urine (CysC, clusterin (Clu), and NGAL). Ratios of urinary biomarkers to Creat were calculated, and compared with acceptable maximal values obtained for healthy dogs, as reported in the literature.
RESULTS
While several PEGB-specific polyphenols and metabolites were detected in dog plasma, at the end of the PEGB consumption period, our biomarker analyses presented no evidence of either renal or liver damage (Creat, BUN, ionogram, albumin and ALT, ALP). Similarly, no indication of early renal damage could be detected. Plasma CysC, urinary CysC/Creat, Clu/Creat, and NGAL/Creat ratios were all beneath reported benchmarked maximums, with no evidence of PEGB toxicity.
CONCLUSIONS
Long-term consumption of a pet specific blend of a polyphenol-rich extract from grape and blueberry (PEGB; from the Neurophenols Consortium), was not associated with renal or hepatic injury, and can therefore be considered safe.
Topics: Animals; Biomarkers; Blueberry Plants; Dietary Supplements; Dogs; Fruit; Kidney; Liver; Plant Extracts; Polyphenols; Vitis
PubMed: 27487916
DOI: 10.1186/s12917-016-0786-5 -
International Journal of Environmental... Nov 2020The maximum running speed that a football player can attain during match play has become one of the most popular variables to assess a player's physical talent. However,...
The maximum running speed that a football player can attain during match play has become one of the most popular variables to assess a player's physical talent. However, the influence of a player's maximum running speed on football performance has not yet been properly investigated. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of a player's peak/maximum running speed on the team's ranking position at the end of a national league. A second aim was to investigate differences in maximum running speed among playing positions. To fulfil this aim, the peak/maximum running speeds of 475 male professional football players were recorded for 38 fixtures of the Spanish first-division league () from the 2017-2018 season (7838 data points). Players' peak running speeds in each match were assessed with a validated multicamera tracking system and associated software (Mediacoach). Players' maximum running speed was established as the fastest running speed they attained during the entire season. Most players (53.5% of the total) had a maximum running speed in the range of 32.0-33.9 km/h, with only three players (0.6%) with a maximum running speed of over 35.0 km/h. Overall, forwards were faster than defenders and both types of players were faster than midfielders (33.03 ± 1.35 > 32.72 ± 1.32 > 32.08 ± 1.63 km/h; < 0.001). There was no association between teams' maximum running speed and ranking position at the end of the league ( = -0.356, = 0.135). The correlations between teams' maximum speeds and ranking position were low for defenders ( = -0.334, = 0.163), midfielders ( = 0.125, = 0.610), and forwards ( = -0.065, = 0.791). As a result, the variance in the ranking position at the end of the season explained by a team's maximum speed was of only 7.5%. Finally, as an average for all teams, players' peak running speeds remained stable at ~30.7 ± 0.6 km/h throughout the whole season. These results suggest that successful and less successful football teams have squads with players able to obtain similar maximum running speeds during match play throughout the season. Hence, players' maximum running speeds have a poor association with the team's ranking position at the end of the Spanish professional national league.
Topics: Athletic Performance; Humans; Male; Physical Examination; Running; Seasons; Soccer
PubMed: 33261014
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17238815 -
Frontiers in Physiology 2019Intensity regulation during whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) training is mostly controlled by subjective scales such as CR-10 Borg scale. To determine objective...
Intensity regulation during whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) training is mostly controlled by subjective scales such as CR-10 Borg scale. To determine objective training intensities derived from a maximum as it is used in conventional strength training using the one-repetition-maximum (1-RM), a comparable maximum in WB-EMS is necessary. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine, if there is an individual maximum intensity tolerance plateau after multiple consecutive EMS application sessions. A total of 52 subjects (24.1 ± 3.2 years; 76.8 ± 11.1 kg; 1.77 ± 0.09 m) participated in the longitudinal, observational study (38 males, 14 females). Each participant carried out four consecutive maximal EMS applications (T1-T4) separated by 1 week. All muscle groups were stimulated successively until their individual maximum and combined to a whole-body stimulation index to carry out a possible statement for the development of the maximum intensity tolerance of the whole body. There was a significant main effect between the measurement times for all participants ( < 0.001; 𝜂 = 0.39) as well as gender specific for males ( = 0.001; 𝜂 = 0.18) and females ( < 0.001; 𝜂 = 0.57). There were no interaction effects of gender × measurement time ( = 0.394). The maximum intensity tolerance increased significantly from T1 to T2 ( = 0.001) and T2 to T3 ( < 0.001). There was no significant difference between T3 and T4 ( = 1.0). These results indicate that there is an adjustment of the individual maximum intensity tolerance to a WB-EMS training after three consecutive tests. Therefore, there is a need of several habituation units comparable to the identification of the individual 1-RM in conventional strength training. Further research should focus on an objective intensity-specific regulation of the WB-EMS based on the individual maximum intensity tolerance to characterize different training areas and therefore generate specific adaptations to a WB-EMS training compared to conventional strength training methods.
PubMed: 31396098
DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00920