38 research outputs found

    Gravitation Interaction and Electromagnetic Interaction in the Relativistic Universe with Total Zero and Local Non-Zero Energy

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    In the model of flat expansive homogeneous and isotropic relativistic universe with total zero and local non-zero energy the gravitation energy of bodies and the elecromagnetic energy of charged bodies can be localised.Comment: LaTeX, 10 pages, 1 figur

    IPEM Topical Report: an international IPEM survey of MRI use for external beam radiotherapy treatment planning

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    Introduction/Background: Despite growing interest in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), integration in external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) treatment planning uptake varies globally. In order to understand the current international landscape of MRI in EBRT a survey has been performed in 11 countries. This work reports on differences and common themes identified. Methods: A multi-disciplinary Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine working party modified a survey previously used in the UK to understand current practice using MRI for EBRT treatment planning, investigate how MRI is currently used and managed as well as identify knowledge gaps. It was distributed electronically within 11 countries: Australia, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Italy, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Sweden, the UK and the USA. Results: The survey response rate within the USA was <1% and hence these results omitted from the analysis. In the other 10 countries the survey had a median response rate of 77% per country. Direct MRI access, defined as either having a dedicated MRI scanner for radiotherapy (RT) or access to a radiology MRI scanner, varied between countries. France, Italy and the UK reported the lowest direct MRI access rates and all other countries reported direct access in ≥82% of centres. Whilst ≥83% of centres in Denmark and Sweden reported having dedicated MRI scanners for EBRT, all other countries reported ≤29%. Anatomical sites receiving MRI for EBRT varied between countries with brain, prostate, head and neck being most common. Commissioning and QA of image registration and MRI scanners varied greatly, as did MRI sequences performed, staffing models and training given to different staff groups. The lack of financial reimbursement for MR was a consistent barrier for MRI implementation for RT for all countries and MR access was a reported important barrier for all countries except Sweden and Denmark. Conclusion: No country has a comprehensive approach for MR in EBRT adoption and financial barriers are present worldwide. Variations between countries in practice, equipment, staffing models, training, QA and MRI sequences have been identified, and are likely to be due to differences in funding as well as a lack of consensus or guidelines in the literature. Access to dedicated MR for EBRT is limited in all but Sweden and Denmark, but in all countries there are financial challenges with ongoing per patient costs. Despite these challenges, significant interest exists in increasing MR guided EBRT planning over the next 5 years

    Evaluating passive physiological data collection during Spravato treatment

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    Spravato and other drugs with consciousness-altering effects show significant promise for treating various mental health disorders. However, the effects of these treatments necessitate a substantial degree of patient monitoring which can be burdensome to healthcare providers and may make these treatments less accessible for prospective patients. Continuous passive monitoring via digital devices may be useful in reducing this burden. This proof-of-concept study tested the MindMed Session Monitoring System™ (MSMS™), a continuous passive monitoring system intended for use during treatment sessions involving pharmaceutical products with consciousness-altering effects. Participants completed 129 Spravato sessions with MSMS at an outpatient psychiatry clinic specializing in Spravato treatment. Results indicated high rates of data quality and self-reported usability among participants and health care providers (HCPs). These findings demonstrate the potential for systems such as MSMS to be used in consciousness-altering treatment sessions to assist with patient monitoring

    Reirradiation Options for Previously Irradiated Prostate cancer (RO-PIP): Feasibility study investigating toxicity outcomes following reirradiation with stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) versus high-dose-rate brachytherapy (HDR-BT)

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    Introduction Radiotherapy is the most common curative treatment for non-metastatic prostate cancer; however, up to 13% of patients will develop local recurrence within 10 years. Patients can undergo further and potentially curative treatment including salvage surgery, brachytherapy (BT), external beam radiotherapy, high-intensity focused ultrasound and cryotherapy. Systematic review shows that high-dose-rate (HDR) BT and stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) have the best outcomes in terms of biochemical control and lowest side effects. The reirradiation options for previously irradiated prostate cancer (RO-PIP) trial aims to determine the feasibility of recruitment to a trial randomising patients to salvage HDR-BT or SBRT and provide prospective data on patient recorded toxicity outcomes that will inform a future phase III trial. Methods and analysis The primary endpoint of the RO-PIP feasibility study is to evaluate the patient recruitment potential over 2 years to a trial randomising to either SBRT or HDR-BT for patients who develop local recurrence of prostate cancer following previous radiation therapy. The aim is to recruit 60 patients across 3 sites over 2 years and randomise 1:1 to SBRT or HDR-BT. Secondary objectives include recording clinician and patient-reported outcome measures to evaluate treatment-related toxicity. In addition, the study aims to identify potential imaging, genomic and proteomic biomarkers that are predictive of toxicity and outcome based on hypoxia status, a prognostic marker of prostate cancer. Ethics and dissemination This study has been approved by the Yorkshire and The Humber—Bradford Leeds Research Ethics Committee (Reference: 21/YH/0305, IRAS: 297060, January 2022). The results will be presented in national and international conferences, published in peer-reviewed journals and will be communicated to relevant stakeholders. A plain English report will be shared with the study participants, patients’ organisations and media. Trial registration number ISRCTN 12238218 (Amy Ackroyd NIHR CPMS Team)
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