Monte Carlo evaluation of out-of-field dose in 18-MV pelvic radiotherapy using a simplified female MIRD phantom

Author(s):  
Ghazale Geraily ◽  
Soheil Elmtalab ◽  
Najmeh Mohammadi ◽  
Zahra Alirezaei ◽  
Segundo Agustin Martinez Ovalle ◽  
...  

Abstract This study was devoted to determining the unwanted dose due to scattered photons to the out-of-field organs and subsequently estimate the risk of secondary cancers in the patients undergoing pelvic radiotherapy. A typical 18-MV Medical Linear Accelerator (Varian Clinac 2100 C/D) was modeled using MCNPX® code to simulate pelvic radiotherapy with four treatment fields: anterior-posterior, posterior-anterior, right lateral, left lateral. Dose evaluation was performed inside Medical Internal Radiation Dose (MIRD) revised female phantom. The average photon equivalent dose in out-of-field organs is 8.53 mSv/Gy, ranging from 0.17 to 72.11 mSv/Gy, respectively, for the organs far from the Planning Treatment Volume (Brain) and those close to the treatment field (Colon). Evidence showed that colon with 4.3049 % and thyroid with 0.0020 % have the highest and lowest risk of secondary cancer, respectively. Accordingly, this study introduced the colon as an organ with a high risk of secondary cancer which should be paid more attention in the follow-up of patients undergoing pelvic radiotherapy. The authors believe that this simple Monte Carlo (MC) model can be also used in other radiotherapy plans and mathematical phantoms with different ages (from childhood to adults) to estimate the out-of-field dose. The extractable information by this simple MC model can be also employed for providing libraries for user-friendly applications (e.g. “.apk”) which in turn increase the public knowledge about fatal cancer risk after radiotherapy and subsequently decrease the concerns in this regard among the public.

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Musa Musa

This research was conducted to determine the Effectiveness of Jakarta Siaga 112 Emergency Services in Fire Management by UPT. Disaster Data & Information Center of BPBD DKI Jakarta Province by paying attention to aspects contained in the Effectiveness of the Jakarta Siaga Emergency Service Program 112. The research method was carried out with a case study method with data collection techniques using interview methods and document review. Interviews were conducted on 10 (ten) key informants, document review focused on documents related to the Jakarta Emergency Alert Service 112 Effectiveness research in Fire Management. The results showed that the Effectiveness of Jakarta Siaga 112 Emergency Services in Fire Management by UPT. The Center for Disaster Data & Information BPBD DKI Jakarta Province Its effectiveness is still low, due to the Implementation of Emergency Services Jakarta Standby 112 in Fire Management implemented by UPT. Disaster Data & Information Center of BPBD DKI Jakarta Province in terms of the Target Group Understanding of the Program, the Achievement of the Program Objectives aspects, and the Program Follow-up aspects. It is recommended to continue to disseminate this Emergency Service to the public, it is necessary to increase the firm commitment of the Head of 8 SKPD related to fire management so that all units play a role in accordance with the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Fire Management and the evaluation and follow-up of program services that are held periodically 3 once a month.Keywords: Effectiveness, Emergency Services, Fire Handling


Author(s):  
Muntasir Muntasir ◽  
Pius Weraman

Community Partnership Program in small home industry of making fish floss brand "Savitri" and "Tiaras" inKupang city in the form of application of electric centrifugation filter model has been implemented. One of the problemsin the production of Savitri and Tiaras fish floss is that there is still a lot of oil in the frying product which is only drainedon a simple sieve and then placed for some time on traditional tools of filter and paper that can cause low quality and lowquality, so it is necessary to reduce the oil yield frying fish floss product. In order to increase the added value and sellingvalue of the products, it is necessary synergy between Universities and Partners in the form of application of the results ofscience and technology to the public. The main components of the composer of the versatile filter are the cylindrical plateas the bucket of the filter, the cylinder filter, the electric dynamo as the centrifuge system rotator and the load-bearingconstruction. The method of this program is the provision of materials, design and manufacture of tools, demonstrationtools and the provision of a versatile filter cylinder system centrifuge model by the team, simulation tools, specialcounseling at the location of partners and suggestions as a follow-up in the endurance of production. The output of thisprogram can provide added value in the form of the use of this tool can improve labor efficiency, increase productivitypartners by producing 40 kg to 50 kg raw material, raw fish marlin, fish meat after cleaning, processed, fried, in andpacked into 80-100 packs of fish floss with the price of Rp. 40,000.00 per package weighing 250 grams. With estimatedpartners will earn a profit of Rp 3,200,000 - 4,000,000.00 per production or 12,800,000.00 - 16,000,000.00 per month incash and consumptions, as well as the abundance of non-greasy, clean and hybrid fish products


2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maximilian I. Ruge ◽  
Juman Tutunji ◽  
Daniel Rueß ◽  
Eren Celik ◽  
Christian Baues ◽  
...  

Abstract Background For meningiomas, complete resection is recommended as first-line treatment while stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is established for meningiomas of smaller size considered inoperable. If the patient´s medical condition or preference excludes surgery, SRS remains a treatment option. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of SRS in a cohort comprising these cases. Methods In this retrospective single-centre analysis we included patients receiving single fraction SRS either by modified LINAC or robotic guidance by Cyberknife for potentially resectable intracranial meningiomas. Treatment-related adverse events as well as local and regional control rates were determined from follow-up imaging and estimated by the Kaplan–Meier method. Results We analyzed 188 patients with 218 meningiomas. The median radiological, and clinical follow-up periods were 51.4 (6.2–289.6) and 55.8 (6.2–300.9) months. The median tumor volume was 4.2 ml (0.1–22), and the mean marginal radiation dose was 13.0 ± 3.1 Gy, with reference to the 80.0 ± 11.2% isodose level. Local recurrence was observed in one case (0.5%) after 239 months. The estimated 2-, 5-, 10- and 15-year regional recurrence rates were 1.5%, 3.0%, 6.6% and 6.6%, respectively. Early adverse events (≤ 6 months after SRS) occurred in 11.2% (CTCEA grade 1–2) and resolved during follow-up in 7.4% of patients, while late adverse events were documented in 14.4% (grade 1–2; one case grade 3). Adverse effects (early and late) were associated with the presence of symptoms or neurological deficits prior to SRS (p < 0.03) and correlated with the treatment volume (p < 0.02). Conclusion In this analysis SRS appears to be an effective treatment for patients with meningiomas eligible for complete resection and provides reliable long-term local tumor control with low rates of mild morbidity.


2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. iii460-iii460
Author(s):  
Mayuko Miyata ◽  
Masahiro Nonaka ◽  
Akio Asai

Abstract BACKGROUND If new lesions are observed during follow-up of the malignant tumor after treatment, it is difficult to distinguish whether the tumor is a recurrent lesion, secondary cancer, or radiation necrosis of the brain. We have encountered a patient with symptomatic radiation necrosis of the cerebellum 16 years after treatment of medulloblastoma. CASE PRESENTATION: A 24-year-old man who had received a tumor resection and chemoradiotherapy for cerebellar medulloblastoma at the age of 8 presented with dizziness. For the past 16 years, there was no recurrence of the tumor. He subsequently underwent MRI scan, and T1-Gd image showed enhanced lesion in the right cerebellar peduncle. Cerebrospinal fluid cytology analysis was negative for tumor. We suspected tumor reccurence or secondary cancer, and performed lesion biopsy. The result of the pathological examination was radiation necrosis of the cerebellum. DISCUSSION: The interval of radiation necrosis of the brain and radiotherapy can vary from months to more than 10 years. So, whenever a new lesion is identified, radiation brain necrosis must be envisioned. According to guidelines in Japan, there is no absolute examination for discriminating tumor recurrence from radiation brain necrosis and diagnosis by biopsy may be required. CONCLUSION We experienced a case of symptomatic radiation necrosis of the cerebellum 16 years after treatment. In patients showing new lesion after long periods of time, the possibility of radiation necrosis to be considered.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Clarissa Giebel ◽  
Kerry Hanna ◽  
Manoj Rajagopal ◽  
Aravind Komuravelli ◽  
Jacqueline Cannon ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Sudden public health restrictions can be difficult to comprehend for people with cognitive deficits. However, these are even more important for them to adhere to due to their increased levels of vulnerability, particularly to COVID-19. With a lack of previous evidence, we explored the understanding and changes in adherence to COVID-19 public health restrictions over time in people living with dementia (PLWD). Methods Unpaid carers and PLWD were interviewed over the phone in April 2020, shortly after the nationwide UK lockdown, with a proportion followed up from 24th June to 10th July. Participants were recruited via social care and third sector organisations across the UK, and via social media. Findings A total of 70 interviews (50 baseline, 20 follow-up) were completed with unpaid carers and PLWD. Five themes emerged: Confusion and limited comprehension; Frustration and burden; Putting oneself in danger; Adherence to restrictions in wider society; (Un) changed perceptions. Most carers reported limited to no understanding of the public health measures in PLWD, causing distress and frustration for both the carer and the PLWD. Due to the lack of understanding, some PLWD put themselves in dangerous situations without adhering to the restrictions. PLWD with cognitive capacity who participated understood the measures and adhered to these. Discussion In light of the new second wave of the pandemic, public health measures need to be simpler for PLWD to avoid unwilful non-adherence. Society also needs to be more adaptive to the needs of people with cognitive disabilities more widely, as blanket rules cause distress to the lives of those affected by dementia.


Author(s):  
Yorick Bernardus Cornelis van de Grift ◽  
Nika Heijmans ◽  
Renée van Amerongen

AbstractAn increasing number of ‘-omics’ datasets, generated by labs all across the world, are becoming available. They contain a wealth of data that are largely unexplored. Not every scientist, however, will have access to the required resources and expertise to analyze such data from scratch. Fortunately, a growing number of investigators is dedicating their time and effort to the development of user friendly, online applications that allow researchers to use and investigate these datasets. Here, we will illustrate the usefulness of such an approach. Using regulation of Wnt7b expression as an example, we will highlight a selection of accessible tools and resources that are available to researchers in the area of mammary gland biology. We show how they can be used for in silico analyses of gene regulatory mechanisms, resulting in new hypotheses and providing leads for experimental follow up. We also call out to the mammary gland community to join forces in a coordinated effort to generate and share additional tissue-specific ‘-omics’ datasets and thereby expand the in silico toolbox.


Author(s):  
Gregory Gutin ◽  
Tomohiro Hirano ◽  
Sung-Ha Hwang ◽  
Philip R. Neary ◽  
Alexis Akira Toda

AbstractHow does social distancing affect the reach of an epidemic in social networks? We present Monte Carlo simulation results of a susceptible–infected–removed with social distancing model. The key feature of the model is that individuals are limited in the number of acquaintances that they can interact with, thereby constraining disease transmission to an infectious subnetwork of the original social network. While increased social distancing typically reduces the spread of an infectious disease, the magnitude varies greatly depending on the topology of the network, indicating the need for policies that are network dependent. Our results also reveal the importance of coordinating policies at the ‘global’ level. In particular, the public health benefits from social distancing to a group (e.g. a country) may be completely undone if that group maintains connections with outside groups that are not following suit.


BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. e046450
Author(s):  
Samantha Cruz Rivera ◽  
Richard Stephens ◽  
Rebecca Mercieca-Bebber ◽  
Ameeta Retzer ◽  
Claudia Rutherford ◽  
...  

Objectives(a) To adapt the Standard Protocol Items: Recommendations for Interventional Trials (SPIRIT)-patient-reported outcome (PRO) Extension guidance to a user-friendly format for patient partners and (b) to codesign a web-based tool to support the dissemination and uptake of the SPIRIT-PRO Extension by patient partners.DesignA 1-day patient and public involvement session.ParticipantsSeven patient partners.MethodsA patient partner produced an initial lay summary of the SPIRIT-PRO guideline and a glossary. We held a 1-day PPI session in November 2019 at the University of Birmingham. Five patient partners discussed the draft lay summary, agreed on the final wording, codesigned and agreed the final content for both tools. Two additional patient partners were involved in writing the manuscript. The study compiled with INVOLVE guidelines and was reported according to the Guidance for Reporting Involvement of Patients and the Public 2 checklist.ResultsTwo user-friendly tools were developed to help patients and members of the public be involved in the codesign of clinical trials collecting PROs. The first tool presents a lay version of the SPIRIT-PRO Extension guidance. The second depicts the most relevant points, identified by the patient partners, of the guidance through an interactive flow diagram.ConclusionsThese tools have the potential to support the involvement of patient partners in making informed contributions to the development of PRO aspects of clinical trial protocols, in accordance with the SPIRIT-PRO Extension guidelines. The involvement of patient partners ensured the tools focused on issues most relevant to them.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-14
Author(s):  
Tiffany M. Shader ◽  
Theodore P. Beauchaine

Abstract Growth mixture modeling (GMM) and its variants, which group individuals based on similar longitudinal growth trajectories, are quite popular in developmental and clinical science. However, research addressing the validity of GMM-identified latent subgroupings is limited. This Monte Carlo simulation tests the efficiency of GMM in identifying known subgroups (k = 1–4) across various combinations of distributional characteristics, including skew, kurtosis, sample size, intercept effect size, patterns of growth (none, linear, quadratic, exponential), and proportions of observations within each group. In total, 1,955 combinations of distributional parameters were examined, each with 1,000 replications (1,955,000 simulations). Using standard fit indices, GMM often identified the wrong number of groups. When one group was simulated with varying skew and kurtosis, GMM often identified multiple groups. When two groups were simulated, GMM performed well only when one group had steep growth (whether linear, quadratic, or exponential). When three to four groups were simulated, GMM was effective primarily when intercept effect sizes and sample sizes were large, an uncommon state of affairs in real-world applications. When conditions were less ideal, GMM often underestimated the correct number of groups when the true number was between two and four. Results suggest caution in interpreting GMM results, which sometimes get reified in the literature.


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