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Accuracy of remote, video-based supraventricular tachycardia detection in patients undergoing elective electrical cardioversion:a prospective cohort
No full textUnobtrusive pulse rate monitoring by continuous video recording, based on remote photoplethysmography (rPPG), might enable early detection of perioperative arrhythmias in general ward patients. However, the accuracy of an rPPG-based machine learning model to monitor the pulse rate during sinus rhythm and arrhythmias is unknown. We conducted a prospective, observational diagnostic study in a cohort with a high prevalence of arrhythmias (patients undergoing elective electrical cardioversion). Pulse rate was assessed with rPPG via a visible light camera and ECG as reference, before and after cardioversion. A cardiologist categorized ECGs into normal sinus rhythm or arrhythmias requiring further investigation. A supervised machine learning model (support vector machine with Gaussian kernel) was trained using rPPG signal features from 60-s intervals and validated via leave-one-subject-out. Pulse rate measurement performance was evaluated with Bland-Altman analysis. Of 72 patients screened, 51 patients were included in the analyses, including 444 60-s intervals with normal sinus rhythm and 1130 60-s intervals of clinically relevant arrhythmias. The model showed robust discrimination (AUC 0.95 [0.93-0.96]) and good calibration. For pulse rate measurement, the bias and limits of agreement for sinus rhythm were 1.21 [- 8.60 to 11.02], while for arrhythmia, they were - 7.45 [- 35.75 to 20.86]. The machine learning model accurately identified sinus rhythm and arrhythmias using rPPG in real-world conditions. Heart rate underestimation during arrhythmias highlights the need for optimization
Ring Augmentation of the Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass:A Propensity Score Matched Analysis of 5-Year Follow-Up Results
No full textBackground: The ring-augmented Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (raRYGB) has been reported to result in higher long-term weight loss compared to regular Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). However, the type of ring used varied within studies, leading to heterogeneity in reported results. Therefore, this study compares the 5-year results of RYGB with and without ring augmentation using a specific prefabricated gastric ring. Methods: All consecutive patients from a single center who received primary raRYGB between June 1, 2016, and May 31, 2018, with complete 5-year follow-up data were included and compared to a propensity score matched cohort receiving RYGB in the same period from the Dutch Audit for Treatment of Obesity. To ensure fair effect estimation of placing a ring, only RYGB procedures with alimentary and biliopancreatic limb lengths similar to those of the raRYGB were considered eligible. The primary outcome was percentage total weight loss (%TWL). Secondary outcomes included recurrent weight gain (RWG), obesity complication improvement, and complications. Results: In total, 592 matched patients were analyzed. raRYGB was associated with higher %TWL at 5 years (31.5% versus 28.0%, β = 3.59, 95% CI [2.09–5.09], p < 0.01) and lower odds on RWG (odds ratio = 0.56, 95% CI [0.38–0.83], p < 0.01). Improvement of obesity complications and short-term complication rates were comparable in both groups. After 5 years, 13 patients (4%) had experienced ring-related complications needing reoperation. Conclusions: At 5 years, raRYGB was associated with higher %TWL and lower odds on RWG. The occurrence of ring-related complications was limited.</p
Supervised prehabilitation in patients scheduled for spinal surgery - a scoping review
No full textBackground contextPrehabilitation before spinal surgery may enhance patients' ability to withstand physical and mental stress during the perioperative period. It has the potential to reduce complications, accelerate recovery, and deliver sustainable, patient-relevant improvements. However, high-quality evidence remains limited, and it is unclear which prehabilitation concepts, training protocols, and outcomes are most effective for different patient groups.PurposeTo evaluate the current state of research on preoperative interventions before spinal surgery, including the representation of subgroups, types of surgical procedures, and prehabilitation concepts. Additionally, it examines the outcomes analyzed and the methodologies employed in existing studies.Study designScoping review based on a systematic literature search.MethodsA comprehensive database search in MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE (Ovid), CINAHL (EBSCO), Cochrane Library, Physiotherapy Evidence Database, Web of Science and Scopus was conducted. Exercise- and/or education-based prehabilitation concepts were identified, and findings were clustered and summarized according to PRISMA reporting standards.ResultsThirty-six reports from 23 studies (50% RCTs), evaluating prehabilitation programs in terms of feasibility, experiences, and effects on physical performance, self-reported function, pain, psychological outcomes and health-economic factors were included. These studies encompassed 2,964 participants scheduled for spinal surgery and reported a wide range of preoperative interventions, settings, and adherence rates. Prehabilitation focused primarily on education (87%) and exercise (35%), either independently or in combination. Most authors have concluded that preoperative interventions benefit patients awaiting spinal surgery, particularly by improving self-reported function, disability, and pain in both the short and long term. However, the findings also highlight the variability in outcomes, strengths, limitations, and recommendations across studies. Notably, 76% of the authors advocated for preoperative preparation, emphasizing the importance of structured, personalized programs and the need for further large-scale clinical trials.ConclusionBased on the current evidence, preparation for spinal surgery is recommended, provided that it is individualized, multimodal, and interdisciplinary, and addresses patients' specific impairments, resources, and expectations. Future research should focus on identifying subgroups defined by biopsychosocial risk factors that may influence short- and long-term perioperative outcomes
Prevalence of Parkinson's Disease in 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome:A Multicenter Study
No full textBackground: 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) has been associated with increased risk of early-onset Parkinson's disease (PD). Objective: To determine the prevalence and predictors of PD in a large international 22q11.2DS sample. Methods: The sample comprised 856 adults (median age 28 (range 16–76) years; 53.0% female). PD was defined as clinical diagnosis by a neurologist (including bradykinesia, rest tremor and/or rigidity). Age-specific risk and predictors of PD were analyzed using Kaplan–Meier curve and Cox regression. Results: PD was present in 1.8% (95% CI: 0.9–2.6%) of the sample, 3.4% (95% CI: 2.2–4.6%) when including uncertain PD (clinical diagnosis or suspicion, but not meeting all criteria), and 14.0% (95% CI: 6.9–21.0%) of those aged =50 years. Median age at motor onset was 45 (range 20–66) years. None of the factors considered were associated with PD. Conclusions: Given high PD prevalence and young onset, we propose periodic motor evaluations from age 40 years in 22q11.2DS
Diagnosis and treatment of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans. European interdisciplinary guideline – update 2024
No full textDermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a cutaneous fibroblastic tumour that is locally aggressive, with a tendency for local recurrence, but rarely metastasizes. A collaboration of multi-disciplinary experts from the European Association of Dermato-Oncology (EADO), the European Dermatology Forum (EDF), the European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS) and the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) was formed to update recommendations on DFSP diagnosis and treatment, based on current literature reviews and the experts' consensus. Diagnosis is suspected clinically and confirmed by pathology report, which should specify whether a transformation in higher-grade fibrosarcoma occurred. Detection of specific chromosomal translocations and/or fusion gene transcripts is useful to confirm diagnosis. Treatment is mainly surgical, intending to achieve complete resection of the tumour. To reduce the recurrence rate, the treatment of choice in DFSP is micrographically controlled surgery. Standard excision with a lateral safety margin of 2–3 cm is an acceptable alternative where only standard histopathological procedures are available. Imatinib is approved in Europe for treating inoperable primary tumours, locally inoperable recurrent disease, and metastatic DFSP. Use of imatinib has also been reported in extensive, difficult-to-operate tumours for preoperative reduction of tumour size, but clinical trials or large register data are required to confirm the usefulness of this approach. Therapeutic decisions for patients with fibrosarcomatous DFSP should be primarily made by an interdisciplinary oncology team ('tumour board')
Enhancing Acanthamoeba diagnostics:rapid detection of viable Acanthamoeba trophozoites and cysts using viability PCR assay
No full textAcanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is a sight-threatening corneal infection that is challenging to diagnose and treat due to the resistance of Acanthamoeba to standard antimicrobial agents. Current detection methods have limitations. This study aimed to develop and validate a sensitive viability PCR (v-PCR) assay using a photoreactive dye to distinguish viable from non-viable Acanthamoeba for rapid identification of viable Acanthamoeba trophozoites and cysts. Propidium monoazide (PMAxx) was used as a photoreactive dye. Mixtures containing decreasing percentages of viable Acanthamoeba, including reference strains Acanthamoeba polyphaga trophozoites and cysts, Acanthamoeba castellanii trophozoites, and Acanthamoeba castellanii trophozoites from a clinical sample, were prepared. Disinfectant efficacy against Acanthamoeba was also assessed. Samples were divided into PMAxx-treated and non-PMAxx-treated parts, and v-PCR assay was applied to both. The difference in viable Acanthamoeba was determined by subtracting the cycle threshold (Ct) value of the PMAxx-treated sample from the non-PMAxx-treated sample. Mixtures with decreasing concentrations of viable Acanthamoeba trophozoites and cysts showed increasingly lower delta Ct values as the percentage of viable Acanthamoeba decreased, as expected. This relationship was observed across all tested samples. Menicon Progent effectively eliminated A. polyphaga trophozoites and cysts, while propamidine, chlorhexidine, or their combination resulted in approximately 2-log reductions in A. polyphaga trophozoites and cysts. In the current study, a rapid v-PCR assay was developed that can distinguish between viable and non-viable Acanthamoeba, for both trophozoites and cysts, across multiple species. The presence of viable Acanthamoeba, as determined by v-PCR, allows monitoring of treatment response and efficacy in AK.</p
Multinational cohort study of intracranial hemorrhage in patients with brain metastases receiving anticoagulation
No full textEnvironment Descriptions for Usability and Generalisation in Reinforcement Learning
No full textThe majority of current reinforcement learning (RL) research involves training and deploying agents in environments that are implemented by engineers in general-purpose programming languages and more advanced frameworks such as CUDA or JAX. This makes the application of RL to novel problems of interest inaccessible to small organisations or private individuals with insufficient engineering expertise. This position paper argues that, to enable more widespread adoption of RL, it is important for the research community to shift focus towards methodologies where environments are described in user-friendly domain-specific or natural languages. Aside from improving the usability of RL, such language-based environment descriptions may also provide valuable context and boost the ability of trained agents to generalise to unseen environments within the set of all environments that can be described in any language of choice.</p
Is Health Status in Patients With Chronic Disorders of the Gastrointestinal System Disease-Specific? Results From an Integral Approach
No full textBackground: In patients with chronic disorders of the gastrointestinal (GI) system, integral health is disturbed in all dimensions: physical, mental, quality of life, participation, meaningfulness, and daily functioning. In this group, three large subgroups are distinguished: Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD), Hepato-Pancreatico-Biliary diseases (HPB), and NeuroGastroenterology and Motility (NGM) disorders. Our aim was to compare integral health status between these three subgroups. For the NGM group, we focused on patients with documented motility disorders, not on patients with functional GI-disorders. We hypothesized that the NGM group will have lower scores for integral health status compared to the IBD and HPB groups. Methods: A prospective, observational, questionnaire study was performed in patients with chronic GI-system disorders (IBD, HPB, and NGM) attending the Maastricht University Medical Center outpatient department. Validated questionnaires and patient file data were used to quantify six health dimensions. Key Results: Data from 416 patients were collected. In all domains, apart from meaningfulness, the NGM group (n = 93) had significantly (0.001 ≤ p ≤ 0.033) lower scores compared to the IBD (n = 174) and HPB (n = 149) groups. From the NGM group, 66% were malnourished, had symptoms of depression (36%) and anxiety (19%), and work participation was lowest (32%). Correlations between intra- and interdimensional parameters were moderate to strong apart from meaningfulness. Conclusions & Inferences: Compared to patients with chronic IBD and HPB disorders, patients with NGM disorders have significantly lower scores in five of six dimensions of health: physical and mental well-being, quality of life, daily functioning, and participation.</p
Correction: Ring Augmentation of the Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: A Propensity Score Matched Analysis of 5-Year Follow-Up Results
No full textFor author Perla J. Marang-van de Mheen, the name tagging in the XML is incorrect. The author given name should be “Perla J.”, and the author family name should be “Marang-van de Mheen”.</p