OPEN FAU Online-Publikationssystem der Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg
Not a member yet
23478 research outputs found
Sort by
Initial needle tracking with the first standalone combined infrared camera – CT system for brachytherapy—analysis of tracking accuracy and uncertainties
Get PDFPurpose A prototype infrared camera – cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) system for tracking in brachytherapy has recently been developed. We evaluated for the first time the corresponding tracking accuracy and uncertainties, and implemented a tracking-based prediction of needles on CBCT scans. Methods A marker tool rigidly attached to needles was 3D printed. The precision and accuracy of tool tracking was then evaluated for both static and dynamic scenarios. Euclidean distances between the tracked and CBCT-derived markers were assessed as well. To implement needle tracking, ground truth models of the tool attached to 200 mm and 160 mm needles were matched to the tracked positions in order to project the needles into CBCT scans. Deviations between projected and actual needle tips were measured. Finally, we put our results into perspective with simulations of the system’s tracking uncertainties. Results For the stationary scenario and dynamic movements, we achieved tool-tracking precision and accuracy of 0.04 ± 0.06 mm and 0.16 ± 0.18 mm, respectively. The tracked marker positions differed by 0.52 ± 0.18 mm from the positions determined via CBCT. In addition, the predicted needle tips in air deviated from the actual tip positions by only 1.62 ± 0.68 mm (200 mm needle) and 1.49 ± 0.62 mm (160 mm needle). The simulated tracking uncertainties resulted in tip variations of 1.58 ± 0.91 mm and 1.31 ± 0.69 mm for the 200 mm and 160 mm needles, respectively. Conclusion With the innovative system it was possible to achieve a high tracking and prediction accuracy of marker tool and needles. The system shows high potential for applicator tracking in brachytherapy.Open Access funding enabled and organized by Projekt DEAL.Universitätsklinikum Erlangen (8546
Data-driven modelling of hydraulic-head time series: results and lessons learned from the 2022 Groundwater Time Series Modelling Challenge
Get PDFThis paper presents the results of the 2022 Groundwater Time Series Modelling Challenge, where 15 teams from different institutes applied various data-driven models to simulate hydraulic-head time series at four monitoring wells. Three of the wells were located in Europe and one was located in the USA in different hydrogeological settings in temperate, continental, or subarctic climates. Participants were provided with approximately 15 years of measured heads at (almost) regular time intervals and daily measurements of weather data starting some 10 years prior to the first head measurements and extending around 5 years after the last head measurement. The participants were asked to simulate the measured heads (the calibration period), to provide a prediction for around 5 years after the last measurement (the validation period for which weather data were provided but not head measurements), and to include an uncertainty estimate. Three different groups of models were identified among the submissions: lumped-parameter models (three teams), machine learning models (four teams), and deep learning models (eight teams). Lumped-parameter models apply relatively simple response functions with few parameters, while the artificial intelligence models used models of varying complexity, generally with more parameters and more input, including input engineered from the provided data (e.g. multi-day averages). The models were evaluated on their performance in simulating the heads in the calibration period and in predicting the heads in the validation period. Different metrics were used to assess performance, including metrics for average relative fit, average absolute fit, fit of extreme (high or low) heads, and the coverage of the uncertainty interval. For all wells, reasonable performance was obtained by at least one team from each of the three groups. However, the performance was not consistent across submissions within each group, which implies that the application of each method to individual sites requires significant effort and experience. In particular, estimates of the uncertainty interval varied widely between teams, although some teams submitted confidence intervals rather than prediction intervals. There was not one team, let alone one method, that performed best for all wells and all performance metrics. Four of the main takeaways from the model comparison are as follows: (1) lumped-parameter models generally performed as well as artificial intelligence models, which means they capture the fundamental behaviour of the system with only a few parameters. (2) Artificial intelligence models were able to simulate extremes beyond the observed conditions, which is contrary to some persistent beliefs about these methods. (3) No overfitting was observed in any of the models, including in the models with many parameters, as performance in the validation period was generally only a bit lower than in the calibration period, which is evidence of appropriate application of the different models. (4) The presented simulations are the combined results of the applied method and the choices made by the modeller(s), which was especially visible in the performance range of the deep learning methods; underperformance does not necessarily reflect deficiencies of any of the models. In conclusion, the challenge was a successful initiative to compare different models and learn from each other. Future challenges are needed to investigate, for example, the performance of models in more variable climatic settings to simulate head series with significant gaps or to estimate the effect of drought periods.Horizon 2020Canada First Research Excellence Fun
Correction to: Peripheral signaling pathways contributing to non-histaminergic itch in humans
Get PDFPsychological stress of general practitioners in the care of patients with palliative care needs: an exploratory study
Get PDFBackground In Germany, general practitioners play a pivotal role in palliative care provision. Caring for patients with palliative care needs can be a burden for general practitioners, highlighting the importance of self-care and mental health support. This study aimed to explore the role of palliative care in general practitioners’ daily work, the stressors they experience, their coping mechanisms, and the potential benefits of Advance Care Planning in this context. Methods An exploratory approach was employed, combining a short quantitative survey with qualitative interviews. The analysis was based on a structuring qualitative content analysis, following a deductive-inductive procedure and integrating the Stress-Strain Model and Lazarus’ Transactional Model of Stress and Coping. We recruited eleven general practitioners to take part in the study. Results General practitioners viewed palliative care as integral to their practice but faced challenges such as time constraints and perceived expertise gaps. Societal taboos often hindered conversations on the topic of death. Most general practitioners waited for their patients to initiate the topic. Some general practitioners viewed aspects of palliative care as potentially distressing. They used problem-focused (avoiding negative stressors, structuring their daily schedules) and emotion-focused (discussions with colleagues) coping strategies. Still, general practitioners indicated a desire for specific psychological support options. Advance Care Planning, though relatively unfamiliar, was acknowledged as valuable for end-of-life conversations. Conclusions Palliative care can be associated with negative psychological stress for general practitioners, often coming from external factors. Despite individual coping strategies in place, it is advisable to explore concepts for professional psychological relief. Trial registration Not registered.Open Access funding enabled and organized by Projekt DEAL.Universitätsklinikum Erlangen (8546
Assessing supraglacial lake depth using ICESat-2, Sentinel-2, TanDEM-X, and in situ sonar measurements over Northeast and Southwest Greenland
Get PDFSupraglacial lake development in Greenland consists of intricate hydrological processes, contributing not only to surface mass loss but also to a lowering of the surface albedo and changes in ice dynamics. While the estimation of lake area has recently improved, the determination of the lake volume is essential to properly estimate the amount of water contained in and lost from supraglacial lakes throughout the melt seasons. In this study, four supraglacial lake depth estimation methods, including two new empirical approaches, are presented and compared. The empirical methods were developed to relate Sentinel-2 reflectance values to supraglacial lake depth obtained from (1) ICESat-2 (Ice, Cloud and land Elevation Satellite 2) crossings over 19 lakes in Northeast and Southwest Greenland and (2) in situ sonar tracks from four lakes on Zachariae Isstrom (Zachariæ Isstrøm) in Northeast Greenland. The depths from both equations were independently correlated to their corresponding Sentinel-2 reflectance values to create empirical relations. The third method is a standardly used radiative transfer model also based on Sentinel-2 data. Finally, the depths for five lakes in Northeast Greenland were derived from TanDEM-X (TerraSAR-X add-on for Digital Elevation Measurement) digital elevation models after lake drainage. All four methods were applied to the five lakes for which digital elevation models were procured, allowing for a direct comparison of the methods. In general, the sonar-based empirical equation aligned best with the estimates from the digital elevation model until its saturation point of 8.6 m. Through the evaluation of the ICESat-2-based equation, a strong influence of lake bed sediment on depth estimation could be seen. The ICESat-2 empirically derived depth equation produced slightly deeper depths than the sonar-based equation. The radiative transfer model more strongly overestimated nearly all depths below its saturation point of 16.3 m, when compared to the digital elevation model results. This large overestimation can be primarily attributed to the sensitivity of this method's parameters. Furthermore, all methods, with the exception of the digital elevation model, were applied to an area in Northeast Greenland on the peak melt dates for the years 2016–2022 to explore lake volume interannual variability. Finally, a closer examination of the uncertainties for each method provides insight into associated errors and limitations when considering which method to use for supraglacial lake depth estimation. Overall, empirically derived equations are shown to be capable of simplifying supraglacial lake depth calculations while also retaining sufficient accuracy under low-sediment, floating-ice-free, and atmospherically clear conditions.Bundesministerium für Bildung und ForschungBayerische Staatsministerium für Wirtschaft, Landesentwicklung und Energi
Die Rolle von Bassoon in dopaminergen Neuronen bei den konditionierten Verstärkereffekten von Alkohol am Mausmodell
Get PDFObjectives: Alcohol dependence is a chronic disease that is prevalent worldwide. It develops through individual genetic predisposition, exposition, and the influence of environmental fac-tors. The treatment is difficult, especially due to frequent relapses. Bassoon, a protein found in presynapses, could offer a new approach in the treatment of alcohol dependence. Together with a few other proteins, it regulates the release cycle of neurotransmitters and is thus an important part of the signal transmission between neurons of various kinds.
Design and Methods: In order to investigate the role of Bassoon in the brain's reward system regarding the development of alcohol dependence in animals, the protein was selectively knocked out in dopaminergic neurons in mice. The animals were then conditioned to specific environments by means of conditioned place preference under the influence of alcohol. All collected data were analysed in regard to sex and genotype for the underlying learning mecha-nisms of the conditioning.
Observations and Results: It was shown that a conditioned place preference could be estab-lished in all animals. There were no differences between the sexes and genotypes. However, a difference was found when examining the influence of proximal stimuli as a sub-parameter of the conditioning. In the Bassoon mutant males, in comparison to all other groups, proximal stimuli could not be shown to be the decisive learning process for the establishment of the place preference. A clear reduction in the incentive value of proximal stimuli was shown, and thus a not unessential function of Bassoon in short-term memory, which processes the stimuli during the conditioning.
Conclusions: A significant role of Bassoon in the conditioned reinforcing effects of alcohol cannot be assumed in the context of this work. However, due to the limited scope of the exper-iment, more intensive investigations with extended parameters are recommended. The obser-vation that Bassoon-mutated males show a shift in learning mechanisms could also serve as an approach for the development of a potential pharmacological relapse prophylaxis in alcohol dependence and thus as a basis for further research projects.Hintergrund und Ziele: Alkoholabhängigkeit ist eine weltweit verbreitete chronische Erkran-kung. Sie entsteht durch individuelle genetische Veranlagung, Exposition und die Einwirkung von Umwelteinflüssen. Die Therapie ist vor allem durch häufige Rückfälle schwierig. Bassoon, ein in Präsynapsen vorkommendes Protein, könnte einen neuen Ansatzpunkt in der Behandlung von Alkoholabhängigkeit bieten. Es reguliert mit wenigen anderen Proteinen zusammen den Freisetzungszyklus von Neurotransmittern und ist damit ein wichtiger Teil bei der Signalüber-tragung zwischen Neuronen verschiedenster Art.
Methoden: Um die Rolle von Bassoon im Belohnungssystem des Gehirns bei der Entstehung von Alkoholabhängigkeit am Tiermodell zu untersuchen, wurde in dieser Arbeit Mäusen das Protein selektiv in dopaminergen Neuronen ausgeschaltet. Die Tiere wurden anschließend mit-tels konditionierter Platzpräferenz unter Alkoholeinfluss auf bestimmte Umgebungen konditi-oniert und die erhobenen Daten geschlechts- und genotypspezifisch auf die zugrundeliegenden Lernmechanismen der Konditionierung analysiert.
Ergebnisse und Beobachtungen: Bei allen Tieren konnte eine konditionierte Platzpräferenz etabliert werden. Es ergaben sich keine Unterschiede zwischen den Geschlechtern und Geno-typen. Ein Unterschied ergab sich jedoch bei Untersuchung des Einflusses proximaler Reize als Unterparameter der Konditionierung. Bei den Bassoon-mutierten Männchen konnten, im Ver-gleich zu allen anderen Gruppen, die proximalen Reize nicht als ausschlaggebender Lernpro-zess für die Etablierung der Platzpräferenz nachgewiesen werden. Es zeigte sich eine deutliche Minderung des Anreizwertes von proximalen Reizen und damit eine nicht unwesentliche Funk-tion Bassoons im Kurzzeitgedächtnis, welches die Stimuli im Laufe des Konditionierungspro-zesses verarbeitet.
Schlussfolgerungen: Von einer wesentlichen Rolle Bassoons bei den konditionierten Verstär-kereffekten von Alkohol ist im Rahmen dieser Arbeit nicht auszugehen. Aufgrund des limitier-ten Umfangs des Experiments sind jedoch intensivierte Untersuchungen mit erweiterten Para-metern zu empfehlen. Die Beobachtung, dass Bassoon-mutierte Männchen eine Verschiebung der Lernmechanismen aufweisen, könnte zudem als Ansatz für die Entwicklung einer potenzi-ellen pharmakologischen Rückfallprophylaxe bei Alkoholabhängigkeit und entsprechend als Grundlage für weitere Forschungsprojekte dienen
Radiosensitivity in individuals with tuberous sclerosis complex
Get PDFBenign tumors, but rarely cancer, are common in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). Blood samples from patients undergoing treatment for TSC at our institution were analyzed for their individual sensitivity to ionizing radiation. Blood samples were collected from 13 adult patients with TSC. The samples were irradiated ex vivo and analyzed by 3-color fluorescence in situ hybridization. In each patient, aberrations were analyzed in 200 metaphases of chromosomes 1, 2, and 4 and scored as breaks. Radiosensitivity was determined by mean breaks per metaphase (B/M) and compared to both healthy donors and oncologic patients. The radiosensitivity (B/M) of the TSC patient cohort (n = 13; female: 46.2%, B/M: 0.48 ± 0.11) was clearly increased compared to healthy individuals of similar age (n = 90; female: 54.4%; B/M: 0.40 ± 0.09; p = 0.001). There was no difference compared to age-matched oncological patients (n = 78; female: 67.9%; B/M 0.49 ± 0.14; p = 0.246). Similarly, the proportion of radiosensitive (B/M > 0.5) and distinctly radiosensitive individuals (B/M > 0.6) was increased in the TSC and oncological patient cohorts (TSC: 30.8% and 7.7%, oncological patients: 46.2% and 14.1%) compared to the healthy individuals (11.1% and 2.2%). Although patients with TSC develop mostly benign and rarely malignant tumors, they are similarly sensitive to radiation as patients with malignant tumors.Open Access funding enabled and organized by Projekt DEAL.Universitätsklinikum Erlangen (8546
Enhancing alginate dialdehyde-gelatin (ADA-GEL) based hydrogels for biofabrication by addition of phytotherapeutics and mesoporous bioactive glass nanoparticles (MBGNs)
Get PDFThis study explores the 3D printing of alginate dialdehyde-gelatin (ADA-GEL) inks incorporating phytotherapeutic agents, such as ferulic acid (FA), and silicate mesoporous bioactive glass nanoparticles (MBGNs) at two different concentrations. 3D scaffolds with bioactive properties suitable for bone tissue engineering (TE) were obtained. The degradation and swelling behaviour of films and 3D printed scaffolds indicated an accelerated trend with increasing MBGN content, while FA appeared to stabilize the samples. Determination of the degree of crosslinking validated the increased stability of hydrogels due to the addition of FA and 0.1% (w/v) MBGNs. The incorporation of MBGNs not only improved the effective moduli and conferred bioactive properties through the formation of hydroxyapatite (HAp) on the surface of ADA-GEL-based samples but also enhanced VEGF-A expression of MC3T3-E1 cells. The beneficial impact of FA and low concentrations of MBGNs in ADA-GEL-based inks for 3D (bio)printing applications was corroborated through various printing experiments, resulting in higher printing resolution, as also confirmed by rheological measurements. Cytocompatibility investigations revealed enhanced MC3T3-E1 cell activity and viability. Furthermore, the presence of mineral phases, as confirmed by an in vitro biomineralization assay, and increased ALP activity after 21 days, attributed to the addition of FA and MBGNs, were demonstrated. Considering the acquired structural and biological properties, along with efficient drug delivery capability, enhanced biological activity, and improved 3D printability, the newly developed inks exhibit promising potential for biofabrication and bone TE.University of Erlangen-Nurember
Ultrahochfeld Magnetresonanztomographie des vorderen Kreuzbandes sowie Beurteilung des Gelenkknorpels mittels T2/T2* Mapping nach InternalBrace™ Stabilisierung und kurzfristige postoperative klinische Ergebnisse
Get PDFZiel dieser Studie ist die Bewertung morphologischer und quantitativer Veränderungen des vorderen Kreuzbandes (VKB) mittels ultrahochfeld Magnetresonanztomographie nach operativer Versorgung von Rupturen des VKB. Die Beurteilung des Gelenkknorpels durch biochemisches T2- und T2* Mapping wurde bereits in mehreren Studien unter sucht. Dagegen gibt es kaum Daten zur postoperativen Evaluation des VKB mittels quantitativer Verfahren.
Rekonstruktionen mit autologen Sehnentransplantaten gelten als weltweiter Standard in der operativen Therapie von Kreuzbandrupturen. Eine neuere operative Methode ist die in dieser Studie untersuchte InternalBrace™-Technik (Arthrex, Naples, FL USA) (IB) zum Erhalt des natürlichen Kreuzbandes. Die Beurteilung des Gelenkknorpels mittels biochemischen T2 - und T2*-Mapping wurde bereits in vielen Studien durchgeführt. Mit diesem nicht-invasiven Verfahren lassen sich Knorpelläsionen nicht nur frühzeitig erkennen, sondern sind auch durch Angabe von Relaxations zeiten quantifizierbar. Dagegen gibt es kaum Daten über die postoperative Evaluation von Kreuz bändern mithilfe dieser biochemischen bildgebenden Verfahren. Ziel der Studie war es daher fest zustellen, ob Unterschiede im funktionellen Ergebnis und in der biochemischen Zusammensetzung des vorderen Kreuzbandes nach erfolgter Refixation im Vergleich zu nativen Kreuzbändern beste hen. Mithilfe von quantitativen und morphologischen Sequenzen wurde das Gewebe des vorderen Kreuzbandes und des Knorpels 18,3±6,5 Monate postoperativ untersucht.
34 Patienten, die zwischen 2017 und 2019 am Uniklinikum Erlangen mittels InternalBrace™ Tech nik zur Stabilisierung des vorderen Kreuzbandes operiert wurden, und 13 Probanden einer gesun den Kontrollgruppe, wurden mittels 7 Tesla MRT Scanner (MAGNETOM Terra, Siemens Healthin eers) bzgl. des VKB und des Gelenkknorpels untersucht. Es folgte eine Analyse von definierten ROI („region of interests“) innerhalb des vorderen Kreuzbandes sowie des Gelenkknorpels. Die Analyse erfolgte mithilfe des Programms „Syngoclient“ (Siemens, Erlangen, Germany). Zur Beur teilung des vorderen Kreuzbandes wurde die fettunterdrückende Proton Density Turbo-Spin-Echo T2-Sequenz in einer parasagittalen Ebene verwendet. Die ROI wurde in einem kranialen und ei nem kaudalen Bereich des vorderen Kreuzbandes definiert.
Zur Beurteilung des Knorpels wurden die T2* Relaxationszeiten in einer sagittalen Ebene in einer Gradienten-Echo T2*-Sequenz ausgewertet. Die ROIs wurden innerhalb von drei Schichten (late ral, zentral, medial) jeweils für den anterioren, zentralen sowie posterioren tibialen und femoralen Knorpel definiert. Zusätzlich wurden die ROIs in einer T2 Sequenz in einer coronaren Ebene aus gewertet. Hier wurden die ROIs in drei verschiedenen Ebenen (anterior, zentral, posterior), jeweils medial und lateral für den tibialen und femoralen Gelenkknorpel definiert.
In der Protonen-gewichteten Sequenz zeigte sich für die operierten Gruppe eine normale Signalintensität bei 96.8 %. Signifikant verdickte Kreuzbänder traten bei 76.5 % in der IB Gruppe auf. In nerhalb dieser wurde eine durchschnittliche Breite von 1,04±0,23 cm gemessen. Die nativen Kreuzbänder wiesen eine durchschnittliche Breite von 0,87±0,15 cm auf. Damit waren die Kreuzbänder in der IB Gruppe signifikant größer (p=0.03). Eine partielle Auffaserung des VKB wiesen 22.6 % der Patienten auf. Diese Erkenntnis zeigte keine Auswirkung auf das klinische Ergebnis bzw. der Patientenzufriedenheit. Die Auswertung der T2 Werte bzgl. der Kreuzbänder zeigte keinen signifikanten Unterschied (proximal: p=0.74, distal: p=0.80) beim Vergleich der IB Gruppe (proximal: 29.09±25.73ms, distal: 29.79±32,75ms) mit der gesunden Kontrollgruppe (proximal: 30.83±10.74ms, distal: 31.47±10.79ms). Hinsichtlich des Gelenkknorpels wurden in der operierten Gruppe deutlich niedrigere T2 Werte, je doch höhere T2* Werte beobachtet. Die T2* Werte waren allesamt signifikant höher, außer für die lateral gelegene femorale posteriore Region. Die klinische Untersuchung des Kniegelenks (International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) Score) ergab keinen signifikanten Unterschied der operierten Seite im Vergleich zur gesunden Seite der Patienten. Der Lachmann Test, isoliert betrachtet, zeigte jedoch auf der gesunden Seite eine statistisch signifikant geringere Translation im Vergleich zur operierten Seite. Beim subjektiven IKDC Bogen belief sich das durchschnittliche Ergebnis auf 80,23±16,84 Punkte. In der Kontrollgruppe erreichten die Probanden einen signifikant höheren Score von durchschnittlich 96,68 ± 3,79 (p=0.002). Der Lysholm-Score wurde nur innerhalb der operierten Gruppe durch geführt, die einen durchschnittlichen Score von 87,75±14,63 erreichten.
Die Ergebnisse legen bzgl. der bildgebenden biochemischen Auswertung gute Heilungstendenzen des vorderen Kreuzbandes nahe. Die T2 Mapping Ergebnisse zeigen, dass die Kreuzbänder in der operierten Gruppe nach 1,5 Jahren die gleichen biochemischen Zusammensetzungen wie die der gesunden Gruppe aufweisen. Nach IB Operation kann eine partielle Auffaserung und eine Verdickung der VKBs festgestellt werden, ohne dass dies einen Einfluss auf das klinische Ergebnis oder die Patientenzufriedenheit hat. Frühe degenerative Veränderungen in der biochemischen Zusammensetzung des Knorpels sind bereits durch die T2* Werte nachweisbar. Die klinische Untersuchung zeigt zu diesem Nachbeobachtungszeitpunkt, vor allem hinsichtlich des Lachmann Tests, noch Defizite auf. Die vorliegende Untersuchung ist die erste Studie, die die postoperative Gewebestruktur vorderer Kreuzbänder nach einer IB Stabilisierung mittels biochemischen T2 Mapping mittels 7 Tesla MRT untersuchte. Weitere Studien mit einer größeren Anzahl an Teilnehmenden und einem längeren Nachbeobachtungszeitraum sind notwendig um die Ergebnisse zu untermauern. Das langfristige Ziel bleibt das bestmögliche klinische Ergebnis zu erreichen und damit eine möglichst langfristig gute Funktion des Kniegelenks. (Teil-) Ergebnisse der vorliegenden Arbeit wurden veröffentlicht in: European Radiology
Patient perspectives on the use of digital medical devices and health data for AI-driven personalised medicine in Parkinson’s Disease
Get PDFIntroduction Parkinson’s Disease (PD) affects around 8.5 million people currently with numbers expected to rise to 12 million by 2040. PD is characterized by fluctuating motor and non-motor symptoms demanding accurate monitoring. Recent advancements in digital medical devices (DMDs) like wearables and AI offer promise in addressing these needs. However, the successful implementation of DMDs in healthcare relies on patients’ willingness to adopt and engage with these digital tools. Methods To understand patient perspectives in individuals with PD, a cross-sectional study was conducted as part of the EU-wide DIGIPD project across France, Spain, and Germany. Multidisciplinary teams including neurodegenerative clinics and patient organizations conducted surveys focusing on (i) sociodemographic information, (ii) use of DMDs (iii) acceptance of using health data (iv) preferences for the DMDs use. We used descriptive statistics to understand the use of DMDs and patient preferences and logistic regression models to identify predictors of willingness to use DMDs and to share health data through DMDs. Results In total 333 individuals with PD participated in the study. Findings revealed a high willingness to use DMDs (90.3%) and share personal health data (97.4%,) however this differed across sociodemographic groups and was more notable among older age groups (under 65 = 17.9% vs. over 75 = 39.29%, p = 0.001) and those with higher education levels less willing to accept such use of data (university level = 78.6% vs. 21.43% with secondary level, p = 0.025). Providing instruction on the use of DMDs and receiving feedback on the results of the data collection significantly increased the willingness to use DMDs (OR = 3.57, 95% CI = 1.44–8.89) and (OR = 3.77, 95% CI = 1.01–14.12), respectively. Conclusion The study emphasizes the importance of considering patient perspectives for the effective deployment of digital technologies, especially for older and more advanced disease-stage patients who stand to benefit the most