The impact of teaching experimental research on-line: Research-informed teaching and COVID-19

IntroductionAs part of the BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography programme students learn and undertake research relevant to their development as first post radiographers (dose optimisation and image quality) within the Research-Informed Teaching experience (RiTe). Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the delivery of RiTe to our year 2 students was moved to an online format using Microsoft Teams and Blackboard Collaborate and focused on a key area of current practice - COVID-19 and chest X-ray imaging. Within RiTe students are placed into collaborative enquiry-based learning (CEBL) groups to share tasks, but to also support and learn from one another.MethodsAn online survey was used to explore the year 2 student cohort task value and self-efficacy of this online version of RiTe.ResultsA 73% (32/44) response rate was achieved. Students found the online version of RiTe to be a positive learning and development experience. There was strong agreement that they not only found it relevant to their area of practice (task-value), but also strongly agreed that they understood and could master the skills taught (self-efficacy).ConclusionThis online version of RiTe was effectively structured to help scaffold student learning and development of research data analysis skills despite the lack of face-to-face teaching. The students also valued the topic area (COVID-19 and chest X-ray imaging). A blended learning approach with RiTe will be used next year with a combination of collaborative online teaching and physical data collection and analysis in the university-based X-ray imaging laboratory. Further evaluation and data collection will also be undertaken.Implications for practiceUniversity-based empirical work in groups to learn about research can be replaced by an online mechanism whilst still maintaining task-value and acceptable self-efficacy.     

A comparison of treatment planning techniques for low-dose-rate (LDR) prostate brachytherapy

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to compare low-dose-rate prostate brachytherapy treatment plans created using three retrospectively applied planning techniques with plans delivered to patients.Methods and MaterialsTreatment plans were created retrospectively on transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) scans for 26 patients. The technique dubbed 4D Brachytherapy was applied, using TRUS and MRI to obtain prostatic measurements required for the associated webBXT online nomogram. Using a patient's MRI scan to create a treatment plan involving loose seeds was also explored. Plans delivered to patients were made using an intraoperative loose seed TRUS-based planning technique. Prostate V₁₀₀ (%), prostate V₁₅₀ (%), prostate D₉₀ (Gy), rectum D_0.1cc (Gy), rectum D_2cc (Gy), urethra D₁₀ (%), urethra D₃₀ (%), and prostate volumes were measured for each patient. Statistical analysis was used to assess and compare plans.ResultsProstate volumes measured by TRUS and MRI were significantly different. Prostate volumes calculated by the webBXT online nomogram using TRUS- and MRI-based measurements were not significantly different. Compared with delivered plans, TRUS-based 4D Brachytherapy plans showed significantly lower rectum D_0.1cc (Gy) values, MRI-based 4D Brachytherapy plans showed significantly higher prostate V₁₀₀ (%) values and significantly lower rectum D_0.1cc (Gy), urethra D₁₀ (%), and urethra D₃₀ (%) values, and loose seed MRI-based plans showed significantly lower prostate V₁₀₀ (%), prostate D₉₀ (Gy), rectum D_0.1cc (Gy), rectum D_2cc (Gy), urethra D₁₀ (%), and urethra D₃₀ (%) values.ConclusionsTRUS-based 4D Brachytherapy plans showed similar dosimetry to delivered plans; rectal dosimetry was superior. MRI can be integrated into the 4D Brachytherapy workflow. The webBXT online nomogram overestimates the required number of seeds.     

Evaluation of a collapsed-cone convolution algorithm for esophagus and surface mold 192Ir brachytherapy treatment planning

PurposeTG43 does not account for a lack of scatter and tissue and applicator heterogeneities. The advanced collapsed-cone engine (ACE) algorithm available for use in the Oncentra Brachy treatment planning system (Elekta AB, Stockholm, Sweden) can model these conditions more accurately and is evaluated for esophageal and surface mold brachytherapy treatments.Methods and MaterialsACE was commissioned for use then compared against TG43 for five esophageal and five surface mold treatment plans. Dosimetric differences between each algorithm were assessed using superimposed comparisons and dose-volume histogram statistics.ResultsEsophagus (6 Gy per fraction): Compared with TG43, ACE demonstrated up to a 0.63% and 0.05 Gy reduction in planning target volume (PTV) V100% and PTV D98, respectively. Lung D2cc and bone D2cc deviated by up to 0.09 Gy and 0.03 Gy, respectively. Lung D0.1 cc and bone D0.1 cc both deviated by up to 0.12 Gy.Surface mold (4.5 Gy per fraction): Compared with TG43, ACE demonstrated up to a 12.5% and 0.18 Gy reduction in PTV V80% and PTV D98, respectively. Bone D2cc and D0.1 cc both reduced by up to 0.2 Gy when modeled with ACE. Increasing mold size laterally increased the dosimetric differences between TG43 and ACE.ConclusionsTG43 generally overestimated dose delivered to the target volume and organs at risk for the sites investigated. Dosimetric differences observed for esophageal treatments were minimal; however, surface mold treatments would benefit from the increased dosimetric accuracy offered by ACE.Implementation should be considered for surface mold ¹⁹²Ir treatment planning, but increased calculation time, additional contouring, and mass density assignment requirements should be scrutinized with regard to their potentially negative impact on current clinical practice.     

Effective treatments for FGF12-related early-onset epileptic encephalopathies patients

BackgroundFGF12 (FHF1) gene encodes voltage-gated sodium channel (Nav)-binding protein fibroblast growth factor homologous factor 1, which could cause seizures by regulating voltage dependence of Nav fast inactivation and neuron excitability. The most common pathogenic variant FGF12 c.341G > A related early-onset epileptic encephalopathies (EOEE) was characterized by intractable seizures and developmental disabilities.ResultsUsing whole exome sequencing, a de novo hotspot variant c.341G > A (NM_021032.4) of FGF12 was identified in three unrelated EOEE probands. All probands were seizure free after a combination treatment of valproic acid (VPA) and topiramate (TPM). The motor and cognitive skills in two probands were improved due to the early and effective treatment. In order to compare the effectiveness of different treatment strategies for the disease, a review of treatments for FGF12-related epilepsy was made.ConclusionWe reported three FGF12 c.341G > A related EOEE patients responded well to a combination antiepileptic therapy of VPA and TPM. The current study is the first to describe the combination therapy of VPA and TPM in FGF12 c.341G > A related EOEE patients. This study may contribute to future medication consultation for intractable epilepsy with FGF12 hotspot variants.     

How is the COVID-19 pandemic affecting individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms?

The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has caused substantial public health burden and widespread anxiety. The adverse mental health effects caused by COVID-19 may be particularly acute for individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). For the present study, we developed an online survey to investigate how COVID-19 has affected the OCD community. The survey included both quantitative and qualitative questions to assess multiple facets of how the pandemic has affected individuals with OCD symptoms. Responses were collected from adults with self-identified OCD recruited from OCD-specific forums and websites (n = 252). The majority (76.2 %) of respondents reported that their OCD symptoms had worsened since the outbreak, though there was substantial variability in individual responses. Negative effects of COVID-19 were more strongly linked to contamination and responsibility for harm symptoms than for other symptom dimensions. The self-identified OCD group also reported heightened concerns about COVID-19 compared to a community control sample recruited through Amazon’s Mechanical Turk (MTurk). Lastly, many participants reported that the pandemic had interfered with their OCD treatment, yet they remained mostly satisfied with how their treatment providers had handled the crisis. These results highlight the importance of considering how COVID-19 has affected the OCD community, with possible implications for treatment providers.     

A pilot study of intensive 7-day internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy for social anxiety disorder

Accessible, affordable cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) options for Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) that allow for rapid symptom improvement are needed. The present study investigated the first intensive, 7-day internet-based CBT for SAD. An open pilot trial was conducted to test the acceptability, feasibility and preliminary outcomes of the program in a sample of 16 participants (9 females, M age = 40.34, SD = 10.55) with a DSM-5 diagnosis of SAD. Participants were enrolled into the 6-lesson online program, and completed the Social Phobia Scale [SPS], Social Interaction Anxiety Scale [SIAS], Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and Work and Social Adjustment Scale (WSAS) at baseline, post and one month follow-up. We found support for the feasibility and acceptability of the program; 15 participants (93.8%) completed the program, and all participants reported the program was satisfactory. Large, significant reductions in social anxiety severity on both the SPS and SIAS (Hedges’ g_s = 1.26–1.9) and functional impairment (WSAS; g_s = 0.88–0.98) were found at post-treatment and follow-up. Medium, significant reductions in depressive symptom severity were also found (g_s = 0.88–0.98 at post and follow-up, respectively). A third of participants scored below the clinical cut-off on both the SPS and SIAS at post-treatment and follow-up. A randomized controlled trial with longer follow-up is needed to evaluate the efficacy of this intensive internet-based treatment for SAD. Implications and future research directions are discussed.     

Autoimmune encephalitis in a tertiary hospital in the Philippines

BackgroundAutoimmune encephalitis (AE) is an emerging disorder in adults and children. Due to its potentially reversible nature, prompt recognition and intervention are of utmost importance.ObjectiveTo describe the clinical and paraclinical features, as well as treatment outcomes of patients with AE admitted in a Philippine tertiary hospital.MethodsRetrospective case series of patients with definite AE.ResultsEighteen (18) patients were included (12 adults, 6 children), majority of whom had anti-N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis. The median age of onset was 32 (IQR: 10.8) years old and 13 (IQR: 4.8) years old in the adult and pediatric population, respectively. In both age groups, most presented with psychiatric symptoms and normal imaging findings. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pleocytosis was detected in 8/12 (66.7%) adults and 2/6 (33.3%) children, while CSF protein elevation was only seen in 6/12 (50%) adults. Most patients presented with seizures, and the most frequent electroencephalography (EEG) abnormality detected was slow activity (70.5%). A high proportion of patients received high dose steroids, alone (35.3%) or in combination with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG, 52.9%). Overall, 66.7% had improved outcomes, mostly seen in the pediatric population.ConclusionThis study highlighted the broad clinical phenotype, as well as the similarities and differences of AE manifestations in adults and children. It demonstrated the limited but supportive role of laboratory investigations in the diagnosis of AE. It also underscored the importance of early intervention in AE and highlighted factors influencing treatment practices and discharge outcomes in the local setting.     

三叉神经鞘瘤的临床分型及其手术疗效分析

目的探讨三叉神经鞘瘤的临床分型及其手术疗效。方法回顾性分析2017年1月至2019年11月首都医科大学附属北京天坛医院神经外科手术治疗的51例(包括少见部位和肿瘤最大径≥6 cm的患者)三叉神经鞘瘤患者的临床资料。根据Yoshida和Kawase的MPE分型分别采用颞下经岩前入路(30例)、经额颞断颧弓入路(12例)、经额眶颧人路(4例)、经枕下乙状窦后入路(2例)、经乙状窦前入路(2例)和经远外侧入路(1例)。术后随访MRI、新发症状及脑神经功能的恢复情况。结果51例患者中,肿瘤全切除46例(90.2%),近全切除4例,大部切除1例,无手术死亡病例。其中6例中线-鞍上扩展亚型的患者,肿瘤全切除2例,近全切除3例,大部切除1例。7例肿瘤直径≥6 cm的患者中,肿瘤全切除6例,肿瘤卒中1例;其中4例行游离脂肪填塞结合颅底硬膜缝合的颅底重建。51例患者的随访时间为(20.2±2.7)个月(3~38个月)。24例术前面部麻木的患者中,12例(50.0%)随访期间仍存在重度三叉神经麻搏表现。51例患者中,有13例(25.5%)术后新发三叉神经功能异常的患者中,7例随访期间遗留轻度三叉神经麻搏症状。其余脑神经症状较术前有所恢复,并且术后新发神经功能障碍者大多恢复正常。6例中线-鞍上扩展亚型的患者术后神经功能恢复较差。结论三叉神经鞘瘤在MPE分型的基础上可增加中线-鞍上扩展亚型,该亚型相对少见,但其临床表现具有特征性,手术全切除困难。手术对于改善三叉神经鞘瘤面部麻木作用有限,术前伴有面部麻木者三叉神经功能预后较差。     

不同类型基底动脉闭塞机械取栓的疗效观察

目的评价机械取栓治疗不同类型基底动脉(BA)闭塞的疗效。方法回顾性分析2013年9月至2019年9月海军军医大学附属长海医院脑血管病中心连续收治的95例行机械取栓治疗的BA闭塞患者的临床资料。根据BA闭塞是否为串联病变,分为非串联病变组(67例)和串联病变组(28例)。比较两组血管成功再通(改良脑梗死溶栓分级2b~3级)的比例、90 d预后良好(改良Rankin量表评分为0~3分)的比例、术中挽救措施及不良事件发生率等的差异。结果与非串联病变组相比,串联病变组的年龄偏低(P=0.002),而男性(P=0.009)、有吸烟史(P=0.014)、缺血性卒中TOAST分型为大动脉粥样硬化型(P=0.001)以及存在一侧椎动脉发育不良(P=0.036)的比例更高。两组患者在术前及术后24 h的美国国立卫生院卒中量表评分、股动脉穿刺至BA再灌注时间、血管成功再通比例及90 d预后良好比例方面的差异均无统计学意义(均P>0.05)。串联病变组的发病至就诊时间(P=0.049)、发病至BA再灌注时间(P=0.046)均较非串联病变组延长,且术中挽救措施(包括单纯球囊扩张、急诊支架置入、静脉应用替罗非班)的使用比例均更高(均P<0.05)。两组在手术相关的不良事件及病死率方面的差异均无统计学意义(均P>0.05)。结论对于不同类型的BA闭塞患者,应用机械取栓治疗的临床结局及不良事件的发生率无明显差异,但该结论仍需进一步扩大样本量或进行随机对照试验加以证实。