The Influence of Irreversible Electroporation Parameters on the Size of the Ablation Zone and Thermal Effects: A Systematic Review.

The aim of this study was to review the effect of irreversible electroporation parameter settings on the size of the ablation zone and the occurrence of thermal effects. This insight would help to optimize treatment protocols and effectively ablate a tumor while controlling the occurrence of thermal effects. Various individual studies report the influence of variation in electroporation parameters on the ablation zone size or occurrence of thermal effects.

Promoting empowerment for people living with dementia in nursing homes: Development and feasibility evaluation of an empowerment program.

Objectives: This article describes the development and feasibility evaluation of an empowerment program for people living with dementia in nursing homes.

Methods: Development and feasibility evaluation of the empowerment program was guided by the British Medical Research Council's (MRC) framework. In the developmental phase, we used intervention mapping to develop the theory- and evidence-based intervention.

What Makes Intentional Unidirectional Peer Support for Homeless People Work? An Exploratory Analysis Based on Clients' and Peer Workers' Perceptions.

Homeless people are increasingly supported by peer workers in one-on-one mentorship relations called intentional unidirectional peer support (IUPS). Insight is therefore needed into the application and outcome of IUPS for this vulnerable population. This study examined the outcomes, critical elements, and working mechanisms of IUPS within homeless services from the perspective of both clients receiving IUPS and peer workers providing IUPS.

Adiposity increases weight-bearing exercise-induced dyspnea despite favoring resting lung hyperinflation in COPD.

Objectives: Our aim was to study the associations between resting lung hyperinflation, weight-bearing exercise-induced dyspnea and adipose distribution in obese and normal-weight COPD patients.

Methods: We performed a comparison between 80 obese COPD patients (COPD) with 80 age- and FEV matched normal-weight COPD patients (COPD). Dyspnea was assessed by the mMRC scale and the Borg dyspnea score before and after a 6 min walk test.

Classification Systems of Cleft Lip, Alveolus and Palate: Results of an International Survey.

Objective: This study aimed to identify commonly used classification systems by cleft providers around the world, including the perceived indications and limitations of each system.

Design: A cross-sectional survey.

Participants: A total of 197 registrants from three international cleft/craniofacial meetings.

Potential added value of combined DPYD/DPD genotyping and phenotyping to prevent severe toxicity in patients with a variant and decreased dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase enzyme activity.

Objective: To investigate if dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase phenotyping has added value when combined with genotyping in predicting fluoropyrimidine-related toxicity.

Methods: Retrospective cohort study in which treatment and toxicity data were collected of 228 patients genotyped for four variants and phenotyped using an peripheral blood mononuclear cell assay.

Results: Severe toxicity occurred in 25% of patients with a variant and normal dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase activity, in 21% of patients without a variant and with decreased dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase activity, and in 29% of patients without a variant and with normal dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase activity (controls).

Do Simulated Hospital Admissions Reflect Reality? A Qualitative Study of Volunteer Well-Being During a 24-Hr Simulated Hospitalization.

Objectives: This study aims to delineate if and how healthy volunteers admitted to simulated care can aid in understanding real well-being experiences of in-hospital surgical patients.

Background: Scientific research is necessary to understand the mediating effect of healthcare design on patient outcomes. Studies with patients are, however, difficult to conduct as they require substantial funding, time, and research capacity, and recovering patients are often not willing or able to participate.