57,042 results match your criteria: "Maastricht University; aflorea@ukaachen.de.[Affiliation]"

Unlabelled: Since the inception of transplantation, it has been crucial to ensure that organ or tissue donations are made with valid informed consent to avoid concerns about coercion or exploitation. This issue is particularly challenging when it comes to infants and younger children, insofar as they are unable to provide consent. Despite their vulnerability, infants' organs and tissues are considered valuable for biomedical purposes due to their size and unique properties.

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Background And Purpose: In proton therapy, a relative biological effectiveness (RBE) of 1.1 is used to convert proton dose into an equivalent photon dose. However, RBE varies with tissue type, fraction dose, and beam quality parameters beyond dose such as linear energy transfer (LET) raising concerns about increased local effectiveness and potential toxicity.

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Background And Aims: Regular physical activity holds numerous health benefits for older people, yet the majority of older people do not meet the World Health Organization's physical activity recommendations. Brief physical activity screening tools can support healthcare professionals in identifying patients who would benefit from physical activity promotion and counselling. The Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity (RAPA) questionnaire is a validated brief physical activity screening tool designed for clinical practice.

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Background: A significant proportion of mental health care professionals (MHCPs) hold stigmatizing attitudes about their patients. When patients perceive and internalize these beliefs, self-stigmatization can increase. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) may decrease stigmatizing attitudes by changing the 'us' versus 'them' thinking into continuum beliefs.

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Design, implementation and evaluation of value-based payment models: a Delphi study.

BMC Health Serv Res

January 2025

Department of Health Services Research, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, CAHPRI, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, Maastricht, 6200 MD, the Netherlands.

Background: This study explores the facilitating and inhibiting factors in the design/development, implementation, and applicability/evaluation of value-based payment models of integrated care. The Delphi technique was used to reach consensus among a panel of (inter)national experts on these factors.

Methods: An expert panel of 15 members participated in a three-round Delphi study.

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Purpose: In addition to rodent models, the chick embryo model has gained attention for radiotracer evaluation. Previous studies have investigated tumours on the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM), but its value for radiotracer imaging of intracerebral tumours has yet to be demonstrated.

Procedures: Human U87 glioblastoma cells and U87-IDH1 mutant glioma cells were implanted into the brains of chick embryos at developmental day 5.

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Objectives: To estimate tumour volume doubling time (TVDT) of interval cancers (ICs).

Methods: Two radiologists retrospectively reviewed prior screening and diagnostic mammograms and measured mean diameter on "visible" ICs. Univariate analyses of clinicopathological variables (ER, HER2, grade, age at diagnosis, and breast density) were undertaken, and those with p < 0.

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Background: The World Health Organization and the Association of Schools of Public Health in the European Region called for the professionalization of the public health workforce, including the creation of codes of ethics. In this article, the Public Health Ethics and Law Network provides guidance on creating such codes, based on values and principles commonly identified for public health.

Methods: Our interest was in codes addressing public health broadly rather than disciplines within public health.

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Introduction: In Europe, disparities exist in having access to optimal neonatal care. With the European Standards of Care for Newborn Health (ESCNH), evidence-based reference standards are available which provide guidance to improve the care for preterm and ill newborns. To support healthcare professionals (HCPs) and hospital/clinic management in identifying the extent of ESCNH implementation, a feasible assessment tool is required.

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Background: To provide recommendations on risk mitigation, diagnosis and treatment of infectious complications associated with the practice of regional anesthesia, acute and chronic pain management.

Methods: Following board approval, in 2020 the American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine (ASRA Pain Medicine) commissioned evidence-based guidelines for best practices for infection control. More than 80 research questions were developed and literature searches undertaken by assigned working groups comprising four to five members.

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Introduction: Endothelial cells (ECs) play a crucial role in many treatments for cardiovascular diseases, such as blood vessel repair, tissue engineering, and drug delivery. The process of differentiating these cells is complex and involves various sources and numerous molecular and cellular events. Differentiating pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) into endothelial cells are one of the most effective sources for creating ECs in the lab and offers great potential for regenerative medicine.

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Immune checkpoint blockers (ICBs) have revolutionized the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Currently, one-dose-fits-all maximalist regimens have been considered the standard of care, with ICBs administered at flat doses regardless of patients' weight. Treatment duration with ICBs is often arbitrary across stages, ranging from a fixed time point to until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.

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Association of Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome and First Episode Psychosis: A Case Report.

J Psychiatr Pract

January 2025

Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.

Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) is an autoimmune neuromuscular junction disorder characterized by proximal weakness, autonomic dysfunction, and areflexia associated with antibodies against voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs). Psychotic symptoms can occur in many autoimmune neurological disorders but they have rarely been observed in myasthenic syndromes. We report the case of a 21-year-old woman with primary autoimmune LEMS due to anti-VGCC antibodies subtype P/Q, who developed psychotic symptoms 3 years after the onset of motor symptoms.

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Differentiation of Atherosclerotic Carotid Plaque Components With Dual-Energy Computed Tomography.

Invest Radiol

January 2025

From the Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands (M.A., J.B., T.F., A.A.P., M.E.K.); CARIM, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands (M.A., J.B., M.J.J.G., W.H.M., R.J.v.O., M.E.K.); Department of Pathology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands (M.J.J.G.); Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences: Atherosclerosis & Ischemic Syndrome; Amsterdam Infection and Immunity: Inflammatory Diseases; Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands (M.J.J.G.); Department of Neurology, Zuyderland Medical Center, Heerlen, the Netherlands (T.H.C.M.L.S.); Department of Neurology, Zuyderland Medical Center, Sittard, the Netherlands (N.P.v.O.); Department of Vascular Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands (J.-W.H.C.D.); Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands (W.H.M.); Department of Neurology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands (R.J.v.O.); and School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNs), Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands (A.A.P.).

Objectives: Carotid plaque vulnerability is a strong predictor of recurrent ipsilateral stroke, but differentiation of plaque components using conventional computed tomography (CT) is suboptimal. The aim of our study was to evaluate the ability of dual-energy CT (DECT) to characterize atherosclerotic carotid plaque components based on the effective atomic number and effective electron density using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and, where possible, histology as the reference standard.

Materials And Methods: Patients with recent cerebral ischemia and a ≥2-mm carotid plaque underwent computed tomography angiography and MRI.

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Background: Surgical fear is present in many patients awaiting surgery. However, a validated Italian version of the Surgical Fear Questionnaire (SFQ) was not available yet. Therefore, the aim of this study was to translate the SFQ into Italian and to test its reliability and validity.

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The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) has updated its guidelines on cardiac pacing and cardiac resynchronisation. As the majority are class II recommendations (61%) and based on expert opinion (59%), a critical appraisal for the Dutch situation was warranted. A working group has been established, consisting of specialists in cardiology, cardiothoracic surgery, geriatrics, allied professionals in cardiac pacing, and patient organisations with support from the Knowledge Institute of the Dutch Association of Medical Specialists.

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Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is considered a major cause of death globally, resulting from trauma. Decompressive craniectomy (DC) may improve functional outcomes in patients with TBI and its associated complications. This study was designed to determine safety and efficacy of DC in improving clinical outcomes in TBI patients compared to standard therapy.

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NORDIC denoising on VASO data.

Front Neurosci

January 2025

Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (FMRI) Core, NIH, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD, United States.

The use of submillimeter resolution functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is increasing in popularity due to the prospect of studying human brain activation non-invasively at the scale of cortical layers and columns. This method, known as laminar fMRI, is inherently signal-to-noise ratio (SNR)-limited, especially at lower field strengths, with the dominant noise source being of thermal origin. Furthermore, laminar fMRI is challenged with signal displacements due to draining vein effects in conventional gradient-echo blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) imaging contrasts.

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Objectives: The Assessment of Burden of Chronic Conditions (ABCC) tool is developed to facilitate a personalised approach to care through assessment and visualisation of a patient's experienced burden of disease, and integrating this in the conversation based on shared decision-making and individualised care plans. An indispensable step in the implementation process is an understanding of the context. The aim of this study is to perform a context analysis to identify barriers and facilitators to the implementation of the ABCC tool by healthcare providers (HCPs) in Dutch primary care.

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Background: Personalised outcomes forecasts (POFs) were introduced among physical and exercise therapists in the Netherlands to optimise supervised exercise therapy for patients with intermittent claudication. Yet, therapists' initial adoption and sustainable implementation of POFs can be influenced by various factors.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine therapists' adoption of the POFs, their fidelity to the measurement protocol for supervised exercise therapy, and their perceived barriers and facilitators for using POFs in practice.

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Introduction: Breath Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are promising biomarkers for clinical purposes due to their unique properties. Translation of VOC biomarkers into the clinic depends on identification and validation: a challenge requiring collaboration, well-established protocols, and cross-comparison of data. Previously, we developed a breath collection and analysis method, resulting in 148 breath-borne VOCs identified.

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Objective: To investigate whether local lesions created by stereo-electroencephalography (SEEG)-guided radiofrequency thermocoagulation (RFTC) affect distant brain connectivity and excitability in patients with focal, drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE).

Methods: Ten patients with focal DRE underwent SEEG implantation and subsequently 1 Hz bipolar repetitive electrical stimulation (RES) for 30 s before and after RFTC. Root mean square (RMS) of cortico-cortical evoked potentials (CCEPs) was calculated for 15 ms to 300 ms post-stimulation with baseline correction.

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Background: Iron deficiency (ID) is currently defined as a serum ferritin level <100 or 100 to 299 ng/mL with transferrin saturation (TSAT) <20%. Serum ferritin and TSAT are currently used to define absolute and functional ID. However, individual markers of iron metabolism may be more informative than current arbitrary definitions of ID.

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Introduction: Feedback literacy (FBL) is a critical skill for learners encompassing four behaviors: appreciating feedback, making judgements, managing affect, and taking action. Little guidance has been available for clinical preceptors to promote FBL. The R2C2 feedback and coaching model that guides teachers through building Relationships, exploring Reactions and Reflections, discussing Content and Coaching to co-develop an action plan for follow-up may support FBL.

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Background: Huntington disease (HD) is a genetic neurodegenerative disorder. Given the focus on motor manifestations, nonmotor symptoms are frequently underappreciated in clinical evaluations, despite frequently contributing to primary functional impairment.

Recent Findings: A diagnosis of motor-onset as the definition of manifest symptoms misrepresents the complex nature of HD presentation.

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