Prescriptive Methods Research Articles

The Effects of Sprint vs. Resisted Sled-Based Training; an 8-Week in-Season Randomized Control Intervention in Elite Rugby League Players.

The aim of the current study was to examine the efficacy of resisted sled-based training compared to traditional unresisted sprint training in terms of mediating improvements in speed, agility, and power during an eight-week period of in-season training in elite rugby league players. Participants were randomly separated into either resisted sled or traditional sprint-based training groups and they completed an eight-week in-season training block with training prescribed based on the group to which they were assigned. Measures of 5 m, 10 m, and 20 m sprint times in addition to countermovement jump height and 505-agility test time were measured at baseline, four-weeks and eight-weeks. For sprint-based outcomes, although both groups improved significantly, there were no statistical differences between the two training methods. However, at the eight-week time point there were significant improvements in 505-agility test (sprint group: baseline = 2.45 and eight-weeks = 2.42 s/sled group: baseline = 2.43 and eight-weeks = 2.37 s) and countermovement jump (sprint group: baseline = 39.18 and eight-weeks = 39.49 cm/sled group: baseline = 40.43 and eight-weeks = 43.07 cm) performance in the sled training group. Therefore, the findings from this investigation may be important to strength and conditioning coaches working in an elite rugby league in that resisted sled training may represent a more effective method of sprint training prescription.

Rebuttal: Is it Time to Rethink Aerobic Exercise Prescription Methods?

In their Counterpoint discussion, Swain and Franklin suggested that we prefer to use % heart rate reserve (%HRR) to % maximal oxygen intake (%V̇o2max) relationship over %HRR to % oxygen intake reserve (%V̇o2R). In fact, we agree that %HRR-%V̇o2R is less biased and adjusts the HR-V̇o2 relation for nonzero resting values and different maximal values.Although the 2 reserves are theoretically equal, there are studies showing otherwise during incremental exercise and especially during prolonged exercise. Pinpointing the cause of those differences between the theoretical model proposed by Swain and the actual results found by several other studies is not an easy task. However, we believe that the reasons might stem from some methodological and physiological differences. Even if not 1:1, however, we still prefer using %HRR-%V̇o2R.A 1:1 %HRR-%V̇o2R relationship would be true only if the relationship is linear throughout the entire range of exercise and if the HR and V̇o2 adjustments are similar. This may not be the case during the onset of exercise when the rise in HR from its resting level is associated more with a withdrawal of the parasympathetic nervous system than with a stimulation of the sympathetic system. Once the sympathetic system becomes dominant, the rise in HR is more closely tied to the energy demands of the exercise.We agree that using different time periods to record HR and V̇o2 could be an issue, but only if the HR and V̇o2 values are not considered representative of that specific exercise power output (PO). Unfortunately, no study that has assessed %HRR-%V̇o2R relationships during incremental exercise can be certain that the HR and V̇o2 values obtained were not biased; this assumes that 1) there is a steady state at every PO and 2) the %HRR and %V̇o2R kinetics show similar adjustments over time to each PO. We cannot be sure these assumptions have been met in any study assessing the %HRR-%V̇o2R relationships during incremental exercise or whether the results can be transferred and applied to prolonged steady-state exercise. As an example, Cunha et al. (1) showed that the graded exercise test (GXT) protocols affect the %HRR-%V̇o2R relationship. Compared with the Bruce protocol with its 3-minute stages, they found that using a ramp protocol yielded significantly higher intercepts, with %HRR higher than %V̇o2R.In an unpublished study by Ferri Marini et al. (to be submitted for publication soon) on 440 HERITAGE Study participants aged 17 to 66 years, 1) HRR values were higher than those of V̇o2R during the 15-minute steady-state exercise at 50 W and 60%V̇o2max and 2) using the GXT data gave more accurate prescriptions of exercise intensity than those using an assumed 1:1 HRR-V̇o2R relation during steady-state exercise.If the goal is to have precise and useful prescriptions of aerobic exercise intensity, then researchers and practitioners should not assume a 1:1 %HRR-%V̇o2R relationship in every individual. The following points should be considered because they can affect exercise prescriptions: Several studies found that the relation was not 1:1;The interindividual variability of the %HRR-%V̇o2R relationship is high;The %HRR-%V̇o2R relationship does not seem to be 1:1 during prolonged aerobic exercise (especially at higher intensities) because of such time-dependent adjustments as cardiovascular drift and the slow component of V̇o2 kinetics, both of which cause a rise in HR and V̇o2 over time.As stated previously, there are problems with all methods for prescribing exercise intensity. Nevertheless, it is good to occasionally review what is known and what is uncertain, so that we can make minor adjustments. We do not feel that there is a need to do a major overhaul on how exercise should be prescribed.In agreement with Swain and Franklin in their Counterpoint, we note that there is an art as well as a science to exercise prescription and that any exercise intensity marker is just a starting point that may have to be adjusted based on many factors. Some of these have been discussed by Swain and Franklin and by us.

POINT: Is it Time to Rethink Aerobic Exercise Prescription Methods?

ABSTRACT Exercise prescription is complex and can vary greatly. As well, methods have their own advantages and disadvantages. The purpose of this discussion is to consider if some of these methods should be modified. We look at the concept of the heart rate and oxygen intake reserve because it is recommended by the American College of Sports Medicine.

Designing a subway station for your campus: Case of transit architecture elective at AGÜ

Transportation planning and design had been a major concern from the urban planning perspective. Various means of transportation have shaped our cities and landscapes for ages and by looking at transportation buildings from an architectural perspective one can see that existing studies focus on the building performance of the transportation buildings or the history of them. Consequently, transportation building design is an important concern that should be addressed from multiple perspectives. Starting from 2019-2020 Fall Semester, Abdullah Gül University Department of Architecture started a new elective course ARCD 110 Transit Architecture, focusing on this issue. While the main intention of the course is to develop a critical view on the existing prescriptive design methods related to the transportation buildings and their environment, students are expected challenge these discussions at their final projects. In order to develop a critical view on the existing design methods, a considerable part of the class focuses on the design guidelines and typologies of the buildings along with the history of the selected building types. In parallel, student presentations showing different examples throughout the world to inspect different design approaches as well as to start debates regarding various debates around design, global world, awards in architecture, and symbolism in architecture. Afterwards, the class turns into a discussion environment focusing on design issues not only related to transportation buildings but also to the rest of the design environment which they might encounter in the future. these discussions start from multimodal and micro mobile transportation possibilities followed by the personal space as a design parameter. These arguments are followed by sustainability from triple bottom line perspective and the possibilities of different technologies and their effect on the transportation related buildings. Meanwhile, they also experiment with simulation tools to test their design cases in different conditions. After the discussions and the debates students are tasked to design a subway station in front of their campus for a final project. After four semesters, this paper will present the aim of the course, the class structure, projects and the findings of the course with selected examples from the course students to its readers.

Supramaximal Interval Running Prescription in Australian Rules Football Players: A Comparison Between Maximal Aerobic Speed, Anaerobic Speed Reserve, and the 30-15 Intermittent Fitness Test.

Collison, J, Debenedictis, T, Fuller, JT, Gerschwitz, R, Ling, T, Gotch, L, Bishop, B, Sibley, L, Russell, J, Hobbs, A, and Bellenger, CR. Supramaximal interval running prescription in Australian Rules Football players: A comparison between maximal aerobic speed, anaerobic speed reserve and the 30-15 intermittent fitness test. J Strength Cond Res 36(12): 3409-3414, 2022-Accurate prescription of supramaximal interval running during Australian Rules Football (AF) preparatory periods is important to facilitate the specific targeting of physiological and neuromuscular adaptation. This study compared the variability in supramaximal interval running performance prescribed by proportion of maximal aerobic speed (MAS), anaerobic speed reserve (ASR), and 30-15 intermittent fitness test (30-15IFT) terminal speed. Seventeen male junior AF players first completed assessments of MAS, ASR, and 30-15IFT in a randomized order. They subsequently performed supramaximal interval running trials (15 seconds on: 15 seconds off until volitional exhaustion) at 120% MAS, 20% ASR, and 95% 30-15IFT in a randomized order. Variability in time to exhaustion (TTE) for each prescription method was calculated as the mean of the square root of the squared difference between the individual value and the mean value, and it was compared via repeated-measures analysis of variance with statistical significance set at p ≤ 0.05. Time to exhaustion during supramaximal interval running was not different between the prescription methods ( p = 0.58). Time to exhaustion residuals were reduced when prescribed by ASR compared with MAS (standardized mean difference [SMD] = -0.47; 29%); however, confidence intervals about this reduction indicated that there was some uncertainty in this finding (SMD = -1.03 to 0.09; p = 0.09). Trivial differences in TTE residuals were present when prescribed by 30-15IFT compared with MAS (SMD = -0.05 ± 0.59; p = 0.86). Although there was some uncertainty about the reduction in supramaximal interval running performance variability when prescribed by ASR compared with MAS, the 29% reduction exceeds the inherent error in TTE efforts (i.e., ∼9-15%) and may thus be considered practically meaningful. Reducing supramaximal interval running performance variability ensures similar physiological demand across individuals, potentially facilitating similar degrees of physiological adaptation.

PD-0874 Impact of dose and prescription method in SBRT of NSCLC. A pooled analysis of 2 prospective trials.

PD-0874 Impact of dose and prescription method in SBRT of NSCLC. A pooled analysis of 2 prospective trials.

Comparability of estimates and trends in adolescent sexual and contraceptive behaviors from two national surveys: National Survey of Family Growth and the Youth Risk Behavior Survey.

ObjectiveTo compare adolescents’ reports of sexual and contraceptive behaviors between the National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG) and the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS).MethodsFor each survey, we estimated the year- and sex-specific prevalence of sexual and contraceptive behaviors among a comparably defined sample of US respondents ages 15–19 currently attending high school. We used logistic regression to test for changes in prevalence from 2007–2019 and conducted sensitivity analyses to investigate between-survey differences.ResultsWe found differences in both prevalence and trends between the YRBS and NSFG when limited to a comparably defined sample. Compared to the NSFG, adolescents in the YRBS were more likely to report being sexually experienced, less likely to report use of prescription methods for both sexes, and less likely to report condoms among males. Only the YRBS estimated significant declines in sexual experience for both sexes, and significant increases in prescription methods and declines in condom use among males. Differences between surveys in the prevalence of specific contraceptive methods reflected greater combined use of methods in the NSFG. We identified differences in question-wording and other aspects that may influence these differential patterns.ConclusionsThe NSFG and YRBS produced inconsistent prevalence estimates and trends for sexual and contraceptive behaviors among in-school adolescents. Further efforts to improve these national surveillance systems are critical to inform policy and research efforts that support adolescent sexual and reproductive health and wellbeing.

A comparative performance-based seismic assessment of strongback steel braced frames

A recently introduced structural steel braced frame known as the strongback system (SBS) is a hybrid of a conventional bracing system and an essentially elastic vertical truss. This elastic backbone is designed to distribute seismic demands uniformly over the height of the building and consequently prevent damage concentration. Recent studies on developing design procedures for SBSs revealed that prescriptive code-based methods are inadequate to estimate their seismic demands, and they cannot ensure to fulfill the performance objectives properly. Here, to properly evaluate the seismic behavior of a wide variety of the practical configurations of SBS, a comprehensive parametric study is carried out on elastic backbone configuration, rigidity, and height. To this end, a series of different SBS archetypes are designed using a direct performance-based method, and the fulfillment of the performance targets is probabilistically assessed. Their over-strength factors, ductility ratios, and collapse fragility curves are compared together and with the performance of structures using conventional system and design method. Results indicate that the archetypes with the brace intersection point of two-third of the length of the beam, namely X-2/3 configuration, have shown the largest ductility ratio and lowest collapse probability, while the archetypes with chevron configuration have shown the smallest ductility ratio and highest collapse probability. Further, by increasing the rigidity of the vertical backbone, ductility ratio and the median spectral acceleration at collapse level are improved, and SBS archetypes tended to have uniform story drift distribution patterns. Applying the direct performance-based method in six-story structures reduces the story drift ratios of SBS up to 30%.

Bootstrap robust prescriptive analytics

We address the problem of prescribing an optimal decision in a framework where the cost function depends on uncertain problem parameters that need to be learned from data. Earlier work proposed prescriptive formulations based on supervised machine learning methods. These prescriptive methods can factor in contextual information on a potentially large number of covariates to take context specific actions which are superior to any static decision. When working with noisy or corrupt data, however, such nominal prescriptive methods can be prone to adverse overfitting phenomena and fail to generalize on out-of-sample data. In this paper we combine ideas from robust optimization and the statistical bootstrap to propose novel prescriptive methods which safeguard against overfitting. We show indeed that a particular entropic robust counterpart to such nominal formulations guarantees good performance on synthetic bootstrap data. As bootstrap data is often a sensible proxy to actual out-of-sample data, our robust counterpart can be interpreted to directly encourage good out-of-sample performance. The associated robust prescriptive methods furthermore reduce to convenient tractable convex optimization problems in the context of local learning methods such as nearest neighbors and Nadaraya–Watson learning. We illustrate our data-driven decision-making framework and our novel robustness notion on a small newsvendor problem.

Redefinition of Nafkah in the Pattern of Child Protection and the Formation of Family Problems in Indonesia

As the most beautiful gift as well as the mandate of Allah SWT. as well as considering the child's position in family, community and state life, children must get the best protection in their development process, including through granting children's rights to a living. Several laws and regulations in Indonesia define a living as meeting the material needs of children. Such a definition raises various problems in the pattern of child protection and the formation of the benefit of families in Indonesia. This study aims to describe the redefinition of livelihoods in child protection efforts and the formation of the benefit of families in Indonesia. This research method uses normative legal research with a philosophical and statutory approach and uses a prescriptive analytic method. The results show that in the pattern of child protection and the formation of family welfare in Indonesia, children's livelihoods must be defined as meeting children's material needs so that children can survive and as fulfilling children's immaterial needs so that children can improve their quality of life.

Analysis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy Dose Prescription Method Using Uncomplicated Tumor Control Probability Model

PurposeThis work was to establish an uncomplicated tumor control probability (UTCP) model using hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) clinical data in our institution. The model was then used to analyze the current dose prescription method and to seek the opportunity for improvement. Methods and MaterialsA tumor control probability (TCP) model was generated based on local clinical data using the maximum likelihood method. A UTCP model was then formed by combining the established TCP model with the normal tissue complication probability model based on the study by Dawson et al. The authors investigated the dependence of maximum achievable UTCP on planning target volume equivalent uniform dose (EUD) at various ratio between planning target volume EUD and normal liver EUD (T/N EUD ratios). A new term uncomplicated tumor control efficiency (UTCE) was also introduced to analyze the outcome. A UTCE value of 1 implied that the theoretical maximum UTCP for the corresponding T/N EUD ratio was achieved. ResultsThe UTCE of the HCC SBRT patients based on the current dose prescription method was found to be 0.93 ± 0.05. It was found that the UTCE could be increased to 0.99 ± 0.03 by using a new dose prescription scheme, for which the UTCP could be maximized while keeping the normal tissue complication probability value smaller than 5%. ConclusionsThe dose prescription method of the current HCC SBRT in our institution was analyzed using a UTCP model established based on local clinical data. It was shown that there could be a potential to increase the prescription dose of HCC SBRT. A new dose prescription scheme was proposed to achieve better UTCP. Additional clinical trials would be required to validate the proposed dose prescription scheme in the future.

Y-90 SIRT: evaluation of TCP variation across dosimetric models

IntroductionMuch progress has been made in implementing selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) as a viable treatment option for hepatic malignancies. However, there is still much need for improved options for calculating the amount of activity to be administered. To make advances towards this goal, this study examines the relationship between predicted biological outcomes of liver tumors via tumor control probabilities (TCP) and parenchyma via normal tissue complication probabilities (NTCP) given variations in absorbed dose prescription methodologies.MethodsThirty-nine glass microsphere treatments in 35 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma or metastatic liver disease were analyzed using 99mTc-MAA SPECT/CT and 90Y PET/CT scans. Predicted biological outcomes corresponding to the single compartment (standard) model and multi-compartment (partition) dosimetry model were compared using our previously derived TCP dose-response curves over a range of 80–150 Gy prescribed absorbed dose to the perfused volume, recommended in the package insert for glass microspheres. Retrospective planning dosimetry was performed on the MAA SPECT/CT; changes from the planned infused activity due to selection of absorbed dose level and dosimetry model (standard or partition) were used to scale absorbed doses reported from 90Y PET/CT including liver parenchyma and lesions (N = 120) > 2 ml. A parameterized charting system was developed across all potential prescription options to enable a clear relationship between standard prescription vs. the partition model-based prescription. Using a previously proposed NTCP model, the change in prescribed dose from a standard model prescription of 120 Gy to the perfused volume to a 15% NTCP prescription to the normal liver was explored.ResultsAverage TCP predictions for the partition model compared with the standard model varied from a 13% decrease to a 32% increase when the prescribed dose was varied across the range of 80–150 Gy. In the parametrized chart comparing absorbed dose prescription ranges across the standard model and partition models, a line of equivalent absorbed dose to a tumor was identified. TCP predictions on a per lesion basis varied between a 26% decrease and a 81% increase for the most commonly chosen prescription options when comparing the partition model with the standard model. NTCP model was only applicable to a subset of patients because of the small volume fraction of the liver that was targeted in most cases.ConclusionOur retrospective analysis of patient imaging data shows that the choice of prescribed dose and which model to prescribe potentially contribute to a wide variation in average tumor efficacy. Biological response data should be included as one factor when looking to improve patient care in the clinic. The use of parameterized charting, such as presented here, will help direct physicians when transitioning to newer prescription methods.

A step-by-step numerical method for optimization of mechanical ventilation in deep underground enclosed parking lots: A case-design study

To reduce polluted air, mechanical ventilation (MV) is essential for enclosed parking spaces. The traditional prescriptive design method, the index-based design, cannot guarantee ventilation performance of each fan in the enclosed parking lot. To solve this, the performance-based design approach is the best alternative that specifically addresses performance-related criteria of MV system. In this study of practice-based learning in a real construction project, we proposed a unique design optimization methodology for improving the performance of MV systems using iterative, step-by-step computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation. Five numerical simulation levels on seven engineering steps and a techno-economic analysis were utilized. Ultimately, fan selection was based on calculating the airflow and pressure requirements of a MV system and finding a fan of the right design to hedge against the risk of system effect and surging phenomenon. Results showed that a stable fan selection with an error of 5% of the design air flow rate could be implemented by repeating numerical analysis for the performance optimization of the MV system. When the MV design optimization was applied to the reference parking lot, the number of fans could be reduced by 30%, and energy demand of the MV system by at least 16%. Consequently, the annual energy savings was projected to recover the increase in initial investment cost in about 5.8 years. The key contribution of this research is that it overcame the limitations of the traditional index-based design for selecting the optimal fans of MV systems.

Research on Data Mining Method of TCM Prescription Based on Machine Learning

This paper uses conditional random field model to mine TCM data. In order to identify the information of prescriptions in ancient Chinese medicine books, the model firstly cleaned and segmented the original text data, then, labels are added according to the selection of TCM characteristics to mark part of the corpus, and according to the demand divided into two parts, the training corpus was used to adjust the parameters of the custom CRF feature template, and the model was generated after adjusting the parameters. The accuracy of the model for entity recognition was verified by using the test corpus. In the end, the feasibility of the conditional random field model in the identification of TCM prescriptions was verified experimentally.

Efficacy of unsupervised exercise in adults with obstructive lung disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

IntroductionThe benefits of unsupervised exercise programmes in obstructive lung disease are unclear. The aim of this systematic review was to synthesise evidence regarding the efficacy of unsupervised exercise versus non-exercise-based...

Geospatial Decision-Making Framework Based on the Concept of Satisficing

Decision-making methods used in geospatial decision making are computationally complex prescriptive methods, the details of which are rarely transparent to the decision maker. However, having a deep understanding of the details and mechanisms of the applied method is a prerequisite for the efficient use thereof. In this paper, we present a novel decision-making framework that emanates from the need for intuitive and easy-to-use decision support systems for geospatial multi-criteria decision making. The framework consists of two parts: the decision-making model Even Swaps on Reduced Data Sets (ESRDS), and the interactive visualization framework. The decision-making model is based on the concept of satisficing, and as such, it is intuitive and easy to understand and apply. It integrates even swaps, a prescriptive decision-making method, with the findings of behavioural decision-making theories. Providing visual feedback and interaction opportunities throughout the decision-making process, the interactive visualization part of the framework helps the decision maker gain better insight into the decision space and attribute dependencies. Furthermore, it provides the means to analyse and compare the outcomes of different scenarios and decision paths.

Pain Medication Disposal Rates After Pediatric Surgery

To investigate prescription opiate usage, disposal rates, and methods of disposal after pediatric surgery. This was a retrospective chart review of patients <18 years of age who underwent a surgical procedure at our institution and were given a postoperative opiate prescription between April 2017 and June 2018. A follow-up phone survey was conducted between 60 and 90 days postoperatively to ask about prescription opiate usage and disposal. A total of 290 patients with a mean age of 9.0 ± 4.7 years (62.8% male) met inclusion criteria. Sixty patients (20.7%) reported using all of their prescription opiate medication, whereas 230 patients (79.3%) did not use all of their pain medication. Of these 230 patients, 141 (61.3%) disposed of their leftover prescription opiates via flushing (56.4%), trash (28.6%), or take-back center (15.0%). At the time of phone survey between 60 and 90 days postoperatively, 88 patients (38.3%) still had leftover pain medication. By 7 days postoperatively, 234 of 290 patients (80.7%) had taken their last prescription opioid. In our study, 79.3% of patients were overprescribed opiate pain medication after pediatric surgery. Disposal rates at 60 to 90 days for leftover pain medication after pediatric surgery was just >60%. Pediatric patients are often overprescribed prescription opiates after surgery and typically only require a one-week supply of pain medication.

Reduction of margin to compensate the respiratory tumor motion by the analysis of dosimetric internal target volume in lung SBRT with nonuniform volume prescription method.

To develop a dosimetric internal target volume (ITV) margin (DIM) for respiratory motion in lung stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) and to evaluate DIM with a nonuniform volume prescription (NVP) and the point prescription (PP). Volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) treatment plans with PP and NVP were created on a heterogeneous programmable respiratory motion phantom, with a tumor (30-mm diameter) inside a cylindrical lung insert. The tumor was defined as the gross tumor volume (GTV), equal to the clinical target volume (CTV). Five-millimeter and 0-mm margins were used for the ITV and setup margins, respectively. The phantom was moved in cranio-caudal direction with a biquadratic sinusoidal waveform with a 4-s cycle and an amplitude of ±5-10mm. The interplay effect was evaluated by measuring the dose profile with a film in the sagittal plane for different respiratory periods and different initial respiratory phases. DIM was based on the respiratory motion amplitude that satisfied 100% and 95% coverage of the prescribed dose by the minimum dose of the CTV. Moreover, the absolute dose was measured with and without respiratory motion for NVP by a pinpoint chamber. The dose difference in the tumor region due to the interplay effect was within 1.0%. The gamma passing rate was over 95.1% for different respiratory periods and 98.6% for different initial respiratory phases. DIM with PP was almost equivalent to the margin of the respiratory motion. However, DIM with NVP was 2.0 and 1.8 times larger than the margin of the respiratory motion for the 100% and 95% coverage of the prescribed doses, respectively. The interplay effects experienced between the MLC sequence and tumor motion were negligible for NVP. The DIM analysis revealed that the margin to compensate the respiratory tumor motion could be reduced by more than 44-50% for NVP in SBRT.

Manipulation of Hearing Aid Gain and Tinnitus Relief: A Paired Comparison Study.

Objectives:The objective of the study is to compare amplification strategies on tinnitus relief. A repeated measure research design was used to determine the best strategy that provides a significant relief on tinnitus and improvements in speech perception.Methods: We recruited 20 participants in the age range of 30-60 years (mean age = 47.95 years) having mild to moderately severe sloping sensorineural hearing loss with continuous tonal tinnitus. We grouped the participants into mild and severe, based on the scores obtained in the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory. We evaluated tinnitus pitch and loudness using the adaptive method. Besides, we assessed signal to noise ratio 50 (SNR 50) from each of the programs. We carried out a paired comparison method to determine the best strategy among the 3 in which the maximum preference score was obtained on tinnitus relief by a test hearing aid programmed with 3 programs.Results: Each group of participants significantly preferred the strategy for the gain in hearing aid set at tinnitus pitch on tinnitus. However, there was no significant difference between the SNR 50 scores in the 3 gain settings.Conclusion: An additional gain set at tinnitus pitch after alleviating hearing loss by the prescriptive method was found to be the best strategy for effective masking of tinnitus and that led to tinnitus relief without compromising speech perception.

Focus on the expected quality of reporting in SBRT/radiosurgery prospective studies: how far have we come in 30 years?

Objectives:We aimed at describing and assessing the quality of reporting in all published prospective trials about radiosurgery (SRS) and stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT).Methods:The Medline database was searched for. The reporting of study design, patients’ and radiotherapy characteristics, previous and concurrent cancer treatments, acute and late toxicities and assessment of quality of life were collected.Results:114 articles – published between 1989 and 2019 - were analysed. 21 trials were randomised (18.4%). Randomisation information was unavailable in 59.6% of the publications. Data about randomisation, ITT analysis and whether the study was multicentre or not, had been significantly less reported during the 2010–2019 publication period than before (respectively 29.4% vs 57.4% (p < 0.001), 20.6% vs 57.4% (p < 0.001), 48.5% vs 68.1% (p < 0.001). 89.5% of the articles reported the number of included patients. Information about radiation total dose was available in 86% of cases and dose per fraction in 78.1%. Regarding the method of dose prescription, the prescription isodose was the most reported information (58.8%). The reporting of radiotherapy characteristics did not improve during the 2010 s-2019s. Acute and late high-grade toxicity was reported in 37.7 and 30.7%, respectively. Their reporting decreased in recent period, especially for all-grade late toxicities (p = 0.044).Conclusion:It seems necessary to meet stricter specifications to improve the quality of reporting.Advances in knowledge:Our work results in one of the rare analyses of radiosurgery and SBRT publications. Literature must include necessary information to first, ensure treatments can be compared and reproduced and secondly, to permit to decide on new standards of care.