Preparation Time Research Articles

Development and validation of a fluency rating scale for Swiss German Sign Language

IntroductionSign language fluency is an area that has received very little attention within research on sign language education and assessment. Therefore, we wanted to develop and validate a rating scale of fluency for Swiss German Sign Language (Deutschschweizerische Gebärdensprache, DSGS).MethodsDifferent kinds of data were collected to inform the rating scale development. The data were from (1) focus group interviews with sign language teachers (N = 3); (2) annotated DSGS data from users/learners with various levels of proficiency (i.e., deaf native signers of DSGS, hearing sign language interpreters, and beginning learners of DSGS, approximately CEFR level A1-A2) (N = 28) who completed different signing tasks that were manipulated by preparation time; (3) feedback from raters (N = 3); and (4) complimented with theory from spoken and sign language fluency.ResultsIn the focus group interview, sign language teachers identified a number of fluency aspects. The annotated DSGS data were analyzed using different regression models to see how language background and preparation time for the tasks can predict aspects of fluency (e.g., number and duration of pauses). Whereas preparation time showed only a slight effect in the annotated data, language background predicted the occurrence of fluency features that also informed the scale development. The resulting rating scale consisted of six criteria, each on a six-point scale. DSGS performances (N = 162) (same as the annotated data) from the different groups of DSGS users/learners were rated by three raters. The rated data were analyzed using multi-facet Rasch measurement. Overall, the rating scale functioned well, with each score category being modal at some point on the continuum. Results from correlation and regression analysis of the annotated data and rated DSGS performances complemented validity evidence of the rating scale.DiscussionWe argue that the different sources of data serve as a sound empirical basis for the operationalized “DSGS fluency construct” in the rating scale. The results of the analyses relating performance data to ratings show strong validity evidence of the second version of the rating scale. Together, the objective fluency measures explained 88% of the variance in the rating scores.

Virtual reality-guided therapy on a stroke unit: a feasibility study

BackgroundVR (Virtual Reality) has emerged as a recent treatment approach in neurorehabilitation. The feasibility of VR-guided therapy in the acute phase after stroke has not been assessed.MethodsThis was a cohort study of consecutive patients with suspected stroke who were admitted to the Essen University Hospital Stroke Unit between March 2022 and May 2022. All patients who had an indication for physical or occupational therapy due to upper extremity sensorimotor, cognitive or perceptual deficits were included and considered for VR-guided treatment. We excluded patients with predominant deficits in lower extremity function, since these could not be targeted with our VR system. A multidimensional approach was used to assess the feasibility of VR-guided therapy, which included characterization of eligible patients, resource utilization as well as treatment acceptance. For this purpose, we analyzed baseline and clinical characteristics, causes for withholding the treatment as well as qualitative and quantitative treatment metrics in patients who received VR-guided therapy.ResultsOut of 326 patients admitted with suspected stroke, n = 172 were included in our final analysis. Of these, n = 37 (21.5%) received VR-guided therapy. The most common cause for withholding treatment were neuropsychological limitations (22.9%), followed by physical impairment, comorbidity and level of consciousness alterations (all 17.8%). Patients who received VR-guided therapy tended to have better functional status and less severe neurological deficits. VR-guided sessions had a median duration of 20 min (IQR 17–29) with additional 13 min (IQR 9–17) of preparation time. In the majority of patients who received VR-guided therapy, motivation was rated equal or higher as compared with conventional treatment (76%) and therapists considered VR-guided therapy well feasible (65%).ConclusionsDespite important treatment barriers, VR may provide additional opportunities to enhance functional recovery in the acute phase after stroke for selected patients. Our findings could aid in planning further randomized controlled trials which are required to refine approaches and assess the effectiveness of VR-guided therapy in the acute setting.

A Comparative Prospective Study on the Accuracy and Efficiency of Autonomous Robotic System Versus Dynamic Navigation System in Dental Implant Placement.

This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of and discrepancies between planned and final implant positions using dynamic computer-assisted implant surgery (d-CAIS) and autonomous robotic computer-assisted implant surgery (r-CAIS) in clinical practice. The study included 83 patients, who received 135 implants between December 2022 and March 2024 (r-CAIS group: 43 patients with 71 implants; d-CAIS group: 40 patients with 64 implants). Cone-beam computed tomography scans taken before and after surgery assessed linear and angular deviations between the groups in both 2D and 3D spaces. The duration of surgery was also analysed. The angular deviation between d-CAIS and r-CAIS was 3.61° ± 1.65° versus 1.62° ± 0.93° (p < 0.001), the platform deviation was 1.12 ± 0.51 mm versus 0.50 ± 0.19 mm (p < 0.001) and the apex deviation was 1.36 ± 0.57 mm versus 0.58 ± 0.21 mm (p < 0.001). The d-CAIS group experienced significantly longer drilling and implant placement times compared to the r-CAIS group (10.6 ± 3.8 vs. 8.3 ± 3.4 min, p < 0.01), while preparation time showed no statistical difference between the groups (7.2 ± 3.3 vs. 6.2 ± 2.7 min, p > 0.05). The robotic system demonstrated higher accuracy and efficiency of implant placement than the dynamic navigation system in partially edentulous patients.

Characterization of tin oxide nanoparticles synthesized by discharging the non-thermal plasma jet in liquid and their application as an antibacterial agent

This study reports the synthesis of tin oxide nanoparticles using a non-thermal plasma jet technique. Spectroscopic analysis (OES) of plasma was carried out at atmospheric pressure to measure the plasma parameters used in the synthesis of nanoparticles. SnO2 NPs were synthesized at different durations (3 and 5 min) using a DC-high-voltage power source with a voltage of 13 kV.X-ray diffraction (XRD) showed that SnO2 NPs, prepared in 3 min, are rutile tetragonal polycrystalline and have an average crystallite size of 12.45 nm. Field emission scanning electron (FE-SEM) images also show that the nanoparticles are spherical and homogenous, with an average nanostructure diameter of 22 to 58 nm for both (3 and 5 min) preparation times. UV–Vis spectroscopy showed peaks of surface plasmon resonance around 255–260 nm. The ICP-mass technique was used to evaluate nanoparticle concentrations, which were between 90–100 μg/ml. Zeta potential (ZP) measurements revealed that the particles are relatively stable colloids. The study shows that synthesized nanoparticles have exceptional antibacterial efficacy against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. These nanoparticles are low-cost, scalable, and can be synthesized using gas or liquid phases, enabling the synthesis of a wide range of nanoparticles suitable for various pathogenic bacterial types.

Office Stationery Inventory Management System Using the Waterfall Method at PT Inalum

Management of office stationery (ATK) is an important aspect in supporting daily operations at PT. Indonesia Asahan Aluminum. In this context, the ATK management system which is still carried out manually has resulted in various problems, such as recording errors, delays in preparing reports, and inaccuracies in budget submissions. This research aims to design and implement a web-based information system that can increase the efficiency and effectiveness of managing ATK usage in the SIT Section.The method used in this research is the waterfall system development method, which consists of several stages: needs analysis, system design, implementation, testing, and implementation. The results of the analysis show that the current manual process has a recording error rate of up to 15% of total transactions and the annual report preparation time takes up to two weeks. With this new information system, it is hoped that it can reduce recording errors to less than 5% and speed up the time for preparing reports to just three days.

Friction-enhanced formation of Cu microwire on Si wafer

Tribological printing is emerging as a promising technique for micro/nano manufacturing. A significant challenge is enhancing efficiency and minimizing the need for thousands of sliding cycles to create nano- or microstructures (2018ACS Appl. Mater. Inter.10 335-47, 2019 Nanotechnology30 302). This study presents a rapid approach for forming Cu microwires on Si wafers through a friction method during the evaporation of an ethanol-based lubricant containing Cu nanoparticles. The preparation time is influenced by the volume of the lubricant added, with optimal conditions reducing the time to 300 s (600 sliding cycles) for producing Cu microwires with a thickness of 200 nm. Key aspects include the lubricating effect of ethanol on the friction pairs and the role of ethanol evaporation in the growth of Cu microwires. Successful formation requires a careful balance between microwire thickening and wear removal. The resulting Cu microwires demonstrate mechanical and electrical properties that make them suitable as micro conductors. This work provides a novel approach for fabricating conductive microstructures on Si surfaces and other curved surfaces, offering potential applications in microelectronics and sensor technologies.

Comparing remote programming of cochlear implants using two methods: portable laptop and remote hosted site

Objectives Compare two remote programming methods as a clinical service for user satisfaction, ease of use, preparation time and accessibility. Method Method 1 (Portable Laptop): A ‘Programming Kit’ including laptop was shipped to cochlear implant users’ homes (N = 20). The audiologist at the implant center used remote desktop control of this laptop to adjust subjects’ speech processors. Method 2 (Remote Hosted Site): Eight distant clinics were recruited as host sites to house cochlear implant programming hardware and software so that CI users (N = 19) could attend their facility. The audiologist at the implant center used remote desktop control of the host sites’ computers to adjust the subjects’ CI speech processors. All parties were asked to fill out a questionnaire following their remote session. Results Remote hosted site method was rated higher for ease of use by the Remote Experts (12/15, 80%), compared to portable laptop method (11/19, 57.9%) and is more accessible to CI users of all levels of computer abilities while requiring less preparation time per session. Conclusion Remote hosted site method is an easier, more efficient method of remote programming as a clinical service delivery method compared to the Portable Laptop.

Flexural Behavior of Innovative Glass Fiber-Reinforced Composite Beams Reinforced with Gypsum-Based Composites

Glass Fiber-Reinforced Composite (GFRP) has found widespread use in engineering structures due to its lightweight construction, high strength, and design flexibility. However, pure GFRP beams exhibit weaknesses in terms of stiffness, stability, and local compressive strength, which compromise their bending properties. In addressing these limitations, this study introduces innovative square GFRP beams infused with gypsum-based composites (GBIGCs). Comprehensive experiments and theoretical analyses have been conducted to explore their manufacturing process and bending characteristics. Initially, four types of GBIGC—namely, hollow GFRP beams, pure gypsum, steel-reinforced gypsum, and fiber-mixed gypsum-infused beams—were designed and fabricated for comparative analysis. Material tests were conducted to assess the coagulation characteristics of gypsum and its mechanical performance influenced by polyvinyl acetate fibers (PVAs). Subsequently, eight GFRP square beams (length: 1.5 m, section size: 150 mm × 150 mm) infused with different gypsum-based composites underwent four-point bending tests to determine their ultimate bending capacity and deflection patterns. The findings revealed that a 0.12% dosage of protein retarder effectively extends the coagulation time of gypsum, making it suitable for specimen preparation, with initial and final setting times of 113 min and 135 min, respectively. The ultimate bending load of PVA-mixed gypsum-infused GFRP beams is 203.84% higher than that of hollow beams, followed by pure gypsum and steel-reinforced gypsum, with increased values of 136.97% and 186.91%, respectively. The ultimate load values from the theoretical and experimental results showed good agreement, with an error within 7.68%. These three types of GBIGCs with significantly enhanced flexural performance can be filled with different materials to meet specific load-bearing requirements for various scenarios. Their improved flexural strength and lightweight characteristics make GBIGCs well suited for applications such as repairing roof beams, light prefabricated frames, coastal and offshore buildings.

Using Interactive Whiteboards (IWB) in the English Classroom as Supporting Technology in the Teaching and Learning Process: Opportunities and Challenges

This research describes the teachers' and students' perception of using Interactive Whiteboards (IWB) and explain the opportunities and challenges of using IWB in English classrooms. This research uses library research. IWBs are large interactive displays used as input devices for computers. They can be used in educational institutions combining traditional presentation benefits with cutting-edge technology. IWB technology consists of a digital board, computer, and projector, which can be linked to a personal computer for easy use. It offers various tools including graphics, word processing, database, and multimedia tools. Using IWB as an educational tool increase new knowledge, provide innovations to students, improve the quality of students’ learning, facilitate interaction between teaching teams and students, improve teaching efficiency, and reduce paper usage. IWB has been found to significantly improve students' English skills, vocabulary proficiency, engagement, and attitude. However, implementing IWBs in schools presents challenges including large costs, insufficient technical support, technical issues, lack of adequate e-materials, limited time for lesson preparation, negative attitudes, lack of consensus among decision-makers, inadequate proficiency, and inadequate teacher training. Teachers need to master this technology so they can use it effectively in teaching. It is proposed that teachers receive training on utilizing IWBs more efficiently in various classroom settings. Teaching using proper operation of IWBs is a major factor in the teachers' ability to implement it successfully in the classroom. The trained teachers possessed a comprehension of the most efficient methods for utilizing the IWBs.

Analysis of skin and corneal fiber electrodes for electroretinogram assessments in patients with major depressive disorder

BackgroundElectroretinograms (ERG) are usually recorded with non-invasive corneal electrodes, requiring direct contact with the ocular surface. However, corneal electrode application is not tolerated by some individuals. The advent of handheld ERG devices has facilitated the use of skin electrodes for ERG measurements. Skin electrodes do not require corneal contact and thus enhance patient comfort, simplify the attachment process, and reduce preparation time, which is particularly beneficial for clinical psychiatric research. Nevertheless, due to the different attachment methods, ERG amplitudes recorded with skin compared to corneal electrodes are considerably smaller. However, comparative data on ERGs recorded with skin vs. corneal electrodes in psychiatric populations are currently lacking.Materials and methodsWe recorded flash electroretinograms of 57 healthy controls (HC) and 30 patients with a major depressive disorder (MDD) using both sensor strip skin and corneal electrodes with the handheld RETeval® device.ResultsThe significant reduction in both the amplitude and peak time of the a-wave in MDD when using sensor strip skin electrodes could not be replicated with corneal electrodes. Comparing both electrode types in HC revealed a fair correlation between sensor strip and corneal electrodes for a- and b-wave amplitudes and a moderate correlation for a- and b-wave peak times.ConclusionIn addition to being better tolerated, sensor strip skin electrodes appear to be more effective than corneal electrodes in detecting ERG alterations in patients with MDD when using the RETeval® device, making them a promising alternative to traditional corneal electrodes.

An Integrated Lean and Six Sigma Framework for Improving Productivity Performance: A Case Study in a Spanish Chemicals Manufacturer

In the pursuit of operational excellence and enhanced competitiveness, a wide range of industries have turned to methodologies such as Lean and Six Sigma; however, in the chemical sector, their application is very limited. This paper presents a Lean Six Sigma framework to identify and reduce sources of variability occurring in the final product composition of a Spanish SME fertilizer manufacturer. The company faced important challenges related to product variability, adversely affecting overall productivity. A real-life case of the Lean Six Sigma implementation was conducted over two years, and its applicability and ability to improve productivity performance were thoroughly assessed. The proposed framework successfully integrated Lean and Six Sigma methodologies, i.e., process mapping (value stream mapping), root cause analysis (Ishikawa cause–effect diagram), project management (SIPOC and DMAIC), and statistical process control, and demonstrated practical benefits for the case company by identifying the key variables affecting product variability and determining their optimal levels. A substantial 50% reduction in the variability of several products and a 42% reduction in material preparation time were achieved. These reductions resulted in a 40% reduction in costs associated with product losses and a 54% reduction in costs from raw material losses.

Automatic patient centering in computed tomography: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

To comprehensively examine the influence of auto-patient centering technologies on positioning accuracy, radiation dose, image quality, and time efficiency of computed tomography (CT) scans. A systematic search of peer-reviewed English publications was performed between January 2000 and November 2023 in PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Scopus, and Web of Science. Two postgraduate students and an academic lecturer independently reviewed the articles to verify adherence to the inclusion criteria. The QUADAS-2 tool was employed to evaluate study quality. We derived summary estimates on positioning accuracy, radiation dose reduction, image quality, and time efficiency using proportion and meta-analysis methodologies. Nine studies were identified comparing automatic and manual CT positioning. Automatic positioning improved accuracy by reducing vertical offsets to 7 mm and 4 mm for thorax and abdominal CTs, compared to 19 mm and 18 mm with manual methods. Most studies showed significant reductions in radiation dose, ranging from 5.71 to 31%. Image quality results were mixed, automatic methods generally produced images with less noise, but differences were minimal. Time efficiency was better, with automatic positioning reducing preparation time from 0.48 min versus 0.67 min for manual positioning. This review confirms that automatic patient-centering technologies enhance positioning accuracy and decrease preparation times in CT scans. While reductions in radiation doses and some improvements in image quality were observed, the evidence remains mixed. Findings support integrating these technologies into clinical practice to optimize patient care. Question Does automatic patient centering in CT enhance positioning accuracy, reduce radiation exposure, and improve image quality? Findings Findings indicate that automatic centering can optimize image quality, reduce examination times and contribute to overall improvements in imaging efficiency. Clinical relevance Automatic patient centering in CT improves positioning accuracy, minimizes radiation exposure, enhances image quality, and accelerates imaging workflows, contributing to safer, more efficient imaging procedures that benefit patient care.

Simultaneous Quantitation of Multiple Biological Thiols Using Reactive Ionization and Derivatization with Charged Mass Tags.

The biologically important thiols (cysteine, homocysteine, N-acetyl cysteine, and glutathione) are key species in redox homeostasis, and there is a clinical need to measure them rapidly, accurately, and simultaneously at low levels in complex biofluids. The solution to the challenge presented here is based on a new derivatizing reagent that combines a thiol-selective unit to optimize the chemical transformation and a precharged pyridinium unit chosen to maximize sensitivity in mass spectrometry. Derivatization is performed simultaneously with ionization ("reactive ionization"), and mass spectrometry is used to record and characterize the thiol reaction products. The method is applicable over the concentration range from 1 μM to 10 mM and is demonstrated for 25 blood serum, 1 plasma, and 3 types of tissue samples. The experiment is characterized by limited sample preparation (<4 min) and short analysis time (<1 min). High precision and accuracy (both better than 8%) are validated using independent HPLC-MS analysis. Cystine-cysteine redox homeostasis can be monitored by introducing an additional reduction step, and the accuracy and precision of these results are also validated by HPLC-MS.

A new chromatographic method for the determination of cysteine, glutathione, homocysteine and Nɛ-homocysteinyllysine isopeptide in human plasma

Cysteine and glutathione can be applied as therapeutic targets in civilization diseases such as diabetes mellitus and cancers. On the other hand, an elevated concentration of homocysteine, and its metabolites such as homocysteine thiolactone and Nɛ-homocysteinyllysine result in health problems and has been indicated as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease and accelerated atherosclerosis. This work describes the first simplified HPLC-UV method that allows simultaneous determination of Nɛ-homocysteinyllysine isopeptide, cysteine, glutathione and homocysteine in human plasma. The assay is based on reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography with UV detection and simultaneous reduction of disulfide bound with tris(2-carboxyethyl)phosphine and the selective pre-column derivatization of the thiol group with 1-benzyl-2-chloropyridinium bromide. Linearities of the detector responses for plasma samples were observed in ranges: 0.1–10.0 nmol/mL for Nɛ-homocysteinyllysine, 2.0–60.0 nmol/mL for glutathione and homocysteine, 20.0–600.0 nmol/mL for cysteine. The proposed method reduces the number of steps, shortens the total time of sample preparation, and limits the amount of single-use polypropylene laboratory materials.

Lessons learned from Taiwan's response to the COVID-19 pandemic: successes, challenges, and implications for future pandemics.

This study aims to provide an investigation of the containment and mitigation strategies encompassing the entirety of the pandemic in Taiwan. This descriptive, observational study used COVID-19 data from Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea, and analysed news releases from the Taiwanese health authority. Statistics provided evidence of outbreak severity through infection and mortality rates, while qualitative results from the document review offered insights on the actions taken by the government chronologically from 2 February 2020 to 31 December 2022. All three countries experienced significant infection peaks in 2022. Taiwan had two distinct peaks, one in late May and another in October. South Korea had a single, high peak in late March, while Japan experienced multiple smaller waves, the biggest wave in August. Similarly, weekly mortality rates peaked in 2022 for all three countries after a surge in their infected cases, with Taiwan (5.15/100 000) and South Korea (4.69/100 000) having higher rates than Japan (1.65/100 000). Results from qualitative analysis showed that Taiwan's early containment measures might have delayed the epidemic curve, allowing time for better preparation and proactive responses. However, the lack of a clear transition plan and the vulnerability of the elderly population contributed to higher mortality and infection rates. Despite ongoing challenges, Taiwan avoided nationwide lockdowns and relied on targeted restrictions to control transmission of the virus. Results of this article offer the narratives, reflections, and experiences from the case of Taiwan which may potentially present promising opportunities for impact in other settings and for future pandemics.

Experimental and interpretable machine learning-based analysis of pedestrian evacuation behavior in attack situations

Previous studies have extensively examined pedestrian evacuation behavior during emergencies such as fires. However, few studies have focused on evacuation behavior during violent attacks. In this paper, we design an experiment to simulate a violent attack and study the evacuation behavior of pedestrians during such an event. A random forest model is used to predict evacuation outcomes based on experimental data. Additionally, we employ interpretable machine learning methods, specifically Partial Dependence Plots (PDPs) and Individual Conditional Expectation (ICE), to investigate the variables influencing evacuation outcomes. The results indicate that the distance variable is the key variable influencing evacuation outcomes, followed by preparation time. Generally, shorter preparation time is beneficial to a higher probability of successful evacuation. However, immediate action after identification of the attacker is instead associated with a lower probability of successful evacuation. Moreover, shorter preparation time is also related to lower probabilities of successful evacuation when approaching the attacker. The number of attackers and exits has exerted a relatively limited monotonic influence. This study contributes to the development of safety guidelines and contingency plans in the event of a violent attack.

Single-lung ventilation technique in neonates undergoing thoracoscopic repair of esophageal atresia: a single-center retrospective cohort study.

Thoracoscopic repair is a common surgical procedure to treat esophageal atresia (EA). During thoracoscopic surgery, the single-lung ventilation (SLV) technique is used to collapse one of the lungs to obtain a better surgical view. However, SLV is associated with risks in neonates. This study aimed to assess the perioperative benefits and risks of SLV in neonates who underwent thoracoscopic EA repair. This single-center retrospective cohort study included all neonates who underwent thoracoscopic repair of EA at the Children's Hospital of Fudan University between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2021. Neonates were assigned to SLV (Group S) or dual-lung ventilation (DLV, Group D) groups depending on the technique used intraoperatively. The intraoperative and postoperative information of the two groups were compared. A total of 70 neonates were included in this study. Twenty-nine neonates were assigned to Group S and forty-one to Group D. No intraoperative adverse events were observed in either group. The surgery time of Group S was significantly shorter than that of Group D (81 ± 23 and 99 ± 29 min, respectively, P = 0.004). In contrast, the anesthetic preparation time of Group S was significantly longer than that of Group D (54 ± 22 and 44 ± 16 min, respectively, P = 0.030). The frequency of postoperative adverse events in Group S was similar to that of Group D (31.03% and 40.54%, respectively, P = 0.453). SLV was associated with a reduced surgery time for thoracoscopic repair of EA and longer anesthetic preparation time compared to DLV. The SLV was as safe as the DLV with potential advantages in thoracoscopic EA repair.

TEACHERS’ VIEWS ABOUT USING DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES IN EDUCATION OF INTELLECTUALLY GIFTED STUDENTS

Digital technologies have now become essential components of school education for all students with various educational needs and characteristics, and also provided new opportunities and resources for education of intellectually gifted students to take into account their unique cognitive and personal needs. At the same time, the key factors of effective gifted education are the teachers’ professional readiness and motivation to create the differentiated environment, methodologies, and curriculums, using these technologies. Due to the relevance of studying these issues, we researched the teachers’ attitudes toward using digital resources in school education of intellectually gifted students. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with  Moscow school teachers (Master’s degree students) on their beliefs about the educational needs of intellectually gifted adolescent in the context of digital technologies in order to interconnect teachers and students. In general, the respondents emphasized effi ciency of digital technologies, such as autonomy, distance (online) learning, discussion, competitions, and so on, in teaching and supporting intellectually gifted schoolchildren, their especial curiosity, diverse interests, high abilities, and high expectations (from self and others). The frequently mentioned benefi ts were availability of distant materials and consultants, like-minded persons for school and home work, and extracurricular activities. Possible challenges and negatives of using digital technology by gifted schoolchildren at different ages were also considered. Although all respondents indicated positive perceptions of digital technology education in the classroom or at home, most of them worried about their inadequacy of technological preparation and excessive time for development of educational materials. Our data show that the teachers need greater support in the production of digital curriculums and materials as well as their adaptations for gifted students in different educational situations.

Minimizing preparation time for repeated prolonged deep-inspiration breath holds during breast cancer irradiation using pre-oxygenation with high flow nasal oxygen and voluntary hyperventilation.

Deep inspiration breath-holds (DIBHs) reduce heart and lung toxicity during breast cancer radiotherapy. Consecutive DIBHs are stressful, time-consuming and leads to position changes. Pre-oxygenation using high flow nasal oxygen (HFNO) and hyperventilation prolongs DIBHs (L-DIBHs). We examined the effect of hyperventilation time on the duration of L-DIBHs. Additionally, to minimize total treatment time the feasibility of several successive L-DIBHs was examined. The method imposed 3 minutes of hyperventilation at 16 breaths per minute with preoxygenation using HFNO, in prone position. In the first phase, the effect of preparation time on the length of the breath-hold was investigated. The aim of the second phase was to investigate the feasibility of shorter preparation times before the second and third L-DIBH in the case of three consecutive L-DIBHs of 2 minutes. There is a positive but weak correlation between preparation time and L-DIBH duration. With either 3 min 30 second or 6 minutes 20 seconds (depending on fitness) of voluntary hyperventilation duration, 93% of subjects could hold three consecutive L-DIBHs for over 2 minutes. The median duration of the third and last L-DIBH was 3 min 17 s (SD 1 min 4 s). A weak relationship exists between the hyperventilation time and L-DIBH duration. Repeating L-DIBHs with shorter preparations is achievable, resulting in a shorter total time required. It is possible to perform a repeated L-DIBH for breast cancer irradiation using HFNO.

Comparative Study on the Application Effects of Optimized Frozen Section Procedure in Oral Cancer Surgery.

Objective. To investigate the application effects of optimizing the frozen section procedure in oral cancer surgery. Methods. A total of 45 oral cancer patients undergoing surgery were selected as the control group, operated from January 2020 to May 2021, without optimization of the frozen section procedure. Another 45 oral cancer patients undergoing surgery were selected as the experimental group, operated from June 2021 to December 2022, with the optimized frozen section procedure. The differences in the excellent rate of sections, the preparation time, the frozen report time and the accuracy rate between the two groups were compared. Results. In terms of the excellent rate of sections, the optimized procedure group was (44/45) 97.8%, which was higher than the conventional group (40/45) 88.9%; the preparation time and frozen report time in the optimized procedure group were (9.2 ± 0.7) min, and (26.4 ± 2.2) min, respectively, both shorter than those in the conventional group were (12.3 ± 1.3) min, and (31.8 ± 2.7) min, (p < 0.05); the accuracy rate of the frozen report, the optimized procedure group was (43/45) 95.6%, which was higher than the conventional group (40/45) 88.9%. Conclusion. Optimizing the frozen section procedure in oral cancer surgery can achieve desirable results, conducive to improving slide quality, reducing preparation time, and overall frozen report time. It is worthy of promotion.