Auf der Suche nach Heilung begibt sich der Reporter Thomas Bruckner auf den Weg durch den Dschungel der Alternativmedizin – als fragender, zweifelnder Beobachter. Unglaubliche, fantastische Erfahrungen macht Thomas Bruckner, nachdem ihm ein Hirntumor diagnostiziert wird: Obwohl die Schulmedizin empfiehlt, sofort operieren zu lassen, sucht er nach Alternativen. Er begegnet einer Vielzahl von Menschen, die behaupten, außergewöhnliche Fähigkeiten in sich zu tragen. Mit wachem Auge und journalistischem Gespür begibt er sich auf die Spuren der selbsternannten Heiler: Vom bodenständigen Heiler in seinem Nachbarort über Voodoo-Priester in Togo, von Wunderheilern auf den Philippinen, Schamanen in Bulgarien, Teufelsaustreibern in Ghana bis hin zum weltweit bekanntesten Medium, João de Deus in Brasilien, der später als Sexualstraftäter verurteilt wurde, führen ihn seine Reisen. In Thomas Bruckners lebendigen Reportagen tun sich gleichermaßen fesselnde wie irritierende Welten auf.

In this paper, empirically determined retrieval probabilities for control power are investigated. Since there is a continuous need for balancing unscheduled deviations of supply and demand, control power is of very high importance for the stability of the power system. Systems that are characterized by a high share of intermittent energy feed-in are especially effected. Since the market conditions have an influence on bidding behavior, those who are participants in the balancing market have an interest in gaining information about the activation of control power. Though the magnitudes have been changing over the last years, there are clear time dependent patterns.

Abstract: Background: Isometric paravertebral muscle training (IPMT) may improve mobility, pain, and quality of life (QOL) in cancer patients with spinal metastases. However, this regimen remains unproven in patients with unstable spinal metastases (USM), a population at high risk for clinical exacerbation with such interventions. Thus, we conducted this exploratory, non-blinded, randomized controlled trial (NCT02847754) to evaluate the safety/feasibility of IPMT and secondarily assess pain, bone density, pathologic fracture rate, and QOL. Methods: All patients had histologically/radiologically confirmed USM (per Taneichi score) and underwent non-operative management with 5-10 fractions of palliative radiotherapy (RT). Randomization (1:1) groups were IPMT (intervention, INT) or muscle relaxation (control, CON); both lasted 15 min/day and started concurrently with radiotherapy. The primary endpoint was feasibility (completion of training programs three months post-RT). Secondary endpoints were pain response (Visual Analog Scale) and opioid consumption, bone density and pathologic fracture rate, and QOL (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer, EORTC questionnaires). Results: Sixty patients were randomized and 56 received protocol therapy. Mean survival in both groups was 4.4 months. There were no adverse events with either training regimen. Altogether, ≥80% of the planned sessions were completed by 55% (n = 16/29) in CON and 67% (n = 18/27) in INT. Regarding the post-radiotherapy home-based training, ≥80% of planned sessions were completed by 64% (n = 9/14) of the INT cohort. There were no differences in pain scores, opioid consumption, or bone density between arms (p > 0.05 for all). No difference was observed between groups regarding new pathological fractures (INT: n = 1 vs. CON: n = 3) after three months (p = 0.419). There were no QOL differences between arms (all parameters p > 0.05). Conclusions: IPMT is potentially feasible for high-risk USM patients. Future trials adequately powered for relevant endpoints are thus recommended