bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of SPECT quick QC between using in-house hot phantom and Jaszczak phantom: A preliminary study
Authors: Aida A , Prajitno P , Soejoko D S
Published: June 2019

Quality control in nuclear medicine imaging is very imprortant which regularly carried out before running exam. The most important in QC is to evaluate QC parameter on SPECT images. Phantoms can be useful for evaluate QC parameters. The phantom was designed to quick QC SPECT system. Hot image from in-house hot phantom and cold image from Jaszczak phantom were used in this study with increasing activity concentration in in-house and Jaszczak phantom. This research is aimed to compare measurement results QC parameters of local uniformity and contrast on SPECT image generated with in-house and Jaszczak phantom. Measurement results from in-house hot phantom showed that lowest activity (0.99 MBq/mL) generated hardly visualized hot image for small diameter object (4.2 and 5.6 mm), and starting to be visible for 8.6 mm object with contrast value of 46.44. The same trend occurred to cold images generated by Jaszczak phantom, at lowest activity (0.068 MBq/mL) the ROI 8.6 mm on diameter object of 15.9 mm give rise to nearly the same contrast of that in hot image. No significant difference was found between local uniformity measured with in-house hot phantom and Jaszczak phantom. In-house hot phantom was robust and can be used as quick QC tool for SPECT system.
Verification and evaluation of radiation-beam parameters of high-energy linear accelerator with gantry rotation
Authors: Joan M , Saminathan S , Manickam R , Chougule A
Published: June 2019

The radiation beam from a linear accelerator originates from the acceleration of the electrons in the accelerating structure. As the gantry rotates together with the accelerating structure, it is at different orientations with respect to the magnetic field of Earth. The deviations in the path of the electron beam due to the changes in the magnetic fields are corrected by steering coils surrounding the accelerating structure. In the present investigation, all deviations in photon and electron beam parameters of a high energy linear accelerator with gantry rotation are checked. The central axis dose is measured using a parallel-plate ionization chamber placed in the fabricated phantom via parallel-plate chamber holder. To measure the beam flatness and symmetry, a dosimetric plate designed to hold a radiosensitive film is used. The evaluation performed using the fabricated phantom confirms the accuracy of the dose delivered to patients at various gantry angles.
Correlation between CT Number shift and tissue temperature change during radiofrequency ablation: an ex-vivo study using bovine liver
Authors: Leng Lee Dong , How Wong Yin , Long Cheah Peng , Tan Daryl , Sing Lim Kok , Che Ahmad Azlan , Sulaiman Norshazriman , Johan Jeet Abdullah Basri , Hong Yeong Chai
Published: June 2019

Current post-RFA (radiofrequency ablation) evaluation of unresectable liver tumours relies on visual inspection of non-enhancing tissues on the contrasted CT (computed tomography) images. This research investigated the correlation between CT number shift (dHU) and tissue temperature change (dT) during real-time CT-guided RFA of ex-vivo bovine livers. The study aimed to develop a non-invasive CT thermometry method to guide clinicians in assessing ablation outcome. 10 liver samples were individually ablated for 12 minutes using a RFA electrode, powered by an impedance-controlled RF generator (Cool-tipTM, Metronic, USA) and subsequently cooled for 15 minutes. An optical fiber inscribed with 4 equally spaced Fiber Bragg Gratings (FBG) was inserted sideward through the liver to measure 4 temperature points at the grating positions. CT scans were performed at interval of 3 minutes from 0 to 27 minute. CT numbers at the grating positions were manually extracted, and dHU and dT were computed and plotted to investigate the relationship. From the results, CT number decreased as temperature increased during RFA, and vice versa. A negative linear relationship (y = -0.66x + 1.23, R2 = 0.925) between dHU and dT was observed. The thermal sensitivity was determined as -0.66 ± 0.03 HU/˚C. The strong correlation between dHU and dT during RFA could be used to estimate tissue temperature based on the CT number measured during real time CT-guided RFA. This approach would help the interventionalists in determining the ablation outcome hence improving treatment efficacy.
Evaluation of organ doses following prostate treatment with permanent brachytherapy seeds: a Geant4 Monte Carlo simulation study
Authors: Fahmi M R , Hashikin N A A , Yeong C H , Guatelli S , Ng K H , Malaroda A , Rosenfeld A B , Perkins A C
Published: June 2019

This study aimed to evaluate the absorbed doses received by the organs at risk (OARs) following prostate treatment with permanent Iodine-125 (125I) brachytherapy seeds. In order to simulate an enlarged abnormal prostate due to malignancy, the MIRD5 adult male anthropomorphic phantom (readily available in the Geant4 Monte Carlo package) was modified by increasing the prostate volume to 35 cm3. The permanent seeds were constructed with an outer cylindrical dimension of 4.5 mm (length) × 0.8 mm (diameter). The effects of various activity per seed (0.5, 0.6 and 0.8 mCi), number of seeds (62, 78, 94 and 110 seeds) and radionuclides, i.e. Palladium-103 (103Pd), 125I and Cesium-131 (131Cs), towards the absorbed dose to the OARs (i.e. rectum, urinary bladder and both testicles) were investigated. In this study, prostate dose of up to 237 Gy was simulated, which resulted in 11 Gy dose to rectum, 7 Gy to urinary bladder and 4 Gy to each testicle. The doses were considered as reasonable, given the low dose rate nature of the treatment, allowing tissue repair for the OARs. Optimal seeds arrangement was found to consist of 78 or fewer seeds, as it resulted in the lowest dose to the OARs. For similar prostate dose, 103Pd resulted in the lowest dose to the OARs, followed by 125I and 131Cs. Permanent seed brachytherapy allows high dose to be delivered to the prostate, while ensuring minimal dose to the OARs.
Dosimetry analysis of homemade bolus using propylene glycol for photon MegaVoltage and electron radiation therapy
Authors: Rancangkapti N , Hariyanto A P , Mariyam F U , Almira L , Endarko  , Haris B
Published: June 2019

Bolus is widely used to protect and reduce irradiation in organ at risk in the process of radiotherapy. Generally, the bolus was made from polymer material due to had property is similar or equivalent to tissue. This study aimed to determine the density, transmission factor, effective mass attenuation coefficient on bolus with radiation of photons and electrons. The bolus material (B) was used Propylene Glycol (PG), Silicon Rubber (SR) and Aluminium Powder (Al), and had four types of bolus namely B - PG 24%, B - PG 24%; SR 8%, B - PG 24%; SR 8%; Al 0,5%, and B - PG 24%; SR 8%; Al 1,5% with dimensions of 11 × 11 cm and thickness of 1 and 1.5 cm. The bolus density is evaluated through the mass of each volume. The measured data revealed that all of the boluses have density values which are similar to tissue or water and air in the range from 0,864 - 1,202 g/cm3. For dosimetry testing, the bolus is irradiated using Linear Accelerator with 6 and 10 MV for photon source and 6 and 12 MeV for an electron source. The results showed that B - PG 24%; SR 8%; Al 1.5% for dosimetry testing both 6 and 10 MV photons obtained properties that resemble soft tissue. Meanwhile, for both dosimetry testing of 12 MeV electrons, the B - PG 24%; SR 8% with addition silicone rubber and aluminum have nature closest to soft tissue. All of the boluses that have been fabricated have properties similar to soft tissue for photon therapy whereas the addition of more aluminum making a bolus has features as a shield on the process of radiotherapy.
The characteristics of small field beam quality and output factor of 6 MV FFF
Authors: Azzi A , Ryangga D , Pawiro SA
Published: June 2019

Flattening filter free linear accelerator (FFF LINAC) has been installed in Indonesia. To ensure the accuracy of FFF irradiation, we evaluate the characteristic of FFF in regular and small fields. We employed the Monte Carlo (MC) simulation of FFF LINAC 6 MV as a standard reference in this study. Then, we compared the calculation of FFF beam at central and lateral axis to the measurement and TPS at 10 × 10, 1 × 1, 2 × 2, 3 × 3, 4 × 4 cm2 field sizes. Output factor (OF) and beam quality such that TPR20,10 and penumbra of FFF LINAC were evaluated. TPR20,10(S) for 10 × 10 cm2 was 0.01 differ between MC and measurement whereas it varied from 0.588 to 0.703 for small fields. Dose difference of lateral axis was agreed within 3% except for the penumbra region. Output factor of small fields measurement indicated that field size of 1 × 1 cm2 had a large discrepancy to MC according to this works. The TPR20,10(10) of MC, TPS, and measurement was not a significant difference, while the OF was tending to a large deviation in 1 × 1 cm2. The results showed that our FFF LINAC could be used for small field until 2 × 2 cm2.
Determination of composite field correction factor kpcsr,msr for Tomotherapy
Authors: Fitriandini A , Wibowo W E , Pawiro S A
Published: June 2019

The purpose of this study is to determine the correction factor of the composite field (kpcsr,msr
) of Tomotherapy for head and neck cases and to investigate the influence parameters of the pcsr field. This study employed Exradin A1SL and A 16 as the investigated chambers, and EBT3 as the reference dosimeter. The pcsr fields were created based on cylindrical water solid phantom. The results of this study show that the kpcsr,msr
values for both detectors increased with increasing field width (jaw), decreasing complexity level, and increasing pitch value. The yielded results indicate several factors affecting the kpcsr,msr
values: target homogeneity, volume averaging effect, thread effect, and the difference of general recombination at the different field width. These results represent that kpcsr,msr
is specific and depends on the parameters of the composite field. The kpcsr,msr
values for head and neck cases vary from 0.978-1.028. This variation implies that the determination of pcsr field should be according to the parameters used in clinical conditions. Due to the different position of the chamber and the film, the target should have excellent dose homogeneity to avoid the different response of the detectors.
Optimization of couch angles and number of arcs in non-coplanar VMAT for pituitary adenomas
Authors: Limpichotikul N , Yongvithisatid P , Pairat K , Dechsupa P , Changkaew P , Suphaphong S , Stansook N , savaphatiboon S , Tangboonduangjit P
Published: June 2019

Non-coplanar VMAT spares critical organs with short delivery time while maintaining PTV coverage. Due to the growth patterns of pituitary adenoma, the beam angle selection step was simplified by finding the optimal couch angles and number of arcs. The 2 clinical cases with difference PTV sizes were selected to study the results of dose distribution between coplanar and non-coplanar techniques. Later, couch angles were varied from 30° to 90° and 270° to 330° with a 15° interval. The numbers of arcs were varied from 3 to 4 arcs. Then, the selected protocol was applied to 5 pituitary adenoma patients. It was found that 90° and 270° couch angle showed the highest scores. However, these beams passed directly through the body, so the second couch angles of 75° and 285° were selected instead. For number of arcs optimization, 3-arc plan and 4-arc plan demonstrated a similar score. However, the 3-arc plan illustrated an obviously shorter treatment time. After the selection was proven to the 5 patients, there were 4 patients who passed the criteria, while 1 patient did not pass the hippocampal planning criteria. In conclusion, the suggested couch angles were 75° and 285°. The optimal number of arcs for pituitary adenoma was 3 arcs.
The sensitivity of patient-specific IMRT QA methods in detecting systematic errors: field-by-field versus single-gantry-angle composite
Authors: Alaswad M , Coleman L
Published: June 2019

This study evaluated the effect of small systematic errors, such as those from a multileaf collimator (MLC), on the quality of intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) treatment plan delivery. Two IMRT quality assurance (QA) verification techniques, field-by-field (FBF) and singe-gantry-angle composite (SGAC), were performed to evaluate both original and modified plans using a 2D ion chamber array detector. The dose distributions measured by the array detector for both FBF and SGAC were compared with the dose distribution calculated by the treatment planning system (TPS). FBF was found to be more sensitive than SGAC at detecting small systematic errors such as the opening and closing of the MLC’s segments, which were evaluated with respect to a gamma-index of 3%/3 mm and 2%/2 mm. The systematic errors involved in closing the segments of the anterior field by 2 mm and 3 mm showed a significant difference compared with the original field (unmodified): 83.1 ± 1.7% and 42.9 ± 1.9% gamma-index passing rates, respectively, for FBF. For SGAC, the magnitude of closing the MLC by 2 mm remained unnoticed and resulted in a 95.1 ± 2.61% gamma-index passing rate. Opening the MLC by 2 mm gave a false negative, but more than 5% of the rectum received 75 Gy, which exceeded the tolerance radiation dose recommended by the Quantitative Analysis of Normal Tissue Effects in the Clinic (QUANTEC).
Radiosensitization characteristic of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles in electron beam radiotherapy and brachytherapy
Authors: Rahman WN , Kadian SNM , Ab Rashid R , Abdullah R , Abdul Razak K , Pham BTT , Hawkett BS , Geso M
Published: June 2019

Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles (SPIONs) has been the focus in medical imaging as MRI contrast agents. SPIONs demonstrate intriguing properties that not only advantageous in diagnostic imaging but also for therapeutic application. In this study, the radiosensitization characteristic of SPIONs in electron beam radiotherapy and brachytherapy were investigated. This study was conducted in-vitro using HeLa cells with SPIONs (15 nm) concentration of 1, 2 and 3 mMol/L. Irradiations were done at doses ranging from 0 to 10 Gy using electron beams of energy 6 and 12 MeV as well as 0.38 MeV 192Ir brachytherapy source. Cell survivals were determined from clonogenic assay. Radiosensitization characterization was performed by analyzing the sensitization enhancement ratio (SER) expolated from the survival curves. The results show SPIONs induce radiosensitization effects in electron beams especially at lower energy with SER value obtained up to 1.5. The radiosensitization is more prominent for brachytherapy with SER value around 2. Concentrations of SPIONs also play important roles in which higher SPIONs concentration are more likely to increase radiosensitization effects. In conclusion, radiosensitization are dependent on radiation energy and concentration of the SPIONs. Further characterization of the radiosensitization induced by SPIONs may enable clinical translation of SPIONs as radiosensitizer in radiotherapy.
Characterisation of delaminated GAFCHROMIC™ EBT3 films in clinical photon, proton and 192Ir brachytherapy source
Authors: Tagiling N , Ab Rashid R , Abdullah R , Dollah N , Geso M , Tominaga T , Akasaka H , Kie K , Rahman WN
Published: June 2019

This paper aims to assess the dose-response characteristics of delaminated GAFCHROMIC™ EBT3 films for radiotherapy beams. Delaminated EBT3 films were produced by peeling off the top polyester substrate of original EBT3 using surgical precision forceps. The films were irradiated to 500 cGy with photon beams of 6 MV and 10 MV, while proton and 192Ir exposures were conducted at nominal energies of 150 MeV and 0.38 MeV respectively. Digitisations were made using a flatbed scanner in Red-channel for optimum sensitivity. Analyses of data fitting, reading reproducibility, film integrity and energy dependency were then implemented for comparison with original EBT3 films. Results of R2 in each curve suggested that the selected non-linear function appropriately fits the data with low reduced chi-square. However, the delaminated films experience integrity degradation of up to 13% due to active layer distress, affecting the reading reproducibility with values extending to 1.0%. Plus, the mean relative response ratio of energy dependency for delaminated EBT3 in photon irradiations was observed at 0.97, which is inferior to their original counterpart. In summary, the delaminated EBT3 yields comparable dose-response behaviour despite integrity deterioration. It is important to factor film delamination uncertainties into existing uncertainty budget as it is instrumental in reading dose-response deviations. Accurate evaluation together with reliable fabrication processes could make delaminated EBT3 attractive in specific applications including α-particles dosimetry and ultraviolet radiation monitoring.
Microwave–assisted precipitation of carbonated hydroxyapatite
Authors: Pebriani C P , Nurlely  , Sari Y W
Published: June 2019

Carbonated hydroxyapatite (CHA) is a bone implant material that has good solubility and resorption. In this study, CHA was synthesized and characterized using microwave–assisted precipitation method under different irradiation power and time. CHA powder was synthesized starting from calcium hydroxide, diammonium hydrogen phosphate, and calcium hydroxide. Chemical and physical analyses, XRD, FTIR, SEM, and EDX, were applied to investigate the composition, crystallinity, crystallite size and morphology of CHA powder. XRD patterns showed that CHAs had low characteristic peaks that indicating poor crystallinity. According to the crystallinity index, 450 W 30 minutes CHA with CI = 35.3% and SF = 2.908 was chosen as the best result because it was the closest result to the bone crystallinity reference. The crystallite size for all CHA samples reached 19.386 – 24.019 nm, were almost similar to the crystallite size for bone. FTIR and EDX affirmed that CHA bond existed. The carbonated hydroxyapatite was formed B type CHA with some additional A and AB type. CHA crystal was formed of nanorod particle. Hence the physical and chemical analyses suggest that CHA powder can be obtained using a microwave-assisted precipitation method with good results
Assessing landscape potential for human sustainability and ‘attractiveness’ across Asian Russia in a warmer 21st century
Authors: Parfenova Elena , Tchebakova Nadezhda , Soja Amber
Published: June 2019

In the past, human migrations have been associated with climate change. As our civilizations developed, humans depended less on the environment, in particular on climate, because technological and economic development in the span of human history allowed us to adapt to and overcome environmental discomfort. Asian Russia (east of the Urals to the Pacific) is known to be sparsely populated. The population is concentrated along the forest-steppe in the south, with its comfortable climate and thriving agriculture on fertile soils. We use current and predicted climate scenarios to evaluate the climate comfort of various landscapes to determine the potential for human settlers throughout the 21st century. Climate change scenarios are taken from 20 CMIP5 general circulation models. Two CO2Representative Concentration Pathway scenarios, RCP 2.6 representing mild climate change and RCP 8.5 representing more extreme changes, are applied to the large subcontinental territory of Asian Russia. The ensemble January and July temperature anomaly means and annual precipitation are calculated with respect to the baseline 1961–1990 climate. Three climate indices, which are important for human livelihood and well-being, are calculated based on January and July temperatures and annual precipitation: Ecological Landscape Potential, winter severity, and permafrost coverage. Climates predicted by the 2080s over Asian Russia would be much warmer and milder. Ensemble means do not show extreme aridity. The permafrost zone is predicted to significantly shift to the northeast. Ecological Landscape Potential would increase 1–2 categories from ‘low’ to ‘relatively high’ which would result in a higher capacity for population density across Asian Russia. Socio-economic processes and policy choices will compel the development that will lead to attracting people to migrate throughout the century. Therefore, understanding ecological landscape potential is crucial information for developing viable strategies for long-term economic and social development in preparation for climate migration and strategic adaptation planning.
What Humeans should say about tied best systems
Authors: Loew Christian , Jaag Siegfried
Published: June 2019

The Humean best systems account (BSA) identifies laws of nature with the regularities in a system of truths that, as a whole, best conforms to scientific standards for theory-choice. A principled problem for the BSA is that it returns the wrong verdicts about laws in cases where multiple systems, containing different regularities, satisfy these standards equally well. This problem affects every version of the BSA because it arises regardless of which standards for theory-choice Humeans adopt. In this paper, we propose a Humean response to the problem. We invoke pragmatic aspects of Humean laws to show that the BSA, despite violating some of our intuitive judgements, can capture everything that is relevant for scientific practice.
Targeting PARP and autophagy evoked synergistic lethality in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zai Wenjing , Chen Wei , Han Yuxuan , Wu Zimei , Fan Jiajun , Zhang Xuyao , Luan Jingyun , Tang Shijie , Jin Xin , Fu Xiang , Gao Hongjian , Ju Dianwen , Liu Hongrui
Published: June 2019

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), one of the most lethal malignancies worldwide, has limited efficient therapeutic options. Here, we first demonstrated that simultaneously targeting poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) and autophagy could evoke striking synergistic lethality in HCC cells. Specifically, we found that the PARP inhibitor Niraparib induced cytotoxicity accompanied by significant autophagy formation and autophagic flux in HCC cells. Further experiments showed that Niraparib induced suppression of the Akt/mTOR pathway and activation of the Erk1/2 cascade, two typical signaling pathways related to autophagy. In addition, the accumulation of reactive oxygen species was triggered, which was involved in Niraparib-induced autophagy. Blocking autophagy by chloroquine (CQ) in combination with Niraparib further enhanced cytotoxicity, induced apoptosis and inhibited colony formation in HCC cells. Synergistic inhibition was also observed in Huh7 xenografts in vivo. Mechanistically, we showed that autophagy inhibition abrogated Niraparib-induced cell-cycle arrest and checkpoint activation. Cotreatment with CQ and Niraparib promoted the formation of γ-H2AX foci while inhibiting the recruitment of the homologous recombination repair protein RAD51 to double-strand break sites. Thus, the present study developed a novel promising strategy for the management of HCC in the clinic and highlighted a potential approach to expand the application of PARP inhibitors.
Altered Sensitivity to Motion of Area MT Neurons Following Long-Term V1 Lesions
Authors: Hagan Maureen A , Chaplin Tristan A , Huxlin Krystel R , Rosa Marcello G P , Lui Leo L
Published: June 2019

Primates with primary visual cortex (V1) damage often retain residual motion sensitivity, which is hypothesized to be mediated by middle temporal area (MT). MT neurons continue to respond to stimuli shortly after V1 lesions; however, experimental and clinical studies of lesion-induced plasticity have shown that lesion effects can take several months to stabilize. It is unknown what physiological changes occur in MT and whether neural responses persist long after V1 damage. We recorded neuronal responses in MT to moving dot patterns in adult marmoset monkeys 6–12 months after unilateral V1 lesions. In contrast to results obtained shortly after V1 lesions, we found that fewer MT neurons were direction selective, including neurons expected to still receive projections from remaining parts of V1. The firing rates of most cells increased with increases in motion strength, regardless of stimulus direction. Furthermore, firing rates were higher and more variable than in control MT cells. To test whether these observations could be mechanistically explained by underlying changes in neural circuitry, we created a network model of MT. We found that a local imbalance of inhibition and excitation explained the observed firing rate changes. These results provide the first insights into functional implications of long-term plasticity in MT following V1 lesions.
Observation Tree Approach: Active Learning Relying on Testing
Authors: Soucha Michal , Bogdanov Kirill
Published: June 2019

The correspondence of active learning and testing of finite-state machines (FSMs) has been known for a while; however, it was not utilized in the learning. We propose a new framework called the observation tree approach that allows one to use the testing theory to improve the performance of active learning. The improvement is demonstrated on three novel learning algorithms that implement the observation tree approach. They outperform the standard learning algorithms, such as the L* algorithm, in the setting where a minimally adequate teacher provides counterexamples. Moreover, they can also significantly reduce the dependency on the teacher using the assumption of extra states that is well-established in the testing of FSMs. This is immensely helpful as a teacher does not have to be available if one learns a model of a black box, such as a system only accessible via a network.
Quantile-based smooth transition value at risk estimation
Authors: Hubner Stefan , Čížek Pavel
Published: June 2019

Value at risk models are concerned with the estimation of conditional quantiles of a time series. Formally, these quantities are a function of conditional volatility and the respective quantile of the innovation distribution. The former is often subject to asymmetric dynamic behaviour, e.g., with respect to past shocks. In this paper, we propose a model in which conditional quantiles follow a generalised autoregressive process governed by two parameter regimes with their weights determined by a smooth transition function. We develop a two-step estimation procedure based on a sieve estimator, approximating conditional volatility by using composite quantile regression, which is then used in the generalised autoregressive conditional quantile estimation. We show that the estimator is consistent and asymptotically normal, and we complement the results with a simulation study. In our empirical application, we consider daily returns of the German equity index (DAX) and the USD/GBP exchange rate. Although only the latter follows a two-regime model, we find that our model performs well in terms of out-of-sample prediction in both cases.
Labour Market Effects of General and Vocational Education over the Life-Cycle and across Time: Accounting for Age, Period, and Cohort Effects
Authors: Rözer Jesper J , Bol Thijs
Published: June 2019

A recent literature argues that the labour market returns to vocational education vary over the life cycle. Graduates with an occupation-specific educational degree have a smooth transition into the labour market but experience difficulties later in their career when their specific skills become obsolete. This life course penalty to vocational education is expected to be particularly strong in periods of rapid technological change. Existing literature has mostly studied this topic from the perspective of age effects but focused less on cohort and period effects. Moreover, it is unclear to what extent lower returns to vocational education in the late career vary across time periods. Using Labour Force Survey data for the Netherlands (1996–2012) we find that having a more occupation-specific educational degree increases the likelihood of being employed in early life and lowers the average job status. This initial advantage of a higher employment probability declines with age, and the disadvantage in job status increases as workers grow older. We find that these life-cycle effects have not, or only marginally, changed over time.
Women’s excess unhealthy life years: disentangling the unhealthy life years gap
Authors: Nusselder Wilma J , Cambois Emmanuelle M , Wapperom Dagmar , Meslé France , Looman Caspar W N , Yokota Renata T C , Van Oyen Herman , Jagger Carrol , Robine Jean Marie
Published: June 2019

Background

Compared to men, women live longer but have more years with disability. We assessed the contribution of gender differences in mortality and disability, total and by cause, to women’s excess unhealthy life years (ULYs).

Methods

We used mortality data for France 2008 from Eurostat, causes of death from the CépiDc-INSERM-database; and disability and chronic conditions data from the French Disability Health Survey 2008–09. ULYs were calculated by the Sullivan method. The contributions of mortality and disability differences to gender differences in ULY were based on decomposition analyses.

Results

Life expectancy of French women aged 50 was 36.3 years of which 19.0 were ULYs; life expectancy of men was 30.4 years of which 14.2 were ULYs. Of the 4.8 excess ULYs in women, 4.0 years were due to lower mortality. Of these 4.0 ULYs, 1.8 ULY originated from women’s lower mortality from cancer, 0.8 ULY from heart disease and 0.3 ULY from accidents. The remaining 0.8 excess ULY in women were from higher disability prevalence, including higher disability from musculoskeletal diseases (+1.8 ULY) and anxiety-depression (+0.6 ULY) partly offset by lower disability from heart diseases (−0.8 ULY) and accidents (−0.3 ULY).

Conclusion

Lower mortality and higher disability prevalence contributed to women’s longer life expectancy with disability. Women’s higher disability prevalence due to non-fatal disabling conditions was partly offset by lower disability from heart disease and accidents. Conditions differentially impact gender differences in ULY, depending on whether they are mainly life-threatening or disabling. The conclusions confirm the health-survival paradox.
Mouse models of X-linked juvenile retinoschisis have an early onset phenotype, the severity of which varies with genotype
Authors: Liu Yang , Kinoshita Junzo , Ivanova Elena , Sun Duo , Li Hong , Liao Tara , Cao Jingtai , Bell Brent A , Wang Jacob M , Tang Yajun , Brydges Susannah , Peachey Neal S , Sagdullaev Botir T , Romano Carmelo
Published: June 2019

X-linked juvenile retinoschisis (XLRS) is an early-onset inherited condition that affects primarily males and is characterized by cystic lesions of the inner retina, decreased visual acuity and contrast sensitivity and a selective reduction of the electroretinogram (ERG) b-wave. Although XLRS is genetically heterogeneous, all mouse models developed to date involve engineered or spontaneous null mutations. In the present study, we have studied three new Rs1 mutant mouse models: (1) a knockout with inserted lacZ reporter gene; (2) a C59S point mutant substitution and (3) an R141C point mutant substitution. Mice were studied from postnatal day (P15) to 28 weeks by spectral domain optical coherence tomography and ERG. Retinas of P21–22 mice were examined using biochemistry, single cell electrophysiology of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and by immunohistochemistry. Each model developed intraretinal schisis and reductions in the ERG that were greater for the b-wave than the a-wave. The phenotype of the C59S mutant appeared less severe than the other mutants by ERG at adult ages. RGC electrophysiology demonstrated elevated activity in the absence of a visual stimulus and reduced signal-to-noise ratios in response to light stimuli. Immunohistochemical analysis documented early abnormalities in all cells of the outer retina. Together, these results provide significant insight into the early events of XLRS pathophysiology, from phenotype differences between disease-causing variants to common mechanistic events that may play critical roles in disease presentation and progression.
Estimating purse seine volume during capture: implications for fish densities and survival of released unwanted catches
Authors: Tenningen Maria , Pobitzer Armin , Handegard Nils Olav , de Jong Karen
Published: June 2019

High fish densities negatively impact catch welfare and the survival of unwanted catches released from purse seines. To avoid overcrowding fish before being released, regulations have been implemented in the Northeast Atlantic mackerel and herring fisheries that limit the proportion of the seine that can be retrieved before catches are released. However, it is yet unknown how seine volume, and thus fish density, relates to proportion of seine retrieved. In this study, we have estimated the in-water volume of purse seines used in the Norwegian mackerel and herring fisheries as a function of proportion seine hauled and seine size. Purse seine geometry was monitored with multibeam sonar at sea and a log-linear mixed effects model was applied to the estimated seine volumes. The results indicate a 33-fold decrease in contained volume from 10 to 80% seine hauled and a threefold difference in volume between the largest and smallest measured seines. Fish densities in the seine were predicted to vary greatly depending on seine and catch size and under some conditions exceed safe crowding levels before the catch release limit is reached. This study questions the rationale of having the same catch release limit for all seine and catch sizes.
STS, ESTS and JACS survey on surveillance practices after surgical resection of lung cancer
Authors: Pompili Cecilia , Edwards Melanie , Bhandari Prasha , Novoa Nuria , Hasegawa Seiki , Yoshino Ichiro , Chida Masayuki , Brunelli Alessandro , Naunheim Keith , Backhus Leah
Published: June 2019

OBJECTIVES

A 1995 survey of Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) members revealed wide variation in postresection lung cancer surveillance practices and pessimism regarding any survival benefit. We sought to compare contemporary practice patterns and attitudes among members of STS, European Society of Thoracic Surgeons (ESTS) and the Japanese Association for Chest Surgery (JACS).

METHODS

A survey identical to the one conducted in 1995 was administered via mail or electronically. χ2 tests for associations were used to compare profiles of respondents and attitudes towards testing between groups. All the statistical tests were two-sided and P-values of 0.05 or less were considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

A total of 2978 STS members (response rate 7.8%, n = 234), 1450 ESTS members (response rate 8.4%, n = 122) and 272 JACS (response rate 40.8%, n = 111) members were surveyed. Rate of guideline-recommended surveillance computed tomography was reported highest among ESTS respondents for stage I patients (22% ESTS, 3% STS and 6% JACS members, P < 0.001). However, both JACS and ESTS respondents reported higher rates of use of non-guidelines-recommended tests compared to STS respondents, which persisted on adjusted analyses. Regarding attitudes towards surveillance, more JACS and ESTS members either ‘agree’ or ‘strongly agree’ that routine testing for non-small-cell lung cancer recurrence results in potentially curative treatment (ESTS: 86%, STS: 70%, JACS: 90%, P < 0.001). Similarly, JACS and ESTS respondents believe that the current literature documents definitive survival benefits from routine follow-up testing (ESTS: 57%, STS: 30%, JACS: 62%, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The Japanese attitude towards surveillance is similar to that of ESTS members potentially highlighting significant differences between European and Asian surgeons compared to STS members. These differences clearly highlight the need for better prospective studies and joint recommendations to globally standardize practice.
Provider-perceived barriers to diagnosis and treatment of acute coronary syndrome in Tanzania: a qualitative study
Authors: Hertz Julian T , Kweka Godfrey L , Manavalan Preeti , Watt Melissa H , Sakita Francis M
Published: June 2019

Background

The incidence of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is growing across sub-Saharan Africa and many healthcare systems are ill-equipped for this growing burden. Evidence suggests that healthcare providers may be underdiagnosing and undertreating ACS, leading to poor health outcomes. The goal of this study was to examine provider perspectives on barriers to ACS care in Tanzania in order to identify opportunities for interventions to improve care.

Methods

Semistructured in-depth interviews were conducted with physicians and clinical officers from emergency departments and outpatient departments in northern Tanzania. Thematic analysis was conducted using an iterative cycle of coding and consensus building.

Results

The 11 participants included six physicians and five clinical officers from health centers, community hospitals and one referral hospital. Providers identified barriers related to providers, systems and patients. Provider-related barriers included inadequate training regarding ACS and poor application of textbook-based knowledge. System-related barriers included lack of diagnostic equipment, unavailability of treatments, referral system delays, lack of data regarding disease burden, absence of locally relevant guidelines and cost of care. Patient-related barriers included inadequate ACS knowledge, inappropriate healthcare-seeking behavior and non-adherence.

Conclusions

This study identified actionable barriers to ACS care in northern Tanzania. Multifaceted interventions are urgently needed to improve care.
Buddhist Law Against the State? Representing Religion, Law, and Conflict
Authors: Schonthal Benjamin
Published: June 2019

Public disputes over the legal regulation of religion are often portrayed as naturally occurring conflicts between competing normative systems: religious law and state law. What, then, explains why some normative frictions become the focus of major controversies, whereas others do not? This article tries to answer this question, while examining a genre of religious law that has not received much attention by scholars of law and religion, Buddhist law in Sri Lanka. Drawing on monastic disciplinary texts, legal archives, and representations of law taken from online and popular media, this article analyzes how and why a minor, routine friction between Buddhist ecclesiastical rules and Sri Lankan statutory regulations—a dispute over whether a monk may wear his robes in prison—came to be portrayed as a grand contest between two incompatible regimes: “Buddhist law” and “state law.”
Rates of HIV-1 virological suppression and patterns of acquired drug resistance among fisherfolk on first-line antiretroviral therapy in Uganda
Authors: Omooja Jonah , Nannyonjo Maria , Sanyu Grace , Nabirye Stella E , Nassolo Faridah , Lunkuse Sandra , Kapaata Anne , Segujja Farouk , Kateete David Patrick , Ssebaggala Eric , Bbosa Nicholas , Aling Emmanuel , Nsubuga Rebecca N , Kaleebu Pontiano , Ssemwanga Deogratius
Published: June 2019

Objectives

We examined virological outcomes, patterns of acquired HIV drug resistance (ADR), correlates of virological failure (VF) and acquired drug resistance among fisherfolk on first-line ART.

Methods

We enrolled 1169 adults on ART for a median duration of 6, 12, 24, 36 and ≥48 months and used a pooled VL testing approach to identify VF (VL ≥1000 copies/mL). We performed genotyping among VF cases and determined correlates of VF and ADR by logistic regression.

Results

The overall virological suppression rate was 91.7% and ADR was detected in 71/97 (73.2%) VF cases. The most prevalent mutations were M184V/I (53.6%) for NRTIs and K103N (39.2%) for NNRTIs. Thymidine analogue mutations were detected in 21.6% of VF cases while PI mutations were absent. A zidovudine-based ART regimen, duration on ART (≥24 months) and secondary/higher education level were significantly associated with VF. A nevirapine-based regimen [adjusted OR (aOR): 1.87; 95% CI: 0.03–0.54)] and VL ≥10000 copies/mL (aOR: 3.48; 95% CI: 1.37–8.85) were ADR correlates. The pooling strategies for VL testing with a negative predictive value (NPV) of ≥95.2% saved US $20320 (43.5%) in VL testing costs.

Conclusions

We observed high virological suppression rates among these highly mobile fisherfolk; however, there was widespread ADR among those with VF at the first VL testing prior to intensive adherence counselling. Timely treatment switching and adherence support is recommended for better treatment outcomes. Adoption of pooled VL testing could be cost effective, particularly in resource-limited settings.
Advances in Semiochemical Repellents to Mitigate Host Mortality From the Spruce Beetle (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Authors: Hansen E Matthew , Munson A Steven , Wakarchuk David , Blackford Darren C , Graves Andrew D , Stephens S Sky , Moan Jason E
Published: June 2019

We tested 3-methyl-2-cyclohexen-1-one (MCH) and novel semiochemicals as potential spruce beetle (Dendroctonus rufipennis Kirby) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Scolytinae) repellents over multiple years in Utah and Colorado trapping bioassays. MCH is a known spruce beetle repellent and our testing revealed Acer kairomone blend (AKB) and isophorone plus sulcatone as repellents. We subsequently tested these semiochemicals for area and single tree protection to prevent spruce beetle attacks at locations in Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, New Mexico, and Alaska. Individual tree protection trials found MCH–AKB provided significant protection against spruce beetle attacks in the southern Rocky Mountains but not in Alaska. Adding sulcatone or doubling MCH–AKB pouches did not further enhance protection. A degree of protection was extended to spruce at least 10 m distant from the repellents, including in Alaska. Tree diameter was not a significant covariate among treated trees but was positively correlated with the probability of infestation for surrounding spruce. In area protection trials, spruce in control plots were 2.4 times more likely to be in a higher severity attack class compared with spruce in plots treated with MCH–AKB pouches deployed at 30 sets per hectare. Tree diameter had a significant, positive relationship to the probability of infestation. We found MCH–AKB to offer a high degree of protection against beetle attack in Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmannii Parry ex Engelm.) (Pinales: Pinaceae) (Picea engelmannii Parry ex Engelm.) (Pinales: Pinaceae), especially for single tree protection (66% of control trees were strip- or mass-attacked compared with 6% of repellent-treated trees). AKB requires registration and labeling, however, before this economical and environmentally benign semiochemical can be used operationally.
Rhythms in Foraging Behavior and Expression Patterns of the Foraging Gene in Solenopsis invicta (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in relation to Photoperiod
Authors: Lei Yanyuan , Zhou Yangyang , Lü Lihua , He Yurong
Published: June 2019

The foraging gene (for) is associated with foraging and other associated behaviors in social insect species. Photoperiod is known to entrain the rhythmic biological functions of ants; however, how photoperiod might influence the intensity and duration of foraging, and the expression of for, remains unexplored. This study determined the correlation between rhythm in foraging behavior and expression of the foraging gene (Sifor) mRNA in red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren. Foragers were exposed to three photoperiod conditions (12:12 [L:D], 24:0 [L:D], and 0:24 [L:D]) in the laboratory and foraging activities were recorded using a video-computer recording system. Sifor expression in the foragers was tested using real-time reverse-transcription quantitative PCR. Results revealed that foraging activity rhythm and Sifor expression profile were unimodal under all three photoperiod conditions. Levels of foraging activity were associated with photoperiodic modification, a stable phase difference between the onset of activity and the onset of gene expression was discovered. Light-dark transients stimulated foraging activity in 12:12 (L:D). There were significant daily oscillations (amplitude of 0.21 ± 0.08 for 12:12 [L:D], 0.12 ± 0.02 for 24:0 [L:D], and 0.09 ± 0.01 for 0:24 [L:D]) in the expression of Sifor. A positive relationship (r = 0.5903, P < 0.01) was found between the expression level of Sifor and foraging activity, which indicated that Sifor is linked to some extent to foraging behavior. Our results demonstrated that foragers could adjust the rhythms in foraging behavior according to light–dark cycle and suggested that Sifor may play an important role in the response of S. invicta to photoperiod.
Can Government Public Communications Elicit Undue Trust? Exploring the Interaction between Symbols and Substantive Information in Communications
Authors: Alon-Barkat Saar
Published: June 2019

Effective public communications have been proposed as a remedy for citizens’ distrust in government. Recent studies pointed to the emotional effect of symbolic elements, entangled in government public communications (e.g., logos, images, and celebrities). Still, they did not examine the interaction between these symbols and the substantive information in communications about bureaucracies’ performance and policies. Exploring this interaction is important for understanding the theoretical mechanisms underlying the effect of symbolic communication on citizens’ trust. Also, it is essential to assess symbols’ potency to unduly compensate for unfavorable or logically unpersuasive information, and enable public organizations to escape justified public criticism. Building on the social psychology Elaboration Likelihood Model, I theorize that symbols may increase citizens’ trust by conducing citizens to pay less attention to logically unpersuasive information, and thus offsetting its negative effect. I test this indirect mechanism via a large survey experiment, focusing on the Israeli Environment Protection Ministry. The experimental results support the research hypotheses and suggest that the effect of symbolic elements is stronger when communications include logically unpersuasive information. I discuss the implications of these findings for democratic responsiveness and accountability.
Updated results on the galaxy–halo connection from satellite kinematics in SDSS
Authors: Lange Johannes U , van den Bosch Frank C , Zentner Andrew R , Wang Kuan , Villarreal Antonia Sierra
Published: June 2019

We present new results on the relationship between central galaxies and dark matter haloes inferred from observations of galaxy abundances and satellite kinematics in the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) DR7. We employ an updated analysis framework that includes detailed mock catalogues to model observational effects in SDSS. Our results constrain the colour-dependent conditional luminosity function of dark matter haloes, as well as the radial profile of satellite galaxies. Confirming previous results, we find that red central galaxies live in more massive haloes than blue galaxies at a fixed luminosity. Additionally, our results suggest that satellite galaxies have a radial profile less centrally concentrated than dark matter but not as cored as resolved subhaloes in dark-matter-only simulations. Compared to previous works using satellite kinematics by More et al., we find much more competitive constraints on the galaxy–halo connection, on par with those derived from a combination of galaxy clustering and galaxy–galaxy lensing. This improvement stems from also modelling the abundance of galaxies as well as a larger sample size and more realistic observational uncertainties. We compare our results on the galaxy–halo connection to other studies using galaxy clustering and group catalogues, showing a reasonable agreement between these different techniques. We discuss future applications of satellite kinematics in the context of constraining cosmology and the relationship between galaxies and dark matter haloes.