bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular analysis of knockdown resistance (kdr) mutations in the voltage-gated sodium channel gene of Aedes aegypti populations from Saudi Arabia
Authors: Mashlawi Abadi M. , Al-Nazawi Ashwaq M. , Noureldin Elsiddig M. , Alqahtani Hussain , Mahyoub Jazem A. , Saingamsook Jassada , Debboun Mustapha , Kaddumukasa Martha , Al-Mekhlafi Hesham M. , Walton Catherine
Published: October 2022

Background

The Aedes aegypti mosquito is the primary vector for dengue, chikungunya, yellow fever and Zika viruses worldwide. The first record of Ae. aegypti in southwestern Saudi Arabia was in 1956. However, the first outbreak and cases of dengue fever were reported in 1994, and cases have increased in recent years. Vector control for Ae. aegypti mainly uses pyrethroid insecticides in outdoor and indoor space spraying. The constant use of pyrethroids has exerted intense selection pressure for developing target-site mutations in the voltage-gated sodium channel (vgsc) gene in Ae. Aegypti against pyrethroids—mutations that have led to knockdown resistance (kdr).

Methods

Aedes aegypti field populations from five regions (Jazan, Sahil, Makkah, Jeddah and Madinah) of southwestern Saudi Arabia were genotyped for known kdr mutations in domains IIS6 and IIIS6 of the vgsc gene using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and sequencing. We estimated the frequency of kdr mutations and genotypes from Saudi Arabia as well as from other countries, Thailand, Myanmar (Southeast Asia) and Uganda (East Africa). We constructed haplotype networks to infer the evolutionary relationships of these gene regions.

Results

The three known kdr mutations, S989P, V1016G (IIS6) and F1534C (IIIS6), were detected in all five regions of Saudi Arabia. Interestingly, the triple homozygous wild genotype was reported for the first time in two individuals from the highlands of the Jazan region and one from the Al-Quoz, Sahil region. Overall, nine genotypes comprising four haplotypes were observed in southwestern Saudi Arabia. The median-joining haplotype networks of eight populations from Saudi Arabia, Southeast Asia and East Africa for both the IIS6 and IIIS6 domains revealed that haplotype diversity was highest in Uganda and in the Jazan and Sahil regions of Saudi Arabia, whereas haplotype diversity was low in the Jeddah, Makkah and Madinah regions. Median-joining haplotype networks of both domains indicated selection acting on the kdr-mutation containing haplotypes in Saudi Arabia.

Conclusions

The presence of wild type haplotypes without any of the three kdr mutations, i.e. that are fully susceptible, in Saudi Arabia indicates that further consideration should be given to insecticide resistance management strategies that could restore pyrethroid sensitivity to the populations of Ae. aegypti in Saudi Arabia as part of an integrative vector control strategy.

Graphical Abstract
Effect of diagnosis delay on pulmonary function in children with asthma
Authors: Wei Xiaoling , Xue Min , Yan Jinyan , Han Yuling , Liu Yanqin , Liu Miao , Sun Jing , Zhang Yun , Cheng Lu , Ma Xiang , Gai Zhongtao
Published: October 2022

Background

The effects of a delayed diagnosis of asthma on lung function in children have not been well investigated. Therefore, a retrospective cohort study was conducted in a children’s hospital to analyse the effect of delayed diagnosis time on lung function in children with asthma.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study in Jinan Children's Hospital from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2020. All children were divided into different groups according to the presence or absence of rhinitis, age at first onset (first coughing and wheezing attack) and delayed diagnosis duration (≤ 3 months, 3–12 months, 1–3 years, 3–5 years and > 5 years).

Results

A total of 1,014 children with asthma were included in this study. The median (quartile) delay in asthma diagnosis among all participants was 11 (2, 26) months. The shortest delay in diagnosis time was on the same day of onset, and the longest delay in diagnosis time was 10 years. The median (quartile) duration of delayed diagnosis was 10 (2, 26) months in 307 asthmatic children without rhinitis and 11 (2, 26) months in 707 children with asthma and rhinitis (P < 0.05). The delayed diagnosis time was shorter among female children than among male children (P < 0.05), and the first %predicted forced volume capacity (FVC%pred) results for females were higher than those for males (P = 0.036). The children whose age at first asthma onset was ≤ 3 years had a longer delayed diagnosis duration than those whose age at first onset was > 3 years (P < 0.05). The FVC%pred and %predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1%pred) in the first and second pulmonary function tests were significantly lower in the five delayed diagnosis groups (all P < 0.05). After standardised treatment for 3–6 months, FVC%pred showed a significant difference in the third test among the 5 groups (P < 0.05), but the other pulmonary function indices showed no significant difference. Logistic regression analysis showed that longer delay and young age of onset were associated with lower lung function (P < 0.05), whereas sex, rhinitis and eczema had no significant effects (all P > 0.05) on FVC%pred and FEV1%pred.

Conclusion

Although delayed asthma diagnosis can lead to lung function impairment in children with asthma, lung function can be improved quickly after standardised treatment. Therefore, early asthma diagnosis and standardised treatment are very important.
5p deletion with congenital diaphragmatic hernia: a case report
Authors: Kotani Tomomi , Ushida Takafumi , Nakamura Noriyuki , Imai Kenji , Iitani Yukako , Tano Sho , Iwagaki Shigenori , Takahashi Yuichiro , Ito Miharu , Hayakawa Masahiro , Kajiyama Hiroaki
Published: October 2022

Background

5p deletion syndrome is known as cri-du-chat syndrome, but there are no reports on congenital diaphragmatic hernia complications associated with it.

Case presentation

A 28-year-old primigravida Japanese woman was referred for 5 mm of nuchal translucency. Fetal growth restriction was found at 20 weeks, and a left-sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia was diagnosed at 24 weeks. The karyotype of the fetus was diagnosed as 46, XX, del(5)(p14) and referred to our hospital. At 36 + 6 weeks, a 1524 g female infant was delivered after premature membrane rupture, with Apgar scores of 4 and 6 at 1 and 5 minutes, respectively. The baby was intubated immediately with sedation and muscle relaxation, after birth for initial treatment for congenital diaphragmatic hernia. The peripheral blood karyotype was consistent with the prenatal result. The infant was discharged alive, without any respiratory support, after the defect of the diaphragm was repaired.

Conclusion

The results of this study may be helpful for antenatal genetic counseling.
Alignment of vaccine codes using an ontology of vaccine descriptions
Authors: Becker Benedikt FH , Kors Jan A , van Mulligen Erik M , Sturkenboom Miriam CJM
Published: October 2022

Background

Vaccine information in European electronic health record (EHR) databases is represented using various clinical and database-specific coding systems and drug vocabularies. The lack of harmonization constitutes a challenge in reusing EHR data in collaborative benefit-risk studies about vaccines.

Methods

We designed an ontology of the properties that are commonly used in vaccine descriptions, called Ontology of Vaccine Descriptions (VaccO), with a dictionary for the analysis of multilingual vaccine descriptions. We implemented five algorithms for the alignment of vaccine coding systems, i.e., the identification of corresponding codes from different coding ystems, based on an analysis of the code descriptors. The algorithms were evaluated by comparing their results with manually created alignments in two reference sets including clinical and database-specific coding systems with multilingual code descriptors.

Results

The best-performing algorithm represented code descriptors as logical statements about entities in the VaccO ontology and used an ontology reasoner to infer common properties and identify corresponding vaccine codes. The evaluation demonstrated excellent performance of the approach (F-scores 0.91 and 0.96).

Conclusion

The VaccO ontology allows the identification, representation, and comparison of heterogeneous descriptions of vaccines. The automatic alignment of vaccine coding systems can accelerate the readiness of EHR databases in collaborative vaccine studies.
Predictors of acarbose therapeutic efficacy in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus patients in China
Authors: Zhang Rong , Zhao Quanxi , Li Rong
Published: October 2022

Background

Acarbose is one of the optimal drugs for patients with the first diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). But what kind of emerging patients has the best therapeutic response to acarbose therapy has never been reported. To this end, we investigated predictors of acarbose therapeutic efficacy in newly diagnosed T2DM patients in China.

Methods

A total of 346 T2DM patients received acarbose monotherapy for 48 weeks as part of participating in the Study of Acarbose in Newly Diagnosed Patients with T2DM in China (MARCH study) from November 2008 to June 2011. Change in glycated hemoglobin (ΔHbA1c) served as a dependent variable while different baseline variables including sex, age, disease duration, weight, body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), HbA1c, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 2-h postprandial blood glucose (2 h PG), fasting insulin (FINS), 2-h postprandial insulin (2 h INS), early insulin secretion index (IGI), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR), homeostasis model assessment of beta cell function (HOMA-B), area under the curve (AUC) of glucagon, insulin and GLP-1 were assessed as independent predictors. Step-wise multiple linear regression was employed for statistical analysis.

Results

The results suggested that independent predictors of ΔHbA1c at 12 weeks included baseline body weight (β = − 0.012, P = 0.006), DBP (β = 0.010, P = 0.047), FPG (β = 0.111, P = 0.005) and 2 h PG (β = 0.042, P = 0.043). Independent predictors of ΔHbA1c at 24 weeks included disease duration (β = 0.040, P = 0.019) and FPG (β = 0.117, P = 0.001). Finally, independent predictor of ΔHbA1c at 48 weeks was disease duration (β = 0.038, P = 0.046).

Conclusions

Acarbose may be more effective in newly diagnosed T2DM patients with low FPG, low 2 h PG and obesity. The earlier T2DM is diagnosed and continuously treated with acarbose, the better the response to therapy.
Heat flow data and thermal structure in northeastern Japan
Authors: Matsumoto Takumi , Yamada Ryuji , Iizuka Satoshi
Published: October 2022

New heat flow data corrected for climate change over Northeastern Japan were obtained using the temperature profile of the borehole of the High Sensitivity Seismograph Network (Hi-net). The obtained spatial distribution of heat flow shows low heat flow on the forearc side, high heat flow along the Ou Backbone Range, and low heat flow in the plains on the back-arc side. However, the distribution is not clearly divided into high and low heat flow along the VF front; for example, the low heat flow extends from near the northern Kitakami Mountains on the forearc side to the Ou Backbone Range crossing the VF, while the high heat flow extends to the central Kitakami Mountains and Sendai plain on the forearc side. In addition, a crustal temperature structure model was developed that considers into account the presence of sedimentary layers, the temperature dependence of thermal conductivity, and differences in heat generation due to lithology. There is a good correlation between this temperature structure and the lower limit of the seismogenic layer, which is between 400 and 450 °C. Compared to previous studies, the crustal thermal structure calculation method assumed is a model whose estimated temperature distribution is sensitive to structural differences; however, a more accurate estimation of the temperature structure is possible if detailed structural information is available. On the other hand, it seems necessary to treat fluid behavior in more detail in areas of high heat flow. However, the estimation of crustal temperature structure, especially in regions with thick sedimentary layers, is considered an improvement over the previous study.

Graphical Abstract
TriDFusion (3DF) image viewer
Authors: Lafontaine Daniel , Schmidtlein C. Ross , Kirov Assen , Reddy Ryan P. , Krebs Simone , Schöder Heiko , Humm John L.
Published: October 2022

Background

An open-source, extensible medical viewing platform is described, called the TriDFusion image viewer (3DF). The 3DF addresses many broad unmet needs in nuclear medicine research; it provides a viewer with several tools not available in commercial nuclear medicine workstations, yet invaluable for imaging in research studies.

Results

The 3DF includes an image integration platform to register images from multiple imaging modalities together with delineated volumes of interest (VOIs), structures and dose distributions. It can process images from different vendors’ systems and is therefore vendor neutral. The 3DF also provides a convenient tool for performing multi-modality image analysis and fusion. The functional components currently being distributed is open-source code that includes: (1) a high quality viewer that can display axial, coronal, and sagittal tomographic images, maximum intensity projection images, structure contours, and isointensity contour lines or dose colorwash, (2) multi-image fusion allowing multiple images to be fused with VOI and dose distributions, (3) a suite of segmentation tools to edit and/or create tumor and organ VOIs, (4) dosimetry tools for several radioisotopes, (5) clinical tools for correcting acquisition errors, including patient orientation, and (6) the ability to save the resultant image and VOI as DICOM files or to export the numerical results as comma separated values files. Because the code is written in MATLAB™, it is highly readable and is easier for the coder to make changes compared to languages such as C or C++. In what follows, we describe the content of the new TriDFusion (3DF) image viewer software platform using examples of a number of clinical research workflows. Such examples vary in complexity but illustrate the main attributes of the software.

Conclusions

In summary, 3DF provides a powerful, convenient, easy-to-use suite of open-source imaging research tools for the nuclear medicine community that allows physicians, medical physicists, and academic researchers to display, manipulate, and analyze images.
Vitamin D status in Psoriasis: impact and clinical correlations
Authors: Bhat Ghulam Hassan , Guldin Sadaf , Khan Mosin Saleem , Yasir Mir , Prasad Ganesh
Published: October 2022

Psoriasis is a continuing, periodic, immune‑mediated, fiery skin disease branded by hyper proliferation of epidermal keratinocytes and accompanying with inflammatory cellular infiltrate in both dermis and epidermis. Immunomodulation could be an important effect of vitamin D in Psoriasis. This case-control study was designed to measure serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels in patients with psoriasis and healthy controls and to find out clinical correlation, if any. Six hundred two (n = 602) subjects (285 cases and 317 controls) were taken for the study. Cases and controls were frequency matched with respect to age and gender. Various demographic and clinical details were taken using a questionnaire. Chemiluminescence Micro Particle Immunoassay was used to estimate serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels. The vitamin D deficiency in psoriasis patients was 60.0% vs. 17.5% in controls (P < 0.001) with mean vitamin D levels of 28.3 ± 13.9 ng/ml in psoriasis patient’s vs. 37.9 ± 9.7 ng/ml in controls. Vitamin D deficiency was found to be associated with psoriasis independently of gender, age, smoking status, family history, hypertension, chronic medication, nail changes, duration of symptoms and severity of disease. Vitamin D levels were seven times lower in patients with Psoriasis as compared to controls. Reduced vitamin D levels are related to duration and clinical severity of the disease. Early detection of vitamin D deficiency and timely intervention could lead to better clinical outcome and improved quality of life in psoriasis patients.
Intravitreal aflibercept for the treatment of patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration in routine clinical practice in Latin America: the AQUILA study
Authors: Wu Lihteh , Bordon Arnaldo F. , Charles Martin , Rodríguez Francisco J. , Lee JinKyung , Machewitz Tobias , Mueller Margarete , del Carmen Gay Gabriela , Fromow-Guerra Jans ,   the AQUILA investigators
Published: October 2022

Background

AQUILA (NCT03470103) was a prospective, observational, 12-month cohort study evaluating treatment patterns, clinical effectiveness, and safety of intravitreal aflibercept (IVT-AFL) in patients from Latin America with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD).

Methods

Treatment-naïve and previously treated (switching to IVT-AFL) patients (aged  ≥ 55 years) were enrolled from March 2018, with a primary completion date of September 2020, from Argentina, Colombia, Costa Rica, and Mexico. Patients received IVT-AFL in a routine clinical practice setting.

Results

Of 274 patients in the full analysis set, 201 were treatment-naïve and 73 had received previous treatment. The mean ± standard deviation number of IVT-AFL injections received by month 12 was 4.2 ± 1.9 (treatment-naïve) and 5.2 ± 2.7 (previously treated). The median duration from diagnosis to IVT-AFL treatment was 1.2 months (treatment-naïve) and 19.5 months (previously treated). Mean best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) (Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study [ETDRS] letters) improved from baseline to month 12 by + 5.2 ± 18.3 (treatment-naïve; baseline: 48.2 ± 23.5) and + 3.1 ± 15.3 letters (previously treated; baseline: 47.7 ± 21.4).

Conclusion

AQUILA is the first study to assess the use of IVT-AFL in routine clinical practice in Latin America. Mean BCVA and other visual acuity outcomes improved in both treatment groups, despite many patients not receiving the IVT-AFL label-recommended regimen of three initial monthly doses, or seven or more injections in 12 months. Patients who did receive the label-recommended number of injections had numerically greater improvements in visual acuity outcomes. Patients with nAMD treated regularly and more frequently with IVT-AFL, therefore, have the potential to achieve outcomes consistent with those observed in interventional studies.

Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT03470103. Registered February 5, 2018, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03470103
Mental health and spiritual well-being in humanitarian crises: the role of faith communities providing spiritual and psychosocial support during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Goodwin Ellen , Kraft Kathryn
Published: October 2022

Across the globe, people’s reactions to the COVID-19 pandemic and its accompanying lockdowns highlighted, and continued to stress, the relevance of mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) in responding to crises, including in low-income and emergency settings. They also demonstrated the importance of faith practices and communities of faith as core needs and important coping mechanisms for many affected people in times of crisis. Drawing on data collected by World Vision International, the world’s largest child-focused humanitarian and development organisation, in the course of its response to COVID-19 in 70 different countries, this article explores the ways in which faith groups and faith leaders responded to the perceived needs of their communities. While keen to offer psychosocial support to people suffering anxiety and fear in the context of the crisis, this has often been integrated with spiritual support. Analysing their work from the framework of a rights-based approach to mental health, we conclude that they did contribute to psychosocial support through their MHPSS, in part through their provision of spiritual care. However, spiritual well-being should not be conflated with psychosocial well-being. While faith groups play an important role in MHPSS, their primary role is to offer spiritual care.
Online estimation of SOH for lithium-ion battery based on SSA-Elman neural network
Authors: Guo Yu , Yang Dongfang , Zhang Yang , Wang Licheng , Wang Kai
Published: October 2022

The estimation of state of health (SOH) of a lithium-ion battery (LIB) is of great significance to system safety and economic development. This paper proposes a SOH estimation method based on the SSA-Elman model for the first time. To improve the correlation rates between features and battery capacity, a method combining median absolute deviation filtering and Savitzky–Golay filtering is proposed to process the data. Based on the aging characteristics of the LIB, five features with correlation rates above 0.99 after data processing are then proposed. Addressing the defects of the Elman model, the sparrow search algorithm (SSA) is used to optimize the network parameters. In addition, a data incremental update mechanism is added to improve the generalization of the SSA-Elman model. Finally, the performance of the proposed model is verified based on NASA dataset, and the outputs of the Elman, LSTM and SSA-Elman models are compared. The results show that the proposed method can accurately estimate the SOH, with the root mean square error (RMSE) being as low as 0.0024 and the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) being as low as 0.25%. In addition, RMSE does not exceed 0.0224 and MAPE does not exceed 2.21% in high temperature and low temperature verifications.
Dora's mother: a housewife's psychosis
Authors: Menon Anuradha
Published: October 2022

I examine a speculative diagnosis made by Sigmund Freud regarding his patient's mother in his landmark 1905 paper describing a hysterical illness. Freud considered the impact of Dora's mother's mental state on her daughter, wondering whether the mother might suffer from a ‘housewife's psychosis’. Here was an emphasis on the social structures of the times and differences between the parents in terms of sexual freedom and societal limitations placed on women. Freud's description drew attention to Dora's anxieties in relation to her parents, in particular the state of their sexual relationship and the apparently sanctioned entry of another couple, Frau and Herr K, into the parental relationship. In particular, the role of syphilis in the aetiology of sexual disturbances was considered, affecting men and their sexual partners, specifically their wives, who faced lifelong risks of morbidity, inadequate treatment and psychic disturbances at this time in 19th century Vienna.
Hazardous use of benzodiazepine receptor agonists in psychiatric clinics in China: electronic prescription database study
Authors: Xu Xiaomin , Wang Xuyi , Zhong Na , Xu Jiajun , Li Chuanwei , Wang Gang , Wang Wenzhe , Ye Yujian , Chen Yong , Liu Tieqiao , Zhao Min , Jiang Haifeng
Published: October 2022

Background

Benzodiazepine receptor agonists (BZRAs) are commonly used clinically and data on their hazardous use from large populations of psychiatric patients is limited.

Aims

To assess the current status of hazardous BZRA use and related factors in Chinese out-patient psychiatric settings.

Method

The study included out-patients with at least one BZRA prescription from five psychiatric settings in east, central and west China in 2018. Demographic and prescription information were extracted from the electronic prescription database. We defined the co-occurrence of overdose and long-term use as hazardous use, and patients whose recorded diagnoses did not meet any indications approved by the Chinese Food and Drug Administration as over-indication users. Additionally, 200 hazardous users were randomly selected for follow-up interview to confirm the actual situation.

Results

Among 720 054 out-patients, 164 450 (22.8%) had at least one BZRA prescription; 55.9% of patients were prescribed over-indication and 3% were defined as hazardous users. Multilevel multivariate regression analysis with hospital as a random effect showed that factors associated with hazardous use were older age (18–64 years: β = 0.018; 95% CI 0.013–0.023; >65 years: β = 0.015; 95% CI 0.010–0.021), male (β = 0.005, 95% CI 0.003–0.007), over-indication (β = 0.013, 95% CI 0.012–0.015), more out-patient visits (β = 0.006, 95% CI 0.006–0.006) and more visits to different doctors (β = 0.007, 95% CI 0.007–0.008); 98.5% of hazardous users (197/200) could not be contacted.

Conclusions

BZRAs are commonly used and there is a relatively large proportion of over-indication users among Chinese psychiatric out-patients. However, only a small proportion of hazardous users were detected. The study highlights how to use prescription data to support improvements in clinical practice.
Dissipative instabilities in beam-plasma systems
Authors: Rostomyan Eduard V.
Published: October 2022

It is known that all types of beam-plasma instabilities (Cherenkov, cyclotron, etc.) at a high level of dissipation turn into dissipative instability (DI). Until recently, only one type of DI was known in the beam-plasma interaction theory. Its maximal growth rate depends on the beam density n

b
and the collision frequency ν in the plasma as

. However, recent studies have shown the existence of two new, previously unknown types of DI. Here, the new DI are briefly justified from the same viewpoint. This became possible due to the developed approach, which makes it possible to solve completely the classical problem of the development of an initial perturbation for various flow instabilities. The first new DI arises in the results of solving of the problem in systems with weak beam-plasma coupling. Its maximal growth rate is inversely proportional to frequency of collisions in plasma

. The second new DI manifests itself in the results of the same problem in a magnetized plasma waveguide with an over-limiting e-beam. Its maximal growth rate is

. Besides, the presented method of solving the classical problem deserves attention in itself as it is applicable to all instabilities caused by relative motion of plasma components (all types of beam-plasma instabilities, Buneman instability, etc.).
Research Note: Intergenerational Transmission Is Not Sufficient for Positive Long-Term Population Growth
Authors: Arenberg Samuel , Kuruc Kevin , Franz Nathan , Vyas Sangita , Lawson Nicholas , LoPalo Melissa , Budolfson Mark , Geruso Michael , Spears Dean
Published: October 2022

All leading long-term global population projections agree on continuing fertility decline, resulting in a rate of population size growth that will continue to decline toward zero and would eventually turn negative. However, scholarly and popular arguments have suggested that because fertility transmits intergenerationally (i.e., higher fertility parents tend to have higher fertility children) and is heterogeneous within a population, long-term population growth must eventually be positive, as high-fertility groups come to dominate the population. In this research note, we show that intergenerational transmission of fertility is not sufficient for positive long-term population growth, for empirical and theoretical reasons. First, because transmission is imperfect, the combination of transmission rates and fertility rates may be quantitatively insufficient for long-term population growth: higher fertility parents may nevertheless produce too few children who retain higher fertility preferences. Second, today even higher fertility subpopulations show declining fertility rates, which may eventually fall below replacement (and in some populations already are). Therefore, although different models of fertility transmission across generations reach different conclusions, depopulation is likely under any model if, in the future, even higher fertility subpopulations prefer and achieve below-replacement fertility. These results highlight the plausibility of long-term global depopulation and the importance of understanding the possible consequences of depopulation.
Locoregionally Recurrent Colon Cancer: How Far Have We Come? A Population-Based, Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Swartjes Hidde , van Lankveld Daan W. P. , van Erning Felice N. , Verheul Henk M. W. , de Wilt Johannes H. W. , Koëter Tijmen , Vissers Pauline A. J.
Published: October 2022

Background

The reported outcomes of locoregionally recurrent colon cancer (LRCC) are poor, but the literature about LRCC is scarce and aged. Recent population-based studies to provide current insight into LRCC are warranted. This study aimed to provide an overview of the incidence, risk factors, treatment, and overall survival (OS) of patients with LRCC after curative resection of stage I–III primary colon cancer.

Methods

Data on disease recurrence were collected for all patients with a diagnosis of non-metastasized primary colon cancer in the Netherlands during the first 6 months of 2015. Patients who underwent surgical resection (N = 3544) were included in this study. The 3-year cumulative incidence, risk factors, treatment, and OS for patients with LRCC were determined.

Results

The 3-year cumulative incidence of LRCC was 3.8%. Synchronous distant metastases (LRCC-M1) were diagnosed in 62.7% of the patients. The risk factors for LRCC were age of 70 years or older, pT4, pN1-2, and R1-2. Adjuvant chemotherapy was associated with a decreased risk of LRCC for high-risk stage II and stage III patients [hazard ratio (HR), 0.47; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.31–0.93]. The median OS for the patients with LRCC was 13.1 months (95% CI 9.1–18.3 months). Curative-intent treatment was given to 22.4% of the LRCC patients, and the subsequent 3 years OS was 71% (95% CI 58–87%). The patients treated with palliative treatment and best supportive care showed 3-year OS rates of 15% (95% CI 7.0–31%) and 3.7% (95% CI 1.0–14%), respectively.

Conclusions

The cumulative incidence of LRCC was low, and adjuvant chemotherapy was associated with a decreased risk for LRCC among targeted patients. Curative-intent treatment was given to nearly 1 in 4 LRCC patients, and the OS for this group was high.
Practical Guidance for Radiological Risk Assessment in Educational and Research Laboratories
Authors: Kaissas Ioannis , Mitrakos Dimitris , Hourdakis Costas
Published: October 2022

Using ionizing radiation, even in educational and research laboratories, is based on the triplet of principles of: justification, optimization and dose limits. These principles are applicable to the risk assessment that follows the identification of hazards in specific applications of ionizing radiation. In this work, a practical procedure for the development of risk assessments is provided for the majority of research and educational practices, which include the use of unsealed and sealed radioactive sources and apparatus with tubes producing ionizing radiation. In addition, an example of radiological hazard of fire is analyzed, in order to classify the severity of such risk on radioactive materials and sources. The severity of the hazard and consequently of the risk, the probability of the hazard to occur and the detectability of the occurrence are analyzed and combined to yield a risk classification, which induces the management of the measures taken for the emergency preparedness and response. The proposed methodology considers worst case scenarios of external exposure, inhalation and ingestion [1] and compares the doses with criteria like the annual dose limits or the reference band of 20 – 100 mSv [2], in order to initially classify the hazards and therefore the severity on the risk assessment procedure. The results indicate low or medium severity of the risks for most of the educational and research applications. Moreover, specifically the radiological hazard of fire for the public and the first responders is not high due to the relative low or moderate activities in use. Nevertheless application of the principle of optimization reduces even more the risks with the appropriate measures, like: controlled access, fire detectors and extinguishers, secure storage and keeping of records.
Advances in Cosmic Ray Muon Computed Tomography and Fieldable Spectroscopy
Authors: Chatzidakis Stylianos , Bae Junghyun
Published: October 2022

A recent example of successful technology transition from high energy physics to practical engineering applications is cosmic ray muon tomography. Cosmic ray muon tomography, is a promising non-destructive technique that has been recently utilized to monitor or image the contents of dense or well shielded objects, typically not feasible with conventional radiography techniques, e.g., x-ray or neutron. Cosmic ray muon tomography has been used with various levels of success in spent nuclear fuel monitoring, volcano imaging, and cargo container imaging. Further, knowledge of cosmic ray muon momentum spectrum has the potential to significantly improve and expand the use of a variety of recently developed muon-based radiographic techniques. However, existing muon tomography systems rely only on muon tracking and have no momentum measurement capabilities which reduces the image resolution and requires longer measurement times. A fieldable cosmic ray muon spectrometer with momentum measurement capabilities for use in muon tomography is currently missing. In this paper, we will discuss and explore recent advances in cosmic ray muon computed tomography and spectroscopy and their applications to engineering including a new concept for measuring muon momentum using multiple gaseous Cherenkov radiators. By varying the pressure of multiple gas Cherenkov radiators, a set of muon momentum threshold levels can be selected that are triggered only when the incoming muon momentum exceeds that level. As a result, depending on the incoming muon momentum, none to all Cherenkov radiators can be triggered. By analyzing the signals from each radiator, we can estimate the actual muon momentum.
Compton Suppressed Gamma Spectrometry for activation analysis of materials irradiated at JET
Authors: Savva Marilia I. , Vasilopoulou Theodora , Nobs Chantal R. , Packer Lee W. , Stamatelatos Ion E.
Published: October 2022

Compton Suppressed Spectrometry (CSS) provides a method to improve the peak-to-background ratio, and consequently counting statistics and the limit of detection. The NCSRD Fusion Technology Group CSS system consists of a NaI detector coupled to a 40% HPGe. The NaI detector consists of an annulus, surrounding the HPGe, and a plug, which can be removed for sample positioning, offering a 4π detection geometry. The signal processing chain of the configuration allows for the simultaneous collection of both the suppressed and the unsuppressed spectra. The simultaneous collection of suppressed and unsuppressed spectra allows the analyst to use the optimum spectrum, depending on the radionuclide to be determined. In this work, the performance of the CSS system in the analysis of dosimetry foils of different material samples irradiated at the Joint European Torus (JET) during the 2019 DD campaign is presented. The Compton continuum was significantly reduced providing better peak identification for peaks of non-cascade nuclides. The developed methodology will be applied to study the activation characteristics of materials to be used in ITER components manufacturing, after irradiation at the significant 14 MeV neutron yield during the JET DT campaign.
Unitary limit in heavy nuclei
Authors: Georgoudis Panagiotis E.
Published: October 2022

The unitary limit refers to a scattering problem at infinite scattering length where a scattering state becomes bound. Such a limit is experimentally accessible in systems of cold atoms at the vicinity of Feshbach resonances. In nuclear physics, a physical manifestation of the unitary limit is of interest both from the experimental challenge to measure such a limit in nuclei and from the theoretical aspects that accompany that limit such as conformal symmetry, a quantum critical point and the BCS-BEC crossover. In this talk the application of a symmetry-based approach to the unitary limit in collective states of heavy, even-even nuclei is presented that is performed by means of the Interacting Boson Model of nuclear structure in conjunction with the Feshbach formalism of nuclear reactions. The results of this application start from the determination of what is to be measured in the experiment for the examination of the unitary limit in collective nuclear states. That is the fluctuations of the cross-section of the A+2n compound nucleus. The primary theoretical result concerns the representations of conformal symmetry in A+2n compound nuclei via the fluctuations of cross sections.
Recent developments in the modeling of (n,γ) reactions with FIFRELIN
Authors: Chalil Achment , Materna Thomas , Litaize Olivier , Chebboubi Abdelaziz
Published: October 2022

Nowadays, the accuracy of experimental results relies more and more on detailed simulations. In the STEREO experiment, the interaction of neutrinos in the liquid scintillator is signed by a n-capture on a Gd atom. The FIFRELIN predictions of the Gd γ-cascades were shown to significantly improve the Data/MC agreement. In the CRAB method, lately proposed to calibrate cryogenic particle detectors at low energy (100 eV), the FIFRELIN cascades of the W and Ge isotopes played a central role in the feasibility study of the method. The FIFRELIN code employs a Monte Carlo Hauser-Feshbach framework based on Bečvár’s algorithm. A sample of nuclear level schemes is generated for a specific isotope of interest, taking into account the uncertainties from nuclear structure. In this work, new improvements on the FIRELIN de-excitation process are reported. Angular correlations of γ-rays in the de-excitation process have been implemented in order to provide a more accurate description of the γ-ray cascades. The anisotropy of the γ-rays with respect to the axis of a previously emitted γ-ray is modeled using the angular correlation formalism, which requires input of the spins and multipolarities of the states involved in the FIFRELIN cascade. Furthermore, the simulation of primary γ-rays emitted from (n,γ) reactions has been updated using the EGAF database.
Changing feeding habits and ontogenetic dimorphism in juveniles and adults Aplysia punctata (Cuvier, 1803) (Mollusca, Gastropoda, Heterobranchia) in the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: CÓRDOBA GONZÁLEZ DARIO , ENGUIDANOS ALBA , VALDÉS ÁNGEL , BALLESTEROS MANUEL
Published: October 2022

Specimens of Aplysia punctata inhabiting the Catalonian coast (NE Spain, Western Mediterranean Sea) display two different color patterns, which have been thought to represent two distinct species. However, molecular analyses conducted by other authors and confirmed herein show that there are no genetic differences between individuals of the two color morphs. At the same time, these color morphs display distinct life history traits, including different size, mating behavior, and egg mass and larvae coloration. In this paper, it is hypothesized that distinct diets are responsible of these differences. The results of this study confirm that small red specimens of A. punctata feed on red algae and primarily Sphaerococcus coronopifolius and Plocamium cartilagineum; pigments from these algae give small specimens of A. punctata a very similar morphological appearance to adults of the Aplysia parvula species complex. In contrast, adult specimens of A. punctata feed preferentially on green algae of the species Ulva lactuca. This change in feeding behavior is probably related to defensive strategies involving camouflage. In addition, the egg masses take on a pink to reddish color that is retained in the larval stage of A. punctata juveniles.
Quality of life of Jordanian menopausal working and retired women and its associated factors: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Assaf Enas A. , Gharaibeh Muntaha K. , Abuhammad Sawsan , AbuRuz Mohannad
Published: October 2022

Objective: Life expectancy of Jordanian women has increased, indicating that the number of women entering menopausal age, during the prime of their working life, will also increase. Therefore, assessments of the quality of life (QoL) of working and retired women and factors associated with overall wellbeing, are essential for the provision of quality services and care.

Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 200 Jordanian women between the ages of 45 to 60 years old.  The Utian QOL tool was used to assess the quality of life among menopausal women.  Multiple regressions were used to determine predictors for QoL for the whole sample and for each group of working and retired women.

Results: The study shows that the total QoL for women was 77.5 ±14.4, with a significant difference (p=.023) in total QoL and the occupational domain (p=.003) between working and retired women. Employed women with fewer chronic diseases and using frequent preventive measures had a higher QoL compared to others.

Conclusion: Working itself might be an important indicator for better a quality of life among menopausal women. Better working conditions and more attention from the health care providers for the menopausal changes and the preventive measures could enhance women’s perceived QoL in addition to increasing their productivity.
'A time of constant innovation!' - The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the teaching of food practical Home Economics in Ireland, and learning for future best practice: an explanatory mixed methods study
Authors: Winters Grace , Maguire Helen
Published: October 2022

Background: The ongoing global pandemic of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) (WHO, 2020) utterly disrupted traditional modes of education nationally and internationally. Mastering online teaching imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic was challenging for many teachers. The purpose of the study was to illuminate the challenges experienced by food practical Home Economics teachers, investigating their ability to innovate, adapt and proceed with food practical classes during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study also aimed to discover best practical methodologies for online and face-to-face food practical classes while looking forward with reimagined approaches to teaching and learning for a post-pandemic world and documented teachers experiences, agency, adaptations and innovations.

Methods: Both qualitative and quantitative research methods were employed to meet study objectives. Data was gathered in the Republic of Ireland via 132 questionnaires with Home Economics teachers and semi-structured interviews with six Home Economics teachers.

Results: Results revealed that COVID-19 imposed serious challenges on teachers who nonetheless adapted well to the changing environment. They employed innovation and determination to proceed with practical classes in very challenging working environments, resulting in many positive educational advances. Teachers up-skilled, reflected and collaborated to proceed safely with practical’s and deduced best practice methodologies which in a number of cases arose from trial and error. Findings were employed to produce frameworks for best practice when conducting food practical Home Economics classes (both online and face-to-face). These frameworks have national and international relevance in considering new models of teaching in which authentic teaching can occur and provide alternative pedagogies and technologies to support the food practical.

Conclusion: This study recommends more technological training for Home Economics teachers, specifically regarding practical classes, as well as support for physical working environments, collaboration and innovation. This research is focused on how teaching can be reimagined, strengthened and valued to inform future teaching and learning models.
Microsurgical reconstruction for traumatic hand defects in pediatric patients
Authors: Roh Si Young , Lee Jae Yong , Koh Sung Hoon , Kim Jin Soo , Lee Dong Chul , Lee Kyung Jin
Published: October 2022

Purpose: Microsurgery in pediatric patients remains challenging because of technical difficulties in small-vessel anastomosis and flap dissection. Few reports have focused exclusively on the microsurgical reconstruction of traumatic hand defects in children. Herein, we share our experience of posttraumatic hand reconstruction with free tissue transfer in pediatric patients and compare the treatment outcomes with adults.Methods: A single-institution retrospective review of trauma-induced microsurgical hand reconstruction cases was performed. Pediatric patients below 17 years old and adults who underwent microsurgical reconstruction of traumatic hand defects between 2011 and 2021 were included. Patient demographics, flap type, use of vein grafts, operative time, flap survival, and postoperative complications were documented. A subgroup analysis of patients younger than 8 years was also performed. Data of pediatric patients were statistically compared with those of adults who underwent free flap surgery using nearly identical surgical procedures by four senior surgeons at our medical center.Results: Forty-one flaps in 39 pediatric patients and 184 flaps in 184 adult patients were analyzed. Fasciocutaneous flaps were predominantly used in both groups. In pediatric patients, all flaps survived, while 170 adults (92.4%) survived. No statistically significant between-group differences in treatment outcomes were found. However, pediatric patients (22.0%) had significantly fewer secondary operations than adults (67.4%, p<0.001).Conclusion: Microsurgical reconstruction for trauma-induced hand defects in pediatric patients has a high success rate and low complication rate, just as with adults. Pediatric patients may be more resistant to partial necrotic flap changes, thereby requiring fewer secondary operations than adults.
El regalo diplomático entre Roma y los númidas durante los siglos III y II a. C. .
Authors: Rosselló Calafell Gabriel
Published: October 2022

Este trabajo examina las estrategias diplomáticas ejercidas por Roma con los dirigentes númidas para la obtención de beneficios políticos y militares. Se analizará, por una parte, la intención y la motivación de los honores presentados tanto a Sífax como a Masinisa durante la Segunda Guerra Púnica. En un segundo apartado, se estudiará la tipología y el significado de una gran diversidad de regalos obsequiados, no solo a reyes, sino también a embajadores y personal subalterno. Finalmente, se atenderá a las contribuciones frumentarias y marciales de Masinisa, y a la relación de éstas con sus obligaciones como aliado.
The Power of Adaptivity for Stochastic Submodular Cover
Authors: Ghuge Rohan , Gupta Anupam , Nagarajan Viswanath
Published: October 2022

Adaptivity in Stochastic Submodular Cover

Solutions to stochastic optimization problems are typically sequential decision processes that make decisions one by one, waiting for (and using) the feedback from each decision. Whereas such “adaptive” solutions achieve the best objective, they can be very time-consuming because of the need to wait for feedback after each decision. A natural question is are there solutions that only adapt (i.e., wait for feedback) a few times whereas still being competitive with the fully adaptive optimal solution? In “The Power of Adaptivity for Stochastic Submodular Cover,” Ghuge, Gupta, and Nagarajan resolve this question in the context of stochastic submodular cover, which is a fundamental stochastic covering problem. They provide algorithms that achieve a smooth trade-off between the number of adaptive “rounds” and the solution quality. The authors also demonstrate via experiments on real-world and synthetic data sets that, even for problems with more than 1,000 decisions, about six rounds of adaptivity suffice to obtain solutions nearly as good as fully adaptive solutions.