bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
IN VIVO public monitoring in emergency exposure scenarios by means of spectrometric and non-spetrometric devices
Authors: Sperandio L , Antonacci G , Battisti P , Ciciani L , Rizzo A , Vilardi I 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
In a nuclear or radiological accident scenario, when potentially members of the public can undergo internal contamination by anthropogenic radionuclides released in the atmosphere, effective methods that can be used directly in the field to perform a fast scan for internal contamination on a large number of individuals can play a major role to undertake appropriate countermeasures. Specific attention should be paid to the individual monitoring of children since they constitute the sensitive population group with the highest risk of developing cancer. At the ENEA Casaccia Research Center in Rome (Italy), monitoring procedures based on a portable HPGe detector and ratemeters were tested in the field. A total of 170 acquisitions of uncontaminated volunteers for the blank measurements were collected, 105 acquisitions on adult and 65 acquisitions on 10-y/o children. The detection limit calculation, in terms of activity taken up (Bq), was carried out according to the Standard ISO’s 11929 and 28218, whereas the corresponding ‘minimum effective dose’ (mSv) was calculated based on international commission on radiological protection (ICRP) Publications 134, 137 and 141. Results and evaluations of the measurement campaign are presented and discussed in respect to the aspects reported in the current literature.
Comparison between CLYC-6 and 3He for thermal neutron detection
Authors: Ferrulli Francesca , Silari Marco , Zorloni Gabriele 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
A Cs2LiYCl6:Ce crystal, enriched in 6Li to &gt; 95% (CLYC-6), was investigated for thermal neutron detection: it was characterised in terms of intrinsic efficiency and γ-ray discrimination capability and compared with a 3He counter (partial 3He pressure 2.3 atm). The intrinsic efficiency was determined by irradiating the detectors with thermal neutrons. The γ-ray discrimination capability was evaluated in a mixed neutron/137Cs field. The intrinsic efficiency per unit volume is about a factor of 6.45 larger for CLYC-6 than for the 3He counter. The detectors’ performances in the presence of an intense γ-ray background are comparable: up to γ-ray fluence rates of the order of 105 cm−2·s−1, both detectors correctly reject γ-rays. At fluence rates of the order of 106 cm−2·s−1, CLYC-6 starts being affected by count losses due to γ-ray-induced dead time, while the 3He counter starts suffering from pile-up. Above this γ-ray intensity, both detectors are not reliable.
Biokinetic model analysis with DTPA administration for a case of accidental inhalation of actinides in Japan
Authors: Tani Kotaro , Ishigure Nobuhito , Kim Eunjoo , Tominaga Takako , Tatsuzaki Hideo , Akashi Makoto , Kurihara Osamu 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Accidental inhalation intake of plutonium isotopes and 241Am occurred at a Pu research facility in Japan in 2017, and the five workers involved in this accident were treated by the administration of Ca/Zn-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA). For the worker who was most internally exposed, the therapy was continued over 1 y after the accident. Urinary samples collected before and after each administration were subject to bioassay to evaluate the efficacy of the dose reduction. This study performed numerical analyses using a biokinetic model dealing with 241Am-DTPA with reference to the European Coordinated Network on Radiation Dosimetry approach, which assumes that the complex of actinides and Ca/Zn-DTPA is generated in the designated compartments in the biokinetic model. The results of the model prediction well captured the trend of the observed urinary excretion in the long-term bioassay and would be useful to evaluate the efficacy of the Ca/Zn-DTPA administration for the worker involved in the accident.
Optimization of calibration interval based on equipment metrological history
Authors: Moreno Brahim 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to describe a method for optimizing the calibration period of a dosimetry measurement system with a focus on the personal dose equivalents Hp(d) and individual monitoring services. The systematic and analytical method developed provides a justification to the calibration interval based on experimental data and measurement uncertainties. Its main input is the metrological history of the equipment that is then used to predict the drift of the measurement system. The method is used to make the calibration operation more efficient over time in terms of cost and metrology. After a description of the method itself, the example of the OSL dosemeter reading process will be discussed and results will be shown. The method developed may be applied to other measurement processes no matter the technology used.
Development of ring radiation dosemeters using 3D printing
Authors: Melo Gabriela T P , Vasconcelos Filho Wlademir C , Khoury Helen J , Asfora Viviane K , de Barros Vinicius M 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Extremity radiation monitoring is an important tool for the assessment of occupational exposures to staff at a variety of workplaces where ionising radiation is used. This work shows the feasibility of applying 3D printing for the development of customisable ring dosemeters. The rings were developed using two types of resin, hard and flexible and has the possibility of sterilisation using different techniques. The printed ring dosemeter was associated with BeO optically stimulated dosemeters. The energy and angular response were found within ±20% in the energy range from 24 to 662 keV and from 0° to 60° angle of incidence. This contributes to the reduction of measurement uncertainty when compared with currently used thermoluminescent detectors dosemeters. The new ring dosemeter showed a satisfactory response with respect to the performance criteria of the IEC 62387 Standard, in addition to providing improved ergonomics in relation to the commercial ring dosemeter.
Comparing the effects of various (p,xn) radionuclide production routes on induced radioactivity in the concrete walls of a cyclotron vault
Authors: Fang Po-Wen , Hsieh Ying-I , Sheu Rong-Jiun 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
In sum, 11 (p,xn) related nuclear reactions with 9 target materials, namely 18O(p,n)18F, 15N(p,n)15O, 68Zn(p,n)68Ga, 68Zn(p,2n)67Ga, 69Ga(p,2n)68Ge, 89Y(p,n)89Zr, 100Mo(p,pn)99Mo, 100Mo(p,2n)99mTc, 112Cd(p,2n)111In, 124Xe(p,2n)123Cs and 203Tl(p,3n)201Pb, are involved in the operation of 13 radionuclide-production cyclotrons in Taiwan. The secondary neutrons accompanying these production routes could induce varying degrees of material activation in the cyclotron facility. Accordingly, this study compared the effects of various (p,xn) production routes on the neutron-induced long-lived radioactivity in the concrete walls of a hypothetical cyclotron vault. In addition, an activation-reduction approach involving the addition of a layer of neutron-absorbing material to the surface of inner concrete walls was evaluated.
Shielding analysis of the proton therapy facility at China Medical University Hospital: comparison of a simplified approach with Monte Carlo simulations
Authors: Hsieh Ying-I , Lai Bo-Lun , Shiau An-Cheng , Chen Huang-Lung , Sheu Rong-Jiun 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
This study comprehensively compared two approaches for analyzing the shielding design of the proton therapy facility at China Medical University Hospital. The first approach essentially involved two approximate models: one for estimating the transmitted radiation through thick shields, and one for estimating radiation streaming at locations near a maze entrance. The second approach relied on Monte Carlo simulations for predicting the radiation field in a complex environment. A total of 22 beam loss scenarios were considered, and dose rates at 32 locations around the facility were estimated using the two approaches. The comparison results demonstrated that the simplified approach proposed in this study can yield fairly accurate or conservative estimates for quickly performing shielding design or dose assessment in a real-world proton therapy facility.
EURADOS intercomparisons on whole-body dosemeters for photons from 2008 to 2020: analysis and comparison of general results
Authors: Stadtmann Hannes , Figel Markus , Grimbergen Tom , McWhan Andrew , Romero Ana Maria 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Starting in 2008 the European Dosimetry Group (EURADOS) has been performing international intercomparisons (ICs) on photon whole-body dosemeters for individual monitoring services. These ICs have been organized (on a biennial basis) starting 2008 up to 2020 now, each time with a similar set-up but with small alterations in the subsequent irradiation plans. The response for Hp(10) and Hp(0.07) was tested for different radiation qualities, angles of incidences (0°–60°) within a wide range of dose values (0.5–500 mSv), to check energy and angular response, linearity, reproducibility and mixed-field response. Within the last 12 years almost 15 000 whole body dosemeters have been irradiated and the corresponding response values evaluated. With an increasing number of participants and participating systems (from 62 to 132), this IC program has become an important tool for individual monitoring services to test their whole-body dosimetry systems, compare their results with other services or systems and to improve the quality of their dosimetry. The paper presents and compares the general results of these seven ICs and analyses the dosimetric results for the participating system types.
Uncertainties associated with direct thyroid measurements using an NaI(Tl) survey meter: the effect of anatomical differences among individuals
Authors: Narita Masato , Tani Kotaro , Kunishima Naoaki , Kim Eunjoo , Kurihara Osamu 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Photon detectors utilised for direct thyroid measurements to determine the radioiodine content in the thyroid are normally calibrated using a phantom that mimics the human neck, including the thyroid. However, such measurements are necessarily subject to uncertainty because of the difference between the phantom and the real human subject and also the morphological differences among individuals. In this study, personal voxel phantoms were created from magnetic resonance images of the necks of 24 adult volunteers (15 males and 9 females), and numerical simulations using these phantoms were performed to examine the variation in a conversion factor (131I kBq in the thyroid per μSv h−1) for a conventional NaI(Tl) survey meter among the individuals and also to confirm the suitability of reference Japanese voxel phantoms as a calibration standard for such measurements. As a result, it was found that the conversion factor obtained from the reference Japanese male (female) phantom was 1.29 (1.18) times larger than the average conversion factor for the male (female) subjects, suggesting that the conversion factors of the reference Japanese adult male and female phantoms would generally overestimate the 131I thyroidal contents and that the thyroid volume would be one of the factors influencing the conversion factor. This study also revealed a wide difference in the thyroid volume among individuals, which would be of concern when performing specific dose assessments for heavily exposed persons.
Rapid measurement of actinides in urine by mass and alpha spectrometric methods
Authors: Yang Guosheng , Kim Eunjoo , Zheng Jian , Kowatari Munehiko , Kurihara Osamu 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
To provide timely information for prompting decision-making in emergency radiation therapy, we developed simple and rapid mass and alpha spectrometric methods for urinary bioassays to determine ultra-trace actinide isotopes. For the mass spectrometric method, after organic matter decomposition, LaF3/CaF2 co-precipitation and chromatographic purification using 2 ml of AG MP-1 M anion exchange resin, U and Pu isotopes were measured in a 20-ml urine sample by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. In the alpha spectrometric method, after organic matter decomposition, iron hydroxide co-precipitation and chromatographic purification using 2 ml of TEVA and 2 ml of DGA resin cartridges, Pu, U and Am/Cm isotopes were measured in a 500-ml urine sample by alpha spectrometry. These alpha and mass spectrometric methods were then applied for participation in the 2020 intercomparison organized by the Association for the PROmotion of Quality COntrol in RADiotoxicological Analysis (PROCORAD), France, for method validations.
The EURADOS CR-39 Quality task for the optimisation and harmonisation of personal neutron dosimetry with CR-39 (PADC)
Authors: Bolzonella Matteo , Caresana Marco , Gilvin Philip J , Yukihara Eduardo G , Chevallier Marie-Anne 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
CR-39 (PADC) nuclear track detectors are among the most widespread devices used for personal neutron dosimetry; however, some issues related to the variable material quality of the CR-39 polymer hinder the performance of CR-39-based dosemeters. For this reason, the Working Group 2 (WG2) of the European Radiation Dosimetry Group (EURADOS) has recently launched the CR-39 Quality task, a project aimed at improving and harmonising personal neutron dosimetry with CR-39 in Europe. Whitin this task, a close collaboration among researchers, individual monitoring services and dosemeter grade CR-39 manufacturers is achieved, thus facilitating the direct dialog between producer and consumer to reach an optimised material for personal neutron dosimetry applications.
Unfolding of 239Pu–Be and 252Cf neutron energy spectra using passive multi-layer neutron spectrometer
Authors: Maciak Maciej , Domański Szymon , Tulik Piotr , Tymińska Katarzyna , Gryziński Michał A 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
In the study, the passive multi-layer neutron spectrometer, based on thermoluminescence detectors, was tested in a calibration laboratory with 239Pu–Be and 252Cf isotopic sources. MCNP code was used for the calculation of the response functions for the neutron energy range from 1 meV to 100 MeV. It was also utilised for initial guess spectra calculations. Deconvolution was performed with MAXED and GRAVEL deconvolution codes resulting in the neutron spectra defined at the measuring point in the calibration laboratory.
Mechanisms by which the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator may influence SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and COVID‐19 disease severity
Authors: Tedbury Philip R. , Manfredi Candela , Degenhardt Frauke , Conway Joseph , Horwath Michael C. , McCracken Courtney , Sorscher Adam J. , Moreau Sandy , Wright Christine , Edwards Carolina , Brewer Jo , Guarner Jeannette , de Wit Emmie , Williamson Brandi N. , Suthar Mehul S. , Ong Yee T. , Roback John D. , Alter David N. , Holter Jan C. , Karlsen Tom H. , Sacchi Nicoletta , Romero‐Gómez Manuel , Invernizzi Pietro , Fernández Javier , Buti Maria , Albillos Agustin , Julià Antonio , Valenti Luca , Asselta Rosanna , Banales Jesus M. , Bujanda Luis , de Cid Rafael , Franke André ,   for the Severe COVID‐19 GWAS group, Sarafianos Stefan G. , Hong Jeong S. , Sorscher Eric J. , Ehrhardt Annette 
Published: October 2023

AbstractPatients with cystic fibrosis (CF) exhibit pronounced respiratory damage and were initially considered among those at highest risk for serious harm from SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Numerous clinical studies have subsequently reported that individuals with CF in North America and Europe—while susceptible to severe COVID‐19—are often spared from the highest levels of virus‐associated mortality. To understand features that might influence COVID‐19 among patients with cystic fibrosis, we studied relationships between SARS‐CoV‐2 and the gene responsible for CF (i.e., the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator, CFTR). In contrast to previous reports, we found no association between CFTR carrier status (mutation heterozygosity) and more severe COVID‐19 clinical outcomes. We did observe an unexpected trend toward higher mortality among control individuals compared with silent carriers of the common F508del CFTR variant—a finding that will require further study. We next performed experiments to test the influence of homozygous CFTR deficiency on viral propagation and showed that SARS‐CoV‐2 production in primary airway cells was not altered by the absence of functional CFTR using two independent protocols. On the contrary, experiments performed in vitro strongly indicated that virus proliferation depended on features of the mucosal fluid layer known to be disrupted by absent CFTR in patients with CF, including both low pH and increased viscosity. These results point to the acidic, viscous, and mucus‐obstructed airways in patients with cystic fibrosis as unfavorable for the establishment of coronaviral infection. Our findings provide new and important information concerning relationships between the CF clinical phenotype and severity of COVID‐19.
The Versatility of the Lateral-based Mammary Flap as an “Auto-implant” for Enhancing Breast Mound for Patients Undergoing Primary Mastopexy
Authors: Megahed Mohamed Ahmed , Alkandary Qutiba , Abdelaty Mahmoud Ahmed , Ismail Mohammad Samir , Makkar Rami Magdi , AboShaban Mohammed Saad 
Published: October 2023

Background:
The demand for augmentation-mastopexy surgery without using implants has significantly increased over the years. Fat transfer offers an alternative method, but some patients do not favor this procedure either. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the versatility of using a lateral-based mammary flap as an “auto-implant” for enhancing the breast mound for patients undergoing primary mastopexy.

Method:
This retrospective study was performed between February 2016 and April 2019, including 36 female patients (72 breasts). Our technique involves using the inferior breast tissue by elevating the lateral-based dermoglandular flap that was moved cranially with a 90 degree rotation in a conical shape within the created pocket to refill the superior and central mound.

Result:
The mean nipple projection was 11.2 after 36 months postoperative compared with 5.2 before surgery. The mean ± SD of pre- and postoperative measurements for the lower pole zone were 80.2 ± 10.5 and 50.1 ± 6.4, and those for the upper pole zone were 40.3 ± 9.5 and 63.9 ± 6.5, respectively. The distance of breast mound elevation after the surgical procedure ranged from 5.30 to 9.55 cm, with a mean of 7.90 cm.

Conclusions:
The lateral-based mammary flap acts like an implant that helps shape and augment the breast, enhances the mammary projection, and restores the breast contour without requiring a synthetic implant or fat grafting. It is a reliable technique with high patient satisfaction but is unsuitable for patients with insufficient breast volume.
Investigation Into Potentially Inappropriate Prescribing Patterns of Loop Diuretics in a Nationally Representative Outpatient Population
Authors: Fosnight Steven , Soric Mate Michael , Smearman Jacob , Graves Emily , Vazquez Melvin , Herrington Zachary , Palladino Carl , Costello Matthew , Knauss Abby 
Published: October 2023

Background:
Loop diuretic therapy effectively treats edema related to heart failure, chronic kidney disease, and liver impairment; however, evidence supporting other indications is lacking. For indications such as hypertension or dependent edema or treatment of adverse events associated with other medications, the benefits likely do not outweigh the risks, putting patients at an unacceptably high risk of poor outcomes.

Study Question:
What is the proportion of loop diuretic prescribing that occurs in the absence of a diagnosis of heart failure, chronic kidney disease, liver impairment, or other evidence-based indications?

Study Design:
This was a national, retrospective, cross-sectional investigation conducted using the National Ambulatory Care Survey from 2013 to 2016. Outpatient visits for patients aged 18 years or older prescribed with loop diuretics were included.

Measures and Outcomes:
The primary end point was the frequency of potentially inappropriate loop diuretic prescribing. The secondary end point was a multivariable regression model that identified predictors of potentially inappropriate loop diuretic utilization.

Results:
This analysis identified 5261 outpatient visits conducted during the study period in which loop diuretics were prescribed. Of these, 3648 visits (65.8% of weighted visits) were of patients without a history of heart failure, chronic kidney disease, or liver impairment. Positive predictors included age older than 65 years (odds ratio [OR] 1.71; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.38–2.13), concomitant calcium channel blocker (OR 1.42; 95% CI, 1.09–1.84), sodium-containing medication use (OR 2.78; 95% CI, 1.23–6.25), and office visit with a cardiology specialist (OR 2.84; 95% CI, 2.31–3.50).

Conclusions:
This analysis identified that loop diuretics are prescribed in the absence of evidence-based indications more frequently than they are prescribed for them. This prescribing pattern creates a unique opportunity for clinicians to optimize patient care. Further study of the outcomes associated with this prescribing pattern is warranted.
Angiopoietin-like 3 inhibition and the liver: less is more?
Authors: Oostveen Reindert F. , Hovingh G. Kees , Stroes Erik S.G. 
Published: October 2023

Purpose of review
The aim of this study was to discuss the potential mechanisms and implications of the opposing liver safety results from recent angiopoietin-like 3 (ANGPTL3) inhibition studies.

Recent findings
The clinical development of vupanorsen, a N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc) antisense targeting hepatic ANGPTL3, was recently discontinued due to a significant signal of liver transaminase increase. Vupanorsen elicited a dose-dependent increase in hepatic fat fraction up to 75%, whereas the small interfering RNA (siRNA) ARO-ANG3, has reported preliminary evidence of a dose-dependent decrease in hepatic fat fraction up to 30%.

Summary
ANGPTL3 inhibition is an attractive therapeutic target to reduce all apoB-containing lipoproteins. The discrepancy in liver signal results between the antisense and siRNA approach may be explained by the level of target inhibition. An alternative explanation may relate to off-target effects of vupanorsen, which have a molecule- and/or platform-specific origin. For intrahepatic strategies, highly potent ANGPTL3 inhibition will for now require special attention for liver safety.
Realities and challenges of head and neck free flap reconstruction in sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Okerosi Samuel , Nkya Aslam , Fagan Johan , Xu Mary Jue 
Published: October 2023

Purpose of review
With an increased need to decentralize and train more head and neck ablative and reconstructive surgeons in sub-Saharan Africa, we assess the realities and challenges of free flap reconstruction in sub–Saharan Africa to provide context of its use as a reconstructive option.

Recent findings
Head and neck free flap reconstruction has been performed by local teams as well as visiting teams in Sub Saharan Africa with good results. Free flap success rates are similar to high income regions at 89% vs. 85–100%. However, flap salvage rates are significantly lower (45% compared to 64.1% reported in high income regions). This has been attributed to resource constraints.

Summary
With increasing efforts to increase free flap reconstructive capacity in sub-Saharan Africa, these efforts need to be in the context of available healthcare resources including infrastructure and workforce outside of the surgical team. As training of head and neck ablative and reconstructive surgeons is expanded, reconstructive training needs take the healthcare resource availability into account.