bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis in the south of France, using the capture-recapture method
Authors: Rubenstein Emma , Henneton Pierrick , Rivière Sophie , Casanova Marie-Laure , Broner Jonathan , Arnaud Erik , Oziol Eric , Le Quintrec Moglie , Moranne Olivier , Jorgensen Christian , Combe Bernard , Bourdin Arnaud , Fontaine Christophe , Schiffmann Aurélie , Fraison Jean-Baptiste , Hallé Olivier , Fraisse Thibaut , Veysseyre Frederic , Taieb Guillaume , Aerts Cécile , Crampette Louis , Alovisetti Caroline , Guis Laurence , Mehlal Souad , Papinaud Laurence , Le Quellec Alain , Guilpain Philippe , Mahr Alfred 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Objectives
This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV). That is, granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) and eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA), in Southern France in 2018, and evaluate differences among Europeans and non-Europeans.

Methods
This population-based, cross-sectional study used four sources (hospitals, community-based physicians, laboratories, National Health Insurance) to identify adults ≥15 years diagnosed with GPA, MPA or EGPA, living in Hérault and Gard in 2018. Cases were defined using the ACR/EULAR classification criteria, and if necessary, the European Medicines Agency algorithm. Prevalence estimates were standardised to the world population and capture-recapture analysis was used to assess the comprehensiveness of the estimation. The influence of geographical origin was evaluated.

Results
A total of 202 patients were selected, with 86 cases of GPA (42.6%), 85 cases of MPA (42.1%) and 31 cases of EGPA (15.3%). The standardised prevalence estimates per million inhabitants for 2018 were: 103 (95%CI 84–125) for AAV, 48 (95%CI 35–64) for GPA, 39 (95%CI 28–53) for MPA and 16 (95%CI 9–26) for EGPA, 36 (95%CI 25–50) for anti-PR3 positive AAV, 46 (95%CI 34–61) for anti-MPO positive AAV, and 16 (95%CI 9–26) for ANCA-negative AAV. The global estimation of comprehensiveness by capture-recapture analysis was 80.5%. The number of AAV cases was higher for non-European residents (P = 0.001), particularly for MPA (P &lt; 0.0001).

Conclusion
We provide a new estimate of AAV prevalence in France and show a higher prevalence of MPA in non-European patients.
Modified human respiratory tract model to describe the retention of plutonium in scar tissues
Authors: Poudel Deepesh , Avtandilashvili Maia , Klumpp John A , Bertelli Luiz , Tolmachev Sergei Y 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
The Human Respiratory Tract Model described in Publication 130 of the International Commission on Radiological Protection provides some mechanisms to account for retention of material that can be subject to little to no mechanical transport or absorption into the blood. One of these mechanisms is ‘binding’, which refers to a process by which a fraction (‘bound fraction’) of the dissolved material chemically binds to the tissue of the airway wall. The value of the bound fraction can have a significant impact on the radiation doses imparted to different parts of the respiratory tract. To properly evaluate—and quantify—bound fraction for an element, one would need information on long-term retention of the element in individual compartments of the respiratory tract. Such data on regional retention of plutonium in the respiratory tract of four workers—who had inhaled materials with solubility ranging from soluble nitrate to very insoluble high-fired oxides—were obtained at the United States Transuranium and Uranium Registries. An assumption of bound fraction alone was found to be inconsistent with this dataset and also with a review of the literature. Several studies show evidence of retention of a large amount of Pu activity in the scar tissues of humans and experimental animals, and accordingly, a model structure with scar-tissue compartments was proposed. The transfer rates to these compartments were determined using Markov Chain Monte Carlo analysis of the bioassay and post-mortem data, considering the uncertainties associated with deposition, dissolution and particle clearance parameters. The models predicted that a significant amount—between 20 and 100% for the cases analyzed—of plutonium retained in the respiratory tract was sequestered in the scar tissues. Unlike chemically-bound Pu that irradiates sensitive epithelial cells, Pu in scar tissues may not be dosimetrically significant because the scar tissues absorb most, if not all, of the energy from alpha emissions.
The new QST bioassay laboratory in Chiba, Japan
Authors: Yang Guosheng , Tamakuma Yuki , Naito Masayuki , Tani Kotaro , Kim Eunjoo , Kowatari Munehiko , Kurihara Osamu 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Japan’s National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology (QST) was designated as the core radiation emergency medical support center by the country’s Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA) in 2019. One of the main missions of the QST is to maintain and improve its dose assessment capability for radiation-exposed individuals. Toward the goal of effectively fulfilling this mission, a new facility—the Dose Assessment Building for Advanced Radiation Emergency Medicine—was constructed at the Chiba base of the QST in 2020. An integrated bioassay laboratory was installed in this facility for assessing subjects’ internal doses, along with a new integrated in vivo counter. The bioassay capability of the new laboratory is currently expected to screen 5–10 persons simultaneously assuming internal contamination with actinides such as Pu, Am/Cm and U, although this is dependent on the specific contamination circumstances.
The effect of fitting the reference photon dose–response on the clonogenic survival predicted with the Mayo Clinic Florida microdosimetric kinetic model in case of accelerated ions
Authors: Parisi Alessio , Beltran Chris J , Furutani Keith M 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
The Mayo Clinic Florida microdosimetric kinetic model (MCF MKM) is a recently developed clonogenic survival model. Since the MCF MKM relies on novel strategies to a priori determine the cell-specific model parameters, the only experiment-specific input values are the α and ß terms of the linear–quadratic model (LQM) of clonogenic survival for the reference photon exposure. Because the two LQM terms are anti-correlated, the fitting process of the reference photon survival curve was found to significantly influence the MCF MKM calculations. This article reports this effect for two clinically relevant cell lines (human brain glioblastoma A-172, human healthy foreskin fibroblasts AG01522) and ions (1H and 12C ions).
Dose assesment with fast Monte Carlo codes in interventional radiology
Authors: Balcaza V García , Camp A , Sánchez R M , Ginjaume M , Duch M A 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
This study presents the performance of two fast Monte Carlo codes, PENELOPE/penEasyIR and MCGPU-IR in order to assess operator doses in interventional radiology. In particular, it aims to validate the calculations when workers are protected with shielding located between the patient and the operator. The experiments are performed in a calibration laboratory and measurements are gathered using Thermo EPD and Mirion DMC personal active dosemeters. Calculation efficiency of the fast Monte Carlo codes is approximately four orders of magnitude greater than for a standard Monte Carlo code. Satisfactory agreement between measurements and calculations is shown.
A new detector concept based on the prompt gamma radiation analysis for In vivo boron monitoring in BNCT
Authors: Silarski M , Dziedzic-Kocurek K , Sobczuk F , Nykiel A , Moskal P , Niedźwiecki S , Stępień E Ł , Szczepanek M 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
The problem of boron concentration monitoring during the boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) therapy is one of the main challenges of this type of radiotherapy and is directly related to the nature of the interaction of neutrons with mater. Among the available in vivo methods of boron monitoring positron emission tomography seems to be very promising but it requires a new boron carrier with a β+ emitter, which is not yet clinically available. An alternative solution may be the prompt gamma radiation analysis (PGRA) based on the secondary radiation emitted in the interaction of neutrons with the patient’s tissues. This method requires, however, compact gamma radiation detection systems sustaining high counting rates and characterized by very good energy resolution. In this contribution, we present state-of-the-art solutions for monitoring in BNCT based on PGRA. Moreover, we describe a new concept of such a system based on position-sensitive scintillator detectors equipped with an anti-Compton shield and data analysis supported with modern artificial intelligence algorithms.
External dose measurements to investigate the body-size dependence of personal dosemeter responses in areas affected by the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident
Authors: Yajima K , Kim E , Tani K , Arae H , Iwaoka K , Hosoda M , Tokonami S , Kurihara O , Aono T 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
To formulate necessary protective measures after a large-scale nuclear accident, it is crucial to understand the levels of radiation to which persons living in radionuclide-contaminated areas are exposed. Individual monitoring using personal dosemeters (PDs) plays a role in this, although PDs were not originally intended to be used by members of the public. The present study investigated PD responses in areas highly affected by the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident, as well as the dependence of those measurements on body size. Three types of commercially available electronic PDs, including D-shuttle, which has often been used in Fukushima, were placed on the front surfaces of three age-specific anthropometric phantoms imitating a 5-y-old, a 10-y-old and an adult male, and these phantoms were then exposed to radiation in an open field in the affected area. In the case of D-shuttle, the ratios of PD readings to the ambient dose rate for the 5-y-old phantom and the adult male phantom were 0.79 and 0.72, respectively. The ratios were somewhat higher for the other PDs; any PDs showed higher readings than the effective doses estimated by simulations based on the assumed ground deposition of 134Cs and/or 137Cs over the affected areas.
EURADOS IC2019exteye- a self-funded intercomparison for extremity and eye lens dosemeters organised by EURADOS working group 2
Authors: McWhan Andrew , Dobrzynska Wioletta , Romero Ana , Grimbergen Tom , Stadtmann Hannes , Figel Markus 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
The European Radiation Dosimetry Group (EURADOS) has been organising regular, self-funding, external dosimetry intercomparisons (ICs) since 2008. IC2019exteye, for extremity and eye lens dosemeters, attracted 113 systems (68 extremity and 45 eye lens) from 60 institutes with participants from 26 countries around the world. Irradiations were carried out in accredited European irradiation facilities in terms of Hp(0.07)/or Hp(3) in the ranges: photon energy: 16–662 keV, beta mean energy 250–1000 keV, dose: 0.5 mSv to 1 Sv, maximum angle of incidence: ±60°. This paper describes the IC2019exteye set-up, irradiation plan and coordination with an overview of the main conclusions. Out of the total of 113 systems, 57 reported results for photons only and 56 reported both photon and beta. In general, the participants showed very satisfactory performances with the medians of all Hp(0.07) and Hp(3) response values very close to unity.
Response of current dosemeters to new operational quantities in rotational geometry
Authors: Čemusová Zina , Ekendahl Daniela , Kurková Dana , Judas Libor , Kapuciánová Michaela , Vykydal Zdeněk 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Recently, the ICRU released Report 95, where new operational quantities for external radiation exposure are defined. The new quantities are defined in close relation to the protection quantities. This change affects the practice use of dosemeters. That is why the instruments must be adapted to the measurement of new quantities before their implementing as legally binding. The discrepancies depend on radiation spectra-particle type, energy of particles and direction of incidence. To analyse the performance of currently used instruments, irradiations in photon and neutron fields of various energies were performed for personal and area dosemeters. In this work, the response of photon and neutron personal dosemeters in conditions of rotational geometry is presented. The difference between the responses with respect to the new or old operational quantity was not large, which corresponded to the similar reference values for this irradiation geometry. The mutual ratio depended on the specific radiation quality and geometry. The behaviour of different types of dosemeters varied too.
Comparison of optimization techniques for the Monte Carlo simulation of clearance monitors
Authors: Geser Federico Alejandro , Kasprzak Malgorzata Magdalena , Mayer Sabine 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
In this work, simulations of the clearance monitor HWM-1800 (Ludlum GmbH, Hamburg) with the Monte Carlo (MC) code FLUKA were performed and optimized. Nowadays, clearance monitors are being widely implemented for decommissioning activities in nuclear reactors and particle accelerator facilities. For every situation, a different calibration is typically needed, depending on the material composition of the samples to be released, their volume and the expected radionuclides. For this reason, MC simulations present a practical tool to obtain information on the capabilities of clearance monitors for different configurations. Early models of clearance monitors worked as counters, providing an energy-integrated value of the measured net count rates. However, modern devices have a multi-channel analyzer, which allows constructing pulse-height spectra. The results of the MC simulations were optimized for both of the described situations: comparing the integrated net count rates and performing a spectral analysis. The performance of both methodologies is evaluated in terms of their discrepancy with the experimentally measured values, and the possible improvements for the optimization with spectral analysis are further discussed.
Multisignal ionization chamber with a B4C coating as an active neutron beam spectrometer: Monte Carlo simulations
Authors: Maciak Maciej , Domański Szymon , Tulik Piotr , Tymińska Katarzyna , Gryziński Michał Aleksander 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
In this study, the influence of additional 10B4C polarizing electrodes coating on KW-1 multisignal ionization chamber performance was investigated. Using the FLUKA Monte Carlo code energy deposition, neutron fluence and neutron track-length distributions were simulated. Further calculations allow us to obtain response functions for monoenergetic neutron beams in the energy range from 1 meV to 30 MeV. Results indicate further upgrades that can be adapted for moderator-based gaseous detectors for the neutron beam spectrometry approach.
Results of extremity dosimetry based on the measurements at laboratory of individual and environmental dosimetry at IFJ PAN
Authors: Sas-Bieniarz Anna , Pyszka Ewelina , Budzanowski Maciej , Bubak Anna , Michalska Magdalena , Milcewicz-Mika Izabela 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Laboratory of Individual and Environmental Dosimetry (LADIS) at the Institute of Nuclear Physics is the largest dosimetry service in Poland. Extremity ring dosimetry measurements are performed at LADIS laboratory for ˃20 years, with accredited procedure since 2002. According to the quality system based on PN-EN ISO/IEC 17025:2018-02 standard, Hp(0.07) personal dose equivalent is measured over the range of doses from 0.1 mSv to 1 Sv. Years of experience allow the laboratory to analyse the levels of doses received by workers in medical and industrial institutions cooperating with LADIS laboratory. Yearly, ˃30 000 of extremity measurements have been performed for about 1000 institutions in Poland on the quarterly basis. According to the internal classification, the radiation workers under radiation protection control have been divided into a few groups. The analysis indicated that most of the doses received by exposed workers were on the level of the natural radiation background, but some of them exceeded the dose limit. The results show that ˃60% of Hp(0.07) doses were below 0.1 mSv/quarter; however, some very high doses were also registered. The highest number of doses above 125 mSv was observed in nuclear medicine and interventional radiology. The percentage of overdoses was relatively small but looking at individual cases the risk of unexpected irradiation was noticeable. Therefore, constant monitoring is always necessary.
Chameleon: a cloud computing Industry 4.0 neutron spectrum unfolding code
Authors: Machado Igor A , Lacerda Marco Aurelio S , Martinez-Blanco Ma Del Rosario , Serrano Arturo , García-Baonza Roberto , Ortiz-Rodriguez Jose M 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
This work presents Chameleon, a cloud computing (CC) Industry 4.0 (I4) neutron spectrum unfolding code. The code was designed under the Python programming language, using Streamlit framework®, and it is executed on the cloud, as I4 CC technology through internet, by using mobile devices with internet connectivity and a web navigator. In its first version, as a proof of concept, the SPUNIT algorithm was implemented. The main functionalities and the preliminary tests performed to validate the code are presented. Chameleon solves the neutron spectrum unfolding problem and it is easy, friendly and intuitive. It can be applied with success in various workplaces. More validation tests are in progress. Future implementations will include improving the graphical user interface, inserting other algorithms, such as GRAVEL, MAXED and neural networks, and implementing an algorithm to estimate uncertainties in the calculated integral quantities.
Results and analysis of an intercomparisons study for individual monitoring services of Latin American and Caribbean regions
Authors: Khoury Helen , Menchaca Ignacio , Andres Pablo , de Barros Vinicius , Silva Everton , Alonso Thessa , Molina Daniel , Noguera Gerardo , Videla Ricardo , Rubio José , Bastidas Byron , Quintero Claudia , Castillo R , Castillo Andrea , Kawas Nabil , Grant Charles , Garcia Ana Laura , Martinez Edwars , Mora Juan , Suarez Rodolfo Cruz 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
The aim of this paper is to present the results obtained by the Latin-American and Caribbean personal dosimetry services that participated, with the support of IAEA, in the 2020-Eurados whole-body dosemeter intercomparison for photon radiation. All participant services in this study use thermoluminescent dosimetry (TLD) systems except one that uses optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dosemeters. Data analysis shows that 93.4% of the results are within the acceptance range, according to International ISO Standard ISO 14146: 2018. The evaluation of the trumpet curves shows that only three laboratories presented a few dosemeters results outside the limits of acceptability. Participation in this Eurados intercomparison exercise gave the Latin American and Caribbean laboratories the opportunity to show compliance with their own quality management system, to compare results with other participants and to develop plans for improving their dosimetry systems. It also gave the assurance that occupational doses are being measured properly and following the international standards in the regions.
A Monte Carlo study on the impact of indirect action on neutron relative biological effectiveness
Authors: Manalad James , Montgomery Logan , Kildea John 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Recent Monte Carlo studies have linked the energy-dependent risk of neutron-induced stochastic effects to the relative biological effectiveness (RBE) of neutrons in inflicting difficult-to-repair clusters of lesions in nuclear deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). However, an investigation on the damaging effects of indirect radiation action is missing from such studies. In this work, we extended our group’s existing simulation pipeline by incorporating and validating a model for indirect action. Our updated simulation pipeline was used to study the impact of indirect action and estimate neutron RBE for inflicting clustered lesions in DNA. In our results, although indirect action significantly increased the average yield of DNA damage clusters, our neutron RBE values are lower in magnitude than previous estimates due to model limitations and the greater relative impact of indirect action in lower-linear energy transfer (LET) radiation than in higher-LET radiation.
Evaluating the sensitivity and specificity of Determine™ HIV-1/2 rapid test using a 0.01M phosphate-buffered saline produced at the Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia for the diagnosis of HIV
Authors: Boté-Casamitjana Anna , Faye-Joof Tisbeh , Bah Ousman , Jallow Sira , Camara Alagie , Jallow Olimatou , Mohammed Nuredin , Forrest Karen , Nadjm Behzad 
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT

Background
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) are widely used. However, buffer stockouts commonly lead to utilising non-approved liquids, resulting in errors. Our aim was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of an alternative buffer.

Methods
Paired Determine HIV-1/2 rapid tests with commercial buffer and locally produced 0.01M phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) were performed on consecutive consenting individuals requiring HIV testing. Serum samples were sent for confirmation through the local gold-standard algorithm (Murex HIV Ag/Ab, Hexagon HIV with/without Geenius HIV 1/2). Test accuracy, κ and exact McNemar's test were also carried out.

Results
Of 167 participants, 137 had confirmatory testing. The sensitivity of the Determine HIV-1/2 test using PBS compared with the gold standard was 100% (95% confidence interval [CI] 90.5 to 100) with a specificity of 98% (95% CI 92.9 to 99.8). The κ value was 0.94 compared with the gold standard and 0.92 compared with the Determine HIV-1/2 test using the commercial buffer. McNemar's test showed no evidence of differing sensitivities. Due to operational constraints, the study included 37 of the 49 positive cases as determined by the sample size calculation, resulting in an attained power of 80% instead of the intended 90%.

Conclusions
These results suggest that 0.01M PBS is an alternative solution for Determine HIV-1/2 when buffer stockouts occur.
Screening and therapeutic recommendations for patients with alcohol use disorder
Authors: Kierski Kathleen , Maupin Elizabeth 
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is the most prevalent substance use disorder worldwide. Early screening can identify patients at risk for developing AUD, creating opportunities for prevention and early intervention. This article encourages the use of AUD screening tools, explores AUD treatments, and aims to equip clinicians with evidence-based strategies to prevent and manage AUD.