bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Latent bone modelling for estimation of plutonium concentration in skeleton of former nuclear workers
Authors: Šefl Martin , Zhou Joey Y , Avtandilashvili Maia , Tolmachev Sergei Y 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
The skeleton is a major plutonium retention site in the human body. Estimation of the total plutonium activity in the skeleton is a challenging problem. For most tissue donors at the United States Transuranium and Uranium Registries, a limited number of bone samples is available. The skeleton activity is calculated using plutonium activity concentration (Cskel) and skeleton weight. In this study, latent bone modelling was used to estimate Cskel from the limited number of analysed bone samples. Data from 13 non-osteoporotic whole-body donors were used to develop latent bone model (LBM) to estimate Cskel for seven cases with four to eight analysed bone samples. LBM predictions were compared to Cskel estimated using an arithmetic mean in terms of accuracy and precision. For the studied cases, LBM offered a significant reduction of uncertainty of Cskel estimate.
Comparative re-analysis evaluation of the Fukushima accident atmospheric radioactive emissions
Authors: Pavelescu Alexandru O , Vamanu Bogdan I , Acasandrei Valentin T 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
In this paper, two decision support systems have been used to re-analyze the Fukushima accident emissions: the European Realtime Online Decision Support System for Nuclear Emergency Management (RODOS, version JRodos 2019)—providing a set of modules for the dispersion of nuclides following atmospheric and aquatic releases, dosimetry modules for dose estimation to individuals and communities for all exposure pathways with application of countermeasures, and modules for time estimation of the radiological situation in inhabited and agricultural areas—and CBRNE Platform, developed by IFIN-HH within a research project on anticipative and prognostic evaluation of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive events (CBRNE), which is a tool for effect diagnosis functions, response measures and consecutive recommendation for a large variety of scenarios. We have reproduced the event on both systems, using accident time weather data and updated source terms. Current and initial results were cross-compared and evaluated.
Indoor radon concentration in state schools of four Bulgarian districts
Authors: Ivanova Kremena G , Stojanovska Zdenka , Djunakova Desislava K , Djounova Jana N , Kunovska Bistra K , Chobanova Nina A 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Indoor radon concentrations were surveyed in 230 public schools in four Bulgarian districts for the period November/December 2019 to May/June 2020. The measurements were carried out in 2427 rooms on the basement, ground floor and first floor using the passive track detectors of the Radosys system. The estimated arithmetic and geometric means with standard deviations were 153 ± 154 and 114 Bq/m3 (geometric standard deviation (GSD) = 2.08), respectively. The results are higher than those referred from the National Radon Survey in dwellings. In 9.4% of the rooms, the radon concentrations were above the reference value of 300 Bq/m3. The difference between indoor radon concentrations in the districts was significant, which proves its spatial variation. The hypothesis that the applied energy efficiency measures increase indoor radon values in buildings was confirmed. The surveys demonstrated the importance of indoor radon measurements in school buildings, in order to control and reduce children’s exposure.
Machine learning-assisted antenna modelling for realistic assessment of incident power density on non-planar surfaces above 6 GHz
Authors: Kapetanović Ante , Poljak Dragan 
Published: May 2023

AbstractIn this paper, the analysis of exposure reference levels is performed for the case of a half-wavelength dipole antenna positioned in the immediate vicinity of non-planar body parts. The incident power density (IPD) spatially averaged over the spherical and cylindrical surface is computed at the 6–90 GHz range, and subsequently placed in the context of the current international guidelines and standards for limiting exposure to electromagnetic (EM) fields which are defined considering planar computational tissue models. As numerical errors are ubiquitous at such high frequencies, the spatial resolution of EM models needs to be increased which in turn results in increased computational complexity and memory requirements. To alleviate this issue, we hybridise machine learning and traditional scientific computing approaches through differentiable programming paradigm. Findings demonstrate a strong positive effect the curvature of non-planar models has on the spatially averaged IPD with up to 15% larger values compared to the corresponding planar model in considered exposure scenarios.
Reproduction of shielding concrete activation measurements by simulations
Authors: Hajdú Dávid , Klausz Milán , Zagyvai Péter 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
With the increasing number of decommissioning projects, radioactive waste estimation of biological shielding concretes is becoming more and more important. Simulation tools supporting this activity, like MCNP and Cinder are already available; however, publicly available neutron spectra in shielding concretes are limited. The aim of the study was to present and evaluate possible model arrangements for accurate neutron transport to deeper points of shielding concretes from the reactor pressure vessel. Representation of reality, neutron behavior and activity generation of seven long-lived radioisotopes (54Mn, 60Co, 65Zn, 133Ba, 134Cs, 152Eu and 154Eu) were assessed in each arrangement. After evaluating several model geometries, a conical shape neutron reflecting surface was shown to be the most suitable one to reproduce neutron fields in deeper layers of shielding concretes from a monodirectional initial neutron source.
The role of public engagement in the journey to ALARA
Authors: Bryant PA 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
The ‘As Low As Reasonably Achievable’ (ALARA) principle is one of the three fundamental elements of radiation protection. Noting that ionising radiation is both encountered naturally in the environment as part of everyday life, and artificially as part of a range of practices, the ALARA principle aims to provide a means of optimising radiation exposures. Historically, the stakeholders involved in the application of the ALARA process have primarily been assumed to be internal to an organisation, except for regulatory ‘buy in’. However, could there be instances when the public should be a key stakeholder? This paper explores the area of perceived risk with reference to a particular case study in which the dredging of non-hazardous sediment in the UK near a now decommissioned nuclear power station raised substantial public concern about radiological exposure. This turned what was a straightforward construction activity into a complex public engagement and reassurance task, at a significant cost disproportionate to the level of radiological risk. Learning from this case study is used to highlight the key lessons learnt and the importance of public engagement, and how perceived risk and the associated societal stress could be incorporated into the ALARA process. The paper also highlights the ongoing work and guidance produced by the Society for Radiological Protection in the UK on the development of Guidance for Practitioners to support the Communication of Radiation Risk.
Reprogramming of Acute Myeloid Leukemia Patients Cells: Harboring Cancer Mutations Requires Targeting of AML Hierarchy
Authors: Golubeva Diana , Porras Deanna P , Doyle Meaghan , Reid Jennifer C , Tanasijevic Borko , Boyd Allison L , Vojnits Kinga , Elrafie Amro , Qiao Amy , Bhatia Mickie 
Published: May 2023

AbstractScreening of primary patient acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells is challenging based on intrinsic characteristics of human AML disease and patient-specific conditions required to sustain AML cells in culture. This is further complicated by inter- and intra-patient heterogeneity, and “contaminating” normal cells devoid of molecular AML mutations. Derivation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from human somatic cells has provided approaches for the development of patient-specific models of disease biology and has recently included AML. Although reprogramming patient-derived cancer cells to pluripotency allows for aspects of disease modeling, the major limitation preventing applications and deeper insights using AML-iPSCs is the rarity of success and limited subtypes of AML disease that can be captured by reprogramming to date. Here, we tested and refined methods including de novo, xenografting, naïve versus prime states and prospective isolation for reprogramming AML cells using a total of 22 AML patient samples representing the wide variety of cytogenetic abnormalities. These efforts allowed us to derive genetically matched healthy control (isogenic) lines and capture clones found originally in patients with AML. Using fluorescently activated cell sorting, we revealed that AML reprogramming is linked to the differentiation state of diseased tissue, where use of myeloid marker CD33 compared to the stem cell marker, CD34, reduces reprogramming capture of AML+ clones. Our efforts provide a platform for further optimization of AML-iPSC generation, and a unique library of iPSC derived from patients with AML for detailed cellular and molecular study.
The Effect of Vitamin D3 and Valproic Acid on the Maturation of Human-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Enterocyte-Like Cells
Authors: Leo Sylvia , Kato Yusuke , Wu Yumeng , Yokota Mutsumi , Koike Masato , Yui Shiro , Tsuchiya Kiichiro , Shiraki Nobuaki , Kume Shoen 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) is involved in first-pass metabolism in the small intestine and is heavily implicated in oral drug bioavailability and pharmacokinetics. We previously reported that vitamin D3 (VD3), a known CYP enzyme inducer, induces functional maturation of iPSC-derived enterocyte-like cells (iPSC-ent). Here, we identified a Notch activator and CYP modulator valproic acid (VPA), as a promotor for the maturation of iPSC-ent. We performed bulk RNA sequencing to investigate the changes in gene expression during the differentiation and maturation periods of these cells. VPA potentiated gene expression of key enterocyte markers ALPI, FABP2, and transporters such as SULT1B1. RNA-sequencing analysis further elucidated several function-related pathways involved in fatty acid metabolism, significantly upregulated by VPA when combined with VD3. Particularly, VPA treatment in tandem with VD3 significantly upregulated key regulators of enterohepatic circulation, such as FGF19, apical bile acid transporter SLCO1A2 and basolateral bile acid transporters SLC51A and SLC51B. To sum up, we could ascertain the genetic profile of our iPSC-ent cells to be specialized toward fatty acid absorption and metabolism instead of transporting other nutrients, such as amino acids, with the addition of VD3 and VPA in tandem. Together, these results suggest the possible application of VPA-treated iPSC-ent for modelling enterohepatic circulation.
A Decade of Hidden Phytoplasmas Unveiled Through Citizen Science
Authors: Brochu Anne-Sophie , Dionne Antoine , Fall Mamadou Lamine , Pérez-López Edel 
Published: May 2023

Climate change is impacting agriculture in many ways, and a contribution from all is required to reduce the imminent losses related to it. Recently, it has been shown that citizen science could be a way to trace the impact of climate change. However, how can citizen science be applied in plant pathology? Here, using as an example a decade of phytoplasma-related diseases reported by growers, agronomists, and citizens in general, and confirmed by a government laboratory, we explored how to better value plant pathogen monitoring data. Through this collaboration, we found that in the last decade, 34 hosts have been affected by phytoplasmas; 9, 13, and 5 of these plants were, for the first time, reported phytoplasma hosts in eastern Canada, all of Canada, and worldwide, respectively. Another finding of great impact is the first report of a ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma phoenicium’-related strain in Canada, while ‘Ca. P. pruni’ and ‘Ca. P. pyri’ were reported for the first time in eastern Canada. These findings will have a great impact on the management of phytoplasmas and their insect vectors. Using these insect-vectored bacterial pathogens, we show the need for new strategies that can allow fast and accurate communication between concerned citizens and those institutions confirming their observations. [Formula: see text] Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .
Single‐cell transcriptome profiling reveals diverse immune cell populations and their responses to viral infection in the spleen of zebrafish
Authors: Hu Chong‐Bin , Wang Jie , Hong Yun , Li Hao , Fan Dong‐Dong , Lin Ai‐Fu , Xiang Li‐Xin , Shao Jian‐Zhong 
Published: May 2023

AbstractTeleost fish are indispensable model organisms for comparative immunology research that should lead to an improved understanding of the general principles of vertebrate immune system design. Although numerous studies on fish immunology have been conducted, knowledge about the cell types that orchestrate piscine immune systems remains limited. Here, we generated a comprehensive atlas of immune cell types in zebrafish spleen on the basis of single‐cell transcriptome profiling. We identified 11 major categories from splenic leukocyte preparations, including neutrophils, natural killer cells, macrophages/myeloid cells, T cells, B cells, hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells, mast cells, remnants of endothelial cells, erythroid cells, erythroid progenitors, and a new type of serpin‐secreting cells. Notably, we derived 54 potential subsets from these 11 categories. These subsets showed differential responses to spring viremia of carp virus (SVCV) infection, implying that they have diverse roles in antiviral immunity. Additionally, we landscaped the populations with the induced expression of interferons and other virus‐responsive genes. We found that trained immunity can be effectively induced in the neutrophil and M1‐macrophage subsets by vaccinating zebrafish with inactivated SVCV. Our findings illustrated the complexity and heterogeneity of the fish immune system, which will help establish a new paradigm for the improved understanding of fish immunology.
Evaluating Metformin Strategies for Cancer Prevention: A Target Trial Emulation Using Electronic Health Records
Authors: Dickerman Barbra A. , García-Albéniz Xabier , Logan Roger W. , Denaxas Spiros , Hernán Miguel A. 
Published: May 2023

Background:
Metformin users appear to have a substantially lower risk of cancer than nonusers in many observational studies. These inverse associations may be explained by common flaws in observational analyses that can be avoided by explicitly emulating a target trial.

Methods:
We emulated target trials of metformin therapy and cancer risk using population-based linked electronic health records from the UK (2009–2016). We included individuals with diabetes, no history of cancer, no recent prescription for metformin or other glucose-lowering medication, and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) <64 mmol/mol (<8.0%). Outcomes included total cancer and 4 site-specific cancers (breast, colorectal, lung, and prostate). We estimated risks using pooled logistic regression with adjustment for risk factors via inverse-probability weighting. We emulated a second target trial among individuals regardless of diabetes status. We compared our estimates with those obtained using previously applied analytic approaches.

Results:
Among individuals with diabetes, the estimated 6-year risk differences (metformin – no metformin) were −0.2% (95% CI = −1.6%, 1.3%) in the intention-to-treat analysis and 0.0% (95% CI = −2.1%, 2.3%) in the per-protocol analysis. The corresponding estimates for all site-specific cancers were close to zero. Among individuals regardless of diabetes status, these estimates were also close to zero and more precise. By contrast, previous analytic approaches yielded estimates that appeared strongly protective.

Conclusions:
Our findings are consistent with the hypothesis that metformin therapy does not meaningfully influence cancer incidence. The findings highlight the importance of explicitly emulating a target trial to reduce bias in the effect estimates derived from observational analyses.
Applied Usage and Tips of High Stretch Fixation NPWTi-d for Sternal Osteomyelitis
Authors: Cho Hoyu , Eura Shigeyoshi , Watanabe Kumi , Kamii Yukie , Ogawa Rei 
Published: May 2023

Summary:
Sternal osteomyelitis is a rare but devastating complication of median sternotomy. To achieve good outcomes, it should be diagnosed early and treated appropriately. Standard treatment involves antibiotics, debridement, and reconstruction with flaps. To prevent flap complications and recurrence, the wound bed must be prepared carefully. One approach, a recent development, is negative pressure wound therapy with instillation and dwell time (NPWTi-d), where suction cycles are interspersed with wound instillation with solutions. NPWTi-d is currently cautioned against for large trunk wounds and cavities because it might alter core body temperature. Here, we report a new NPWTi-d dressing technique that is associated with successful reconstruction in two severe sternal osteomyelitis cases with wound sizes of 29 × 10 and 28 × 8 cm. This “delay-dressing technique” involves manually pulling the wound edges together; inserting a thin strip of dressing foam; applying dressing film strips from one side of the chest wall to the other, thus placing strong stretching tension on the normal skin around the wound; and then applying NPWTi-d. In our cases, we used the V.A.C. Ulta system for 20 and 17 days. The successful reconstruction in both cases may reflect good wound bed preparation and flap preconditioning due to the mechanical stress imposed by NPWTi-d. Thus, this dressing technique with the V.A.C. Ulta system may be an effective treatment option for sternal osteomyelitis cases.
Retinal vasculitis severity assessment: intra- and inter-observer reliability of a new scheme for grading wide-field fluorescein angiograms in retinal vasculitis
Authors: Dhirachaikulpanich Dhanach , Madhusudhan Savita , Parry David , Babiker Salma , Zheng Yalin , Beare Nicholas AV 
Published: May 2023

AbstractPurpose:Wide-field fluorescein angiography (WFFA) is commonly used to assess retinal vasculitis (RV), which manifests as vascular leakage and occlusion. Currently, there is no standard grading scheme for RV severity. We propose a novel RV grading scheme and assess its reliability and reproducibility.Methods:A grading scheme was developed to assess both leakage and occlusion in RV. WFFA images from 50 RV patients were graded by four graders, and one grader graded them twice. Intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to determine intra-interobserver reliability. Generalized linear models (GLM) were calculated to associate the scoring with visual acuity.Results:Repeated grading by the same grader showed good intraobserver reliability for both leakage (ICC = 0.85, 95%CI 0.78-0.89) and occlusion (ICC = 0.82, 95%CI 0.75-0.88) scores. Interobserver reliability among 4 independent graders showed good agreement for both leakage (ICC = 0.66, 95%CI 0.49-0.77) and occlusion (ICC = 0.75, 95%CI 0.68-0.81) scores. Increasing leakage score was significantly associated with worse concurrent visual acuity (GLM, β=0.090, p<0.01) and at 1-year follow-up (GLM, β=0.063, p<0.01).Conclusion:Our proposed grading scheme for RV has good to excellent intra and interobserver reliability across a range of graders. The leakage score related to present and future visual acuity.
Clinical Utility of Ileal Motility in Children With Defecation Disorders and Children With Chronic Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction
Authors: Colliard Kitzia , Nurko Samuel , Flores Alejandro , Rodriguez Leonel 
Published: May 2023

Background:
Little is known about ileal motility patterns and their utility in children. Here, we present our experience with children undergoing ileal manometry (IM).

Methods:
A retrospective review of children with ileostomy comparing IM between 2 groups: A [chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (CIPO)] and B (feasibility of ileostomy closure in children with defecation disorders). We also compared the IM findings with those from antroduodenal manometry (ADM), and evaluated the joint effect of age, sex, and study indication group on IM results.

Results:
A total of 27 children (median age 5.8 years old, range 0.5–16.74 years, 16 were female) were included (12 in group A and 15 in group B). There was no association between IM interpretation and sex; however younger age was associated with abnormal IM (P = 0.021). We found a significantly higher proportion of patients with presence of phase III of the migrating motor complex (MMC) during fasting and normal postprandial response in group B than in group A (P < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis revealed that only Group B was associated with normal IM (P < 0.001). We found a moderate agreement for the presence of phase III MMC and postprandial response between IM and ADM (kappa = 0.698, P = 0.008 and kappa = 0.683, P = 0.009, respectively).

Conclusion:
IM is abnormal in patients with CIPO and normal in patients with defecation disorders, suggesting that IM may be not needed for ostomy closure in those with defecation disorders. IM has a moderate agreement with ADM and could be used as a surrogate for small bowel motility.
Work of Eels Setting a Dilemma for Forensic Pathologist
Authors: Goel Rohit , S Agnes Daney Angela , Amarnath Arthy , Subramanyam Sunil 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
After the death of an individual, the body may be affected by various natural processes, including the effects of environmental factors and predation by micro-organisms and macro-organisms, which can produce a variety of artifacts. These artifacts can then pose a challenge to forensic personnel, such as whether such activity was antemortem or postmortem in nature and, if antemortem, whether such animal activities contributed to the death of an individual. This case report is a rare example of an interesting postmortem artifact of the presence of moray eels within a corpse. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of such a finding.