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Heliyon May 2024In this study, the proton-induced reactions of Zn and Ga aimed at generating Ga were simulated and modeled using Talys code and neural network software. In the first...
In this study, the proton-induced reactions of Zn and Ga aimed at generating Ga were simulated and modeled using Talys code and neural network software. In the first step, both targets were simulated under different proton energies and at different bombardments times to generate a total of six thousand data. Then, the obtained data from the Talys, including the various cross-sections, contaminations, the main product i.e. Ga, and other options were completely saved in the output file. Afterwards, the inputs of the neural network were selected from the output of the Talys by analyzing and considering most of the key features. A total of four inputs, two of which are different energies related to the reaction, the other is the process sequence and the fourth input is the bombardment time, were recognized as suitable inputs and the model was trained differently depending on the type of target. The selected model was a feed-forward neural network with 5 nodes in a middle layer, which was able to estimate the output of Talys code by changing the input parameters with extremely high accuracy. Two different models including the main model for estimating the output of the main sample (product) and the sub-model for estimating process pollution or impurity were trained, and then the trained model was tested on the deduced process data. The implementation results fully demonstrated the high accuracy of the method. The neural network model is much easier to implement than the Talys code, and its execution speed is very high. In addition, it can be used appropriately as a system alternative for optimization and different structures in medical and biological engineering.
PubMed: 38813197
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31499 -
World Journal of Gastroenterology May 2024In this editorial, we discuss the article in the . The article conducts a meta-analysis of the diagnostic accuracy of the urea breath test (UBT), a non-invasive method...
In this editorial, we discuss the article in the . The article conducts a meta-analysis of the diagnostic accuracy of the urea breath test (UBT), a non-invasive method for detecting ( infection in humans. It is based on radionuclide-labeled urea. Various methods, both invasive and non-invasive, are available for diagnosing infection, including endoscopy with biopsy, serology for immunoglobulin titers, stool antigen analysis, and UBT. Several guidelines recommend UBTs as the primary choice for diagnosing infection and for reexamining after eradication therapy. It is used to be the first choice non-invasive test due to their high accuracy, specificity, rapid results, and simplicity. Moreover, its performance remains unaffected by the distribution of in the stomach, allowing a high flow of patients to be tested. Despite its widespread use, the performance characteristics of UBT have been inconsistently described and remain incompletely defined. There are two UBTs available with Food and Drug Administration approval: The C and C tests. Both tests are affordable and can provide real-time results. Physicians may prefer the C test because it is non-radioactive, compared to C which uses a radioactive isotope, especially in young children and pregnant women. Although there was heterogeneity among the studies regarding the diagnostic accuracy of both UBTs, C-UBT consistently outperforms the C-UBT. This makes the C-UBT the preferred diagnostic approach. Furthermore, the provided findings of the meta-analysis emphasize the significance of precise considerations when choosing urea dosage, assessment timing, and measurement techniques for both the C-UBT and C-UBT, to enhance diagnostic precision.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Breath Tests; Carbon Isotopes; Carbon Radioisotopes; Dyspepsia; Helicobacter Infections; Helicobacter pylori; Sensitivity and Specificity; Urea; Meta-Analysis as Topic
PubMed: 38813047
DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v30.i17.2302 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2024Radioactive iodine refractory differentiated thyroid cancer (RAIR-DTC) has received increasing attention due to its poor prognosis. However, outcomes may vary among...
BACKGROUND
Radioactive iodine refractory differentiated thyroid cancer (RAIR-DTC) has received increasing attention due to its poor prognosis. However, outcomes may vary among patients with RAIR-DTC. The role of clinico-pathological and molecular prognostic factors in survival remains controversial, resulting in difficulty in selecting patients for new targeted therapies. We assessed mortality rate and DTC-specific survival in Middle Eastern RAIR-DTC to identify prognostic factors associated with survival.
METHODS
This single center, retrospective study enrolled 268 patients with RAIR-DTC. Mortality rate and DTC-specific survival were analyzed to identify prognostic factors related to survival. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed using Cox proportional hazards model.
RESULTS
Of the 268 cases of RAIR-DTC, 40.3% (108/268) had absent 131I uptake (either on diagnostic or post-therapy whole body scan), 15.3% (41/268) had progressive disease (PD) despite I, 7.5% (20/268) had persistent disease despite cumulative activity of I of >600 mCi and 36.9% (n=99/268) developed distant metastasis. On multivariate analysis, age (more than 45 years), presence of metastatic disease and tumors harboring () promoter mutations were independent prognostic factors for poor DTC-specific survival. Subjects were divided into 3 groups according to the number of risk factors; low risk (no risk factors); intermediate (≤ 2 risk factors); and high risk (all the 3 risk factors). Ten-year DTC-specific survival rates in low, intermediate and high-risk groups were 100.0%, 92.9% and 53.6%, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
The contribution of age greater than 45 years to RAIR-DTC mortality is impactful. Older age, presence of distant metastasis and mutations could be used as early predictors of RAIR-DTC cases. The identification of prognostic factors for poor survival in RAIR-DTC may improve the selection of patients for more personalized surveillance and therapeutic modalities.
Topics: Humans; Iodine Radioisotopes; Thyroid Neoplasms; Female; Male; Middle Aged; Retrospective Studies; Adult; Risk Factors; Prognosis; Telomerase; Aged; Survival Rate; Treatment Outcome; Young Adult; Middle East
PubMed: 38812819
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1326976 -
Polish Archives of Internal Medicine May 2024
Topics: Humans; Graves Disease; Iodine Radioisotopes; Hyperthyroidism
PubMed: 38804240
DOI: 10.20452/pamw.16763 -
The World Allergy Organization Journal May 2024The food allergy (FA) entity went through a long difficult road which led to much delay in its recognition. After long periods of denial and misdiagnosis, it attained... (Review)
Review
The food allergy (FA) entity went through a long difficult road which led to much delay in its recognition. After long periods of denial and misdiagnosis, it attained its current designation as food hypersensitivity or allergy. This review will briefly address the evolution of the FA entity from the early BC era until our 21st century and highlight the milestones in the main aspects of diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and research. A great recognition of the allergy specialty was gained by the discovery of its main mediator -immunoglobulin E in 1967 - which also helped in classifying FA into IgE-mediated (immediate-type) and non-IgE-mediated. The cause of the increasing prevalence during the past few decades may be attributed to an increased food consumption and the consequences of modern lifestyle (the hygiene hypothesis). In addition to a skillful medical history-taking, helpful tests have been developed involving the skin or blood. The scratch test was modified to the prick test and in certain instances prick-by-prick. The use of intradermal test has been markedly reduced. Blood testing began by measuring specific-IgE antibodies (sIgE) in the serum using the radioallergosorbent test which went through multiple modifications to avoid radioisotope material and increase the test's sensitivity. The test was advanced to measure sIgE to individual allergen components. Recently, cellular tests were developed in the form of basophil activation or mast cell activation. In most cases, FA needs verification by appropriately-designed challenge testing. Regarding treatment, strict avoidance remains the basic approach. Certain food-labeling regulations led to some improvement in the problem of hidden food allergens but more is desired. Recently some protocols for oral immunotherapy (OIT) showed reasonable safety and efficacy in preventing reactions to accidental exposures. The protocol for peanut has been approved in the United States and other foods are expected to follow. Epicutaneous immunotherapy showed higher safety and promising efficacy. Sublingual immunotherapy might follow as well. Studies on the use of certain biologicals, alone or in combination of OIT, showed promising findings. Very recently, omalizumab was approved in the United States for patients with multiple FA. A major change in the strategy of prevention is the benefit of introducing allergenic foods at an early age (4-6 months). Research on FA markedly flourished in recent decades with increasing numbers of investigators, funding, publications, and education. Despite the major strides, still more awaits exploration with expected better understanding and practice of FA.
PubMed: 38800498
DOI: 10.1016/j.waojou.2024.100912 -
AACE Clinical Case Reports 2024Ectopic cosecretion of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) in silent (ie, non-catecholamine-secreting) pheochromocytoma is a...
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE
Ectopic cosecretion of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) in silent (ie, non-catecholamine-secreting) pheochromocytoma is a rare cause of Cushing syndrome.
CASE REPORT
A 57-year-old woman rapidly developed hypercortisolism, clinically manifesting as fatigue, muscle weakness, weight gain, and worsening hypertension and biochemically characterized by hypokalemia and marked increases in the serum cortisol and plasma ACTH levels. This acute presentation suggested a diagnosis of ectopic ACTH syndrome (EAS). Imaging studies revealed a right adrenal mass that enhanced after administration of the radioisotope gallium-68-DOTATATE. Plasma metanephrines were normal in 2 separate measurements. The possibility of a silent pheochromocytoma was considered. After controlling her hypercortisolism with metyrapone and surgical preparation with alpha blockade, the patient underwent elective right adrenalectomy. Pathology revealed a pheochromocytoma that stained focally for ACTH and CRH. Postoperatively, the cortisol levels normalized, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis was not suppressed, and clinical symptoms from hypercortisolism abated.
DISCUSSION
Patients who exhibit a rapid progression of ACTH-dependent hypercortisolism should be screened for EAS. The use of functional imaging radioisotopes (eg, gallium DOTA-peptides) improves the detection of ACTH-secreting tumors. Preoperative treatment with steroidogenesis inhibitors helps control clinical and metabolic derangements associated with severe hypercortisolemia, whereas alpha blockade prevents the onset of an adrenergic crisis.
CONCLUSION
We present a rare case of EAS due to a silent pheochromocytoma that cosecreted ACTH and CRH. Pheochromocytoma should be considered in patients with EAS who have an adrenal mass even in the absence of excessive catecholamine secretion.
PubMed: 38799040
DOI: 10.1016/j.aace.2024.01.007 -
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024Radon is a naturally occurring noble radioactive gas that poses significant health risks, particularly lung cancer, due to its colorless, odorless, and tasteless nature,... (Review)
Review
Radon is a naturally occurring noble radioactive gas that poses significant health risks, particularly lung cancer, due to its colorless, odorless, and tasteless nature, which makes detection challenging without formal testing. It is found in soil, rock, and water, and it infiltrates indoor environments, necessitating regulatory standards and guidelines from organizations such as the Environmental Protection Agency, the World Health Organization, and the Occupational Health and Safety Agency to mitigate exposure. In this paper, we present various methods and instruments for radon assessment in occupational and environmental settings. Discussion on long- and short-term monitoring, including grab sampling, radon dosimetry, and continuous real-time monitoring, is provided. The comparative analysis of detection techniques-active versus passive-is highlighted from real-time data and long-term exposure assessment, including advances in sensor technology, data processing, and public awareness, to improve radon exposure evaluation techniques.
Topics: Radon; Humans; Occupational Exposure; Radiation Monitoring; Air Pollution, Indoor; Air Pollutants, Radioactive; Environmental Exposure
PubMed: 38793821
DOI: 10.3390/s24102966 -
International Journal of Molecular... May 2024This work reports on a model that describes patient-specific absorbed dose-dependent DNA damage response in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of thyroid cancer patients...
This work reports on a model that describes patient-specific absorbed dose-dependent DNA damage response in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of thyroid cancer patients during radioiodine therapy and compares the results with the ex vivo DNA damage response in these patients. Blood samples of 18 patients (nine time points up to 168 h post-administration) were analyzed for radiation-induced γ-H2AX + 53BP1 DNA double-strand break foci (RIF). A linear one-compartment model described the absorbed dose-dependent time course of RIF (Parameters: characterizes DSB damage induction; and are rate constants describing fast and slow repair). The rate constants were compared to ex vivo repair rates. A total of 14 patient datasets could be analyzed; ranged from 0.012 to 0.109 mGy, from 0 to 0.04 h. On average, 96% of the damage is repaired quickly with (range: 0.19-3.03 h). Two patient subgroups were distinguished by -values ( = 6, > 1.1 h; = 8, < 0.6 h). A weak correlation with patient age was observed. While induction of RIF was similar among ex vivo and in vivo, the respective repair rates failed to correlate. The lack of correlation between in vivo and ex vivo repair rates and the applicability of the model to other therapies will be addressed in further studies.
Topics: Humans; Thyroid Neoplasms; Middle Aged; Male; Female; DNA Repair; DNA Breaks, Double-Stranded; Adult; Aged; DNA Damage; Iodine Radioisotopes; Tumor Suppressor p53-Binding Protein 1; Histones; Leukocytes, Mononuclear; Models, Biological
PubMed: 38791531
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105493 -
Current Oncology (Toronto, Ont.) May 2024The aim of this study was to evaluate outcomes of transarterial radioembolization (TARE) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients previously treated with...
The aim of this study was to evaluate outcomes of transarterial radioembolization (TARE) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients previously treated with transarterial embolization (TAE). In this retrospective study, all HCC patients who received TARE from 1/2012 to 12/2022 for treatment of residual or recurrent disease after TAE were identified. Overall survival (OS) was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Univariate Cox regression was performed to determine significant predictors of OS after TARE. Twenty-one patients (median age 73.4 years, 18 male, 3 female) were included. Median dose to the perfused liver volume was 121 Gy (112-444, range), and 18/21 (85.7%) patients received 112-140 Gy. Median OS from time of HCC diagnosis was 32.9 months (19.4-61.4, 95% CI). Median OS after first TAE was 29.3 months (15.3-58.9, 95% CI). Median OS after first TARE was 10.6 months (6.8-27.0, 95% CI). ECOG performance status of 0 ( = 0.038), index tumor diameter < 4 cm ( = 0.022), and hepatic tumor burden < 25% ( = 0.018) were significant predictors of longer OS after TARE. TARE may provide a survival benefit for appropriately selected patients with HCC who have been previously treated with TAE.
Topics: Humans; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Liver Neoplasms; Male; Female; Aged; Embolization, Therapeutic; Yttrium Radioisotopes; Middle Aged; Retrospective Studies; Treatment Outcome; Aged, 80 and over
PubMed: 38785481
DOI: 10.3390/curroncol31050200 -
Current Oncology (Toronto, Ont.) Apr 2024Positron emission tomography (PET) and computed tomography (CT) have evolved as a pivotal diagnostic modality in the field of oncology. With its increasing application... (Review)
Review
Positron emission tomography (PET) and computed tomography (CT) have evolved as a pivotal diagnostic modality in the field of oncology. With its increasing application in staging and ready availability, it becomes imperative for committed radiation oncologists to possess a complete analysis and understanding of integration of molecular imaging, which can be helpful for radiation planning, while also acknowledging its possible limitations and challenges. A significant obstacle lies in the synthesis and design of tumor-specific bmolecules for diagnosing and treating cancer. The utilization of radiation in medical biochemistry and biotechnology, encompassing diagnosis, therapy, and control of biological systems, is encapsulated under the umbrella term "nuclear medicine". Notably, the application of various radioisotopes in pharmaceutics has garnered significant attention, particularly in the realm of delivery systems for drugs, DNA, and imaging agents. The present article provides a comprehensive review of use of novel techniques PET and CT with major positron-emitting radiopharmaceuticals currently in progress or utilized in clinical practice with their integration into imaging and radiation therapy.
Topics: Humans; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms; Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography; Female; Fluorodeoxyglucose F18; Radiopharmaceuticals
PubMed: 38785469
DOI: 10.3390/curroncol31050188