A Recurrent c.416C>T Variant in the B3GAT3 Gene in the Turkish Population: Report of Two Siblings and Expanding the Clinical Spectrum.

Introduction: Linkeropathies are a group of rare multi-systemic genetic disorders primarily affecting the skeletal and cardiac systems due to defects in the enzymes responsible for proteoglycan synthesis. Case Presentation: We present a case of two siblings with the B3GAT3 variant. The 14-year-old boy exhibited short stature, severe kyphoscoliosis, splenomegaly, and aortic root dilatation, along with several physical abnormalities including bifid uvula, blue sclera, limited elbow extension, and pectus carinatum. His 6-year-old sister also exhibited comparable yet less pronounced physical features. Clinical exome sequencing analysis revealed a homozygous c.416C>T variant in the B3GAT3 gene for the sister; the same variant was also present in the boy patient. The boy underwent preoperative halo-gravity traction for severe kyphoscoliosis, followed by posterior instrumentation and fusion surgery without complications. Discussion/Conclusion: B3GAT3-related linkeropathy syndrome is a rare disorder and we further expand the clinical spectrum with novel findings.

[Retracted] hsa­miR­212 modulates the radiosensitivity of glioma cells by targeting BRCA1.

Following the publication of the above paper, it was drawn to the Editor's attention by a concerned reader that there appeared to be overlapping sections in a pair of the fluorescence reporter assay data panels shown in Fig. 4B; moreover, upon having conducted an independent investigation of the data in this paper in the Editorial Office, one of the data panels shown in this figure was strikingly similar to data that had previously appeared in different form in a paper written by different authors at a different research institute. Owing to the fact that the contentious data in the above article had already been published prior to its submission to Oncology Reports, the Editor has decided that this paper should be retracted from the Journal. The authors were asked for an explanation to account for these concerns, but the Editorial Office did not receive a satisfactory reply. The Editor apologizes to the readership for any inconvenience caused. [Oncology Reports 39: 977­984, 2018; DOI: 10.3892/or.2017.6156].

Estimation of radiological health risks due to 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K in foods consumed in Iraqi Kurdistan Region.

This study investigates the activity concentration of natural radionuclides in a diverse range of food samples in the Koya district markets food baskets, including both domestic and imported products. The samples cover annual crops (e.g. coffee, tea, kidney beans), tree nuts (e.g. almonds, pistachios), and other items (e.g. beef, fish, milk) by using a high-purity germanium (HPGe) detector. This research addresses a notable gap by providing baseline data on radionuclide concentrations and assessing potential health risks. Average activity concentrations for ²²6Ra, ²³²Th, and 4°K were 0.943, 0.367, and 191.8 Bq kg-1, respectively. Radium equivalent activity values ranged from 2.88-58.48 Bq kg-1, all below the safety limit. The average excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) was 0.154 mSv a-1, indicating safety for most samples, though coffee and tea showed higher levels. This study provides new data crucial for future research and regulatory monitoring, underscoring the need for further investigation into geological impacts on radionuclide levels.

Dual-labeled anti-GD2 targeted probe for intraoperative molecular imaging of neuroblastoma.

BACKGROUND: Surgical resection is integral for the treatment of neuroblastoma, the most common extracranial solid malignancy in children. Safely locating and resecting primary tumor and remote deposits of disease remains a significant challenge, resulting in high rates of complications and incomplete surgery, worsening outcomes. Intraoperative molecular imaging (IMI) uses targeted radioactive or fluorescent tracers to identify and visualize tumors intraoperatively. GD2 was selected as an IMI target, as it is highly overexpressed in neuroblastoma and minimally expressed in normal tissue. METHODS: GD2 expression in neuroblastoma cell lines was measured by flow cytometry. DTPA and IRDye® 800CW were conjugated to anti-GD2 antibody to generate DTPA-αGD2-IR800. Binding affinity (Kd) of the antibody and the non-radiolabeled tracer were then measured by ELISA assay. Human neuroblastoma SK-N-BE(2) cells were surgically injected into the left adrenal gland of 3.5-5-week-old nude mice and the orthotopic xenograft tumors grew for 5 weeks. 111In-αGD2-IR800 or isotype control tracer was administered via tail vein injection. After 4 and 6 days, mice were euthanized and gamma and fluorescence biodistributions were measured using a gamma counter and ImageJ analysis of acquired SPY-PHI fluorescence images of resected organs (including tumor, contralateral adrenal, kidneys, liver, muscle, blood, and others). Organ uptake was compared by one-way ANOVA (with a separate analysis for each tracer/day combination), and if significant, Sidak's multiple comparison test was used to compare the uptake of each organ to the tumor. Handheld tools were also used to detect and visualize tumor in situ, and to assess for residual disease following non-guided resection. RESULTS: 111In-αGD2-IR800 was successfully synthesized with 0.75-2.0 DTPA and 2-3 IRDye® 800CW per antibody and retained adequate antigen-binding (Kd = 2.39 nM for aGD2 vs. 21.31 nM for DTPA-aGD2-IR800). The anti-GD2 tracer demonstrated antigen-specific uptake in mice with human neuroblastoma xenografts (gamma biodistribution tumor-to-blood ratios of 3.87 and 3.88 on days 4 and 6 with anti-GD2 tracer), while isotype control tracer did not accumulate (0.414 and 0.514 on days 4 and 6). Probe accumulation in xenografts was detected and visualized using widely available operative tools (Neoprobe® and SPY-PHI camera) and facilitated detection ofputative residual disease in the resection cavity following unguided resection. CONCLUSIONS: We have developed a dual-labeled anti-GD2 antibody-based tracer that incorporates In-111 and IRDye® 800CW for radio- and fluorescence-guided surgery, respectively. The tracer adequately binds to GD2, specifically accumulates in GD2-expressing xenograft tumors, and enables tumor visualization with a hand-held NIR camera. These results encourage the development of 111In-αGD2-IR800 for future use in children with neuroblastoma, with the goal of improving patient safety, completeness of resection, and overall patient outcomes.

Floating Wrist: A Rare Case Report and Review of Anatomical, Diagnostic, and Therapeutic Aspects.

Introduction: Joint injuries in the upper limb are uncommon and have received limited attention in the literature. This case report presents the first described case in the literature of a "floating wrist" and aims to highlight the diagnostic, anatomical, and therapeutic aspects of this injury. Case Report: A 27-year-old male was involved in a severe car accident, resulting in a closed deformity of the right wrist. The patient suffered fractures of the forearm bones and dislocation fracture of all five wrist rays. Surgical intervention was performed to repair the fractures and stabilize the wrist. Despite post-operative complications, the patient demonstrated positive functional outcomes after a 12-month follow-up. Discussion: The term "floating wrist" refers to a rare condition characterized by fractures and/or dislocations of all five wrist rays, accompanied by fractures of the forearm bones. Diagnosis can be complicated due to polytrauma and wrist edema. Early surgical management and rehabilitation are essential for achieving favorable outcomes. Further research is necessary to improve our understanding of this uncommon injury. Conclusion: This case report highlights a unique instance of a "floating wrist" and emphasizes the significance of early diagnosis, appropriate surgical intervention, and prompt rehabilitation in a comprehensive management of these complex injuries. Enhanced comprehension of this rare condition is crucial for improving patient outcomes in similar traumatic scenarios.

Autonomous nervous system responses to environmental-level exposure to 5G's first deployed band (3.5 GHz) in healthy human volunteers.

Following the global progressive deployment of 5G networks, considerable attention has focused on assessing their potential impact on human health. This study aims to investigate autonomous nervous system changes by exploring skin temperature and electrodermal activity (EDA) among 44 healthy young individuals of both sexes during and after exposure to 3.5 GHz antenna-emitted signals, with an electrical field intensity ranging from 1 to 2 V/m. The study employed a randomized, cross-over design with triple-blinding, encompassing both 'real' and 'sham' exposure sessions, separated by a maximum interval of 1 week. Each session comprised baseline, exposure and postexposure phases, resulting in the acquisition of seven runs. Each run initiated with a 150 s segment of EDA recordings stimulated by 10 repeated beeps. Subsequently, the collected data underwent continuous decomposition analysis, generating specific indicators assessed alongside standard metrics such as trough-to-peak measurements, global skin conductance and maximum positive peak deflection. Additionally, non-invasive, real-time skin temperature measurements were conducted to evaluate specific anatomical points (hand, head and neck). The study suggests that exposure to 3.5 GHz signals may potentially affect head and neck temperature, indicating a slight increase in this parameter. Furthermore, there was a minimal modulation of certain electrodermal metrics after the exposure, suggesting a potentially faster physiological response to auditory stimulation. However, while the results are significant, they remain within the normal physiological range and could be a consequence of an uncontrolled variable. Given the preliminary nature of this pilot study, further research is needed to confirm the effects of 5G exposure.

Radio-opaque contrast agents for liver cancer targeting with KIM during radiation therapy (ROCK-RT): an observational feasibility study.

BACKGROUND: This observational study aims to establish the feasibility of using x-ray images of radio-opaque chemoembolisation deposits in patients as a method for real-time image-guided radiation therapy of hepatocellular carcinoma. METHODS: This study will recruit 50 hepatocellular carcinoma patients who have had or will have stereotactic ablative radiation therapy and have had transarterial chemoembolisation with a radio-opaque agent. X-ray and computed tomography images of the patients will be analysed retrospectively. Additionally, a deep learning method for real-time motion tracking will be developed. We hypothesise that: (i) deep learning software can be developed that will successfully track the contrast agent mass on two thirds of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) projection and intra-treatment images (ii), the mean and standard deviation (mm) difference in the location of the mass between ground truth and deep learning detection are ≤ 2 mm and ≤ 3 mm respectively and (iii) statistical modelling of study data will predict tracking success in 85% of trial participants. DISCUSSION: Developing a real-time tracking method will enable increased targeting accuracy, without the need for additional invasive procedures to implant fiducial markers. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registered to ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05169177) 12th October 2021.

Flexible X-ray Imaging and Stable Information Storage of SrF2:Eu Based on Radio-Photoluminescence.

X-ray imaging has garnered widespread interest in biomedical diagnosis and nondestructive detection. The exploration of radio-photoluminescence has hastened the advancement of X-ray information storage. However, significant challenges persist in achieving the prolonged imaging of curved objects without attenuation. Here, europium-doped strontium fluoride (SrF2:Eu) is meticulously created to exhibit a linear response to an extensive range of X-ray doses (maximum dose > 5000 Gy), showcasing excellent X-ray information reading/erasing reusability properties (10 cycles). This is accompanied by a red-to-blue emission transition under UV excitation, sustaining for 150 days without attenuation. To elucidate the phenomena of irradiated photoluminescent discoloration and the reversible X-ray storage of SrF2:Eu, we propose an electron-vacancy trap (valence conversion) mechanism, information stably retained by the SrF2:Eu-based device under ambient conditions due to high energy barriers. The time-lapse readout capability is further demonstrated for three-dimensional imaging of curved objects (10 lp mm-1) based on SrF2:Eu embedded within a polydimethylsiloxane (SrF2:Eu@PDMS). The SrF2:Eu demonstrates time-lapse imaging, reversible radio-photoluminescence, and recoverable X-ray storage, offering a promising avenue for optical information encryption and anticounterfeiting applications.

Feasibility of Early Assessment for Psychological Distress: HRV-Based Evaluation Using IR-UWB Radar.

Mental distress-induced imbalances in autonomic nervous system activities adversely affect the electrical stability of the cardiac system, with heart rate variability (HRV) identified as a related indicator. Traditional HRV measurements use electrocardiography (ECG), but impulse radio ultra-wideband (IR-UWB) radar has shown potential in HRV measurement, although it is rarely applied to psychological studies. This study aimed to assess early high levels of mental distress using HRV indices obtained using radar through modified signal processing tailored to reduce phase noise and improve positional accuracy. We conducted 120 evaluations on 15 office workers from a software startup, with each 5 min evaluation using both radar and ECG. Visual analog scale (VAS) scores were collected to assess mental distress, with evaluations scoring 7.5 or higher classified as high-mental distress group, while the remainder formed the control group. Evaluations indicating high levels of mental distress showed significantly lower HRV compared to the control group, with radar-derived indices correlating strongly with ECG results. The radar-based analysis demonstrated a significant ability to differentiate high mental distress, supported by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. These findings suggest that IR-UWB radar could be a supportive tool for distinguishing high levels of mental stress, offering clinicians complementary diagnostic insights.

A Robust Routing Protocol in Cognitive Unmanned Aerial Vehicular Networks.

The adoption of UAVs in defence and civilian sectors necessitates robust communication networks. This paper presents a routing protocol for Cognitive Radio Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (CR-UAVs) in Flying Ad-hoc Networks (FANETs). The protocol is engineered to optimize route selection by considering crucial parameters such as distance, speed, link quality, and energy consumption. A standout feature is the introduction of the Central Node Resolution Factor (CNRF), which enhances routing decisions. Leveraging the Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) enables accurate distance estimation, crucial for effective routing. Moreover, predictive algorithms are integrated to tackle the challenges posed by high mobility scenarios. Security measures include the identification of malicious nodes, while the protocol ensures resilience by managing multiple routes. Furthermore, it addresses route maintenance and handles link failures efficiently, cluster formation, and re-clustering with joining and leaving new nodes along with the predictive algorithm. Simulation results showcase the protocol's self-comparison under different packet sizes, particularly in terms of end-to-end delay, throughput, packet delivery ratio, and normalized routing load. However, superior performance compared to existing methods, particularly in terms of throughput and packet transmission delay, underscoring its potential for widespread adoption in both defence and civilian UAV applications.

An Enhanced Transportation System for People of Determination.

Visually Impaired Persons (VIPs) have difficulty in recognizing vehicles used for navigation. Additionally, they may not be able to identify the bus to their desired destination. However, the bus bay in which the designated bus stops has not been analyzed in the existing literature. Thus, a guidance system for VIPs that identifies the correct bus for transportation is presented in this paper. Initially, speech data indicating the VIP's destination are pre-processed and converted to text. Next, utilizing the Arctan Gradient-activated Recurrent Neural Network (ArcGRNN) model, the number of bays at the location is detected with the help of a Global Positioning System (GPS), input text, and bay location details. Then, the optimal bay is chosen from the detected bays by utilizing the Experienced Perturbed Bacteria Foraging Triangular Optimization Algorithm (EPBFTOA), and an image of the selected bay is captured and pre-processed. Next, the bus is identified utilizing a You Only Look Once (YOLO) series model. Utilizing the Sub-pixel Shuffling Convoluted Encoder-ArcGRNN Decoder (SSCEAD) framework, the text is detected and segmented for the buses identified in the image. From the segmented output, the text is extracted, based on the destination and route of the bus. Finally, regarding the similarity value with respect to the VIP's destination, a decision is made utilizing the Multi-characteristic Non-linear S-Curve-Fuzzy Rule (MNC-FR). This decision informs the bus conductor about the VIP, such that the bus can be stopped appropriately to pick them up. During testing, the proposed system selected the optimal bay in 247,891 ms, which led to deciding the bus stop for the VIP with a fuzzification time of 34,197 ms. Thus, the proposed model exhibits superior performance over those utilized in prevailing works.

A Time-Frequency Domain Analysis Method for Variable Frequency Hopping Signal.

A variable frequency hopping (VFH) signal is a kind of frequency hopping (FH) signal that varies both in frequency and dwell time. However, in radio surveillance, the existing methods for unidentified signals using VFH cannot be effectively handled. In this paper, we proposed an improved joint analysis method based on time-frequency domain features, which adopts multi-level processing to solve the time-frequency domain feature analysis problem of the VFH signal. First, the received signal is pre-processed by Short-Time Fourier Transform (STFT) and binarization, and a highly discriminative time-frequency image is obtained; then, the fixed frequency signal is removed based on the feature of connected domains, and the conventional frequency hopping (CFH) signal is removed by density-based spatial clustering of applications with noise (DBSCAN); finally, the overlapping region is cropped by the joint energy peak time-domain continuity properties. After the above multi-level joint processing method, the problem of VFH signal processing is effectively solved. The simulation result shows that the Mean Square Error (MSE) between the output results and the time-frequency image of the original VFH signal tends to be close to 0 when the Signal-to-Noise ratio (SNR) is 5 dB.

Galileo and BeiDou AltBOC Signals and Their Perspectives for Ionospheric TEC Studies.

For decades, GNSS code measurements were much noisier than phase ones, limiting their applicability to ionospheric total electron content (TEC) studies. Ultra-wideband AltBOC signals changed the situation. This study revisits the Galileo E5 and BeiDou B2 AltBOC signals and their potential applications in TEC estimation. We found that TEC noises are comparable for the single-frequency AltBOC phase-code combination and those of the dual-frequency legacy BPSK/QPSK phase combination, while single-frequency BPSK/QPSK TEC noises are much higher. A two-week high-rate measurement campaign at the ACRG receiver revealed a mean 100 sec TEC RMS (used as the noise proxy) of 0.26 TECU, 0.15 TECU, and 0.09 TECU for the BeiDou B2(a+b) AltBOC signal and satellite elevations 0-30°, 30-60°, and 60-90°, correspondingly, and 0.22 TECU, 0.14 TECU, and 0.09 TECU for the legacy B1/B3 dual-frequency phase combination. The Galileo E5(a+b) AltBOC signal corresponding values were 0.25 TECU, 0.14 TECU, and 0.09 TECU; for the legacy signals' phase combination, the values were 0.19 TECU, 0.13 TECU, and 0.08 TECU. The AltBOC (for both BeiDou and Galileo) SNR exceeds those of BPSK/QPSK by 7.5 dB-Hz in undisturbed conditions. Radio frequency interference (the 28 August 2022 and 9 May 2024 Solar Radio Burst events in our study) decreased the AltBOC SNR 5 dB-Hz more against QPSK SNR, but, due to the higher initial SNR, the threshold for the loss of the lock was never broken. Today, we have enough BeiDou and Galileo satellites that transmit AltBOC signals for a reliable single-frequency vTEC estimation. This study provides new insights and evidence for using Galileo and BeiDou AltBOC signals in high-precision ionospheric monitoring.

Measurement Campaign of Radio Frequency Interference in a Portion of the C-Band (4-5.8 GHz) for the Sardinia Radio Telescope.

Radio frequency interference (RFI) analysis is crucial for ensuring the proper functioning of a radio telescope and the quality of astronomical observations, as human-generated interference can compromise scientific data collection. The aim of this study is to present the results of an RFI measurement campaign in the frequency range of 4-5.8 GHz, a portion of the well-known C-band, for the Sardinia Radio Telescope (SRT), conducted in October-November 2023. In fact, this Italian telescope, managed by the Astronomical Observatory of Cagliari (OAC), a branch of the Italian National Institute for Astrophysics (INAF), was recently equipped with a new C-band receiver that operates from 4.2 GHz to 5.6 GHz. The measurements were carried out at three strategically chosen locations around the telescope using the INAF mobile laboratory, providing comprehensive coverage of all possible antenna pointing directions. The results revealed several sources of RFI, including emissions from radar, terrestrial and satellite communications, and wireless transmissions. Characterizing these sources and assessing their frequency band occupation are essential for understanding the impact of RFI on scientific observations. This work provides a significant contribution to astronomers who will use the SRT for scientific observations, offering a suggestion for the development of mitigation strategies and safeguarding the radio astronomical environment for future observational campaigns.

Effect of Prior Transurethral Prostate Resection (TURP) or Laser Enucleation (ThuLEP) on Radiotherapy-Induced Toxicity and Quality of Life in Prostate Cancer Patients Undergoing Definitive Radiotherapy.

In our study, the post-radiotherapy quality of life of prostate cancer patients who previously underwent transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is compared to those who had thulium laser enucleation of the prostate (ThuLEP) and those who had no prior surgery. It also aims to identify and assess risk factors affecting therapy tolerance in this patient group. We analyzed 132 patients with localized prostate cancer treated with definitive radiotherapy (RT), including 23 who had prior TURP and 19 who previously underwent ThuLEP. A total of 62% of patients underwent irradiation within 12 months after surgery. We included only patients treated with radiotherapy using the IMRT technique. Changes in patient-reported urinary toxicity were evaluated using the International Prostate Syndrome Score (IPSS) and the quality of life index of the World Health Organization (QoL/WHO-PSS) over a three-year post-radiotherapy period. Patients with prior TURP experienced significant deterioration in QoL and IPSS immediately after irradiation (p < 0.001), whereas those without previous surgery showed both less significant differences in IPSS and QoL scores. In conclusion, patients with previous TURP/ThuLEP differ from those without previous surgery in urinary quality of life and acute and chronic urinary symptom profiles after RT. The surgical technique (ThuLEP vs. TURP) and the time interval to irradiation are crucial factors affecting RT tolerance in acute and late settings. The previously operated patient group reported a significantly longer period of increased symptom burden.

Liver tissue changes during and post 6-month spaceflight as measured by ultrasound radio frequency signal processing.

Background: Analysis of ultrasound radio frequency (RF) signals allows for the determination of the index of reflectivity (IR), which is a new measure that is dependent on tissue properties. Previous work has shown differences in the IR of the carotid artery wall with long-duration spaceflight; therefore, it was hypothesized that liver tissue would also show differences in this measure with spaceflight. Methods: The RF signal of a liver tissue region of interest (ROI) was displayed and processed along six different lines covering a surface of approximately 2 cm × 2 cm. The IR was calculated as the energy backscattered by the liver ROI divided by the total energy returned to the ultrasound probe. Results: Seven astronauts were investigated preflight, inflight on day 150, and postflight 4 days and 6 months after rerunning to Earth. Compared to preflight (63% ± 18%), the liver tissue ROI IR was significantly lower on flight day 150 (46% ± 14%; p = 0.027) and 4 days postflight (46% ± 19%; p = 0.025). At 6 months postflight, the IR returned to preflight values (59% ± 13%; p = 0.919). Conclusion: The significant decrease in the coefficient of reflectivity inflight and 4 days postflight indicates an alteration in the liver tissue that reduces the reflection of ultrasound waves. This change in tissue properties could either be due to the addition of particles that do not reflect ultrasound waves or structural or cellular changes that alter the reflectivity of the tissue.

Bilateral orthogonality generative acquisitions method for homogeneous T 2 * images using parallel transmission at 7 T.

PURPOSE: The novel bilateral orthogonality generative acquisitions method has been developed for homogeneous T 2 * $$ {\mathrm{T}}_2^{\ast } $$ images without the effects of transmit field inhomogeneity using a parallel-transmission (pTx) system at 7 T. THEORY AND METHODS: A new method has been introduced using four low-angle gradient-echo (GRE) acquisitions to obtain homogeneous T 2 * $$ {\mathrm{T}}_2^{\ast } $$ contrast by removing the effects of transmit field inhomogeneity in the pTx system. First, two input images are obtained in circularly polarized mode and another mode in which the first transmit channel or channel group have an additional transmit phase of π. The last two acquisitions are single-channel acquisitions for a dual-channel system or single-channel group acquisitions for more than two channels. The introduced method is demonstrated in dual-channel and eight-channel pTx systems using phantom and whole-brain in vivo experiments. Noise performance of the proposed method is also tested against the ratio of two GRE acquisitions and the TIAMO (time-interleaved acquisitions of modes) method. RESULTS: Th new method results in more homogeneous T 2 * $$ {\mathrm{T}}_2^{\ast } $$ contrast in the final images than the compared methods, particularly in the low-intensity regions of circularly polarized-mode images for the images obtained via ratio of the two GRE acquisitions. CONCLUSION: The introduced method is easy to implement, robust, and provides homogeneous T 2 * $$ {\mathrm{T}}_2^{\ast } $$ images of the whole brain using pTx systems with any number of channels, compared with the ratio of the two GRE images and the TIAMO method.

Predictive value of perilesional edema volume in melanoma brain metastasis response to stereotactic radiosurgery.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) is an established treatment for melanoma brain metastases (MBM). Recent evidence suggests that perilesional edema volume (PEV) might compromise the delivery and efficacy of radiotherapy to treat BM. This study investigated the association between SRT efficacy and PEV extent in MBM. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study reviewed medical records from January 2020 to September 2023. Patients with up to 5 measurable MBMs, intracranial disease per RANO/iRANO criteria, and on low-dose corticosteroids were included. MRI scans assessed baseline neuroimaging, with PEV analyzed using 3D Slicer. SRT plans were based on MRI-CT fusion, delivering 18-32.5 Gy in 1-5 fractions. Outcomes included intracranial objective response rate (iORR) and survival measures (L-iPFS and OS). Statistical analysis involved decision tree analysis and multivariable logistic regression, adjusting for clinical and treatment variables. RESULTS: Seventy-two patients with 101 MBM were analyzed, with a mean age of 68.83 years. The iORR was 61.4%, with Complete Response (CR) in 21.8% and Partial Response (PR) in 39.6% of the treated lesions. PEV correlated with KPS, BRAF status, and treatment response. Decision tree analysis identified a PEV cutoff at 0.5 cc, with lower PEVs predicting better responses (AUC = 0.82 sensitivity: 86.7%, specificity:74.4%,). Patients with PEV ≥ 0.5 cc had lower response rates (iORR 44.7% vs. 63.8%, p < 0.001). Median OS was 9.4 months, with L-iPFS of 27 months. PEV significantly impacted survival outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: A more extensive PEV was associated with a less favorable outcome to SRT in MBM.

Learning interventions in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean region: supporting Member States to get prepared for better response to health emergencies in the region.

Background: The Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) faces numerous public health risks caused by biological, chemical, man-made, and natural hazards. This manuscript aimed to assess the multifaceted interventions and strategies used to strengthen the EMR's preparedness capacities to respond properly to current and upcoming health emergencies. Objective: To address these challenges, it is crucial to implement comprehensive and robust strategic risk assessments and health emergency preparedness frameworks. The World Health Organization (WHO) takes a risk-based approach, emphasizing the significance of all-hazards emergency management and the creation of national health risk profiles using the Strategic Toolkit for Assessing Risk (STAR). Furthermore, the International Health Regulations (IHR) Monitoring and Evaluation Framework (MEF) ensures continuous learning and capacity building among Member States, enhancing their ability to manage health emergencies effectively. Key components include State Party Annual Reporting (SPAR), Joint External Evaluation (JEE), After Action Review (AAR), Intra Action Review (IAR), and Simulation Exercises (SimEx). Moreover, initiatives like One Health, Emergency Care Systems, Safe Hospitals, and Public Health Emergency Operations Centers (PHEOCs) reinforce preparedness and response capacities. Risk communication and community engagement (RCCE) strategies play a pivotal role in disseminating timely information and fostering community resilience. Furthermore, the management of Chemical, Biological, and Radiological (CBRN) incidents remains a priority, necessitating collaboration between the public health and security sectors. This comprehensive approach aims to strengthen health systems, reduce risks, and improve emergency response capabilities throughout the EMR, thereby promoting global health security and resilience. Conclusion: The EMR is addressing public health challenges through frameworks like IHR-MEF, and RCCE. It is strengthening emergency care systems, ensuring safe hospitals, and establishing PHEOCs. Proactive measures to address CBRN events and collaboration are enhancing resilience. The inclusion of the One Health approach underscores the EMR's holistic strategy to address the health threats at the human-animal-environment interface. This demonstrates the EMR's commitment to global health security.

Government controls, non-government reactions: Private radio manufacturing and the development of amateur radio in China (1912-1949).

As in most countries, the Republic of China's development of amateur radio benefited from the appeal of the amateur radio medium as well as characteristics of its technology, and it was also impacted by external factors such as war. Against a background of tradition, newly formed, but extremely strong, popular scientific beliefs fueled conflicts between state power and folk forces which played a key role in China's amateur radio development. In this study we will explore the tensions between the Chinese government's concerns for national security and distrust of folk radio research, and the rising, public demand for amateur radio. We consider how negotiations between state power and folk forces happen, and what further factors influence the construction and development of radio technology. Our analysis adopts the constructivist approach of Social Shaping of Technology (SST) theory, which focuses on the role of social factors in processes of co-construction and negotiation in technological development. We identify the folk forces, represented by the interaction between private enterprises and amateurs, as well as state power, as two of the main social factors that influenced the development of radio technology in China. From 1912 to 1937, the Chinese government was suspicious of amateur radio activities, and as a result, they instituted policies unfavorable to its development. In contrast, the Yamei Radio Co. Ltd. led the private radio manufacturing enterprises in promoting the development of amateur radio and the popularization of related technologies. In tandem, radio amateurs assisted in the promotion and technological innovation of Yamei products. From 1937 to 1949, with the government's semi-supportive and semi-skeptical attitude, amateur radio associations did make some progress. Benefiting from the early work performed by private enterprises, these associations grew into a new folk force to challenge government control, and they continued to promote the popularization and development of radio technology. Our study illuminates complex relationship among government control, non-governmental reaction, and technological development in a specific context. When there is a conflict, folk forces have the ability to mobilize against policy-driven obstacles, thus to counterbalance government control. This study not only provides a new case for SST research, but it also adds to our understanding of China's radio technology, amateur radio, and radio manufacturing industry.