First Measurement Using Elliptically Polarized Photons of the Double-Polarization Observable E for γp→pπ

We report the measurement of the helicity asymmetry E for the pπ^{0} and nπ^{+} final states using, for the first time, an elliptically polarized photon beam in combination with a longitudinally polarized target at the Crystal Ball experiment at MAMI. The results agree very well with data that were taken with a circularly polarized photon beam, showing that it is possible to simultaneously measure polarization observables that require linearly (e.g., G) and circularly polarized photons (e.g., E) and a longitudinally polarized target. The new data cover a photon energy range 270-1400 MeV for the pπ^{0} final state (230-842 MeV for the nπ^{+} final state) and the full range of pion polar angles, θ, providing the most precise measurement of the observable E. A moment analysis gives a clear observation of the pη cusp in the pπ^{0} final state.

Measurement of Compton Scattering at MAMI for the Extraction of the Electric and Magnetic Polarizabilities of the Proton.

A precise measurement of the differential cross sections dσ/dΩ and the linearly polarized photon beam asymmetry Σ_{3} for Compton scattering on the proton below pion threshold has been performed with a tagged photon beam and almost 4π detector at the Mainz Microtron. The incident photons were produced by the recently upgraded Glasgow-Mainz photon tagging facility and impinged on a cryogenic liquid hydrogen target, with the scattered photons detected in the Crystal Ball/TAPS setup. Using the highest statistics Compton scattering data ever measured on the proton along with two effective field theories (both covariant baryon and heavy-baryon) and one fixed-t dispersion relation model, constraining the fits with the Baldin sum rule, we have obtained the proton electric and magnetic polarizabilities with unprecedented precision: α_{E1}=10.99±0.16±0.47±0.17±0.34, ß_{M1}=3.14±0.21±0.24±0.20±0.35; in units of 10^{-4} fm^{3} where the errors are statistical, systematic, spin polarizability dependent, and model dependent.

WITHDRAWN: The benefit of adopting Microultrasound in the prostate cancer imaging pathway : A lesion-by-lesion analysis

INTRODUCTION: Microultrasound (MicroUS) is a novel imaging modality relying on a high-frequency transducer which confers a three-fold improvement in spatial resolution as compared with conventional transrectal ultrasound. We evaluated the diagnostic value of MRI-MicroUS fusion biopsy and determined the additional benefit of employing MicroUS. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of consecutive treatment-naïve men undergoing MRI-MicroUS fusion biopsy between May 2018 and March 2019. Pre-biopsy MRI was systematically reviewed in a dedicated meeting where suspicious lesions PIRADS≥3 were registered and uploaded in the ExactVu MicroUS device. MRI and MicroUS lesions were individually marked in a PIRADS v2 scheme. The biopsy protocol included MRI-MicroUS fusion and MicroUS targeted biopsies; systematic biopsies were performed at clinician's discretion. The diagnostic value was evaluated in terms of detection rate of clinically significant prostate cancer, defined as Gleason pattern≥4 at histology. RESULTS: In all, 148 patients with a median age of 69 years (IQR 63-74) and median PSA density of 0.16ng/ml/cc (0.10-0.23) were included. Clinically significant cancer was detected in 42.5% (63/148) patients. MRI detected 89 lesions in the peripheral zone; 73% (65/89) were visible on MicroUS. Clinically significant cancer was detected in 46.1% (30/65) MRI and MicroUS visible lesions, and in 4.2% (1/24) lesions only visible on mpMRI. MicroUS additionally identified 35 suspicious lesions non-visible on MRI of which clinically significant cancer was present in 25.7% (9/35). CONCLUSION: Adding MicroUS to the conventional pathway seems to increase the detection rate of clinically significant disease in unselected men undergoing biopsy.

The benefit of adopting Microultrasound in the prostate cancer imaging pathway: A lesion-by-lesion analysis: Biopsies prostatiques guidée par micro-échographie, quel bénéfice ? Une analyse lésion par lésion.

INTRODUCTION: - Microultrasound (MicroUS) is a novel imaging modality relying on a high-frequency transducer which confers a three-fold improvement in spatial resolution as compared with conventional transrectal ultrasound. We evaluated the diagnostic value of MRI-MicroUS fusion biopsy and determined the additional benefit of employing MicroUS. METHODS: - Retrospective analysis of consecutive treatment-naïve men undergoing MRI-MicroUS fusion biopsy between May 2018 and March 2019. Pre-biopsy MRI was systematically reviewed in a dedicated meeting where suspicious lesions PIRADS ≥ 3 were registered and uploaded in the ExactVu MicroUS device. MRI and MicroUS lesions were individually marked in a PIRADS v2 scheme. The biopsy protocol included MRI-MicroUS fusion and MicroUS targeted biopsies; systematic biopsies were performed at clinician's discretion. The diagnostic value was evaluated in terms of detection rate of clinically significant prostate cancer, defined as Gleason pattern ≥ 4 at histology. RESULTS: - In all, 148 patients with a median age of 69 years (IQR 63-74) and median PSA density of 0.16 ng/ml/cc (0.10-0.23) were included. Clinically significant cancer was detected in 42.5% (63/148) patients. MRI detected 89 lesions in the peripheral zone; 73% (65/89) were visible on MicroUS. Clinically significant cancer was detected in 46.1% (30/65) MRI and MicroUS visible lesions, and in 4.2% (1/24) lesions only visible on mpMRI. MicroUS additionally identified 35 suspicious lesions non-visible on MRI of which clinically significant cancer was present in 25.7% (9/35). CONCLUSION: - Adding MicroUS to the conventional pathway seems to increase the detection rate of clinically significant disease in unselected men undergoing biopsy. © 2022 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Single π 0 production off neutrons bound in deuteron with linearly polarized photons.

The quasifree γ → d → π 0 n ( p ) photon beam asymmetry, Σ , has been measured at photon energies, E γ , from 390 to 610 MeV, corresponding to center of mass energy from 1.271 to 1.424 GeV, for the first time. The data were collected in the A2 hall of the MAMI electron beam facility with the Crystal Ball and TAPS calorimeters covering pion center-of-mass angles from 49 ∘ to 148 ∘ . In this kinematic region, polarization observables are sensitive to contributions from the Δ ( 1232 ) and N(1440) resonances. The extracted values of Σ have been compared to predictions based on partial-wave analyses (PWAs) of the existing pion photoproduction database. Our comparison includes the SAID, MAID and Bonn-Gatchina analyses; while a revised SAID fit, including the new Σ measurements, has also been performed. In addition, isospin symmetry is examined as a way to predict π 0 n photoproduction observables, based on fits to published data in the channels π 0 p , π + n and π - p .

Helicity-Dependent Cross Sections for the Photoproduction of π

The double-polarization observable E and helicity-dependent cross sections σ_{1/2}, σ_{3/2} have been measured for the photoproduction of π^{0} pairs off quasifree protons and neutrons at the Mainz MAMI accelerator with the Crystal Ball/TAPS setup. A circularly polarized photon beam was produced by bremsstrahlung from longitudinally polarized electrons and impinged on a longitudinally polarized deuterated butanol target. The reaction products were detected with an almost 4π covering calorimeter. The results reveal for the first time the helicity- and isospin-dependent structure of the γN→Nπ^{0}π^{0} reaction. They are compared to predictions from reaction models in view of nucleon resonance contributions and also to a refit of one model that predicted results for the proton and for the neutron target. The comparison of the prediction and the refit demonstrates the large impact of the new data.

Signatures of the d

We report a measurement of the spin polarization of the recoiling neutron in deuterium photodisintegration, utilizing a new large acceptance polarimeter within the Crystal Ball at MAMI. The measured photon energy range of 300-700 MeV provides the first measurement of recoil neutron polarization at photon energies where the quark substructure of the deuteron plays a role, thereby providing important new constraints on photodisintegration mechanisms. A very high neutron polarization in a narrow structure centered around E_{γ}∼570 MeV is observed, which is inconsistent with current theoretical predictions employing nucleon resonance degrees of freedom. A Legendre polynomial decomposition suggests this behavior could be related to the excitation of the d^{*}(2380) hexaquark.

Atrophic scar formation in patients with acne involves long-acting immune responses with plasma cells and alteration of sebaceous glands.

BACKGROUND: Possible outcomes of acne lesions are atrophic scars, which may cause serious psychological distress. Current treatments for postacne scarring often require invasive procedures. Pathophysiological studies on acne scarring have only investigated the first week of papule life. OBJECTIVES: To study the pathophysiology of atrophic scar formation to identify molecular and cellular pathways that can lead to new therapies for the prevention of acne scarring. METHODS: Large-scale gene expression profiling and immunohistochemistry analysis were performed on uninvolved skin and papules in both scar-prone (SP) and non-scar-prone (NSP) patients with acne, at different time points. RESULTS: Gene expression and immunohistochemistry analyses showed a very similar immune response in 48-h-old papules in SP and NSP populations, characterized by elevated numbers of T cells, neutrophils and macrophages. However, the immune response only persisted in SP patients in 3-week-old papules, and was characterized by an important B-cell infiltrate. Transient downmodulation of sebaceous gland markers related to lipid metabolism was observed in 48-h-old papules in NSP patients, followed by normalization after 3 weeks. In contrast, in SP patients a drastic reduction of these markers persisted in 3-week-old papules, suggesting an irreversible destruction of sebaceous gland structures after inflammatory remodelling in SP patients with acne. CONCLUSIONS: Long-lived acne papules are characterized by a B-cell infiltrate. A relationship exists between the duration and severity of inflammation and the alteration of sebaceous gland structures, leading to atrophic scar formation in acne.

Validation of 3D skin imaging for objective repeatable quantification of severity of atrophic acne scarring.

BACKGROUND: One major sequelae of acne is atrophic scarring, yet objective tools to assess scars are lacking. Neither depth nor volume of atrophic scars is readily evaluable clinically and standard 2D photography is significantly affected by lighting and shadows. The aim of our study was to define and evaluate parameters of 3D imaging that can be used to assess severity of atrophic acne scarring. METHODS: Single center study of 31 patients with acne scarring. A target area of 3 × 3 cm was defined on the face. The global severity of atrophic acne scarring in the target area was evaluated by 5 dermatologists and scars were counted and categorized by size (scars < 2 mm, 2-4 mm, and > 4 mm in diameter). Three dimensional images of the target area were acquired with the LifeViz Micro® system and analysis was performed using MountainsMaps® software. An algorithm was developed to quantify the scar volume loss: shape removal step, with an order 5 polynomial, and to calculate the Valley void volume 80% (Vvv 80%) defined in the ISO-25178 standard for 3D surface texture. RESULTS: Correlation coefficient of the Vvv parameter to mean global severity at the target area rating was 0.77. The volume of scars evaluated with the Vvv parameter was mainly impacted by scars > 2 mm. The evaluations demonstrated good repeatability (with an intra-class correlation coefficient ICC = 0.98). CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate convergent validation to clinical assessment and repeatability of 3D skin imaging in atrophic acne scarring. Image analysis is straightforward and can be integrated into an automated workflow.

Study of η and η' Photoproduction at MAMI.

The reactions γp→ηp and γp→η^{'}p are measured from their thresholds up to the center-of-mass energy W=1.96 GeV with the tagged-photon facilities at the Mainz Microtron, MAMI. Differential cross sections are obtained with unprecedented statistical accuracy, providing fine energy binning and full production-angle coverage. A strong cusp is observed in the total cross section for η photoproduction at the energies in the vicinity of the η^{'} threshold, W=1896 MeV (E_{γ}=1447 MeV). Within the framework of a revised ηMAID isobar model, the cusp, in connection with a steep rise of the η^{'} total cross section from its threshold, can only be explained by a strong coupling of the poorly known N(1895)1/2^{-} state to both ηp and η^{'}p. Including the new high-accuracy results in the ηMAID fit to available η and η^{'} photoproduction data allows the determination of the N(1895)1/2^{-} properties.

Adapalene 0.1%/benzoyl peroxide 2.5% gel reduces the risk of atrophic scar formation in moderate inflammatory acne: a split-face randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The efficacy of current topical acne treatments in mitigating the potential for acne scarring is not known. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of adapalene 0.1%/benzoyl peroxide 2.5% (A/BPO) gel compared to vehicle in reducing the risk of acne scarring. METHODS: Multicentre, randomized, investigator-blinded, vehicle-controlled, split-face study conducted over 6 months. Subjects were adults with active moderate facial acne vulgaris and at least 10 atrophic acne scars at baseline. Efficacy evaluations included counts of atrophic acne scars and primary acne lesions as well as a Scar Global Assessment (SGA; 5-point scale). RESULTS: After 6 months treatment, scar counts remained stable with A/BPO while increasing by approximately 25% with vehicle (mean scar count 11.58 vs. 13.55, respectively, at Month 6; P = 0.036). The percentage of subjects with a SGA of 'almost clear' (hardly visible scars) increased from 9.7% to 45.2% with A/BPO, whereas it did not change with vehicle (P = 0.0032). Total acne lesion counts decreased by 65% with A/BPO and 36% with vehicle (mean lesion count 8.5 vs. 16.1, respectively, at Month 6; P < 0.001). LIMITATIONS: Relatively small study group (31 subjects). CONCLUSION: Topical long-term treatment with A/BPO is effective in reducing the risk of atrophic scars and improving the global severity of scarring.

Insight into the Narrow Structure in η Photoproduction on the Neutron from Helicity-Dependent Cross Sections.

The double polarization observable E and the helicity dependent cross sections σ_{1/2} and σ_{3/2} were measured for η photoproduction from quasifree protons and neutrons. The circularly polarized tagged photon beam of the A2 experiment at the Mainz MAMI accelerator was used in combination with a longitudinally polarized deuterated butanol target. The almost 4π detector setup of the Crystal Ball and TAPS is ideally suited to detect the recoil nucleons and the decay photons from η→2γ and η→3π^{0}. The results show that the narrow structure previously observed in η photoproduction from the neutron is only apparent in σ_{1/2} and hence, most likely related to a spin-1/2 amplitude. Nucleon resonances that contribute to this partial wave in η production are only N 1/2^{-} (S_{11}) and N 1/2^{+} (P_{11}). Furthermore, the extracted Legendre coefficients of the angular distributions for σ_{1/2} are in good agreement with recent reaction model predictions assuming a narrow resonance in the P_{11} wave as the origin of this structure.

Measurements of double-polarized compton scattering asymmetries and extraction of the proton spin polarizabilities.

The spin polarizabilities of the nucleon describe how the spin of the nucleon responds to an incident polarized photon. The most model-independent way to extract the nucleon spin polarizabilities is through polarized Compton scattering. Double-polarized Compton scattering asymmetries on the proton were measured in the Δ(1232) region using circularly polarized incident photons and a transversely polarized proton target at the Mainz Microtron. Fits to asymmetry data were performed using a dispersion model calculation and a baryon chiral perturbation theory calculation, and a separation of all four proton spin polarizabilities in the multipole basis was achieved. The analysis based on a dispersion model calculation yields γ(E1E1)=-3.5±1.2, γ(M1M1)=3.16±0.85, γ(E1M2)=-0.7±1.2, and γ(M1E2)=1.99±0.29, in units of 10(-4) fm(4).

Measurement of the transverse target and beam-target asymmetries in η meson photoproduction at MAMI.

We present new data for the transverse target asymmetry T and the very first data for the beam-target asymmetry F in the γ[over →]p[over →]→ηp reaction up to a center-of-mass energy of W=1.9 GeV. The data were obtained with the Crystal-Ball/TAPS detector setup at the Glasgow tagged photon facility of the Mainz Microtron MAMI. All existing model predictions fail to reproduce the new data indicating a significant impact on our understanding of the underlying dynamics of η meson photoproduction. The peculiar nodal structure observed in existing T data close to threshold is not confirmed.

[Contribution of technological aids to the extraction of orbital foreign bodies]. / Apport des aides technologiques dans l'extraction des corps étrangers orbitaires.

BACKGROUND: Removal of orbital foreign bodies is a surgical challenge. The purpose of this study is to report our experience in the removal of orbital foreign bodies and to evaluate the usefulness of various technological aids in their removal. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a single-center retrospective study at Nice University Hospital (France) from January 2017 to December 2023. All patients undergoing surgery for an orbital foreign body during the study period were included. Data recorded included the nature of the orbital foreign body, its size, location, surgical route, outcome (success, partial success, failure), and technological aids used (intraoperative navigation, intraoperative imaging scope, orbital magnet). Concurrently, we designed a dedicated orbital magnet, which was tested in the anatomy laboratory and in two of our patients. RESULTS: Six patients, all young men, were included during the study period. Removal was successful, partially successful, or unsuccessful in one-third of cases, respectively. Failure was associated with orbital foreign bodies located in the intraconal or posterior orbital space. Preoperatively, the use of a "low-artifact" scanner allowed us to better determine the exact size and shape of the orbital foreign body. Intraoperative navigation was not accurate enough, due to the mobility of the orbital bodies within the orbital fat. In our experience, intraoperative scope imaging was more accurate. The use of a dedicated orbital magnet was successfully tested in the anatomy laboratory and allowed the removal of a small orbital foreign body in one of our patients. Intraoperative surgical videos are provided. CONCLUSION: Vegetal orbital foreign bodies must be systematically removed. Removal of non-vegetal orbital foreign bodies should be considered on a case-by-case basis based on their size, best assessed using a "low artifact" scanner, their location, and their intrinsic ferromagnetism. Intraoperative navigation does not appear useful, while intraoperative scope imaging does. A dedicated orbital magnet might be helpful in removing ferromagnetic orbital foreign bodies. However, an orbital magnet may be ineffective in removing intraorbital bullets, since they are made primarily of an alloy of copper and lead.

Indoor radon risk mapping of the Canary Islands using a methodology for volcanic islands combining geological information and terrestrial gamma radiation data.

Within the framework of the recent approval of the National Plan Against Radon by the Council of Ministers of the Spanish Government, one of its five axes focuses on the delimitation of priority action areas. In line with this objective, this paper presents the indoor radon risk maps of the Canary Islands. Due to the volcanic origin of the Canary Islands, there is a great deal of geological heterogeneity in the soils on which buildings settle, making it very difficult to delimit radon-risk areas in the process of creating maps. Following a methodology developed in previous works for a study area formed of a set of representative municipalities, this paper presents radon risk maps of the Canary Islands based on lithostratigraphic information and high-resolution terrestrial gamma radiation maps. The goodness of fit of these maps is verified based on a statistical analysis of indoor radon concentration measurements carried out at representative building enclosures. In order to analyse the level of risk to the population, these maps were combined with built up areas (urban fabric) maps and estimations of the annual effective doses due to radon was obtained by applying a dosimetric model. This methodology improves the capability to delimit indoor radon risk areas, with a greater margin of safety. In this respect, it is estimated that areas classified as low risk have indoor radon concentrations 41 % below the current reference level of 300 Bq/m3 established by national regulations in compliance with the precepts laid down in the European EURATOM Directive.

An observational cross-sectional survey of rosacea: clinical associations and progression between subtypes.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have evaluated differences between rosacea subtypes in epidemiological associations and clinical features. The natural history of rosacea is unknown and progression between subtypes has been implied but not formally evaluated. OBJECTIVES: To assess associations between the four rosacea subtypes [erythematotelangiectatic (ETR), papulopustular (PPR), phymatous (PHY) and ocular], including quantitative and qualitative details on primary and secondary features of rosacea. A secondary objective was to evaluate for the potential of progression between subtypes. METHODS: This cross-sectional study recruited subjects with rosacea from Northern Germany and comprised clinical evaluation by a dermatologist and a survey of demographics and onset of rosacea-associated signs and symptoms. RESULTS: A total of 135 subjects with rosacea were enrolled. PHY was more frequently associated with PPR than ETR (P < 0·001). Compared with ETR, PPR was significantly associated with facial burning/stinging (P = 0·001), phymas (P < 0·001) and oedema (P < 0·001); and during flushing episodes, was more frequently associated with burning (P = 0·018), skin tension (P = 0·005) and itching (P = 0·027). ETR was more frequently associated with dry facial skin (P < 0·001). Flushing was reported by 66% and the site most frequently involved was the cheeks (100%). Papulopustules were evanescent in 42% and the sites most frequently involved were the cheeks (80%) and nose (67%). Of those fulfilling criteria for at least two subtypes, 66% developed ETR before PPR; 92% developed ETR before PHY; 83% developed PPR before PHY; and the majority developed cutaneous rosacea-associated features before ocular signs/symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Significant differences exist between ETR and PPR in rosacea-associated features and in subtype associations. A small proportion of subjects with rosacea may progress between subtypes.

Multiparametric analysis for the determination of radon potential areas in buildings on different soils of volcanic origin.

The transposition of the European EURATOM directive into the regulations of the different member states of the European Union involved governments making great efforts to define priority action maps against indoor radon exposure in buildings over a short time period. In Spain, the Technical Building Code established 300 Bq/m3 as a reference level and set up a classification of municipalities in which remediation measures should be adopted for radon exposure in buildings. Oceanic volcanic islands, such as the Canary Islands, present high geological heterogeneity in a small space due to their volcanic origin. This variability poses a challenge to the elaboration of radiological risk maps, which makes it necessary to have a high density of data to collect local variations. This paper presents a methodology to obtain accurate radon risk maps based on geological criteria and terrestrial gamma radiation. The predictive efficiency of these maps is statistically verified using indoor radon concentration data measured in buildings. Other radiological variables, which are commonly used as criteria for radon risk prediction found in the literature, were also applied, such as the geogenic radon potential and the activity concentration of natural radioisotopes in soils. The higher resolution of the maps obtained allows for a more detailed classification of radon risk zones in the study area than the current risk maps published in the Spanish building regulations.

New Measurement of the π0 radiative decay width.

High precision measurements of the differential cross sections for π0 photoproduction at forward angles for two nuclei, 12C and 208Pb, have been performed for incident photon energies of 4.9-5.5 GeV to extract the π0→γγ decay width. The experiment was done at Jefferson Lab using the Hall B photon tagger and a high-resolution multichannel calorimeter. The π0→γγ decay width was extracted by fitting the measured cross sections using recently updated theoretical models for the process. The resulting value for the decay width is Γ(π0→γγ)=7.82±0.14(stat)±0.17(syst) eV. With the 2.8% total uncertainty, this result is a factor of 2.5 more precise than the current Particle Data Group average of this fundamental quantity, and it is consistent with current theoretical predictions.

[Nutritional factors and oral cancers]. / Facteurs nutritionnels et risque de cancer de la cavité buccale.

The number of new oral cancers in France has been estimated at 7000 cases for 2005, 75% of these cancers affecting male patients. International expert groups met by the International Agency for research on Cancer (IARC), or the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) associated to the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) have identified two factors which can modify the risk of oral cancers. Alcoholic beverages increase the risk of cancer and are classified as carcinogen for humans by IARC (level of evidence qualified as convincing by WCRF and AICR). Fruits and vegetables decrease the risk of cancer (level of evidence qualified as probable by WCRF and AICR). For other nutritional factors, the data are too limited to draw any conclusion. We present the major epidemiologic and mechanistic results of these evaluations, completed by results from recent studies. In addition to actions targeting other risk factors such as tobacco, reducing alcohol intake and increasing the consumption of fruits and vegetables can contribute to the prevention of oral cancers.