Individualized Homeopathic Medicines in the Management of Symptomatic Adenotonsillar Hypertrophy in Children: A Prospective Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: Globally, adenotonsillar hypertrophy (ATH) is one of the most prevalent upper respiratory tract disorders of children, with associated troublesome symptoms such as sleep apnea and cognitive disturbances. In this study, we evaluated the potential role of individualized homeopathic medicines in the management of symptomatic ATH in children. METHODS: A multicenter prospective observational study was conducted at five institutes under the Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy, India. Primary and secondary outcomes (symptom score for adenoids, other symptoms of ATH, Mallampati score, tonsillar size, Sleep-Related Breathing Disorder of the Paediatric Sleep Questionnaire [SRBD-PSQ]) were assessed through standardized questionnaires at baseline and at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. Radiological investigations for assessing the adenoid/nasopharyngeal (A/N) ratio were carried out at baseline, 6 and 12 months. All analyses were carried out using an intention-to-treat approach. RESULTS: A total of 340 children were screened and 202 children suffering from ATH were enrolled and followed up monthly for 12 months. Each patient received individualized homeopathic treatment based on the totality of symptoms. Statistically significant reductions in adenoid symptom score, Mallampati score (including tonsillar size), SRBD-PSQ sleep quality assessment and A/N ratio were found over time up to 12 months (p < 0.001). Homeopathic medicines frequently indicated were Calcarea carbonicum, Phosphorus, Silicea, Sulphur, Calcarea phosphoricum, Pulsatilla, Lycopodium and Tuberculinum. No serious adverse events were recorded during the study period. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that homeopathic medicines may play a beneficial role in the management of symptomatic ATH in children. Well-designed comparative trials are warranted.

Role of pinch in Argon impurity transport in ohmic discharges of Aditya-U Tokamak.

We present experimental results of the trace argon impurity puffing in the ohmic plasmas of Aditya-U tokamak performed to study the argon transport behaviour. Argon line emissions in visible and Vacuum Ultra Violet (VUV) spectral ranges arising from the plasma edge and core respectively are measured simultaneously. During the experiments, space resolved brightness profile of Ar1+ line emissions at 472.69 nm (3p44s 2P3/2-3p44p 2D3/2), 473.59 nm (3p44s 4P5/2-3p44p 4P3/2), 476.49 nm (3p44s 2P1/2-3p44p 2P3/2), 480.60 nm (3p44s 4P5/2-3p44p 4P5/2) are recorded using a high resolution visible spectrometer. Also, a VUV spectrometer has been used to simultaneously observe Ar13+ line emission at 18.79 nm (2s22p 2P3/2-2s2p2 2P3/2) and Ar14+ line emission at 22.11 nm (2s2 1S0-2s2p 1P1). The diffusivity and convective velocity of Ar are obtained by comparing the measured radial emissivity profile of Ar1+ emission and the line intensity ratio of Ar13+ and Ar14+ ions, with those simulated using the impurity transport code, STRAHL. Argon diffusivities ~ 12 m2/s and ~ 0.3 m2/s have been observed in the edge (ρ > 0.85) and core region of the Aditya-U, respectively. The diffusivity values both in the edge and core region are found to be higher than the neo-classical values suggesting that the argon impurity transport is mainly anomalous in the Aditya-U tokamak. Also, an inward pinch of ~ 10 m/s mainly driven by Ware pinch is required to match the measured and simulated data. The measured peaked profile of Ar density suggests impurity accumulation in these discharges.

Initial results from near-infrared spectroscopy on ADITYA-U tokamak.

Spectroscopy in vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) and visible ranges plays an important role in the investigation and diagnosis of tokamak plasmas. However, under harsh environmental conditions of fusion grade devices, such as ITER, VUV-visible systems encounter many issues due to the degradation of optical components used in such systems. Here, near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy has become an effective tool in understanding the edge plasma dynamics. Considering its importance, a NIR spectroscopic diagnostic has been developed and installed on the ADITYA-U tokamak. The system consists of a 0.5 m spectrometer having three gratings with different groove densities, and it is coupled with a linear InGaAs photodiode array. Radiation from the ADITYA-U edge plasma has been collected using a collimating lens and optical fiber combination and transported to the spectrometer. The spectrum in the NIR range from the ADITYA-U plasma has been recorded using this system, in which Paß and Paγ along with many spectral lines from neutral and singly ionized impurities have been observed. The influxes of H and C have been estimated from measurements. The H influx value is found to be 2.8 × 1016 and 1.9 × 1016 particles cm-2 s-1 from neutral hydrogen lines Hα and Paß, respectively, and the C influx value is found to be 3.5 × 1015 and 2.9 × 1015 particles cm-2 s-1 from the neutral carbon and singly ionized carbon, respectively. A good agreement is seen between these results and the results obtained by using a routine photomultiplier tube based diagnostic.

Initial results from time-resolved LaBr based hard x-ray spectrometer for ADITYA-U tokamak.

Runaway electrons (REs) are passively studied by hard x-ray (HX) emissions generated by REs. A LaBr3(Ce) detector-based HX spectroscopic diagnostic (operational within ∼75 keV to 3.5 MeV) has been set up on the ADITYA-U. The diagnostic acquisition software utility is upgraded to obtain the temporal evolution of the HX spectrum to understand the RE energy distribution in plasma during its various phases. The peak position moves to lower energy for Ohmically heated discharges (200-80 keV), indicating a relative increase in the thermal particle content in the plasma. The peak position of RE energy shows a decreasing tendency with increasing ne with Ne gas puffing and termination of the electron cyclotron resonance pulse.

Association of hysterectomy and invasive epithelial ovarian and tubal cancer: a cohort study within UKCTOCS.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between hysterectomy with conservation of one or both adnexa and ovarian and tubal cancer. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Thirteen NHS Trusts in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. POPULATION: A total of 202 506 postmenopausal women recruited between 2001 and 2005 to the UK Collaborative Trial of Ovarian Cancer Screening (UKCTOCS) and followed up until 31 December 2014. METHODS: Multiple sources (questionnaires, hospital notes, Hospital Episodes Statistics, national cancer/death registries, ultrasound reports) were used to obtain accurate data on hysterectomy (with conservation of one or both adnexa) and outcomes censored at bilateral oophorectomy, death, ovarian/tubal cancer diagnosis, loss to follow up or 31 December 2014. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to assess the association. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Invasive epithelial ovarian and tubal cancer (WHO 2014) on independent outcome review. RESULTS: Hysterectomy with conservation of one or both adnexa was reported in 41 912 (20.7%; 41 912/202 506) women. Median follow up was 11.1 years (interquartile range 9.96-12.04), totalling >2.17 million woman-years. Among women who had undergone hysterectomy, 0.55% (231/41 912) were diagnosed with ovarian/tubal cancer, compared with 0.59% (945/160 594) of those with intact uterus. Multivariable analysis showed no evidence of an association between hysterectomy and invasive epithelial ovarian/tubal cancer (hazard ratio 0.98, 95% CI 0.85-1.13, P = 0.765). CONCLUSIONS: This large cohort study provides further independent validation that hysterectomy is not associated with alteration of invasive epithelial ovarian and tubal cancer risk. These data are important both for clinical counselling and for refining risk prediction models. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: Hysterectomy does not alter risk of invasive epithelial ovarian and tubal cancer.

Risk-Reducing Salpingo-Oophorectomy and the Use of Hormone Replacement Therapy Below the Age of Natural Menopause: Scientific Impact Paper No. 66 October 2021: Scientific Impact Paper No. 66.

This paper deals with the use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) after the removal of fallopian tubes and ovaries to prevent ovarian cancer in premenopausal high risk women. Some women have an alteration in their genetic code, which makes them more likely to develop ovarian cancer. Two well-known genes which can carry an alteration are the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Examples of other genes associated with an increased risk of ovarian cancer include RAD51C, RAD51D, BRIP1, PALB2 and Lynch syndrome genes. Women with a strong family history of ovarian cancer and/or breast cancer, may also be at increased risk of developing ovarian cancer. Women at increased risk can choose to have an operation to remove the fallopian tubes and ovaries, which is the most effective way to prevent ovarian cancer. This is done after a woman has completed her family. However, removal of ovaries causes early menopause and leads to hot flushes, sweats, mood changes and bone thinning. It can also cause memory problems and increases the risk of heart disease. It may reduce libido or impair sexual function. Guidance on how to care for women following preventative surgery who are experiencing early menopause is needed. HRT is usually advisable for women up to 51 years of age (average age of menopause for women in the UK) who are undergoing early menopause and have not had breast cancer, to minimise the health risks linked to early menopause. For women with a womb, HRT should include estrogen coupled with progestogen to protect against thickening of the lining of the womb (called endometrial hyperplasia). For women without a womb, only estrogen is given. Research suggests that, unlike in older women, HRT for women in early menopause does not increase breast cancer risk, including in those who are BRCA1 and BRCA2 carriers and have preventative surgery. For women with a history of receptor-negative breast cancer, the gynaecologist will liaise with an oncology doctor on a case-by-case basis to help to decide if HRT is safe to use. Women with a history of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer are not normally offered HRT. A range of other therapies can be used if a woman is unable to take HRT. These include behavioural therapy and non-hormonal medicines. However, these are less effective than HRT. Regular exercise, healthy lifestyle and avoiding symptom triggers are also advised. Whether to undergo surgery to reduce risk or not and its timing can be a complex decision-making process. Women need to be carefully counselled on the pros and cons of both preventative surgery and HRT use so they can make informed decisions and choices.

Jewish cultural and religious factors and uptake of population-based BRCA testing across denominations: a cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association of Jewish cultural and religious identity and denominational affiliation with interest in, intention to undertake and uptake of population-based BRCA (Breast Cancer Gene)-testing. DESIGN: Cohort-study set within recruitment to GCaPPS-trial (ISRCTN73338115). SETTING: London Ashkenazi-Jewish (AJ) population. POPULATION OR SAMPLE: AJ men and women, >18 years. METHODS: Participants were self-referred, and attended recruitment clinics (clusters) for pre-test counselling. Subsequently consenting individuals underwent BRCA testing. Participants self-identified to one Jewish denomination: Conservative/Liberal/Reform/Traditional/Orthodox/Unaffiliated. Validated scales measured Jewish Cultural-Identity (JI) and Jewish Religious-identity (JR). Four-item Likert-scales analysed initial 'interest' and 'intention to test' pre-counselling. Item-Response-Theory and graded-response models, modelled responses to JI and JR scales. Ordered/multinomial logistic regression modelling evaluated association of JI-scale, JR-scale and Jewish Denominational affiliation on interest, intention and uptake of BRCA testing. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Interest, intention, uptake of BRCA testing. RESULTS: In all, 935 AJ women/men of mean age = 53.8 (S.D = 15.02) years, received pre-test education and counselling through 256 recruitment clinic clusters (median cluster size = 3). Denominational affiliations included Conservative/Masorti = 91 (10.2%); Liberal = 82 (9.2%), Reform = 135 (15.1%), Traditional = 212 (23.7%), Orthodox = 239 (26.7%); and Unaffiliated/Non-practising = 135 (15.1%). Overall BRCA testing uptake was 88%. Pre-counselling, 96% expressed interest and 60% intention to test. JI and JR scores were highest for Orthodox, followed by Conservative/Masorti, Traditional, Reform, Liberal and Unaffiliated Jewish denominations. Regression modelling showed no significant association between overall Jewish Cultural or Religious Identity with either interest, intention or uptake of BRCA testing. Interest, intention and uptake of BRCA testing was not significantly associated with denominational affiliation. CONCLUSIONS: Jewish religious/cultural identity and denominational affiliation do not appear to influence interest, intention or uptake of population-based BRCA testing. BRCA testing was robust across all Jewish denominations. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: Jewish cultural/religious factors do not affect BRCA testing, with robust uptake seen across all denominational affiliations.

Observations of visible argon line emissions and its spatial profile from Aditya-U tokamak plasma.

The spectroscopic studies of medium and high Z impurities have been the subject of interest in fusion research due to their role in mitigating plasma disruption and reducing heat load on the plasma facing components. Line emissions from these impurities provide the rotation velocity and ion temperature measurements along with the understanding of the overall impurity behavior in plasma. In the Aditya-U tokamak, the spatially resolved Ar II line emissions have been observed using a high resolution multi-track spectroscopic diagnostic consisting of a 1 m Czerny-Turner spectrometer coupled with a charge coupled device (CCD) detector using seven lines of sight viewing plasma tangentially along the toroidal direction. The spatially resolved Ar II lines at 458.96 nm have been observed. The singly ionized Ar emission peaks at the radial location of ρ = 0.8 of the plasma having a minor radius of 25 cm. Moreover, a 0.5 m UV-visible spectrometer coupled with a CCD detector and having a line of sight passing through the plasma midplane from the radial port was used to record visible Ar survey spectra within the 670-810 nm wavelength range, and all these lines have been identified for further analysis.

Impurity toroidal rotation profile measurement using upgraded high-resolution visible spectroscopic diagnostic on ADITYA-U tokamak.

A high-resolution spectroscopic diagnostic for the measurement of spatial profiles of impurity ion toroidal rotation velocities on the ADITYA-U tokamak has been upgraded to cover the complete plasma minor radius. Earlier, the coverage of diagnostics toward the plasma edge was restricted due to the placement of collection optics on the tangential port outside the vacuum vessel. The coverage of the full plasma minor radius, from 0 to 24 cm, has been achieved using the newly designed and developed collection optics that have seven lines of sight to view the tokamak plasma mounted inside a customized re-entrant view port which is installed in the shadow of the limiter inside the vacuum vessel. The upgraded diagnostic also includes a faster charged coupled device detector with a smaller pixel size for the detection of a small wavelength shift. The complete spatial profile has been measured using the Doppler shifted passive change exchange spectral line at 529.0 nm from the C5+ ion. In this article, we present the collection optics' design, installation, calibration, and results obtained using the upgraded diagnostic.

Attitudes towards risk-reducing early salpingectomy with delayed oophorectomy for ovarian cancer prevention: a cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine risk-reducing early salpingectomy and delayed oophorectomy (RRESDO) acceptability and effect of surgical prevention on menopausal sequelae/satisfaction/regret in women at increased ovarian cancer (OC) risk. DESIGN: Multicentre, cohort, questionnaire study (IRSCTN:12310993). SETTING: United Kingdom (UK). POPULATION: UK women without OC ≥18 years, at increased OC risk, with/without previous RRSO, ascertained through specialist familial cancer/genetic clinics and BRCA support groups. METHODS: Participants completed a 39-item questionnaire. Baseline characteristics were described using descriptive statistics. Logistic/linear regression models analysed the impact of variables on RRESDO acceptability and health outcomes. MAIN OUTCOMES: RRESDO acceptability, menopausal sequelae, satisfaction/regret. RESULTS: In all, 346 of 683 participants underwent risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO). Of premenopausal women who had not undergone RRSO, 69.1% (181/262) found it acceptable to participate in a research study offering RRESDO. Premenopausal women concerned about sexual dysfunction were more likely to find RRESDO acceptable (odds ratio [OR] = 2.9, 95% CI 1.2-7.7, P = 0.025). Women experiencing sexual dysfunction after premenopausal RRSO were more likely to find RRESDO acceptable in retrospect (OR = 5.3, 95% CI 1.2-27.5, P < 0.031). In all, 88.8% (143/161) premenopausal and 95.2% (80/84) postmenopausal women who underwent RRSO, respectively, were satisfied with their decision, whereas 9.4% (15/160) premenopausal and 1.2% (1/81) postmenopausal women who underwent RRSO regretted their decision. HRT uptake in premenopausal individuals without breast cancer (BC) was 74.1% (80/108). HRT use did not significantly affect satisfaction/regret levels but did reduce symptoms of vaginal dryness (OR = 0.4, 95% CI 0.2-0.9, P = 0.025). CONCLUSION: Data show high RRESDO acceptability, particularly in women concerned about sexual dysfunction. Although RRSO satisfaction remains high, regret rates are much higher for premenopausal women than for postmenopausal women. HRT use following premenopausal RRSO does not increase satisfaction but does reduce vaginal dryness. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: RRESDO has high acceptability among premenopausal women at increased ovarian cancer risk, particularly those concerned about sexual dysfunction.

An overview of the main intrauterine pathologies in the postmenopausal period.

Hysteroscopy is the gold standard for evaluating the uterine cavity, diagnosing intrauterine pathology, and operative intervention for some causes of abnormal uterine bleeding. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists concluded that, when the endometrium measures ≤4 mm with transvaginal ultrasonography, the likelihood that bleeding is secondary to endometrial carcinoma is less than 1% (negative predictive value 99%), and endometrial biopsy is not recommended. Endometrial sampling in this clinical scenario will likely result in insufficient tissue for evaluation and it is reasonable to consider initial management for atrophy. A thickened endometrium on transvaginal ultrasonography (>4 mm in a postmenopausal woman with postmenopausal bleeding) warrants additional evaluation with endometrial sampling. A negative tissue biopsy following 'blind' endometrial sampling in women with postmenopausal bleeding is not considered to be an endpoint, and further evaluation of the endometrial cavity with hysteroscopy to exclude focal disease is imperative.

Randomised trial of population-based BRCA testing in Ashkenazi Jews: long-term outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: Unselected population-based BRCA testing provides the opportunity to apply genomics on a population-scale to maximise primary prevention for breast-and-ovarian cancer. We compare long-term outcomes of population-based and family-history (FH)/clinical-criteria-based BRCA testing on psychological health and quality of life. DESIGN: Randomised controlled trial (RCT) (ISRCTN73338115) GCaPPS, with two-arms: (i) population-screening (PS); (ii) FH/clinical-criteria-based testing. SETTING: North London Ashkenazi-Jewish (AJ) population. POPULATION/SAMPLE: AJ women/men. METHODS: Population-based RCT (1:1). Participants were recruited through self-referral, following pre-test genetic counselling from the North London AJ population. INCLUSION CRITERIA: AJ women/men >18 years old; exclusion-criteria: prior BRCA testing or first-degree relatives of BRCA-carriers. INTERVENTIONS: Genetic testing for three Jewish BRCA founder-mutations: 185delAG (c.68_69delAG), 5382insC (c.5266dupC) and 6174delT (c.5946delT), for (i) all participants in PS arm; (ii) those fulfilling FH/clinical criteria in FH arm. Linear mixed models and appropriate contrast tests were used to analyse the impact of BRCA testing on psychological and quality-of-life outcomes over 3 years. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Validated questionnaires (HADS/MICRA/HAI/SF12) used to analyse psychological wellbeing/quality-of-life outcomes at baseline/1-year/2-year/3-year follow up. RESULTS: In all, 1034 individuals (691 women, 343 men) were randomised to PS (n = 530) or FH (n = 504) arms. There was a statistically significant decrease in anxiety (P = 0.046) and total anxiety-&-depression scores (P = 0.0.012) in the PS arm compared with the FH arm over 3 years. No significant difference was observed between the FH and PS arms for depression, health-anxiety, distress, uncertainty, quality-of-life or experience scores associated with BRCA testing. Contrast tests showed a decrease in anxiety (P = 0.018), health-anxiety (P < 0.0005) and quality-of-life (P = 0.004) scores in both PS and FH groups over time. Eighteen of 30 (60%) BRCA carriers identified did not fulfil clinical criteria for BRCA testing. Total BRCA prevalence was 2.9% (95% CI 1.97-4.12%), BRCA1 prevalence was 1.55% (95% CI 0.89-2.5%) and BRCA2 prevalence was 1.35% (95% CI 0.74-2.26%). CONCLUSION: Population-based AJ BRCA testing does not adversely affect long-term psychological wellbeing or quality-of-life, decreases anxiety and could identify up to 150% additional BRCA carriers. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: Population BRCA testing in Ashkenazi Jews reduces anxiety and does not adversely affect psychological health or quality of life.

Prevalence of afebrile malaria and development of risk-scores for gradation of villages: A study from a hot-spot in Odisha.

INTRODUCTION: Malaria is a public health emergency in India and Odisha. The national malaria elimination programme aims to expedite early identification, treatment and follow-up of malaria cases in hot-spots through a robust health system, besides focusing on efficient vector control. This study, a result of mass screening conducted in a hot-spot in Odisha, aimed to assess prevalence, identify and estimate the risks and develop a management tool for malaria elimination. METHODS: Through a cross-sectional study and using WHO recommended Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT), 13221 individuals were screened. Information about age, gender, education and health practices were collected along with blood sample (5 µl) for malaria testing. Altitude, forestation, availability of a village health worker and distance from secondary health center were captured using panel technique. A multi-level poisson regression model was used to analyze association between risk factors and prevalence of malaria, and to estimate risk scores. RESULTS: The prevalence of malaria was 5.8% and afebrile malaria accounted for 79 percent of all confirmed cases. Higher proportion of Pv infections were afebrile (81%). We found the prevalence to be 1.38 (1.1664-1.6457) times higher in villages where the Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) didn't stay; the risk increased by 1.38 (1.0428-1.8272) and 1.92 (1.4428-2.5764) times in mid- and high-altitude tertiles. With regard to forest coverage, villages falling under mid- and highest-tertiles were 2.01 times (1.6194-2.5129) and 2.03 times (1.5477-2.6809), respectively, more likely affected by malaria. Similarly, villages of mid tertile and lowest tertile of education had 1.73 times (1.3392-2.2586) and 2.50 times (2.009-3.1244) higher prevalence of malaria. CONCLUSION: Presence of ASHA worker in villages, altitude, forestation, and education emerged as principal predictors of malaria infection in the study area. An easy-to-use risk-scoring system for ranking villages based on these risk factors could facilitate resource prioritization for malaria elimination.

Attitude towards and factors affecting uptake of population-based BRCA testing in the Ashkenazi Jewish population: a cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate factors affecting unselected population-based BRCA testing in Ashkenazi Jews (AJ). DESIGN: Cohort-study set within recruitment to the GCaPPS trial (ISRCTN73338115). SETTING: North London AJ population. POPULATION OR SAMPLE: Ashkenazi Jews women/men >18 years, recruited through self-referral. METHODS: Ashkenazi Jews women/men underwent pre-test counselling for BRCA testing through recruitment clinics (clusters). Consenting individuals provided blood samples for BRCA testing. Data were collected on socio-demographic/family history/knowledge/psychological well-being along with benefits/risks/cultural influences (18-item questionnaire measuring 'attitude'). Four-item Likert-scales analysed initial 'interest' and 'intention-to-test' pre-counselling. Uni- and multivariable logistic regression models evaluated factors affecting uptake/interest/intention to undergo BRCA testing. Statistical inference was based on cluster robust standard errors and joint Wald tests for significance. Item-Response Theory and graded-response models modelled responses to 18-item questionnaire. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Interest, intention, uptake, attitude towards BRCA testing. RESULTS: A total of 935 individuals (women = 67%/men = 33%; mean age = 53.8 (SD = 15.02) years) underwent pre-test genetic-counselling. During the pre-counselling, 96% expressed interest in and 60% indicated a clear intention to undergo BRCA testing. Subsequently, 88% opted for BRCA testing. BRCA-related knowledge (P = 0.013) and degree-level education (P = 0.01) were positively and negatively (respectively) associated with intention-to-test. Being married/cohabiting had four-fold higher odds for BRCA testing uptake (P = 0.009). Perceived benefits were associated with higher pre-counselling odds for interest in and intention to undergo BRCA testing. Reduced uncertainty/reassurance were the most important factors contributing to decision-making. Increased importance/concern towards risks/limitations (confidentiality/insurance/emotional impact/inability to prevent cancer/marriage ability/ethnic focus/stigmatisation) were significantly associated with lower odds of uptake of BRCA testing, and discriminated between acceptors and decliners. Male gender/degree-level education (P = 0.001) had weaker correlations, whereas having children showed stronger (P = 0.005) associations with attitudes towards BRCA testing. CONCLUSIONS: BRCA testing in the AJ population has high acceptability. Pre-test counselling increases awareness of disadvantages/limitations of BRCA testing, influencing final cost-benefit perception and decision-making on undergoing testing. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: BRCA testing in Ashkenazi Jews has high acceptability and uptake. Pre-test counselling facilitates informed decision-making.

A commentary on population genetic testing for primary prevention: changing landscape and the need to change paradigm.

BRCA1/BRCA2 genes were discovered in early 1990s and clinical testing for these has been available since the mid-1990s. National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and other international guidelines recommend genetic-testing at a ~10% probability threshold of carrying a BRCA-mutation. A detailed three generation family-history (FH) of cancer is used within complex mathematical models (e.g. BOADICEA, BRCAPRO, Manchester-Scoring-System) or through standardized clinical-criteria to identify individuals who fulfil this probability threshold and can be offered genetic-testing. Identification of unaffected carriers is important given the high risk of cancer in these women and the effective options available for clinical management which can reduce cancer risk, improve outcomes and minimise burden of disease. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Design of tangential x-ray crystal spectrometer for Aditya-U tokamak.

A tangential soft x-ray crystal spectrometer has been designed to measure the x-ray spectrum of He-like argon for the Aditya-U tokamak plasma. The system enables to measure electron temperature using the intensity ratio of the resonance line to the satellite line. For this purpose, an x-ray spectral line at 3.9494 Å from He-like argon, Ar16+, is considered. The spectrometer consists of a cylindrically bent silicon (111) crystal and a CCD detector to measure the resonance spectral line and its satellite lines in the wavelength region of 3.94-4.0 Å, viewing the plasma tangentially at an angle of 26° with respect to the toroidal direction in the magnetic axis. Considering Aditya-U tokamak plasma parameters and its geometrical constraints, plasma to crystal and crystal to detector distances have been kept at 1.47 m and 0.5 m, respectively, to detect a sufficient signal. The engineering design has been optimized after adequately addressing the issues related to port geometry and machine accessibility. Details on the design of the crystal spectrometer are presented in this paper.

Plasma rotation measurement using UV and visible spectroscopy on Aditya-U tokamak.

A high resolution spectroscopic diagnostic for the measurement of the spatial profile of toroidal rotation velocity (vt) and temperature (Ti) of carbon ions has been developed and implemented on the Aditya-U tokamak. The diagnostic consists of a high resolution 1 m (f/8.7) spectrometer having an 1800 grooves/mm grating coupled with a charged couple device. The setup allows measurements from 5 toroidal lines-of-sights passing through different minor radii in the horizontal mid-plane of the Aditya-U tokamak. The carbon line emissions at 529 nm in visible and 229.6 and 227.09 nm in the ultra violet spectral range are recorded using the setup. Initial results show that typical Aditya-U plasmas have a maximum carbon ion temperature (Ti) of ∼120 eV and a rotation velocity (vt) of ∼-14 km/s in the counter plasma-current direction.