Low dose rate γ-ray detection using a MAPS camera under a neutron radiation environment.

We present γ-ray radiation detection in a neutron radiation environment using a monolithic active pixel sensor (MAPS) camera without conversion or shielding layers. The measured output signal is the sum of the pedestal value, noise, and real radiation response signal. The sensor response shows that the MAPS camera is sensitive to neutrons and can capture a single photon. The number of pixels with a signal exceeding 100 exhibits a strong dependence on the dose rate and is the best indicator of this value. Therefore, a MAPS camera can be efficiently used as a radiation detection sensor in a robotic system, further limiting human errors in performing radiation detection in complex nuclear radiation environments.

Randomized controlled trials for comparison of laparoscopic versus conventional open catheter placement in peritoneal dialysis patients: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The application of laparoscopic catheterization technology in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients has recently increased. However, the advantages and disadvantages of laparoscopic versus conventional open PD catheter placement are still controversial. The aim of this meta-analysis is to assess the complications of catheterization in PD patients and to provide a reference for choosing a PD-catheter placement technique in the clinic. METHODS: We searched numerous databases, including Embase, PubMed, CNKI and the Cochrane Library, for published randomized controlled trials (RCTs). RESULTS: Eight relevant studies (n = 646) were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled results showed a lower incidence of catheter migration (OR: 0.42, 95% CI: 0.19 to 0.90, P: 0.03) and catheter removal (OR: 0.41, 95% CI: 0.21 to 0.79, P: 0.008) but a higher incidence of bleeding (OR: 3.25, 95% CI: 1.18 to 8.97, P: 0.02) with a laparoscopic approach than with a conventional approach. There was no significant difference in the incidence of omentum adhesion (OR: 0.32, 95% CI: 0.05 to 2.10, P: 0.24), hernia (OR: 0.38, 95% CI: 0.09 to 1.68, P: 0.20), leakage (OR: 0.69, 95% CI: 0.38 to 1.26, P: 0.23), intestinal obstruction (OR: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.48 to 1.91, P: 0.90) or perforation (OR: 0.95, 95% CI: 0.06 to 15.42, P: 0.97). The statistical analysis showed no significant difference in early (OR: 0.44, 95% CI: 0.15 to 1.33, P: 0.15), late (OR: 0.89, 95% CI: 0.41 to 1.90, P: 0.76) or total (OR: 0.68, 95% CI: 0.42 to 1.12, P: 0.13) peritonitis infections between the 2 groups, and there are no no significant difference in early (OR: 0.39, 95% CI: 0.06 to 2.36, P: 0.30), late (OR: 1.35, 95% CI: 0.78 to 2.33, P: 0.16) or total (OR: 1.20, 95% CI: 0.71 to 2.02, P: 0.17) tunnel or exit-site infections between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic catheterization and conventional open catheter placement in PD patients have unique advantages, but laparoscopic PD catheterization may be superior to conventional open catheter placement. However, this conclusion needs to be confirmed with further large-sample-size, multi-centre, high-quality RCTs.

First laboratory-confirmed case of scrub typhus in Shijiazhuang City, Hebei Province.

Objective: Defining whether a suspected case was due to scrub typhus through laboratory testing, to understand the prevalence of scrub typhus in Shijiazhuang City, Hebei Province. Methods: An epidemiological investigation was conducted on the suspected case, utilizing Weil-Felix test and indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) to detect specific antibodies against O. tsutsugamushi in serum specimens. Additionally, PCR amplification of the 56-kDa and groEL genes was performed, followed by constructing a phylogenetic tree to identify the genotype. Results: The acute phase titer of the Weil-Felix test for the case was 1:160, which increased to 1:320 in the recovery phase. IFA assay revealed IgG titers against O. tsutsugamushi of 1:64 in the acute phase and 1:256 in the recovery phase. Sequence alignment of the PCR amplified fragment showed the highest similarity with the O. tsutsugamushi genotype. Kawasaki sequence, ranging from 99.71 to 100.00%. The strain exhibited the closest genetic relationship with the known O. tsutsugamushi Kawasaki genotype. Conclusion: This study confirms the presence of O. tsutsugamushi in Shijiazhuang City, Hebei Province, with the identified strain belonging to the Kawasaki genotype, marking the first diagnosis of this strain in the region.