New empirical formulae for (n, p) reaction cross sections on stable isotopes from Z= 21 to Z= 51 for energies up to 20 MeV

Neutron Induced reactions on different target nuclei have get impact on many nuclear basic sciences and applications. Due to the lack of literature available experimental data for many targets, empirical formulae for the (n, p) reactions cross section on different targets and different incident neutron energies are formulated. The formulae are used for calculation of excitation functions for target isotopes having atomic numbers in the range from 21 to 51 and neutron energies from 20 MeV down to respective threshold energy of each reaction. The results are compared to the existing experimental results as well as the TENDL-2019 database values.

Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasm of the Pancreas Arising in a Patient With Limited Cutaneous Systemic Sclerosis

Systemic sclerosis (SS) is a heterogenous autoimmune disease that manifests itself with skin and internal organ involvement. The association of SS and malignancy is an emerging field of study with limited data in the literature. This report highlights the unique case of a patient with limited cutaneous SS (lcSS) found to have an intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) of the pancreas. In this report, we review the clinical manifestations, serologic findings, and phenotypes of SS. Furthermore, an evaluation of the risk of pancreatic neoplasms in patients with SS will be discussed, as well as the correlation of cancers among SS phenotypes and auto-antibodies. As part of our research, a PubMed search of the following terms was performed: “systemic sclerosis, scleroderma, limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis, CREST syndrome, Raynaud syndrome, cancer, malignancy, pancreas, and intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm".

Routine ureteric stenting before cytoreductive surgery plus hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy in managing peritoneal carcinomatosis from gynecologic malignancies: a single-center experience

BACKGROUND

Iatrogenic ureteric injury is a rare, yet serious operative complication in gynecologic procedures and associated with substantial morbidities such as prolonged hospitalization, additional financial-based ureter-related repairing procedures, impaired renal function, and compromised quality of life. Direct visual identification of ureters can be very challenging in managing patients with primary advanced or recurrent disseminated intraperitoneal gynecologic malignancies, who are referred to complex procedures such as cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC).

AIMS

To report our single-center experience (feasibility and morbidity) with prophylactic ureteric stents as a routine practice before CRS+HIPEC procedure in managing peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) from gynecologic malignancies.

METHODS

From June-2010 to March-2014, all patients with gynecologic-related PC, managed with CRS+HIPEC, and underwent prophylactic ureteric stents. The data were retrospectively abstracted and analyzed.

RESULTS

Fifty-three patients were identified. Almost all PC cases were secondary/recurrence presentations (90.6 %) and originated from ovarian cancer (84.9 %). Optimal cytoreduction microscopic residual disease) was achieved in 35 patients (60 %). Average insertion time of ureteric stents was 8.9 ± 3.3 min. Fifty-two patients (98.1 %) received bilateral ureteric stents. Forty-nine patients (92.5 %) had their ureteric stents removed by the end of procedure. No patient experienced major peri-operative urinary tract-related complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Prophylactic ureteric stents appeared to be feasible, potentially safe, and could reduce the risk of iatrogenic ureteric injuries without incurring an increase in urinary tract-related complications. Prophylactic ureteric stenting does not eliminate the necessity for competent anatomical knowledge, meticulous retroperitoneal dissection and direct intra-operative visualization of ureters.

Determination of concentrations of Fe, Mg, and Zn in some ferrite samples using neutron activation analysis and X-ray fluorescence techniques

Mg-Zn ferrite is considered as one of the important materials with potential uses in many applications. In this work, samples of ferrite Mg_(1-x)Zn_xFe₂O₄ (where x=0.0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1) were synthesized by the sol-gel method for use in some hyperthermia applications. The composition and purity of the prepared samples hardly affected their properties. Therefore, the elemental concentration of these samples was measured by the X-ray fluorescence technique and thermal neutron activation analysis to check the quality of the prepared samples. The results of both methods were compared with each other and with the molecular ratios of the as-prepared samples. In addition, no existing elemental impurity, with considerable concentration, was measured.

Evolution of antimicrobial resistance and serotype distribution of Streptococcus pneumoniae isolated from children with invasive and noninvasive pneumococcal diseases in Algeria from 2005 to 2012

Pneumococcal infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in developing countries. The introduction of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) has dramatically reduced the incidence of pneumococcal diseases. PCVs are not currently being used in Algeria. We conducted a prospective study from 2005 to 2012 in Algeria to determine antimicrobial drug resistance and serotype distribution of Streptococcus pneumoniae from children with pneumococcal disease. Among 270 isolated strains from children, 97 (36%) were invasive disease; of these, 48% were not susceptible to penicillin and 53% not susceptible to erythromycin. A high rate of antimicrobial nonsusceptibility was observed in strains isolated from children with meningitis. The serotype distribution from pneumococci isolated from children with invasive infections was (by order of prevalence): 14, 1, 19F, 19A, 6B, 5, 3, 6A and 23F. Multidrug resistance was observed in serotypes 14, 19F, 19A and 6B. The vaccine coverage of serotypes isolated from children aged <5 years was 55.3% for PCV7, 71.1% for PCV10 and 86.8% for PCV13. Our results highlight the burden of pneumococcal disease in Algeria and the increasing S. pneumoniae antibiotic resistance. The current pneumococcal vaccines cover a high percentage of the circulating strains. Therefore, vaccination would reduce the incidence of pneumococcal disease in Algeria.

Comparative study on the production of 68Ga from proton induced reactions on different targets: Evaluation of experimental data and model calculations

Different routes can be used to produce the PET isotope 68Ga by proton reactions on different targets. The experimental excitation functions for the reactions 68Zn(p, n) and 72Ge(p, nα) were collected from previous studies and compared with each other, for each reaction, in order to get the most trusted data. Some data were excluded because they gave either too high or too low cross section values. The others were averaged together to give a kind of trusted data set for the production of this important radioisotope. The production of the radionuclide 68Ge, used in the generator 68Ge/68Ga, through proton reactions was also discussed in the same manner. Model calculations of excitation functions of the above mentioned reactions were performed, using both TALYS-1.4 and EMPIRE-3.1 codes, and the results were compared with the averaged experimental data. Some statistical parameters were introduced to control the quality of the overlapping between experimental data and model calculations. The integrated yields for the different reactions leading to 68Ga were estimated. The various routes were discussed on the basis of the given results.

Theoretical calculations of the reaction cross-sections for proton-induced reactions on natural copper using ALICE-IPPE code

A theoretical study of the nuclear-reaction cross sections for proton-induced reactions on (63)Cu and (65)Cu was performed in the proton energy range from threshold values up to 50MeV. The produced nuclei were different isotopes of Zn, Cu, Ni, Co and Mn, some of which have important applications. The reaction cross-section calculations were performed using the ALICE-IPPE code, which depends on the pre-equilibrium compound nucleus model. This code is suitable for the studied energy and isotopic mass ranges. Approximately 14 excitation functions for the different reactions have been constructed from the calculated cross-section values. The excitation function curves for the proton reactions with natural copper targets have been constructed from those for enriched targets using the natural abundance of the copper isotopes. Comparisons between the calculated excitation functions with those previously experimentally measured are given whenever the experimental values were available. Some statistical parameters were introduced to control the quality of the fitting between both the experimental and the theoretical calculated cross-section values.

Activation cross-section measurements of some proton induced reactions on Ni, Co and Mo for proton activation analysis (PAA) purposes

The experimental proton induced reaction cross sections on some elements of the Havar alloy were measured using the activation method and the well established stacked-foil technique combined with high resolution gamma-ray spectroscopy. They included the reactions natNi(p,x)57Ni, natCo(p,x)58(m+g)Co and natMo(p,x)94g,95g,96(m+g)Tc, the aim being to obtain reliable data in the proton energy range up to 26 MeV for some important reactions to be used in the proton activation analysis of steel or other alloys. Irradiations were performed using the CS-30 Cyclotron at KFSH and RC, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The activity measurements were carried out in PNU laboratories, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The experimental excitation functions for the investigated reactions were constructed and compared with the performed computed theoretical nuclear model calculations using two different codes: ALICE-IPPE and TALYS. A comparison between our measured cross-section values and the available published data is also presented, with a view to checking the consistency of the reported experimental work from various laboratories.

Experimental study of excitation functions of some proton induced reactions on natTi for beam monitoring purposes

Excitation functions of proton induced reactions on natTi, leading to the formation of 43,44m,44g,47Sc and 48V, were measured using the stacked-foil technique over the proton energies starting from the respective reaction threshold up to 27.5 MeV. The new experimental values were compared with earlier reported data. In general good agreement was found. Also in the case of 48V the results were compared with the cross-section values recommended by the International Atomic Energy Agency. A good agreement was observed.

Yield and excitation function measurements of some nuclear reactions on natural thallium induced by protons leading to the production of medical radioisotopes201Tl and203Pb

Excitation functions for201Pb,202mPb,203Pb and204mPb radionuclides which are formedviaproton induced reactions with natural thallium target have been measured from their respective threshold (Ethr) to 27.5 MeV using activation technique. Natural copper foils were used to monitor the cyclotron beam. The integral yields (MBq/μA h) of the produced radionuclides were calculated from the measured excitation functions. The optimum proton energy range for the production of203Pb with low amount of impurities is (16–10 MeV) after 5 h of EOB. The experimental cross-sections fornatTl(p,xn) reactions were compared with the cross-sections recommended by the IAEA and with earlier published data when it was possible.

Excitation functions of proton induced nuclear reactions on natural copper using a medium-sized cyclotron

Activation techniques have been used to measure the excitation functions of proton induced nuclear reactions on natural copper from their thresholds up to 27.5 MeV. The beam current was measured using a Faraday cup with secondary electron suppression, and the radioactivity of the products was determined via high-resolution gamma ray spectrometry. The data were compared with the data recommended by the IAEA wherever it was possible. A comparison of the new excitation functions with the theoretical calculations reported in the literature was undertaken to check the order of agreement between them. Good agreement was found for the results of 63Zn while the theoretical calculations overestimate the cross sections for 61Cu and 62Zn. The excitation function for the reaction natCu(p, x) 61Co was measured for the first time during this work. The integral yields of the radionuclides 62,63,65Zn, 61Cu and 61Co were calculated. 63Zn and 65Zn are produced over the whole energy range of 3 to 27.5 MeV and the yield gets saturated above 20 MeV. 62Zn, 61Cu and 61Co are produced at relatively high energies and have integral yield values between those of 63Zn and 65Zn. The relatively high yield of 62Zn is useful for the production of 62Zn/62Cu generator system.

Excitation function measurements and integral yields estimation for natZnp,x reactions at low energies

Excitation functions have been measured for a number of proton-induced nuclear reactions on natural zinc in the energy range from 27.5 MeV down to their threshold energy, using the activation method on stacked foils. Excitation functions and thick target yield for the reactions leading to the formation of (67)Ga,(66)Ga,(68)Ga,(62)Zn and (65)Zn are presented and compared with earlier reported experimental data. The experimental cross-sections and the production yields are tabulated; the excitation functions and the thick target yield curves are plotted in graphs.

Excitation functions of (p,x) reactions on natural nickel between proton energies of 2.7 and 27.5MeV

Excitation functions have been measured for a number of proton induced nuclear reactions on natural nickel in the energy range from 27.5 MeV down to their threshold energy, using the activation method on stacked foils. Excitation functions for the reactions leading to the formation of (60)Cu, (61)Cu, (56)Ni, (57)Ni, (55)Co, (56)Co, (57)Co and (58)Co are presented and compared with earlier reported experimental data. Comparison with the recommended data reported by the International Atomic Energy Agency [Gul et al., 2001. Charged particle cross section database for medical radioisotope production. IAEA-TECDOC-1211, IAEA Vienna, Austria] is also presented when possible.

Psychiatric and neuropsychological characterization of Pallister-Hall syndrome

Pallister-Hall syndrome (PHS) is a rare, single-gene, malformation syndrome that includes central polydactyly, hypothalamic hamartoma, bifid epiglottis, endocrine dysfunction, and other anomalies. The syndrome has variable clinical manifestations and is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern. We sought to determine whether psychiatric disorders and/or neuropsychological impairment were characteristic of PHS. We prospectively conducted systematic neuropsychiatric evaluations with 19 PHS subjects ranging in age from 7 to 75 years. The evaluation included detailed clinical interviews, clinician-rated and self-report instruments, and a battery of neuropsychological tests. Seven of 14 adult PHS subjects met diagnostic criteria for at least one DSM-IV Axis I disorder. Three additional subjects demonstrated developmental delays and/or neuropsychological deficits on formal neuropsychological testing. However, we found no characteristic psychiatric phenotype associated with PHS, and the frequency of each of the diagnoses observed in these subjects was not different from that expected in this size sample. The overall frequency of psychiatric findings among all patients with PHS cannot be compared to point prevalence estimates of psychiatric disease in the general population because of biased ascertainment. This limitation is inherent to the study of behavioral phenotypes in rare disorders. The general issue of psychiatric evaluation of rare genetic syndromes is discussed in light of this negative result.

Pregnancy Outcome in Grand and Great Grand Multiparity

Objective: To study the obstetric performance and neonatal outcome of patients of extreme multiparity, Para 10 and more, compared to control group of Para 2 to 4.

Study Design: It is a retrospective comparative study. Data were collected from Medical Records ofpatients during the period from January-December 2000. The total number of deliveries during that period was 10,999. 240 patients records were reviewed, 120 records in each group.

Result: The incidence of great-grand multiparity was 1.09%. The incidence of lack of perinatal care among great grand multipara was statistically significant. However; there are no differences in the perinatal morbidity and mortality; also there was no difference in the rate of instrumental delivery and mal-presentation in the two groups. The duration of pregnancy is similar in the two groups. There was no difference in incidence of antepartum hemorrhage, rate of caesarean section rate. However; the only statically significant difference in the two groups was the increased incidence of large babies (macrosomia).

Conclusion: This study showed that extreme grand multiparity carry the added risk of macrosomia (> 4000mg), this was not reflected on any adverse perinatal outcome. However, the number of patients in this study is limited and it is difficult to draw firm conclusion.

Experimental studies and nuclear model calculations on proton-induced reactions on natSe, 76Se and 77Se with particular reference to the production of the medically interesting radionuclides 76Br and 77Br

Excitation functions of the reactions (nat)Se(p,x)(75,76,77,82)Br, (76)Se(p,xn)(75,76)Br, (76)Se(p,x)(75)Se and (77)Se(p,xn)(76,77)Br were measured from their respective thresholds up to 40 MeV, with particular emphasis on data for the production of the medically important radionuclides (76)Br and (77)Br. The conventional stacked-foil technique was used. The samples were prepared by a sedimentation process. Irradiations were performed using the compact cyclotron CV 28 and the injector of COSY, both at the Research Centre Jülich. In order to validate the data, nuclear model calculations were performed using the code ALICE-IPPE which is based on the preequilibrium-evaporation model. Good agreement was found between the experimental and theoretical data, except in the high-energy region where the calculated data were somewhat higher. All the measured excitation curves were compared with the data available in the literature. From the experimental data the theoretical yields of all the investigated radionuclides were calculated and plotted as a function of proton energy. The calculated yield of (77)Br from the (nat)Se(p,x)(77)Br process over the energy range E(p)=25-->15 is 72.7 MBq/microAh and from the (77)Se(p,n)(77)Br reaction over E(p)=15-->6 MeV it is 86.2 MBq/microAh. The yield of (76)Br from the (76)Se(p,n)(76)Br reaction for E(p)=15-->8 is 360.1 MBq/microAh and from the (77)Se(p,2n)(76)Br reaction for E(p)=28-->18 MeV it is 879.2 MBq/microAh. The radionuclidic impurity levels are discussed.

Changes in phosphatidylcholine fatty acid composition are associated with altered skeletal muscle insulin responsiveness in normal man

The fatty acid composition of skeletal muscle cell membrane phospholipids (PLs) is known to influence insulin responsiveness in man. We have recently shown that the fatty acid composition of phosphatidylcholine (PC), and not phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), from skeletal muscle membranes is of particular importance in this relationship. Efforts to alter the PL fatty acid composition in animal models have demonstrated induction of insulin resistance. However, it has been more difficult to determine if changes in insulin sensitivity are associated with changes in the skeletal muscle membrane fatty acid composition of PL in man. Using nicotinic acid (NA), an agent known to induce insulin resistance in man, 9 normal subjects were studied before and after treatment for 1 month. Skeletal muscle membrane fatty acid composition of PC and PE from biopsies of vastus lateralis was correlated with insulin responsiveness using a 3-step hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp. Treatment with NA was associated with a 25% increase in the half-maximal insulin concentration ([ED50] 52.0 +/- 7.5 to 64.6 +/- 9.0 microU/mL, P < .05), consistent with decreased peripheral insulin sensitivity. Significant changes in the fatty acid composition of PC, but not PE, were also observed after NA administration. An increase in the percentage of 16:0 (21% +/- 0.3% to 21.7% +/- 0.4%, P < .05) and decreases in 18:0 (6.2% +/- 0.5% to 5.1% +/- 0.4%, P = .01), long-chain n-3 fatty acids (1.7% +/- 0.2% to 1.4% +/- 0.1%, P < .01), and total polyunsaturated fatty acids ([PUFAs] 8.7% +/- 0.8% to 8.0% +/- 0.8%, P < .05) are consistent with a decrease in fatty acid length and unsaturation in PC following NA administration. The change in ED50 was significantly correlated with the change in PUFAs (r = -.65, P < .05). These studies suggest that the induction of insulin resistance with NA is associated with changes in the fatty acid composition of PC in man.

Skeletal muscle phosphatidylcholine fatty acids and insulin sensitivity in normal humans

The fatty acid composition of skeletal muscle membrane phospholipids (PL) is known to influence insulin responsiveness in humans. However, the contribution of the major PL of the outer (phosphatidylcholine, PC) and inner (phosphatidylethanolamine, PE) layers of the sarcolemma to insulin sensitivity is not known. Fatty acid composition of PC and PE from biopsies of vastus lateralis from 27 normal men and women were correlated with insulin sensitivity determined by the hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp technique at insulin infusion rates of 0.4, 1.0, and 10.0 mU . kg-1 . min-1. Significant variation in the half-maximal insulin concentration (ED50) was observed in the normal volunteers (range 24.0-146.0 microU/ml), which correlated directly with fasting plasma insulin (r = 0.75, P < 0.0001). ED50 was inversely correlated with the degree of membrane unsaturation (C20-C22 polyunsaturated fatty acids; r = 0. 58, P < 0.01) and directly correlated with fatty acid elongation (ratio of 16:0 to 18:0, r = 0.45, P < 0.05) in PC. However, no relationship between fatty acid composition and insulin sensitivity was observed in PE (NS). These studies suggest that the fatty acid composition of PC may be of particular importance in the relationship between fatty acids and insulin sensitivity in normal humans.

Hepatitis C antibodies in haemodialysis and pattern of end-stage renal failure in Gassim, Saudi Arabia

As by the end of 1992, 96 (47 females; 49 females) patients were on regular dialysis treatment for end stage renal failure (ESRF) in 5 haemodialysis HD units, the Gassim region of Saudi Arabia. Because of lack of facilities, paediatric patients were under-represented, age range being 11 to 80 years. Systemic hypertension (47%), followed by hereditary/congenital conditions (23%) and non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus NIDDM (19%) were the most common causes of ESRF in the region. One patients developed ESRF 14 years after donor nephrectomy. Overall prevalence of HCAb was 50% with a range of 17.24% to 83%. Based, especially, on the findings in two of the units which between them handle 57% (55/96) of the patients, we believe that the practice of machine isolation policy (MIP) rather than blood transfusion is largely responsible for this wide variation in prevalence between the centres. Considering the very high overall prevalence of the Kingdom, we suggest the MIP should no longer be optional and should be part of the universal infection precautions for HD patients. Comparing Gassim with findings from Taif, there may be some variation in the pattern of ESRF between different parts of the Kingdom. More reports will be needed to document this. Donor nephrectomy as a cause of ESRF is being recorded for the first time in the Kingdom. Vigilance is important. Similarly, we believe that sexual intercourse as a probable route of hepatitis C virus HCV transmission is being recorded for the first time in the Kingdom.

Wolcott-Rallison syndrome

Two sibs with early onset diabetes and epiphysed dysplasia (Wolcott-Rallison syndrome) are described. The epiphyseal changes were radiologically apparent at 6 months of age in one of them, and both developed insulin dependent diabetes in the first few weeks of life. The clinical and radiological features of this syndrome are reviewed.

Interaction of naturally occurring aflatoxins in poultry feed and immunization against fowl cholera

A total of 1,175 poultry feed samples originating from different farms were analyzed for aflatoxin. Poor growth rate and reduced egg production were the main complaints. The rate of contamination with aflatoxin ranged from 10 to 54% of all samples. Of samples examined 30.7% proved positive for aflatoxin with a concentration ranging from 1 to 2,000 ppb. Outbreaks of fowl cholera were diagnosed on two farms where aflatoxin was detected in the rations used. The impact of aflatoxin in the feed on the efficacy of immunization against fowl cholera was monitored by a hemagglutination test and the titers of the involved farms were compared with experimental groups fed on aflatoxin-free rations and vaccinated with the same polyvalent fowl cholera bacterin. The antibody titers of the experimental groups were 4 to 15 times higher than those of the involved farms.

[Extra-arachnoid subdural injection, an accident of peridural anesthesia]

Two cases are presented, with accidents of peridural anesthesia, Anesthesia of the entire brain stem, paralysis of the intercostal muscles, and of the upper limbs, apnoea and miosis that developed later indicate an extension of the anesthetic effects far higher that it could have been expected considering the technical details of the procedure. On the other hand the absence of any durable coma, of extreme mydriasis, and of severe arterial hypotension, as well as the relatively rapid retrocession of the additional effects of the administration of an anesthetic exclude the possibility of total rachianesthesia, and it can be concluded that there was an accidental injection of anesthetic in the extra-arachnoid subdural space.

[Thyroid ectopia and Basedow's disease]

Graves' disease was diagnosed in a 35-year old woman with a history of myxoedema in childhood. Clinical data, ultrasonography and radioisotope scanning showed that the disease had developed in an ectopic subhyoid thyroid gland. Although numerous thyroid diseases associated with an ectopic thyroid have been described, Graves' disease does not seem to be frequent since only one case has been published so far.

[Homozygous infant in a family with hereditary protein C deficiency]

We report on a female infant homozygous for protein C deficiency in a Jordanian family with frequent intermarriage. A protein C antigen of 0.6% was determined. The parents first noticed painful nodular indurations in subcutanous tissue as well as blue-red skin coloration at the age of 6 months. The girl repeatedly suffered from microthrombotic events in parts of the body with large areas of subcutaneous fat. In contrast, the numerous heterozygous carriers with partial protein C deficiency did not show an increased tendency to thrombosis. From the history an autosomal-recessive inheritance may be inferred. Other authors reporting on homozygous cases also postulate the presence of a recessive gene. It is of interest that the infant described here differs from those in other case reports in the age at manifestation of the disease. The homozygous infant showed the first symptoms as late as the age of 6 months, whereas other case reports describe severe symptoms immediately after birth. All symptoms of disease were treated successfully with prothrombin complex concentrate without additional heparin protection. Microthrombotic events subsided quickly, and a large ulcer in the left flank healed almost completely within 6 days.