57 research outputs found
Photonuclear reactions with Zinc: A case for clinical linacs
The use of bremsstrahlung photons produced by a linac to induce photonuclear
reactions is wide spread. However, using a clinical linac to produce the
photons is a new concept. We aimed to induce photonuclear reactions on zinc
isotopes and measure the subsequent transition energies and half-lives. For
this purpose, a bremsstrahlung photon beam of 18 MeV endpoint energy produced
by the Philips SLI-25 linac has been used. The subsequent decay has been
measured with a well-shielded single HPGe detector. The results obtained for
transition energies are in good agreement with the literature data and in many
cases surpass these in accuracy. For the half-lives, we are in agreement with
the literature data, but do not achieve their precision. The obtained accuracy
for the transition energies show what is achievable in an experiment such as
ours. We demonstrate the usefulness and benefits of employing clinical linacs
for nuclear physics experiments
Factors affecting executive functions in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and volumetric changes in the prefrontal cortex
Childhood trauma, life-time self-harm, and suicidal behaviour and ideation are associated with polygenic scores for autism
Abstract: Autistic individuals experience significantly elevated rates of childhood trauma, self-harm and suicidal behaviour and ideation (SSBI). Is this purely the result of negative environmental experiences, or does this interact with genetic predisposition? In this study we investigated if a genetic predisposition for autism is associated with childhood trauma using polygenic scores (PGS) and genetic correlations in the UK Biobank (105,222 < N < 105,638), and tested potential mediators and moderators of the association between autism, childhood trauma and SSBI. Autism PGS were significantly associated with childhood trauma (max R2 = 0.096%, P < 2 × 10−16), self-harm ideation (max R2 = 0.108%, P < 2 × 10−16), and self-harm (max R2 = 0.13%, P < 2 × 10−16). Supporting this, we identified significant genetic correlations between autism and childhood trauma (rg = 0.36 ± 0.05, P = 8.13 × 10−11), self-harm ideation (rg = 0.49 ± 0.05, P = 4.17 × 10−21) and self-harm (rg = 0.48 ± 0.05, P = 4.58 × 10−21), and an over-transmission of PGS for the two SSBI phenotypes from parents to autistic probands. Male sex negatively moderated the effect of autism PGS on childhood trauma (β = −0.023 ± 0.005, P = 6.74 × 10−5). Further, childhood trauma positively moderated the effect of autism PGS on self-harm score (β = 8.37 × 10−3 ± 2.76 × 10−3, P = 2.42 × 10−3) and self-harm ideation (β = 7.47 × 10−3 ± 2.76 × 10−3, P = 6.71 × 10−3). Finally, depressive symptoms, quality and frequency of social interactions, and educational attainment were significant mediators of the effect of autism PGS on SSBI, with the proportion of effect mediated ranging from 0.23 (95% CI: 0.09–0.32) for depression to 0.008 (95% CI: 0.004–0.01) for educational attainment. Our findings identify that a genetic predisposition for autism is associated with adverse life-time outcomes, which represent complex gene-environment interactions, and prioritizes potential mediators and moderators of this shared biology. It is important to identify sources of trauma for autistic individuals in order to reduce their occurrence and impact
The macroscopic analysis of
In this paper, we have calculated the transition density to the 0 monopole resonant state in the framework of the collective macroscopic model to produce inelastic scattering angular distribution of the alpha–alpha system. The macroscopic transition density and the corresponding form factor compare well with those obtained from the the microscopic ab-initio model calculations
The effects of short and long time silicone hydrogel contact lens wear on tear film osmolarity
An Investigation of the Effects of the Mean Platelet Volume, Platelet Distribution Width, Platelet/Lymphocyte Ratio, and Platelet Counts on Mortality in Patents with Sepsis who applied to the Emergency Department
Aim: The aim of this study is to examine the role of the mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and platelet values for predicting mortality in patients with sepsis. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective study, involving patients 18 years and above who were diagnosed with sepsis. Blood samples were analyzed for platelets characteristics (counts, MPV, PDW, and PLR). The patients were separated into two groups namely the survivors and deceased. The two groups’ MPV, PDW, PLR, and platelet counts which were considered to have an effect on mortality, were compared. Results: Three hundred and thirty patients who were diagnosed with sepsis in our emergency department and complying with the study participation criteria were studied retrospectively. Comparison of the MPV, PDW, PLR, and platelet counts of the deceased and survivors showed that the MPV, PDW, and PLR were higher in the deceased while the platelet counts were higher in the survivors. Conclusion: The low number of platelets in patients with sepsis at the moment of application and the high PDW and PLR values are valuable for predicting a high mortality.Keywords: Mean platelet volume, mortality, platelet distribution width, platelet/lymphocyte ratio, sepsi
Concentrations of toxic metals and trace elements in the meconium of newborns from an industrial city
Objective: To investigate fetal exposure to toxic metals [lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd)] and fetal levels of trace elements [zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and iron (Fe)] in newborns from an industrial city. Relationships between meconium mineral contents and parental occupation and location of residence were also tested. Method. The meconium mineral contents of 117 healthy newborn infants were measured by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Results:The median concentrations (interquartile range) of toxic metals and trace elements in the meconium were as follows: Pb: 46.5 (1,399) mu g/g dry weight (wt), Cd: 2.3 (55.6) mu g/g dry wt; Zn: 234 (3,049) mu g/g dry wt; Cu: 11.8 (818.7) mu g/g dry wt, and Fe 105 (2,980) mu g/g dry wt. All the meconium samples contained both toxic metals and trace elements. The proportions of trace elements in the meconium samples with concentration higher than 100 mu g/g dry wt of the substances tested were Zn 90%, Cu 64%, and Fe 53%. There were significantly positive correlations between the concentrations of toxic metals and trace elements. Also there were positive correlations between the levels of Zn, Fe, and parental occupations, and between the level of Fe and location of residence of the parents (proximity to the petroleum refinery or the dye industries). Conclusion:All the meconium samples were positive for toxic metals, and thus may reflect environmental pollution in the city. The occupation environments and the location of the family residence are linked with levels of trace elements in meconium. Copyright (c) 2006 S. Karger AG, Basel
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