A probable outbreak of toxoplasmosis among boarding school students in Turkey

ABSTRACTIn total, 171 students from a boarding school in Izmir, Turkey, with mild and non-specific symptoms of toxoplasmosis, were screened during September–October 2002. All 171 students were seropositive for Toxoplasma gondii IgG and IgM. Of 43 students tested, 40 (93%) had low IgG avidity. None showed evidence of ophthalmic involvement. The data suggest that T. gondii may spread rapidly in close living conditions, possibly following exposure to cat litter. This is the largest recent outbreak of toxoplamosis described in the medical literature

Impact of 18F-FDG PET/CT for Detecting Primary Tumor Focus in Patients with Histopathologically Proven Metastasis

Purpose: To describe the impact of fluorine (18F) - fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) in detecting primary tumor focus in our patient population who had histopathologically proven metastasis.Methods: 37 patients who underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT to detect primary tumor focus in our department were included in the study. The results of PET/CT and clinical follow-up data were reviewed retrospectively. PET/CT results were compared with histological analysis and/or clinical follow-up data.Results: Primary site of malignancy was correctly identified by PET/CT in 16 patients (16/37, 43%). Lung was the most common detected site (7/16). The mean SUV of metastatic tumor was higher than that of primary tumor. False positive and false negative results were obtained in 2 patients, respectively. In the remaining patients (17/37; 46%) the primary tumor was not localized by PET/CT. According to these results, the sensitivity and specificity of PET/CT were calculated as 89% and 90%, respectively. However, PET/CT scan determined additional metastatic focus and therapy management was changed (9/37, 24%). The primary focus was established in 4 of 8 (50%) patients with metastatic cervical adenopathy and in 12 of 29 (41%) patients with extra cervical metastases.Conclusions: 18F-FDG PET/CT can detect the primary tumor focus in about half of all patients with histopathologically proven metastases. In the remaining patients, it may contribute to therapy management by identifying additional foci

Reinterpretation of LHC results for new physics: Status and recommendations after run 2

We report on the status of efforts to improve the reinterpretation of searches and measurements at the LHC in terms of models for new physics, in the context of the LHC Reinterpretation Forum. We detail current experimental offerings in direct searches for new particles, measurements, technical implementations and Open Data, and provide a set of recommendations for further improving the presentation of LHC results in order to better enable reinterpretation in the future. We also provide a brief description of existing software reinterpretation frameworks and recent global analyses of new physics that make use of the current data

The Integrated Pest Management Implementation of the Cocoa Pod Borer in Indonesia

Indonesia is among the largest cocoa producers in the world and it makes an important contribution to the nation’s economy. In Indonesia, the cocoa pod borer (CPB) outbreaks have caused a decline in cocoa yield and quality, impacting the livelihoods of cocoa farmers. Application of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is promoted by the Indonesian government, in collaboration with various organizations. IPM is an approach that focuses on using a combination of biological, cultural, and chemical control methods to manage pests and reduce their impact on crops. The adoption of IPM practices in cocoa farming has shown promising results in Indonesia. Farmers have reported improved yields and quality of cocoa beans, reduced pesticide use, and improved environmental sustainability. In addition, the application of IPM has equipped farmers with knowledge and skills that can help them overcome other challenges in cocoa farming, such as a healthy environment