Simultaneous PatchGroup Thinning Coding together with DualWeighted p Minimization regarding Picture Restoration

For the small animal radiation research platform (SARRP) with X-ray beams in the medium energy range (tube operating voltage at 220 kVp), reference dosimetry is based on the AAPM TG-61 recommendations following the in-phantom method. The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of the Fricke solution as a dosimeter to determine the absorbed dose to water. Feasibility studies at this X-ray energy range are not widely available. We evaluated the accuracy, dose linearity and dose rate dependence in a comparison with an NE 2571 Farmer ionization chamber (IC) and measurements in water. The G(Fe3+) factor was calculated from the curve fitting of the chemical yields for two radioactive sources (192Ir and 60Co) and one X-ray system with a tube operating at 150 and 250 kVp. The same methodology was followed for the dependence of the G(Fe3+) value on the energy and the dose agreement assessment for 180 and 200 kVp in the SARRP. The Fricke system exhibits a good linear response over the range of 5-70 Gy and an accuracy better than 2% for a 2 Gy/min dose rate. The dose rate dependence is smaller than 1% for dose rates greater than 1 Gy/min. The dependence of the G(Fe3+) value on the energy is smaller than 0.41%, with dose agreements better than 2%. The feasibility of the dosimeter for measurements at high doses and high dose rates makes it a suitable tool for dosimetric verifications in several preclinical irradiation configurations. SR18662 in vitro The use of synchrotron X-ray sources provides innovative approaches in radiation therapy. The unique possibility to generate quasi-parallel beams promoted the development of microbeam radiation therapy (MRT), an innovative approach able to reduce damages to normal tissues while delivering considerable doses in the lesion. Accurate dosimetry in broad-beam configuration (prior to the spatial fractionation of the incident X-ray fan) is very challenging at ultra-high dose rate synchrotron sources. The available reference dosimetry protocol based on the use of a PTW PinPoint ionization chamber was compared with alanine dosimetry at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) ID17 Biomedical beamline, an orthovoltage X-ray source with an average dose rate of 11.6 kGy/s. Reference dose measurements of the alanine pellets were performed at the National Centre for Radiation Research and Technology (NCRRT) 60Co facility in Egypt. All alanine dosimeters were analysed by an electron paramagnetic resonance spectrometer. We determined a relative response rESRF = 0.932 ± 0.027 (1σ) of the alanine pellets irradiated at the ESRF compared to the 60Co facility. Considering the appropriate corrections for the ESRF polychromatic spectrum and the different field size used, our result is in agreement with the previous work of Waldeland et al. for which the utilised alanine contained the same amount of binder, and it is consistent with the works of Anton et al. and Butler et al. for which the utilised alanine contained a higher amount of binder. We confirm that alanine is an appropriate dosimeter for ultra-high dose rate calibration of orthovoltage X-ray sources. AIM Evidence for an association of foetal growth with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is inconclusive. AML is a rare childhood cancer, relatively more frequent in girls, with distinct features in infancy. In the context of the Childhood Leukemia International Consortium (CLIC), we examined the hypothesis that the association may vary by age, sex and disease subtype using data from 22 studies and a total of 3564 AML cases. METHODS Pooled estimates by age, sex and overall for harmonised foetal growth markers in association with AML were calculated using the International Fetal and Newborn Growth Consortium for the 21st Century Project for 17 studies contributing individual-level data; meta-analyses were, thereafter, conducted with estimates provided ad hoc by five more studies because of administrative constraints. Subanalyses by AML subtype were also performed. RESULTS A nearly 50% increased risk was observed among large-for-gestational-age infant boys (odds ratio [OR] 1.49, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03-2.14), reduced to 34% in boys aged less then 2 years (OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.05-1.71) and 25% in boys aged 0-14 years (OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.06-1.46). The association of large for gestational age became stronger in boys with M0/M1subtype (OR 1.80, 95% CI 1.15-2.83). Large birth length for gestational age was also positively associated with AML (OR 1.38, 95% CI 1.00-1.92) in boys. By contrast, there were null associations in girls, as well as with respect to associations of decelerated foetal growth markers. CONCLUSIONS Accelerated foetal growth was associated with AML, especially in infant boys and those with minimally differentiated leukaemia. Further cytogenetic research would shed light into the underlying mechanisms. Indoor air health problems of the type non-specific building-related symptoms (NBRS; formally called "sick-building syndrome") and chemical intolerance (CI; e.g. multiple chemical sensitivity) can in severe cases lead to significant disability and poor quality of life. Apart from suffering of the afflicted individuals, the productivity loss ascribed to environmental intolerances of this kind is very costly for society. Preventive measures and appropriate treatment call for understanding of the mechanism underlying NBRS and CI. Considerable similarities between NBRS and CI suggest that the two conditions at large share mechanisms. Since typical cases of these conditions cannot be explained by toxic exposure, the present objective is to describe underlying mechanisms of psychobiological nature for which there is well-developed theoretical ground and empirical support. Focus lies on the mechanisms neurogenic inflammation and neural sensitization. Apart from describing its basic mechanisms, neurogenic inflammation is reviewed in relation to NBRS and CI regarding neurogenic switching, activation of the autonomic nervous system and axon reflex as well as interaction effects between chemical irritants, allergens, and psychosocial stressors. In addition to describing various types of sensitization, empirical support for their role in NBRS and CI is reviewed. The mechanism classical conditioning, symptom misattribution and somatosensory amplification, and nocebo are also addressed. The review rounds off with a discussion on why only a subset of individuals exposed to these indoor environments develop NBRS and CI, and a discussion on integration of the presented mechanisms, accompanied by proposed hypotheses for future research.