Dynamic Flow Control Strategies of Vehicle SCR Urea Dosing System

Selective Catalyst Reduction（SCR）Urea Dosing System（UDS）directly affects the system accuracy and the dynamic response performance of a vehicle.However,the UDS dynamic response is hard to keep up with the changes of the engine＇s operating conditions.That will lead to low NO_χconversion efficiency or NH_3 slip.In order to optimize the injection accuracy and the response speed of the UDS in dynamic conditions,an advanced control strategy based on an air-assisted volumetric UDS is presented.It covers the methods of flow compensation and switching working conditions.The strategy is authenticated on an UDS and tested in different dynamic conditions.The result shows that the control strategy discussed results in higher dynamic accuracy and faster dynamic response speed of UDS.The inject deviation range is improved from being between-8%and 10%to-4%and 2%and became more stable than before,and the dynamic response time was shortened from 200 ms to 150 ms.The ETC cycle result shows that after using the new strategy the NH_3 emission is reduced by 60%,and the NO_χemission remains almost unchanged.The trade-off between NO_χconversion efficiency and NH_3 slip is mitigated.The studied flow compensation and switching working conditions can improve the dynamic performance of the UDS significantly and make the UDS dynamic response keep up with the changes of the engine＇s operating conditions quickly.

Systematic analysis and modeling of the FLASH sparing effect as a function of dose and dose rate

Ultrahigh-dose-rate radiotherapy(FLASH-RT)is a revolutionary radiotherapy technology that can spare normal tissues without compromising tumor control.Although qualitative experimental results have been reported,quantitative and systematic analysis of data is necessary.Particularly,the FLASH effect response model to the dose or dose rate is still unclear.This study investigated the relationships between the FLASH effect and experimental parameters,such as dose,dose rate,and other factors by analyzing published in vivo experimental data from animal models.The data were modeled based on logistic regression analysis using the sigmoid function.The model was evaluated using prediction accuracy,receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve,and area under the ROC curve.Results showed that the FLASH effect was closely related to the dose,mean dose rate,tissue type,and corresponding biological endpoints.The dose rate corresponding to a 50% probability of triggering cognitive protection in the brain was 45 Gy s^(-1).The dose rate corresponding to a 50% probability of triggering intestinal crypt survival and regeneration was 140 Gy s^(-1).For the skin toxicity effect,the dose corresponding to a 50% probability of triggering the FLASH effect was 24 Gy.This study helps to characterize the conditions underlying the FLASH effect and provides important information for optimizing experiments.

High-dose methotrexate and zanubrutinib combination therapy for primary central nervous system lymphoma

In this editorial I comment on the article,published in the current issue of the World Journal of Clinical Oncology.Primary central nervous system lymphoma(PCNSL)is a disease of elderly and immunocompromised patients.The authors reported clinical results of 19 patients with PCNSL treated with zanubrutinib/high dose methotrexate(HD-MTX)until disease progression.They demonstrated that the combination of zanubrutinib with HD-MTX led to a marked clinical response and tolerability among these patients.They also observed that cerebrospinal fluid liquid biopsy to detect circulating tumor DNA may be a good option for evaluating treatment response and tumor burden in patients with PCNSL.PCNSL is a challenging disease for treatment as these patients present with different neurological states and comorbidities.Treatment has evolved over the years from whole brain radiotherapy to HD-MTX followed by autologous stem cell transplant.Gradually,treatment of patients with PCNSL is going to become individualized.

The PLC Control System of Vacuum Resin Shot Dosing Equipment

The principle and working process of Vacuum Resin Shot Dosing Equipment(VRSDE) are analyzed and the characteristics of IP1612-220PLC (Programmable Logical Controller) areintroduced briefly at first. Then the authors discuss the flow of program, the assignment of PLCI/O ports, the wiring diagram, and the ladder logic program of the PLC control system of VRSDE indetail. Some application issues of the system are accounted for in addition. Finally, according tothe information acquired from users, the authors draw the conclusion: this system owns a highreliability and a-vailability and greatly improves the automatic degree of VRDE.

A Fuzzy Mathematics Based Fault Auto-diagnosis System for Vacuum Resin Shot Dosing Equipment

On the basis of the analysis of faults and their causes of vacuum resin shot dosing equipment, the fuzzy model of fault diagnosis for the equipment is constructed, and the fuzzy relationship matrix, the symptom fuzzy vector, the fuzzy compound arithmetic operator, and the diagnosis principle of the model are determined. Then the fault auto-diagnosis system for the equipment is designed , and the functions for real-time monitoring its operation condition and for fault auto diagosis are realized. Finally, the experiments of fault auto-diagnosis are conducted in practical production and the veracity of the system is verified.

Dosing strategies for de novo once-daily extended release tacrolimus in kidney transplant recipients based on CYP3A5 genotype

BACKGROUND Tacrolimus extended-release tablets have been Food and Drug Administrationapproved for use in the de novo kidney transplant population.Dosing requirements often vary for tacrolimus based on several factors including variation in metabolism based on CYP3A5 expression.Patients who express CYP3A5 often require higher dosing of immediate-release tacrolimus,but this has not been established for tacrolimus extended-release tablets in the de novo setting.AIM To obtain target trough concentrations of extended-release tacrolimus in de novo kidney transplant recipients according to CYP3A5 genotype.METHODS Single-arm,prospective,single-center,open-label,observational study(ClinicalTrials.gov:NCT037-13645).Life cycle pharma tacrolimus(LCPT)orally once daily at a starting dose of 0.13 mg/kg/day based on actual body weight.If weight is more than 120%of ideal body weight,an adjusted body weight was used.LCPT dose was adjusted to maintain tacrolimus trough concentrations of 8-10 ng/mL.Pharmacogenetic analysis of CYP3A5 genotype was performed at study conclusion.RESULTS Mean time to therapeutic tacrolimus trough concentration was longer in CYP3A5 intermediate and extensive metabolizers vs CYP3A5 non-expressers(6 d vs 13.5 d vs 4.5 d;P=0.025).Mean tacrolimus doses and weight-based doses to achieve therapeutic concentration were higher in CYP3A5 intermediate and extensive metabolizers vs CYP3A5 non-expressers(16 mg vs 16 mg vs 12 mg;P=0.010)(0.20 mg/kg vs 0.19 mg/kg vs 0.13 mg/kg;P=0.018).CYP3A5 extensive metabolizers experienced lower mean tacrolimus trough concentrations throughout the study period compared to CYP3A5 intermediate metabolizers and non-expressers(7.98 ng/mL vs 9.18 ng/mL vs 10.78 ng/mL;P=00.008).No differences were identified with regards to kidney graft function at 30-d post-transplant.Serious adverse events were reported for 13(36%)patients.CONCLUSION Expression of CYP3A5 leads to higher starting doses and incremental dosage titration of extended-release tacrolimus to achieve target trough concentrations.We suggest a higher starting dose of 0.2 mg/kg/d for CYP3A5 expressers.

Evaluating Vancomycin Clinical Outcomes Using Area under the Curve versus Trough Based Dosing Strategies

Background: The 2020 consensus guidelines recommend AUC guided dosing as the preferred monitoring method for vancomycin. AUC based dosing has shown to reduce incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI), utilize lower daily doses in obese patients, and maintain efficacy. Several institutions have adjusted their protocols to utilize AUC guided dosing. However, there are limited studies comparing the clinical outcomes of AUC versus trough monitoring. Methods: This was a retrospective, observational, single centered study. The primary outcome was to evaluate the clinical success of AUC dosing versus trough based dosing of vancomycin for MRSA infections using a composite outcome of afebrile post treatment ( Results: Forty-seven patients were included in this study, 17 in the AUC group and 30 in the trough group. The primary composite outcome showed a significant benefit of AUC dosing (p = 0.04). The composite component culture clearance showed the largest improvement for the AUC group when compared with the trough group (p = 0.03). More patients achieved therapeutic target attainment and reached the target sooner (3 days versus 4 days, p = 0.2) in the AUC group. Over the study course, 94.1% of patients in the AUC group were considered therapeutic compared to 63.8% in the trough group (p = 0.03). Vancomycin levels were collected less frequently in the AUC group (3 versus 4, p = 0.2). Conclusion: The outcomes of this study may suggest AUC guided dosing as a beneficial alternative to trough based dosing. AUC based dosing may improve clinical success which can be further explored in larger prospective clinical trials.

Accurate models and nutritional strategies for specific oxidative stress factors: Does the dose matter in swine production?

Oxidative stress has been associated with a number of physiological problems in swine,including reduced production efficiency.Recently,although there has been increased research into regulatory mechanisms and antioxidant strategies in relation to oxidative stress-induced pig production,it remains so far largely unsuccessful to develop accurate models and nutritional strategies for specific oxidative stress factors.Here,we discuss the dose and dose intensity of the causes of oxidative stress involving physiological,environmental and dietary factors,recent research models and the antioxidant strategies to provide theoretical guidance for future oxidative stress research in swine.

Association of Thyroid Nodules with Various Elements in Urine and Blood Serum: A Case-Control Study

Thyroid nodules are a common clinical problem caused by various factors,including environmental and nutritional factors and genetic background.The environment can modulate and influence not only the risk of thyroid nodules but also the severity of disease in humans[1].The environment is awash with elements,and all mineral elements,including heavy metals and trace elements,are considered potentially toxic.A significantly higher incidence of thyroid cancer has been reported in populations exposed to low doses of metallic elements in volcanic areas over a long period[2].As research on thyroid disorders continues,it is becoming clear that abnormalities in trace elements in the body can affect the development of thyroid-related disorders.

Total ionizing dose effect modeling method for CMOS digital-integrated circuit

Simulating the total ionizing dose(TID)of an electrical system using transistor-level models can be difficult and expensive,particularly for digital-integrated circuits(ICs).In this study,a method for modeling TID effects in complementary metaloxide semiconductor(CMOS)digital ICs based on the input/output buffer information specification(IBIS)was proposed.The digital IC was first divided into three parts based on its internal structure:the input buffer,output buffer,and functional area.Each of these three parts was separately modeled.Using the IBIS model,the transistor V-I characteristic curves of the buffers were processed,and the physical parameters were extracted and modeled using VHDL-AMS.In the functional area,logic functions were modeled in VHDL according to the data sheet.A golden digital IC model was developed by combining the input buffer,output buffer,and functional area models.Furthermore,the golden ratio was reconstructed based on TID experimental data,enabling the assessment of TID effects on the threshold voltage,carrier mobility,and time series of the digital IC.TID experiments were conducted using a CMOS non-inverting multiplexer,NC7SZ157,and the results were compared with the simulation results,which showed that the relative errors were less than 2%at each dose point.This confirms the practicality and accuracy of the proposed modeling method.The TID effect model for digital ICs developed using this modeling technique includes both the logical function of the IC and changes in electrical properties and functional degradation impacted by TID,which has potential applications in the design of radiation-hardening tolerance in digital ICs.

Cryogenic transmission electron microscopy on beam-sensitive materials and quantum science

Transmission electron microscopy(TEM)offers unparalleled atomic-resolution imaging of complex materials and heterogeneous structures.However,high-energy imaging electrons can induce structural damage,posing a challenge for electron-beam-sensitive materials.Cryogenic TEM(Cryo-TEM)has revolutionized structural biology,enabling the visualization of biomolecules in their near-native states at unprecedented detail.The low electron dose imaging and stable cryogenic environment in Cryo-TEM are now being harnessed for the investigation of electron-beam-sensitive materials and low-temperature quantum phenomena.Here,we present a systematic review of the interaction mechanisms between imaging electrons and atomic structures,illustrating the electron beam-induced damage and the mitigating role of Cryo-TEM.This review then explores the advancements in low-dose Cryo-TEM imaging for elucidating the structures of organic-based materials.Furthermore,we showcase the application of Cryo-TEM in the study of strongly correlated quantum materials,including the detection of charge order and novel topological spin textures.Finally,we discuss the future prospects of Cryo-TEM,emphasizing its transformative potential in unraveling the complexities of materials and phenomena across diverse scientific disciplines.

Establishment of NaLuF_(4):15%Tb-based low dose X-PDT agent and its application on efficient antitumor therapy

X-ray excited photodynamic therapy(X-PDT)is the bravo answer of photodynamic therapy(PDT)for deep-seated tumors,as it employs X-ray as the irradiation source to overcome the limitation of light penetration depth.However,high X-ray irradiation dose caused organ lesions and side effects became the major barrier to X-PDT application.To address this issue,this work employed a classic-al co-precipitation reaction to synthesize NaLuF_(4):15%Tb^(3+)(NLF)with an average particle size of(23.48±0.91)nm,which was then coupled with the photosensitizer merocyanine 540(MC540)to form the X-PDT system NLF-MC540 with high production of singlet oxygen.The system could induce antitumor efficacy to about 24%in relative low dose X-ray irradiation range(0.1-0.3 Gy).In vivo,when NLF-MC540 irradiated by 0.1 Gy X-ray,the tumor inhibition percentage reached 89.5%±5.7%.The therapeutic mechanism of low dose X-PDT was found.A significant increase of neutrophils in serum was found on the third day after X-PDT.By immunohistochemical staining of tumor sections,the Ly6G^(+),CD8^(+),and CD11c^(+)cells infiltrated in the tumor microenvironment were studied.Utilizing the bilat-eral tumor model,the NLF-MC540 with 0.1 Gy X-ray irradiation could inhibit both the primary tumor and the distant tumor growth.De-tected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA),two cytokines IFN-γand TNF-αin serum were upregulated 7 and 6 times than negative control,respectively.Detected by enzyme linked immune spot assay(ELISPOT),the number of immune cells attributable to the IFN-γand TNF-αlevels in the group of low dose X-PDT were 14 and 6 times greater than that in the negative control group,respectively.Thus,it conclude that low dose X-PDT system could successfully upregulate the levels of immune cells,stimulate the secretion of cy-tokines(especially IFN-γand TNF-α),activate antitumor immunity,and finally inhibit colon tumor growth.

美国《保健物理》(Health Physics)杂志英文摘要(2023年125卷第4期)(英文)

Fetal and Maternal Atomic Bomb Survivor Dosimetry Using the J45 Pregnant Female Phantom Series:Considerations of the Kneeling and Lying Posture with Comparisons to the DS02 System Sean J.Domal1,Camilo M.Correa-Alfonso1,Colin J.Paulbeck2,Keith T.Griffin3,4,Tatsuhiko Sato5,Sachiyo Funamoto6,Harry M.Cullings6,Stephen D.Egbert7,Akira Endo8,Nolan E.Hertel4,Choonsik Lee3,Wesley E.Bolch9(1.Medical Physics Program,College of Medicine,University of Florida,Gainesville,FL;2.Department of Radiology,Johns Hopkins University,Baltimore,MD;3.National Cancer Institute,National Institutes of Health,Rockville,MD;4.George W.Woodruff School of Mechanical Eng.,Georgia Institute of Technology,Atlanta,GA;5.Nuclear Science and Engineering Center,Japan Atomic Energy Agency,Tokaimura,Japan;6.Department of Statistics,Radiation Effects Research Foundation,Hiroshima,Japan;7.Consultant,San Diego,CA;8.Nuclear Science Research Institute,Japan Atomic Energy Agency,Tokaimura,Japan;9.J.Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Eng.,University of Florida,Gainesville,FL USA)Abstract:Organ dosimetry data of the atomic bomb survivors and the resulting cancer risk models derived from these data are currently assessed within the DS02 dosimetry system developed through the Joint US-Japan Dosimetry Working Group.In DS02,the anatomical survivor models are limited to three hermaphroditic stylized phantoms—an adult(55 kg),a child(19.8 kg),and an infant(9.7 kg)—that were originally designed for the preceding DS86 dosimetry system.As such,organ doses needed for assessment of in-utero cancer risks to the fetus have continued to rely upon the use of the uterine wall in the adult non-pregnant stylized phantom as the dose surrogate for all fetal organs regardless of gestational age.

Normalized glandular dose coefficients for digital breast tomosynthesis using detailed Chinese breast models

The rise in breast cancer diagnoses among Chinese women has necessitated the use of X-ray breast screening,which carries a radiation risk.This study aimed to provide a dosimetry protocol for the Chinese female population to replace the traditional standard that utilizes simplified breast models,for the accurate estimation of the mean glandular dose of a patient undergoing digital breast tomosynthesis(DBT).The first set of detailed Chinese female breast models and representative breast parameters was constructed.Considering backscatter radiation and computational efficiency,we improved the combination of these models and the Chinese reference adult female whole-body voxel phantom.Image acquisition for four commercial DBT systems that are widely employed in China was simulated using the Monte Carlo method to obtain the normalized glandular dose coefficients of DBT(D_(gN)^(DBT))and the glandular depth dose(D_(g)^(dep)(z))for different breast characteristics and X-ray spectra.We calculated a series of D_(gN)^(DBT) values for breasts with different percentage mass glandularities(5%,25%,50%,75%,and 100%)and compressed breast thicknesses(2,3,4,5,6,and 7 cm)at various tube potentials(25,28,30,32,35,and 49 kV)and target/filter combinations(W/Rh,W/Al,Mo/Mo,Rh/Rh,and Rh/Ag).The parameter dependence of the breast characteristics and beam conditions on D_(gN)^(DBT) in detailed breast models was investigated.The D_(gN)^(DBT) results were 14.6-51.0%lower than those of the traditional dosimetry standard in China.The difference in D_(gN)^(DBT) was mainly due to a decrease in the depth of the main energy deposition area caused by the glandular distribution along the depth direction.The results obtained in this study may be used to improve breast dosimetry in China and provide more detailed information on risk assessment during DBT.

Helicobacter pylori:High dose amoxicillin does not improve primary or secondary eradication rates in an Irish cohort

BACKGROUND Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)eradication rates have fallen globally,likely in large part due to increasing antibiotic resistance to traditional therapy.In areas of high clarithromycin and metronidazole resistance such as ours,Maastricht VI guidelines suggest high dose amoxicillin dual therapy(HDADT)can be considered,subject to evidence for local efficacy.In this study we assess efficacy of HDADT therapy for H.pylori eradication in an Irish cohort.AIM To assess the efficacy of HDADT therapy for H.pylori eradication in an Irish cohort as both first line,and subsequent therapy for patients diagnosed with H.pylori.METHODS All patients testing positive for H.pylori in a tertiary centre were treated prospectively with HDADT(amoxicillin 1 g tid and esomeprazole 40 mg bid×14 d)over a period of 8 months.Eradication was confirmed with Urea Breath Test at least 4 wk after cessation of therapy.A delta-over-baseline>4%was considered positive.Patient demographics and treatment outcomes were recorded,analysed and controlled for basic demographics and prior H.pylori treatment.RESULTS One hundred and ninety-eight patients were identified with H.pylori infection,10 patients were excluded due to penicillin allergy and 38 patients refused follow up testing.In all 139 were included in the analysis,55%(n=76)were female,mean age was 46.6 years.Overall,93(67%)of patients were treatment-naïve and 46(33%)had received at least one previous course of treatment.The groups were statistically similar.Self-reported compliance with HDADT was 97%,mild side-effects occurred in 7%.There were no serious adverse drug reactions.Overall the eradication rate for our cohort was 56%(78/139).Eradication rates were worse for those with previous treatment[43%(20/46)vs 62%(58/93),P=0.0458,odds ratio=2.15].Age and Gender had no effect on eradication status.CONCLUSION Overall eradication rates with HDADT were disappointing.Despite being a simple and possibly better tolerated regime,these results do not support its routine use in a high dual resistance country.Further investigation of other regimens to achieve the>90%eradication target is needed.

Uninvolved liver dose prediction in stereotactic body radiation therapy for liver cancer based on the neural network method

BACKGROUND The quality of a radiotherapy plan often depends on the knowledge and expertise of the plan designers.AIM To predict the uninvolved liver dose in stereotactic body radiotherapy(SBRT)for liver cancer using a neural network-based method.METHODS A total of 114 SBRT plans for liver cancer were used to test the neural network method.Sub-organs of the uninvolved liver were automatically generated.Correlations between the volume of each sub-organ,uninvolved liver dose,and neural network prediction model were established using MATLAB.Of the cases,70%were selected as the training set,15%as the validation set,and 15%as the test set.The regression R-value and mean square error(MSE)were used to evaluate the model.RESULTS The volume of the uninvolved liver was related to the volume of the corresponding sub-organs.For all sets of Rvalues of the prediction model,except for D_(n0)which was 0.7513,all R-values of D_(n10)-D_(n100)and D_(nmean)were>0.8.The MSE of the prediction model was also low.CONCLUSION We developed a neural network-based method to predict the uninvolved liver dose in SBRT for liver cancer.It is simple and easy to use and warrants further promotion and application.

Review on Hydroxyurea Usage in Young Children with Sickle Cell Disease: Examining Hemoglobin Induction, Potential Benefits, Responses, Safety, and Effectiveness

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a prevalent condition, particularly in the countries of sub-Saharan Africa, where the presence of specific genes associated with Malaria contributes to its high prevalence. Patients with sickle cell disease frequently experience painful episodes necessitating hospitalization, and their hemoglobin levels are typically lower than those of the general population. There are different treatment options available to manage complications, such as transfusing blood, hydroxyurea, and strong anti-pains. However, with all these treatments, patients still commonly experience pain crises and suffer from organ damage. Hydroxyurea, the sole approved medication for sickle cell anemia in developed and developing countries, is widely used in children despite being primarily indicated for adults. Multiple studies have demonstrated the efficacy of hydroxyurea in inducing HbF production in young children with SCD. Elevated HbF levels have been associated with improved clinical outcomes, including a reduction in vaso-occlusive crises, acute chest syndrome, and the need for blood transfusions. Furthermore, increased HbF levels have been shown to ameliorate disease-related organ damage, such as pulmonary hypertension and sickle cell retinopathy. The response to hydroxyurea treatment in young children with SCD is variable. Some patients achieve substantial increases in HbF levels and experience significant clinical benefits, while others may have a more modest response. Factors influencing the response include baseline HbF levels, genetic modifiers, treatment adherence, and dose optimization. Safety is a crucial consideration when using hydroxyurea in young children. Studies have shown that hydroxyurea is generally well-tolerated, with the most common adverse effects being myelosuppression, gastrointestinal symptoms, and dermatological manifestations. However,long-term effects and potential risks, such as renal dysfunction and reproductive impacts, require further investigation. The effectiveness of hydroxyurea in young children with SCD has been demonstrated in various clinical trials and observational studies. These studies have shown a significant reduction in disease-related complications and improved quality of life. However, optimal dosing, treatment duration, and long-term outcomes are still areas of ongoing research. This review focuses on recent studies investigating the benefits, effectiveness, responses, and safety of hydroxyurea in pediatric individuals diagnosed with sickle cell disease.

Correlation between dose-volume parameters and rectal bleeding after 12 fractions of carbon ion radiotherapy for prostate cancer

BACKGROUND Carbon ion radiotherapy(CIRT)is currently used to treat prostate cancer.Rectal bleeding is a major cause of toxicity even with CIRT.However,to date,a correlation between the dose and volume parameters of the 12 fractions of CIRT for prostate cancer and rectal bleeding has not been shown.Similarly,the clinical risk factors for rectal bleeding were absent after 12 fractions of CIRT.AIM To identify the risk factors for rectal bleeding in 12 fractions of CIRT for prostate cancer.METHODS Among 259 patients who received 51.6 Gy[relative biological effectiveness(RBE)],in 12 fractions of CIRT,15 had grade 1(5.8%)and nine had grade 2 rectal bleeding(3.5%).The dose-volume parameters included the volume(cc)of the rectum irradiated with at least x Gy(RBE)(Vx)and the minimum dose in the most irradiated x cc normal rectal volume(Dx).RESULTS The mean values of D6cc,D2cc,V10 Gy(RBE),V20 Gy(RBE),V30 Gy(RBE),and V40 Gy(RBE)were significantly higher in the patients with rectal bleeding than in those without.The cutoff values were D6cc=34.34 Gy(RBE),D2cc=46.46 Gy(RBE),V10 Gy(RBE)=9.85 cc,V20 Gy(RBE)=7.00 cc,V30 Gy(RBE)=6.91 cc,and V40 Gy(RBE)=4.26 cc.The D2cc,V10 Gy(RBE),and V20 Gy(RBE)cutoff values were significant predictors of grade 2 rectal bleeding.CONCLUSION The above dose-volume parameters may serve as guidelines for preventing rectal bleeding after 12 fractions of CIRT for prostate cancer.

Intentionally unilateral prostatic artery embolization:Patient selection,technique and potential benefits

BACKGROUND Prostatic artery embolization(PAE)is a promising but also technically demanding interventional radiologic treatment for symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia.Many technical challenges in PAE are associated with the complex anatomy of prostatic arteries(PAs)and with the systematic attempts to catheterize the PAs of both pelvic sides.Long procedure times and high radiation doses are often the result of these attempts and are considered significant disadvantages of PAE.The authors hypothesized that,in selected patients,these disadvantages could be mitigated by intentionally embolizing PAs of only one pelvic side.AIM To describe the authors’approach for intentionally unilateral PAE(IU-PAE)and its potential benefits.METHODS This was a single-center retrospective study of patients treated with IU-PAE during a period of 2 years.IU-PAE was applied in patients with opacification of more than half of the contralateral prostatic lobe after angiography of the ipsilateral PA(subgroup A),or with markedly asymmetric prostatic enlargement,with the dominant prostatic lobe occupying at least two thirds of the entire gland(subgroup B).All patients treated with IU-PAE also fulfilled at least one of the following criteria:Severe tortuosity or severe atheromatosis of the pelvic arteries,non-visualization,or visualization of a tiny(<1 mm)contralateral PA on preprocedural computed tomographic angiography.Intraprocedural contrast-enhanced ultrasonography(iCEUS)was applied to monitor prostatic infarction.IU-PAE patients were compared to a control group treated with bilateral PAE.RESULTS IU-PAE was performed in a total 13 patients(subgroup A,n=7;subgroup B,n=6).Dose-area product,fluoroscopy time and operation time in the IU-PAE group(9767.8μGy∙m^(2),30.3 minutes,64.0 minutes,respectively)were significantly shorter(45.4%,35.9%,45.8%respectively,P<0.01)compared to the control group.Clinical and imaging outcomes did not differ significantly between the IU-PAE group and the control group.In the 2 clinical failures of IU-PAE(both in subgroup A),the extent of prostatic infarction(demonstrated by iCEUS)was significantly smaller compared to the rest of the IU-PAE group.CONCLUSION In selected patients,IU-PAE is associated with comparable outcomes,but with lower radiation exposure and a shorter procedure compared to bilateral PAE.iCEUS could facilitate patient selection for IU-PAE.

Feasibility of Integrating Leprosy Post-Exposure Prophylaxis with Single-Dose Rifampicin (LPEP) into Routine Leprosy Control Program in Bukedi and Teso Regions in Uganda

Background: World Health Organization recommends the implementation of contact tracing and Leprosy Post Exposure prophylaxis (LPEP) to interrupt the chain of transmission. To accelerate the uptake of this recommendation, a cross-sectional study among contacts of leprosy patients was conducted to investigate the feasibility of integrating leprosy systematic contact tracing and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) into the routine leprosy control program. Methods: This was a mixed methods cross-sectional study. The study was implemented in Kumi, Ngora, Serere, Soroti, Budaka and Kibuku Districts. Results: The 45 enrolled index patients (97.8% of the registered) identified a total of 135 contacts, of which 134 (99·2%) consented and were screened. Among them, one new leprosy patient was identified and started on treatment with multidrug therapy (MDT). All the eligible contacts, received the prophylactic treatment with Single Dose Rifampicin (SDR). Overall, SDR was administered to 133(98.5% of the listed contacts) with no adverse event reported. Factors associated with successful contact investigation and management included: Involvement of index patients, health care workers during the contact screening and SDR A administration, counselling of the index patients and contacts by the health care works, LPEP being administered as Directly observed Therapy (DOT) among others. Results Interpretation: The integration of leprosy post-exposure prophylaxis with administration of SDR and contact tracing is feasible, generally accepted by the patient, their contacts and health workers and can be integrated into the National Leprosy control programmes with minimal additional efforts once contact tracing has been established. Therefore, we recommend integration of administration of SDR in to the routine leprosy control program.