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ESTRO recommendations on preoperative radiation therapy in breast cancer : current and future perspectives-Endorsed by ASTRO
No full textAbstract: Background and purpose: Preoperative radiation therapy (RT) for breast cancer is not a novel concept, though available data are insufficient to translate current knowledge into clinical practice. Nonetheless, potential advantages of this approach are emerging in multiple scenarios, incorporating increasing treatment personalization and technological improvements in RT. This paper aims to synthesize and summarize the literature on preoperative RT in distinct breast cancer treatment settings, providing perspectives based on existing evidence and gaps in knowledge. Methods: The ESTRO Breast subgroup proposal for elaborating perspectives on preoperative RT was approved by the ESTRO Guidelines Committee, and a panel of experts in the field was identified. Four working groups were created, focusing on the different clinical settings where preoperative RT has been investigated: patients with early-stage breast cancer at low risk of recurrence, patients with breast cancer at high risk of recurrence, and patients with an indication for mastectomy. The fourth group focused its search on cross cutting themes, such as preclinical and translational aspects, radiobiology, RT techniques and quality assurance. After a literature search including the identification of key points and gaps in the literature, the four working groups presented their findings and perspectives were formulated, discussed and approved by the panel. Results: Overall, 27 phase I and phase II studies enrolling patients from the year 2000 onward were considered, collecting data such as RT dose and fractionation, clinical outcomes, and complications rates. The expert panel stated perspectives for the different clinical scenarios based on available evidence and current gaps in knowledge, to be addressed by future clinical research. Conclusion: Given the current lack of clinical data to support the development of formal guidelines, we present our perspectives, which can be useful for implementing new clinical trials and research projects, overcoming current limitations, and potentially generating high-quality practice-changing data, introducing preoperative RT in specific breast cancer treatment settings in the future
European Respiratory Society and European Society of Thoracic Surgeons clinical practice guideline on fitness for curative intent treatment of lung cancer
No full textAbstract: A multidisciplinary panel of lung cancer experts with a special interest in functional evaluation of lung cancer patients, and lung cancer patient representatives, has been facilitated by the European Society of Thoracic Surgeons and the European Respiratory Society to provide healthcare professionals with practical and up-to-date recommendations for the assessment of patients' fitness for curative intent treatments for lung cancer. The panel formulated four PICO (population, intervention, comparison and outcomes) questions and seven complementary narrative questions. Both types of questions were assigned to groups of at least two experts. A medical librarian conducted the literature searches, and the authors selected relevant studies based on predefined inclusion criteria. Risk of bias was assessed using the QUIPS (Quality in Prognosis Studies) tool. Data were summarised and the certainty of evidence was assessed with GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations) and the Evidence to Decisions framework was used to formulate recommendations. A series of multidisciplinary recommendations was formulated about the utilisation of pulmonary function tests, split lung function values, exercise tests, cardiologic testing, and the role of prehabilitation, sublobar resections, risk scores and comorbidities in selecting patients for curative intent treatment. Patient fitness is a critical factor influencing curative intent treatment of lung cancer
Molecular dynamics studies of the structural and transport properties of CaO-Al\u2082O\u2083-SiO\u2082 melts : comparing the accuracy of the empirical force fields
No full textAbstract: Empirical force fields are widely used in classical molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to model the structure and dynamics of oxide melts such as CaO\u2013Al2O3\u2013SiO2, a system of significant industrial relevance. However, a systematic benchmarking of the most commonly used force fields for this ternary system to assess their transferability and accuracy in the molten state has not yet been presented in the literature. As such, this study analyses both the structural properties, such as density, bond lengths, and coordination numbers, and the dynamic properties, such as self-diffusion coefficients and electrical conductivity, of CaO\u2013Al2O3\u2013SiO2 melts across ten compositions and five temperatures ranging from 1400 to 1600 \u25e6C. The performance of the force fields proposed by Matsui, Guillot, and Bouhadja is evaluated by comparing classical MD predictions with experimental data, CALPHAD-based density models, and ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations. While Matsui\u2019s and Guillot\u2019s force fields accurately reproduce densities and Si\u2013O tetrahedral environments, Bouhadja\u2019s force field shows better agreement with AIMD predictions for Al\u2013O and Ca\u2013O bonding. Regarding dynamic properties, Bouhadja\u2019s force field yields the best agreement with experimental activation energies and demonstrates robust transferability beyond its original parameterization range. This benchmark study is the first to comprehensively validate these force fields for both structural and transport properties in the molten phase, and identifies Bouhadja\u2019s potential as the most physically accurate and reliable choice for simulating transport phenomena in CaO\u2013Al2O3\u2013SiO2 melts
Towards sustainable long-chain dicarboxylic acid production : challenges and opportunities
No full textAbstract: Long-chain dicarboxylic acids are versatile aliphatic compounds with two terminal carboxyl groups and hydrocarbon chains of 12 or more carbons, offering tunable thermal, mechanical, and chemical properties. They are widely used in polymers, lubricants, adhesives, pharmaceuticals, and other industrial chemicals. Conventional chemical synthesis relies on fossil feedstocks, harsh reagents, and energy-intensive processes, generating hazardous by-products and raising sustainability concerns. Microbial production has emerged as a greener alternative, exploiting \u3b1- and \u3c9-oxidation pathways in oleaginous yeasts such as Candida viswanathii and Yarrowia lipolytica. Metabolic and process engineering\u2014including \u3b2-oxidation disruption, cytochrome P450 overexpression, and optimized fed-batch cultivation\u2014has improved titers and productivities. Renewable hydrophobic and hydrophilic feedstocks, including plant oils, lignocellulosic sugars, and industrial wastes, enhance sustainability. Beyond canonical LCDAs, enzymatic modifications enable the production of functionalized derivatives, including hydroxy fatty acids, \u3b1,\u3c9-diols, \u3b1,\u3c9-diamines, and amino carboxylic acids, broadening their applications in bio-based polymers. This mini review provides an overview of long-chain dicarboxylic acid production, covering chemical synthesis routes and microbial approaches. It focuses on microbial production strains, feedstock strategies, metabolic and process engineering, and the biosynthesis of LCDA derivatives as integrated approaches toward sustainable and industrially viable LCDA biomanufacturing
Development of a novel electrochemical sensor based on gold-plated glassy carbon electrodes for in-situ dissolved oxygen monitoring in molten LiCl-KCl
No full textAbstract: As a requirement to close the nuclear fuel cycle, molten salt electrorefining in LiCl-KCl eutectic at 500 degrees C becomes a viable option for reprocessing advanced nuclear fuel. To control the process, in-situ monitoring techniques remain a challenge, dissolved oxygen ions and oxygen-containing impurities need to be monitored to avoid excessive corrosion and undesired reactions. Electrochemical sensing proofs to be among the most reliable techniques, however; the uncertainties associated with determining the working electrode (WE) area play a considerable role. This study explored the possibility of fixing the active area by plating the sensor material into a substrate that responds to dissolved oxygen ions on a different potential region. To find suitable candidates, the electrochemical response on W, Mo, Ni, Au and glassy carbon (GC) was studied. The clear peak distinction between Au and GC led to the development of a Gold plated Glassy Carbon (AupGC) sensor. The AupGC sensor exhibited a proportional and distinguishable response to O2-ion content in both Au and GC potential regions separated by 0.5 V, with the Au response remaining independent from the immersion depth. Calibrations performed by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and square wave voltammetry (SWV) demonstrated successful dissolved oxygen detection with a linear current response from 50 to 750 ppm. Stability tests and electrochemical surface area (ECSA) determination on the Au coating showed that the AupGC WE surface can remain stable for more than 72 h immersion in molten salt
Lead mobility in black crusts : an analysis of phase interactions
No full textAbstract: Black crusts have long been recognized as repositories for anthropogenic pollutants, particularly heavy metals such as lead (Pb). While the behaviour of water-soluble ions like Ca\ub2\u207a, Mg\ub2\u207a, and SO\u2084\ub2\u207b has been extensively studied, the distribution and mobility of trace elements like Pb remain insufficiently understood. This research focuses on the spatial distribution and speciation of Pb in black crusts, with emphasis on its mobilization and bioavailability. Preliminary results indicate a significant accumulation of Pb in the outer layers of the crust, contesting the widely held assumption that Pb primarily migrates into the underlying substrate due to its affinity for carbonate phases. The speciation of Pb is a crucial determinant of its mobility under varying environmental conditions, with important implications for the structural stability of heritage sites and the broader context of urban pollution
Global partnerships in educational research : exploring multilingual pedagogies for reading comprehension improvement in primary school non- readers
No full textAbstract: This paper explores the complexities and transformative potential of supervising international PhD students through a joint educational research project. Grounded in multilingual pedagogy, the research project presented in the paper investigates reading comprehension among South African primary school non-readers, addressing the systemic mismatch between learners' linguistic realities and a predominantly English-medium education system. Subsequently reflecting on the intercultural supervision process, the authors highlight methodological insights and emotional dimensions, especially enabling the second author to emphasize her evolving identity as a \u2018knowledge producer'. Drawing from personal experience, this chapter underscores the value of international collaboration. It challenges romanticized narratives of global education and research, exposing the structural and emotional challenges faced by international researchers. Ultimately, the chapter reframes international PhD work as a mutually enriching process of co-creation, resilience, and academic innovation
Towards a more sustainable future : development and application of heterogeneous CeO2-based catalysts
No full textAbstract: At present, the majority of all intricate global challenges are related to sustainability. Therefore, the urge for sustainable development is bigger than ever. To date, the chemical sector is already a major driving force for innovation and essential for sustainable growth across all sectors. However, much more scientific contributions will be needed to tackle the difficult task ahead, which is to create a sustainable world whereby the needs of the present are met without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Hence, the aim of this thesis is to make a positive contribution to sustainability by applying heterogeneous catalysis in various green chemistry related applications. The research in this PhD thesis is mainly focussed on the development of innovative CeO2-based catalysts and can be divided into four different topics: catalytic combustion of VOCs, plasma-catalytic conversion of CO2, photo-induced reduction of nitrobenzene to aniline, and the selective hydrodeoxygenation of aromatic carbonates. In more detail, chapters 2, 3 and 4 focus on catalyst optimisation to improve the catalytic combustion of toluene, which is a model compound for aromatic VOCs. Based on the obtained results it can be stated that combining noble and transition metals offers a unique approach to limit the costs and consumption of noble metals for industrial large-scale combustion of VOCs. Unfortunately, while intriguing results are obtained regarding the catalytic combustion of VOCs, it cannot be ignored that combustion of carbonaceous compounds results in the production of CO2. Therefore, the fifth chapter tackles the plasma-catalytic conversion of CO2 using CeO2. More specifically, it is investigated if increasing the amount of oxygen vacancies at the surface of CeO2 enhances the dissociation of the stable CO2 molecule, which facilitates the conversion of CO2 into value-added products. Next, in chapter 6 the development of a more sustainable photochemical process to convert nitroarenes into anilines at room temperature and in open atmosphere without the addition of hydrogen is discussed. Additionally, it is examined if the presence of a heterogeneous catalyst can further improve the obtained results. Finally, in chapter 7 a thorough characterisation is provided to gain a better understanding on the selective hydrodeoxygenation of aromatic carbonates when commercially available heterogeneous Ni-SiO2 catalysts are applied. Unravelling the reason behind the remarkable activity is trivial as the successful hydrodeoxygenation provides a next step in the development of important bio-based compounds from wood
Chronic pain following major trauma : prevalence, predictive models, and risk factors across common injury types
No full textAbstract: Introduction Chronic pain is a frequent and disabling complication following major trauma. Despite its high prevalence, it remains under-recognised and inconsistently managed. To review current evidence on the prevalence, risk factors and predictive models for chronic pain following major trauma, with comparison between musculoskeletal trauma, thoracic trauma, and spinal cord injury.Methods This narrative review follows PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Studies published between 2015 and March 2025 were included if they examined adults with major trauma and chronic pain. Thematic synthesis was performed and stratified by trauma sub-type.Results Chronic pain occurs in 30-70% of trauma survivors, with prevalence varying by injury type. Key risk factors include female sex, younger age, pre-existing pain, psychological distress, and social disadvantage. Validated prediction models are available for musculoskeletal trauma, while preventive strategies remain inconsistently applied across trauma sub-types.Conclusion Chronic pain after major trauma is common. A trauma-informed, proactive approach is needed to improve outcomes
Determining good solutions and validating them with a metaheuristic approach in social network influence minimization problems
No full textAbstract: The evolution of social networks has given rise to significant challenges associated with the overwhelming amount of information available. These challenges encompass various areas such as viral marketing, disease management, and misinformation control. Crafting effective strategies for minimizing influence is heavily influenced by factors like network topology, user behavior, and the dynamics of information propagation. As social networks become more intricate, the imperative to utilize data-driven insights becomes increasingly apparent. The Social Influence Minimization Problems (IMIN) aims to identify and strategically block users to limit the spread of information. Extracting structural insights through data-mining techniques can guide the development of efficient heuristics and the identification of influential users to be targeted for blocking. To address the JP-hard nature of the IMIN problem, a robust metaheuristic algorithm based on the Greedy Randomized Adaptive Search (GRASP) framework has been introduced. This method is derived from a deep understanding of how network features contribute to impactful solutions, proving to be effective and cost-efficient when compared to state-of-the-art methods