Neutron beta decay is one of the most fundamental processes in nuclear physics and provides sensitive means to uncover the details of the weak interaction. Neutron beta decay can evaluate the ratio of axialvector to vector coupling constants in the standard model, λ = g A /g V , through multiple decay correlations. The Nab experiment will carry out measurements of the electron-neutrino correlation parameter a with a precision of δa/a = 10 −3 and the Fierz interference term b to δb = 3 × 10 −3 in unpolarized free neutron beta decay. These results, along with a more precise measurement of the neutron lifetime, aim to deliver an independent determination of the ratio λ with a precision of δλ/λ = 0.03% that will allow an evaluation of V ud and sensitively test CKM unitarity, independent of nuclear models. Nab utilizes a novel, long asymmetric spectrometer that guides the decay electron and proton to two large area silicon detectors in order to precisely determine the electron energy and an estimation of the proton momentum from the proton time of flight. The Nab spectrometer is being commissioned at the Fundamental Neutron Physics Beamline at the Spallation Neutron Source at Oak Ridge National Lab. We present an overview of the Nab experiment and recent updates on the spectrometer, analysis, and systematic effects. *
ObjectivesWe aim to propose a modified surveillance strategy using a novel blood assay that detects plasma circulating tumor‐specific HPV DNA with reported 100% NPV and 94% PPV as the main method of detection to understand the cost implications of potentially avoiding routine imaging and surveillance visits at our institution.MethodsWe performed a retrospective chart review focusing on recurrences in p16+ patients with OPSCC and defined two surveillance strategies: “Strategy A", follow‐up visits with flexible laryngoscopy (FL) plus regular imaging studies; “Strategy B", follow‐up visits with FL plus regular NavDx assays and imaging used at the discretion of the physician(s) in cases of high clinical suspicion.ResultsOf the p16+ OPSCC patients (n = 214), 23 had confirmed recurrence (11%). Standard work‐flow model determined 72 imaging studies and 2198 physical examinations with FL were needed to detect one recurrence. Potential individual patient cost reduction during surveillance was 42%.ConclusionImplementing NavDx for HPV + OPSCC surveillance would benefit patients by reducing costs and unnecessary diagnostic testing.Level of EvidenceStep/Level 3 Laryngoscope, 2023
Background: Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is a common malignancy affecting the skin, and its incidence increases with age; as such, it disproportionately affects the elderly. It is especially difficult to treat advanced skin cancers in elderly patients with dementia, who may not tolerate radiotherapy.Case Description: A 100-year-old woman with advanced dementia was referred to dermatology for a large cSCC involving the nasal bridge and abutting the bilateral orbits. She was initially deemed a poor candidate for surgical resection, but over time the tumor grew and became increasingly destructive. Due to tumor growth causing symptoms and threatening vision, her family requested treatment. The patient was therefore referred to radiation oncology, and she received palliative radiation, using a single fraction of 16 gray (Gy) via a single electron field. Within 3 months, she had a clinical complete response, with no residual tumor and no persistent side effects from radiotherapy (RT). Ongoing follow-up revealed durable treatment response with no bothersome late toxicity.Conclusions: Single-fraction palliative radiotherapy is a suitable treatment option for durable palliation in elderly patients unable to undergo surgery and unable to tolerate conventional, fractionated RT in cases of symptomatic or rapidly-progressing non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC). It is well-tolerated in frail patients or those with dementia.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.