Causality bounds for neutron-proton scattering

We consider the constraints of causality and unitarity for the low-energy interactions of protons and neutrons. We derive a general theorem that non-vanishing partial-wave mixing cannot be reproduced with zero-range interactions without violating causality or unitarity. We define and calculate interaction length scales which we call the causal range and the Cauchy-Schwarz range for all spin channels up to J = 3. For some channels we find that these length scales are as large as 5 fm. We investigate the origin of these large lengths and discuss their significance for the choice of momentum cutoff scales in effective field theory and universality in many-body Fermi systems.Comment: 36 pages, 10 figures, 7 tables, version to appear in Eur. Phys. J.

Optimization of AlN thin layers on diamond substrates for high frequency SAW resonators

AlN/diamond heterostructures are very promising for high frequency surface acoustic wave (SAW) resonators. In their design, the thickness of the piezoelectric film is one of the key parameters. On the other hand, the film material quality and, hence, the device performance, also depend on that thickness. In this work, polished microcrystalline diamond substrates have been used to deposit AlN films by reactive sputtering, from 150 nm up to 3 μm thick. A high degree of the c-axis orientation has been obtained in all cases. SAW one port resonators at high frequency have been fabricated on these films with a proper combination of the film thickness and transducer size

Diet quality index as a predictor of treatment efficacy in overweight and obese adolescents: The EVASYON study

Background & aim: A diet quality index (DQI) is a tool that provides an overall score of an individual''s dietary intake when assessing compliance with food-based dietary guidelines. A number of DQIs have emerged, albeit their associations with health-related outcomes are debated. The aim of the present study was to assess whether adherence to dietary intervention, and the overall quality of the diet, can predict body composition changes. Methods: To this purpose, overweight/obese adolescents (n = 117, aged: 13–16 years; 51 males, 66 females) were recruited into a multi-component (diet, physical activity and psychological support) family-based group treatment programme. We measured the adolescents’ compliance and body composition at baseline and after 2 months (intensive phase) and 13 months (extensive phase) of follow-up. Also, at baseline, after 6 months, and at the end of follow-up we calculated the DQI. Results: Global compliance with the dietary intervention was 37.4% during the intensive phase, and 14.3% during the extensive phase. Physical activity compliance was 94.1% at 2-months and 34.7% at 13months and psychological support compliance were growing over the intervention period (10.3% intensive phase and 45.3% during extensive phase). Adolescents complying with the meal frequency criteria at the end of the extensive phase had greater reductions in FMI z-scores than those did not complying (Cohen''s d = 0.53). A statistically significant association was observed with the diet quality index. DQI-A variation explained 98.1% of BMI z-score changes and 95.1% of FMI changes. Conclusions: We conclude that assessment of changes in diet quality could be a useful tool in predicting body composition changes in obese adolescents involved in a diet and physical activity intervention programme backed-up by psychological and family support

Evolution of the use of corticosteroids for the treatment of hospitalised COVID-19 patients in Spain between March and November 2020: SEMI-COVID national registry

Objectives: Since the results of the RECOVERY trial, WHO recommendations about the use of corticosteroids (CTs) in COVID-19 have changed. The aim of the study is to analyse the evolutive use of CTs in Spain during the pandemic to assess the potential influence of new recommendations. Material and methods: A retrospective, descriptive, and observational study was conducted on adults hospitalised due to COVID-19 in Spain who were included in the SEMI-COVID- 19 Registry from March to November 2020. Results: CTs were used in 6053 (36.21%) of the included patients. The patients were older (mean (SD)) (69.6 (14.6) vs. 66.0 (16.8) years; p < 0.001), with hypertension (57.0% vs. 47.7%; p < 0.001), obesity (26.4% vs. 19.3%; p < 0.0001), and multimorbidity prevalence (20.6% vs. 16.1%; p < 0.001). These patients had higher values (mean (95% CI)) of C-reactive protein (CRP) (86 (32.7-160) vs. 49.3 (16-109) mg/dL; p < 0.001), ferritin (791 (393-1534) vs. 470 (236- 996) µg/dL; p < 0.001), D dimer (750 (430-1400) vs. 617 (345-1180) µg/dL; p < 0.001), and lower Sp02/Fi02 (266 (91.1) vs. 301 (101); p < 0.001). Since June 2020, there was an increment in the use of CTs (March vs. September; p < 0.001). Overall, 20% did not receive steroids, and 40% received less than 200 mg accumulated prednisone equivalent dose (APED). Severe patients are treated with higher doses. The mortality benefit was observed in patients with oxygen saturation </=90%. Conclusions: Patients with greater comorbidity, severity, and inflammatory markers were those treated with CTs. In severe patients, there is a trend towards the use of higher doses. The mortality benefit was observed in patients with oxygen saturation </=90%

Pengaruh Pemberian Ketotifen terhadap Jumlah Sel Fibroblas dan Kepadatan Sel Kolagen pada Luka Insisi Tikus Wistar

Ingga Hadian, S-501202027. PENGARUH PEMBERIAN KETOTIFEN TERHADAP JUMLAH SEL FIBROBLAS DAN KEPADATAN SEL KOLAGEN PADA LUKA INSISI TIKUS WISTAR. Pembimbing I : DR. Untung Alfianto, dr, Sp.Bs, Pembimbing II : dr. Ardana Tri Arianto. Msi. Med. Sp.An-KNA. Program studi Magister Kedokteran Keluarga, Minat Utama Ilmu Biomedik, Fakultas Kedokteran Universitas Sebelas Maret, Surakarta, 2016. Latar Belakang : Sel mast merupakan salah satu yang berperan dalam proses inflamasi pada penyembuhan luka. Sel mast dikaitkan dengan kejadian luka kronis, sehingga sel mast diduga ikut memelihara proses inflamasi secara berlebihan. Hambatan pada degranulasi sel mast diharapkan akan mempercepat penyembuhan luka yang ditandai dengan meningkatnya jumlah sel fibroblas dan kepadatan sel kolagen. Ketotifen mampu mengurangi dreganulasi sel Mast dan mengurangi pelepasan Histamin, protease sel Mast, myeloperoxidase, leukotriens, PAF dan bermacam-macam Prostaglandin. Ketotifen juga menghambat agregasi polimorfonuklear serta mengurangi respon inflamasi dan mempercepat migrasi fibroblas di fase proliferasi. Tujuan :Mengetahui perbedaan jumlah sel fibroblas dan kepadatan sel kolagen pada tikus wistar yang diberikan Ketotifen oral dosis 0.3 mg/kg dibandingkan plasebo pada penyembuhan luka insisi tikus wistar. Metode : Penelitian ini termasuk true eksperimental laboratorik dengan desain Randomized Controlled Trial yang menggunakan tikus wistar sebagai obyek penelitian. 14 tikus Wistar dibagi dalam 2 kelompok, masing masing kelompok terdiri atas 7 tikus Wistar. Kelompok 1 merupakan kelompok kontrol yang dilakukan insisi sepanjang 2cm pada kulit punggung tikus dan diberikan plasebo per oral selama 6 hari. Kelompok 2 merupakan kelompok perlakuan yang dilakukan insisi sepanjang 2cm pada kulit punggung tikus dan diberikan Ketotifen 0,3 mg/kgBB per oral setiap 12 jam selama 6 hari. Analisis data untuk membandingkan rerata antar kedua kelompok yaitu kelompok perlakuan dan kelompok kontrol menggunakan uji independent samples t-test, dengan tingkat kemaknaan p < 0,05 (dikatakan bermakna secara statistik). Hasil : Pada kelompok kontrol didapatkan rerata persentase kepadatan sel kolagen sebesar 26,05 %, sedangkan pada kelompok Ketotifen didapatkan rerata persentase kepadatan sel kolagen sebesar 36,13 %. Untuk jumlah sel fibroblas pada kelompok kontrol didapatkan rerata sebesar 423 per lapang pandang, sedangkan pada kelompok Ketotifen didapatkan rerata sebesar 555,43 per lapang pandang. Kesimpulan : Ketotifen mempercepat penyembuhan luka ditandai dengan peningkatan sel fibroblas dan sel kolagen. Kata Kunci : Sel Mast, Ketotifen, Sel fibroblas, Serabut Kolagen. ABSTRACT Ingga Hadian, S-501202027. EFFECTS OF KETOTIFEN ON FIBROBLAST CELL COUNT AND COLLAGEN DENSITY ON INCISED WISTAR RATS. DR. Untung Alfianto, dr., Sp.BS, dr. Ardana Tri Arianto, Msi, Med, Sp.An-KNA. Background: Mast cells have a pivotal role in every healing process that involves inflammation of the cells, usually in wounds of chronic nature. If the degranulation process of the mast cells are inhibited, the healing process of the wound will accelerate, indicated by a raise in fibroblast cells and collagen density. Ketotifen are shown to inhibit the degranulation process and decreasing the release of histamin, mast cells proteases, myeloperoxidases, leukotriens, PAF, and various prostaglandins. Ketotifen can also inhibit the aggregation of polymorphonuclear cells, increasing the rate of fibroblast migration in the proliferation phase. This study was aimed to identify the effects of ketotifen on fibroblast cell count and collagen density tested on a wistar rats model. Methods: This study was a true laboratoric experimental study with randomized controlled trial using wistar rats model as objects. 14 rats were divided into two groups, each group contained seven rats. The first group was the control group, where the rats were incised 2 cm above the back skin, and were given per oral placebo for 6 days. The second group were given the same treatment, only the rats were given ketotifen 0.3 mg/kg per oral, every 12 hours lasting 6 days. The data were then collected and tested with independent sample t-test, with p value less than 0,05 is statistically significant. Results: In the control group, the mean percentage of the thickest collagen density were marked at 26.05%, whereas in the treatment group collagen density were marked at 36.13%. The mean fibroblast cell count were marked at 423 and 555.43 each viewing field, on the control group and the treatment group respectively. Conclusion: Ketotifen can accelerate the healing process, marked by the significant increase in collagen density and fibroblast cell count. Keywords: mast cells, ketotifen, fibroblast cells, collagen fibers

Seguimiento de las guías españolas para el manejo del asma por el médico de atención primaria: un estudio observacional ambispectivo

Objetivo Evaluar el grado de seguimiento de las recomendaciones de las versiones de la Guía española para el manejo del asma (GEMA 2009 y 2015) y su repercusión en el control de la enfermedad. Material y métodos Estudio observacional y ambispectivo realizado entre septiembre del 2015 y abril del 2016, en el que participaron 314 médicos de atención primaria y 2.864 pacientes. Resultados Utilizando datos retrospectivos, 81 de los 314 médicos (25, 8% [IC del 95%, 21, 3 a 30, 9]) comunicaron seguir las recomendaciones de la GEMA 2009. Al inicio del estudio, 88 de los 314 médicos (28, 0% [IC del 95%, 23, 4 a 33, 2]) seguían las recomendaciones de la GEMA 2015. El tener un asma mal controlada (OR 0, 19, IC del 95%, 0, 13 a 0, 28) y presentar un asma persistente grave al inicio del estudio (OR 0, 20, IC del 95%, 0, 12 a 0, 34) se asociaron negativamente con tener un asma bien controlada al final del seguimiento. Por el contrario, el seguimiento de las recomendaciones de la GEMA 2015 se asoció de manera positiva con una mayor posibilidad de que el paciente tuviera un asma bien controlada al final del periodo de seguimiento (OR 1, 70, IC del 95%, 1, 40 a 2, 06). Conclusiones El escaso seguimiento de las guías clínicas para el manejo del asma constituye un problema común entre los médicos de atención primaria. Un seguimiento de estas guías se asocia con un control mejor del asma. Existe la necesidad de actuaciones que puedan mejorar el seguimiento por parte de los médicos de atención primaria de las guías para el manejo del asma. Objective: To assess the degree of compliance with the recommendations of the 2009 and 2015 versions of the Spanish guidelines for managing asthma (Guía Española para el Manejo del Asma [GEMA]) and the effect of this compliance on controlling the disease. Material and methods: We conducted an observational ambispective study between September 2015 and April 2016 in which 314 primary care physicians and 2864 patients participated. Results: Using retrospective data, we found that 81 of the 314 physicians (25.8%; 95% CI 21.3–30.9) stated that they complied with the GEMA2009 recommendations. At the start of the study, 88 of the 314 physicians (28.0%; 95% CI 23.4–33.2) complied with the GEMA2015 recommendations. Poorly controlled asthma (OR, 0.19; 95% CI 0.13–0.28) and persistent severe asthma at the start of the study (OR, 0.20; 95% CI 0.12–0.34) were negatively associated with having well-controlled asthma by the end of the follow-up. In contrast, compliance with the GEMA2015 recommendations was positively associated with a greater likelihood that the patient would have well-controlled asthma by the end of the follow-up (OR, 1.70; 95% CI 1.40–2.06). Conclusions: Low compliance with the clinical guidelines for managing asthma is a common problem among primary care physicians. Compliance with these guidelines is associated with better asthma control. Actions need to be taken to improve primary care physician compliance with the asthma management guidelines

Diamond underlayer microstructure effect on the orientation of AlN piezoelectric layers for high frequency SAW resonators by TEM

Due to its mechanical properties, diamond is very attractive as an active material for the fabrication of SAW resonators for high frequency applications. In this work, the synthesis of piezoelectric AlN films by reactive sputtering at room temperature has been optimized on thick diamond layers grown on Si and alumina substrates in order to process high frequency devices. The effect of diamond underlayer microstructure is evaluated by TEM. Two sets of samples are studied, AlN/NCD/Alumina and AlN/MCD/Si. The orientation of the AlN grains is shown to improve with the film thickness and the diamond grain size. For NCD underlayer, the AlN deposited on top is more oriented. Moreover, above 1 μm from the AlN/diamond interface, a high degree of the c-axis orientation (perpendicular to the AlN/diamond interface) is demonstrated even though two different grain lattice orientations are shown to coexist: one with the View the MathML source planes remaining parallel to the TEM-preparation lamella and the other with View the MathML source planes. The AlN/diamond interface is smooth down to the nm-scale

Diamond underlayer microstructure effect on the orientation of AlN piezoelectric layers for high frequency SAW resonators by TEM

Due to its mechanical properties, diamond is very attractive as an active material for the fabrication of SAW resonators for high frequency applications. In this work, the synthesis of piezoelectric AlN films by reactive sputtering at room temperature has been optimized on thick diamond layers grown on Si and alumina substrates in order to process high frequency devices. The effect of diamond underlayer microstructure is evaluated by TEM. Two sets of samples are studied, AlN/NCD/Alumina and AlN/MCD/Si. The orientation of the AlN grains is shown to improve with the film thickness and the diamond grain size. For NCD underlayer, the AlN deposited on top is more oriented. Moreover, above 1 μm from the AlN/diamond interface, a high degree of the c-axis orientation (perpendicular to the AlN/diamond interface) is demonstrated even though two different grain lattice orientations are shown to coexist: one with the View the MathML source planes remaining parallel to the TEM-preparation lamella and the other with View the MathML source planes. The AlN/diamond interface is smooth down to the nm-scale

Frequentist and Bayesian approaches for interval-censored data

AIDS, Bayesian inference, Hypothesis testing, Interval censoring, Nonparametric methods, Permutational tests,