Time-of-flight and activation experiments on 147Pm and 171Tm for astrophysics

The neutron capture cross section of several key unstable isotopes acting as branching points in the s-process are crucial for stellar nucleosynthesis studies, but they are very challenging to measure due to the difficult production of sufficient sample material, the high activity of the resulting samples, and the actual (n,γ) measurement, for which high neutron fluxes and effective background rejection capabilities are required. As part of a new program to measure some of these important branching points, radioactive targets of 147Pm and 171Tm have been produced by irradiation of stable isotopes at the ILL high flux reactor. Neutron capture on 146Nd and 170Er at the reactor was followed by beta decay and the resulting matrix was purified via radiochemical separation at PSI. The radioactive targets have been used for time-of-flight measurements at the CERN n-TOF facility using the 19 and 185 m beam lines during 2014 and 2015. The capture cascades were detected using a set of four C6D6 scintillators, allowing to observe the associated neutron capture resonances. The results presented in this work are the first ever determination of the resonance capture cross section of 147Pm and 171Tm. Activation experiments on the same 147Pm and 171Tm targets with a high-intensity 30 keV quasi-Maxwellian flux of neutrons will be performed using the SARAF accelerator and the Liquid-Lithium Target (LiLiT) in order to extract the corresponding Maxwellian Average Cross Section (MACS). The status of these experiments and preliminary results will be presented and discussed as well

Characterization of the n-TOF EAR-2 neutron beam

The experimental area 2 (EAR-2) at CERNs neutron time-of-flight facility (n-TOF), which is operational since 2014, is designed and built as a short-distance complement to the experimental area 1 (EAR-1). The Parallel Plate Avalanche Counter (PPAC) monitor experiment was performed to characterize the beam prole and the shape of the neutron 'ux at EAR-2. The prompt γ-flash which is used for calibrating the time-of-flight at EAR-1 is not seen by PPAC at EAR-2, shedding light on the physical origin of this γ-flash

New measurement of the 242Pu(n,γ) cross section at n-TOF-EAR1 for MOX fuels : Preliminary results in the RRR

The spent fuel of current nuclear reactors contains fissile plutonium isotopes that can be combined with 238U to make mixed oxide (MOX) fuel. In this way the Pu from spent fuel is used in a new reactor cycle, contributing to the long-term sustainability of nuclear energy. The use of MOX fuels in thermal and fast reactors requires accurate capture and fission cross sections. For the particular case of 242Pu, the previous neutron capture cross section measurements were made in the 70's, providing an uncertainty of about 35% in the keV region. In this context, the Nuclear Energy Agency recommends in its "High Priority Request List" and its report WPEC-26 that the capture cross section of 242Pu should be measured with an accuracy of at least 7-12% in the neutron energy range between 500 eV and 500 keV. This work presents a brief description of the measurement performed at n-TOF-EAR1, the data reduction process and the first ToF capture measurement on this isotope in the last 40 years, providing preliminary individual resonance parameters beyond the current energy limits in the evaluations, as well as a preliminary set of average resonance parameters

Whole genome analysis of a schistosomiasis-transmitting freshwater snail

Biomphalaria snails are instrumental in transmission of the human blood fluke Schistosoma mansoni. With the World Health Organization's goal to eliminate schistosomiasis as a global health problem by 2025, there is now renewed emphasis on snail control. Here, we characterize the genome of Biomphalaria glabrata, a lophotrochozoan protostome, and provide timely and important information on snail biology. We describe aspects of phero-perception, stress responses, immune function and regulation of gene expression that support the persistence of B. glabrata in the field and may define this species as a suitable snail host for S. mansoni. We identify several potential targets for developing novel control measures aimed at reducing snail-mediated transmission of schistosomiasis

Radiative Neutron Capture Cross-Section Measurement of Ge Isotopes at n_TOF CERN Facility and Its Importance for Stellar Nucleosynthesis

This work was supported by the Austrian Science Fund FWF (J3503), the Adolf Messer Foundation (Germany), the UK Science and Facilities Council (ST/M006085/1), and the European Research Council ERC-2015-StG No. 677497. We also acknowledge the support of the National Science Centre, Poland, under the grant UMO-2016/22/M/ST2/00183, the MSMT of the Czech Republic and the Croatian Science Foundation under the project IP-2018-01-8570.This manuscript summarizes the results of radiative neutron capture cross-section measurements on two stable germanium isotopes, Ge-70 and Ge-73. Experiments were performed at the n_TOF facility at CERN via the time-of-flight technique, over a wide neutron energy range, for all stable germanium isotopes (70,72,73,74, and 76). Results for Ge-70 [Phys. Rev. C 100, 045804 (2019)] and Ge-73 [Phys. Lett. B 790, 458 (2019)] are already published. In the field of nuclear structure, such measurements allow to study excited levels close to the neutron binding energy and to obtain information on nuclear properties. In stellar nucleosynthesis research, neutron induced reactions on germanium are of importance for nucleosynthesis in the weak component of the slow neutron capture processes.Austrian Science Fund (FWF) J3503Adolf Messer Foundation (Germany)UK Science and Facilities Council ST/M006085/1European Research Council (ERC)European Commission 677497National Science Centre, Poland UMO-2016/22/M/ST2/00183Ministry of Education, Youth & Sports - Czech RepublicCroatian Science Foundation IP-2018-01-857

Actinomyces-like Organisms From A Vaginal Granuloma Following Intravaginal Slingplasty With Polypropylene Mesh

[No abstract available]1022172173Baessler, K., Hewson, A.D., Tunn, R., Schuessler, B., Maher, C.F., Severe mesh complications following intravaginal slingplasty (2005) Obstet Gynecol, 106, pp. 713-716Wai, C.Y., Nihira, M.A., Drewes, P.G., Chang, J.S., Siddiqui, M.T., Hemsell, D.L., Actinomyces associated with persistent vaginal granulation tissue (2005) Infect Dis Obstet Gynecol, 13, pp. 53-55Mali, B., Joshi, J.V., Wagle, U., Hazari, K., Shah, R., Chadha, U., Actinomyces in cervical smears of women using intrauterine contraceptive devices (1986) Acta Cytol, 30, pp. 367-37

Secretory Immunoglobulin A: A Protective Factor In The Genital Mucosa

The genital mechanisms of defense are not well understood and ar'e therefore ignored during therapy. This fact results in a great number of cases of treatment failure. The mucosa is an important protective factor of the genital female system, through self-defense mechanisms, and secretor antibodies (immunoglobulin A). The lymphoid tissue exerts protective anti-inflammatory activity, besides inhibiting microorganism adherence, neutralizes viruses and toxins and stabilizes the mucosal flora. Although certain microorganisms, such as viruses and fungus, are controlled by cellular immunity, secretory IgA can also exert an important role in the control of these agents. © 2006 by The Brazilian Journal of Infectious Diseases and Contexto Publishing. All rights reserved.104232234Gorczynski, R., Stanley, J., Imunologia clínica (2001), Reichmann, Rio de JaneiroAbbas, A.K., Lichtman, A.H., Pober, J.S., (2003) Cellular and Molecular Immunology, , 4a. ed., WB Saunders, CaliforniaRiot, I., Brostoff, J., Male, D., (2003) Imunologia, , 6a. ed., São Paulo: ManoleWitkin, S.S., Hirsch, J., Ledger, W.J., A macrophage defect in women with recurrent Candida vaginitis and its reversal in vitro by prostaglandin inhibitors (1986) Am Obstet Gynecol, 155, pp. 790-795Witkin, S.S., Immunologic factors influencing susceptibility to recurrent candidal vulvovaginites (1991) Clin Obstet Gynecol, 34, pp. 662-668Rhoads, J.C., Wrign, C., Reolfield, R.R., Burke, D.S., Chronic vaginal candidiasis in women with human immunodeficiency virus infection (1987) JAMA, 257, pp. 3107-3117Benton, C., Shaidulah, H., Hunter, J.A., Human Papillomavirus in the immunosuppressed (1992) Papillomavirus Rep, 3, pp. 23-26Chirgwin, K.D., Feldman, J., Augenbraun, M., Incidence of venereal warts in human immunodeficiency virus-infected and uninfected women (1995) J Infect Dis, 172 (1), pp. 235-238Sedlacek, T.V., Advances in the diagnosis and treatment of Human Papillomavirus infections (1999) Clin Obstet Gynecol, 42 (2), pp. 206-220Scott, M., Nakagawa, M., Moscicki, A.B., Cell-mediated immume response to Human Papillomavirus infection (2001) Clin Diag Lab Immunol, 8 (2), pp. 209-220Wan, A.K., Seow, W.K., Purdie, D.M., Immunoglobulins in saliva of preterm and full-term infants (2003) Oral Microbiol. Immunol, 18 (2), pp. 72-78Brandtzaeg, P., Baekkevold, E.S., Farstad, I.M., Regional specialization in the mucosal immune system: What happens in the microcompartments? (1999) Immunol Today, 20 (3), pp. 141-151Jankovic, J., Jelic, C., Filipovic-Jeskovic, I., Ristovic, Z., Salivary immunoglobulins in cancer patients with chemotherapy related oral mucosa damage (1995) Eur J Cancer Oral Oncol, 31 B (3), pp. 160-165Tappuni, A.R., Challacombe, S.J., A comparison of salivary immunoglobulin A (IgA) and IgA subclass concentrations in predentate and dentate children and adults (1994) Oral Microbiol. Immunol, 9 (3), pp. 142-145Ventura, M.T., Evaluation of IgA1-IgA2 levels in serum and saliva of young and elderly people (1991) Allergol. Immunopathol, 19 (5), pp. 183-185Russell, M.W., Mestecky, J., Humoral immune responses to microbial infections in the genital tract (2002) Microbes Infect, 4 (6), pp. 667-677Russell, M.W., IgA as an anti-inflammatory regulator of immunity (1995) Oral Dis, pp. 55-67Egmond, M.V., Damen, C.A., Spriel, A.B.V., IgA and IgA Fc receptor (2001) Trends Immunol, 22 (4), pp. 205-211Kaul, R., Trabattoni, D., Bwayo, J.J., HIV-1-specific mucosal IgA in a cohort of HIV-1-resistant Kenyan sex workers (1999) AIDS, 4 (1), pp. 23-29Kaul, R., Plummer, F.A., Clerici, M., Mucosal IgA in exposed, uninfected subjects: Evidence for a role in protection against HIV infection (2001) AIDS, 15 (3), pp. 431-432Devito, C., Hinkula, J., Kaul, R., Mucosal and plasma Iga from HIV-exposed seronegative individuals neutralize a primary HIV-1 isolate (2000) AIDS, 8 (13), pp. 1917-1920Devito, C., Broliden, K., Kaul, R., Mucosal and plasma iga from hiv-1-exposed uninfected individuals inhibit hiv-1 transcytosis across human epithelial cells (2000) J Immunol, 1 (9), pp. 5170-5176Grassegger, A., Rollinger-Holzinger, I., Zelger, B.W.H., Spontaneous or interferon-g-induced t-cell infiltration, hla-dr and icam-1 expression in genitoanal warts are associated with th1 or mixed th1/th2 cytokine mma expression profiles (1997) Arch Dermat Res, 289, pp. 243-250Clerici, M., Merola, M., Ferrario, E., Cytokine production patterns in cervical. Intraepithelial. Neoplasia: Association with human papillomavirus infection (1997) J Natl Cancer Inst, 89, pp. 245-250Tartour, E., Gey, A., Sastre-Garau, X., Prognostic value of intratumoral vaginal interferon gamma messenger ma expression in invasive cervical carcinomas (1998) J Natl Cancer Inst, 90, pp. 287-294Thapar, M.A., Parr, E.L., Parr, M.B., Secretory immune responses in mouse vaginal fluid after pelvic, parenteral or vaginal immunization (1990) Immunol, 70, pp. 121-125Balmelli, C., Roden, R., Potts, A., Nasal immunization of mice with human papillomavirus type 16 virus-like particles elicits neutralizing antibodies in mucosal secretions (1998) J. Virol, 72 (10), pp. 8220-8229Gonçalves, A.K.S., Giraldo, P., Barros-Mazon, S., Secretory immunoglobulin A (2006) Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol, 124 (2), pp. 227-231. , Fe

Dysmenorrhea [dismenorréia]

The dysmenorrhea is characterized by a severe uterine pain during the menstrual period. It is a condition that despite being very common, it has not an accurate diagnosis preventing the actual prevalence among women are known. It may be primary or secondary (from organic causes) and can coexist with extensive blood loss. It may precede the menstrual period over several days or simply match that period. Its differential diagnosis is based on patient's history and physical examination, and supportive methods such as transvaginal ultrasound, hysteroscopy and laparoscopy may be required. In addition to cyclical pelvic pain, other symptoms may be associated with primary dysmenorrhea, often resulting in psychological alterations. This painful condition is linked to the action of prostaglandins resulting from prior drop of progesterone levels in the pre-menstrual period. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, followed by oral contraceptives, are the most common form of treatment, although there are some alternatives. © Copyright Moreira Jr. Editora.656164168Harlow, S.D., Park, M., A longitudinal study of risk factors for the occurrence, duration and severity of menstrual cramps in a cohort of college women (1996) Br J Obstet Gynaecol, 103, pp. 1134-1142Marel, Z., Biro, F.M., Kottenhahn, R.K., Rosenthal, S.L., Supplementation with omega-3 polynsaturated fatty acids in the management of dysmenorrhea in adolescents (1996) Am J Obstet Gynecol, 174, pp. 1335-1338Reddish, S., Dysmenorrhoea (2006) Aust Fam Physic, 35, pp. 842-849Proctor, M., Farquhar, C., Diagnosis and management of dysmenorrhoea (2006) BMJ, 332, pp. 1134-1138Wang, L., Wang, X., Wang, W., Stress and dysmenorrhoea: A population based prospective study (2004) Occup. Environ. Med, 61, pp. 1021-1026Balbi, C., Musone, R., Menditto, A., Influence of menstrual factors and dietary habits on menstrual pain in adolescence age (2000) Eur J Obstet Gynecol Rep Biol, 91, pp. 143-148Liedman, R., Hansson, S.R., Howe, D., Endometrial expression of vasopressin, oxytocin and their receptors in patients with primary dysmenorrhoea and healthy volunteers at ovulation Eur J Obstet Gynecol Rep Biol, 2007. , doi:10.1016/j.ejogrb.2007.10.015Chapron, C., Fauconnier, A., Dubuisson, J.B., Deep infiltrating endometriosis: Relation between severity of dysmenorrhoea and extent of disease (2003) Hum Reprod, 18, pp. 760-766Harel, Z., Dysmenorrhea in adolescents and young adults: Etiology and management (2006) J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol, 19, pp. 363-371Davis, A.R., Westhoff, C.L., Primary dysmenorrhea in adolescent girls and treatment with oral contraceptives (2001) J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol, 14, pp. 3-8Dmitrovic, R., Peterb, B., Cvitkovic-Kuzmicc, A., Severity of symptoms in primary dysmenorrheal - a doppler study (2003) Europ J Obstet Gynecol Rep Biol, 107, pp. 191-194Dmitrovic, R., Transvaginal color Doppler study of uterine blood flow in primary dysmenorrhea (2000) Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand, 79, pp. 1112-1126Harel, Z., Cyclooxygenase-2 specific inhibitors in the treatment of dysmenorrheal (2004) J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol, 17, pp. 75-79Doty E, Attaran M. Managing Primary Dysmenorrhea. J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol 2006 ;19:341e344Vichnin, M., Freeman, E.W., Lin, H., Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) in adolescents: Severity and impairment (2006) J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol, 19, pp. 397-402Creinin, M.D., Meyn, L.A., Borgatta, L., Multicenter comparison of the contraceptive ring and patch: A randomized controlled trial (2008) Obstet Gynecol, 111, pp. 267-277Witt, C.M., Reinhold, T., Brinkhaus, B., Acupuncture in patients with dysmenorrhea: A randomized study on clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness in usual care (2008) Am J Obstet Gynecol, 198, pp. 166-168Schiøtz, H.A., Jettestad, M., Al-Heeti, D.J., Treatment of dysmenorrhoea with a new TENS device (OVA) (2007) Obstet Gynaecol, 27, pp. 726-728Juang, C.M., Chou, P., Yen, M.S., Laparoscopic uterosacral nerve ablation with and without presacral neurectomy in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea: A prospective efficacy analysis (2007) Reprod Med, 52, pp. 591-596White, A., A review of controlled trials of acupuncture for women's reproductive health care (2003) J Fam Plann Reprod Health Care, 29 (4), pp. 233-236Ziaei, S., Zakeri, M., Kazemnejad, A., A randomised controlled trial of vitamin E in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhoea (2005) BJOG, 112 (8), p. 116

Nodular Vulvar Herpes In An Hiv-positive Woman

[No abstract available]1073255Yudin, M.H., Kaul, R., Progressive hypertrophic genital herpes in an HIV-infected woman despite immune recovery on antiretroviral therapy (2008) Infect Dis Obstet Gynecol, 2008, p. 592532Gubinelli, E., Cocuroccia, B., Lazzarotto, T., Girolomoni, G., Nodular perianal herpes simplex with prominent plasma cell infiltration (2003) Sex Transm Dis, 30 (2), pp. 157-159Boothby, M., Radcliffe, K., An unusual vulval lesion in an HIV-infected woman (2007) Int J STD AIDS, 18 (3), pp. 218-219Mosunjac, M., Park, J., Wang, W., Tadros, T., Siddiqui, M., Bagirov, M., Genital and perianal herpes simplex simulating neoplasia in patients with AIDS (2009) AIDS Patient Care STDS, 23 (3), pp. 153-15