Search for R-hadrons at the ATLAS experiment at the LHC

The latest search for massive long-lived hadronising particles with the ATLAS detector is presented. The search is conducted with the inner detector and an integrated luminosity corresponding to 2.06 fb-1 at sqrt(s) = 7 TeV. For Split-SUSY scenarios gluino masses below 810 GeV have been excluded.Comment: 4 pages, 4 figures, Proceedings of the XLVII Rencontres de Moriond, International Conference on Electroweak Interactions and Unified Theories, La Thuile, Italy, Mar. 4-10, 201

TEDDI : radiotherapy delivery in deep inspiration for pediatric patients - a NOPHO feasibility study

Background: Radiotherapy (RT) delivered in deep inspiration breath-hold (DIBH) is a simple technique, in which changes in patient anatomy can significantly reduce the irradiation of the organs at risk (OARs) surrounding the treatment target. DIBH is routinely used in the treatment of some adult patients to diminish the risk of late effects; however, no formalized studies have addressed the potential benefit of DIBH in children. Methods/Design: TEDDI is a multicenter, non-randomized, feasibility study. The study investigates the dosimetric benefit of RT delivered in DIBH compared to free breathing (FB) in pediatric patients. Also, the study aims to establish the compliance to DIBH and to determine the accuracy and reproducibility in a pediatric setting. Pediatric patients (aged 5-17 years) with a tumor in the mediastinum or upper abdomen with the possible need of RT will be included in the study. Written informed consent is obligatory. Prior to any treatment, patients will undergo a DIBH training session followed by a diagnostic PET/CT-or CT-staging scan in both DIBH and FB. If the patient proceeds to RT, a RT planning CT scan will be performed in both DIBH and FB and two separate treatment plans will be calculated. The superior treatment plan, i.e. equal target coverage and lowest overall dose to the OARs, will be chosen for treatment. Patient comfort will be assessed daily by questionnaires and by adherence to the respiratory management procedure. Discussion: RT in DIBH is expected to diminish irradiation of the OARs surrounding the treatment target and thereby reduce the risk of late effects in childhood cancer survivors.Peer reviewe

Plasmodium falciparum associated with severe childhood malaria preferentially expresses PfEMP1 encoded by group A var genes.

Parasite-encoded variant surface antigens (VSAs) like the var gene-encoded Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1) family are responsible for antigenic variation and infected red blood cell (RBC) cytoadhesion in P. falciparum malaria. Parasites causing severe malaria in nonimmune patients tend to express a restricted subset of VSA (VSA(SM)) that differs from VSA associated with uncomplicated malaria and asymptomatic infection (VSA(UM)). We compared var gene transcription in unselected P. falciparum clone 3D7 expressing VSA(UM) to in vitro-selected sublines expressing VSA(SM) to identify PfEMP1 responsible for the VSA(SM) phenotype. Expression of VSA(SM) was accompanied by up-regulation of Group A var genes. The most prominently up-regulated Group A gene (PFD1235w/MAL7P1.1) was translated into a protein expressed on the infected RBC surface. The proteins encoded by Group A var genes, such as PFD1235w/MAL7P1.1, appear to be involved in the pathogenesis of severe disease and are thus attractive candidates for a vaccine against life-threatening P. falciparum malaria

Search for long lived massive particles with the ATLAS detector at the LHC

In this thesis I have developed a method for extracting dE/dx estimates from the ATLAS calorimeters. I have shown that the dE/dx measurements of R-Hadrons from the calorimeters are similar to those of slow moving Standard Model particles in less dense detectors, clearly discriminating them from Standard Model particles, as they would either be stopped or minimum ionising in the same environment. This method have potential applications in further searches for penetrating charged particles at other experiments. I have developed a mass estimation method based on dE/dx measurements. The mass estimation calibration can in principle be used to calibrate to other functions than the one used in this analysis, as it simply provides a robust 2D fitting method. I have applied the mass estimation method to collision data, showing recognisable mass peaks for low momentum kaons, protons and deuterons. The calorimeter dE/dx estimators and the mass estimates have been used in a search for stable gluinos, hadronising into R-Hadrons. The search have placed an upper limit on gluino production at √s = 7 TeV with 15.3 pb−1 data. In comparison with the Split-SUSY scenario the limit corresponds to an exclusion of stable gluinos with masses less than 450 GeV

Memory Buttons in Combination with Mobile Application-Induced Objective and Subjective Effects in Patients with Atopic Dermatitis

Background. Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic skin condition where nonadherence often results in lack of disease control. Objective. We wanted to determine whether the combination of an electronic memory button and a supportive application (app) would affect the Quality of Life and subjective and objective severity measures among AD patients over one month following the patient’s normal schedules of treatment. Methods. A randomized, investigator-blinded, prospective observational feasibility study for one month where patients diagnosed with AD were randomized based on POEM severity score and divided into 3 groups. The 3 groups were (1) the control group with two consultations, (2) in addition to group 1, patients also received electronic memory buttons to click every time they used their topical products, and (3) in addition to group 2, patients also received an app to track their treatment schedules. At both consultations, patients were evaluated using SCORAD, EASI, POEM, and DLQI. Results. 96 patients were enrolled and randomized, of which 83 patients completed the study. EASI and SCORAD scores were lower in all groups at 2nd consultation (p<0.05); however, these were highly significant for group 3 (p<0.005), and for EASI between groups 2 and 3 (p<0.05). The POEM score decreased significantly in group 3 (p=0.024), and no difference was found in DLQI between visits. Conclusion. A reduction in severity following objective assessments of the AD was observed for all groups and was highly significant for patients offered a memory button and the corresponding app. Furthermore, patients reported a significant subjective beneficial effect if they used the memory button and app. This indicates that digital solutions may have a benefit in clinical practice and may reduce nonadherence and increase the wellbeing of the patients