A large sample study of spin relaxation and magnetometric sensitivity of paraffin-coated Cs vapor cells

We have manufactured more than 250 nominally identical paraffin-coated Cs vapor cells (28mm inner diameter bulbs) for multi-channel atomic magnetometer applications. We describe our dedicated cell characterization apparatus. For each cell we have determined the intrinsic longitudinal, Γ 01, and transverse, Γ 02, relaxation rates. Our best cell shows Γ 01/2π≈0.5Hz, and Γ 02/2π≈2Hz. We find a strong correlation of both relaxation rates which we explain in terms of reservoir and spin exchange relaxation. For each cell we have determined the optimal combination of rf and laser powers which yield the highest sensitivity to magnetic field changes. Out of all produced cells, 90% are found to have magnetometric sensitivities in the range of 9to 30fT $\sqrt{\mathrm{Hz}}$ . Noise analysis shows that the magnetometers operated with such cells have a sensitivity close to the fundamental photon shot noise limi

Experimental Setups for Single Event Effect Studies

Experimental setups are being prepared to test and to qualify electronic devices regarding their tolerance to Single Event Effect (SEE). A multiple test setup and a new beam line developed especially for SEE studies at the São Paulo 8 UD Pelletron accelerator were prepared. This accelerator produces proton beams and heavy ion beams up to 107Ag. A Super conducting Linear accelerator, which is under construction, may fulfill all of the European Space Agency requirements to qualify electronic components for SEE

Acerca de uma leitura geopolítica das relações entre Portugal e o Atlântico

O artigo pretende traçar uma breve perspectiva geopolítica da relação entre Portugal e o oceano Atlântico. Essa relação, embora sempre presente e importante, variou ao longo da nossa histó- ria. O autor, depois de tentar sumariamente caracterizar essas variações, analisa simplificadamente aquela relação no actual contexto do sistema global das relações internacionais. Dessa análise retira argumentos para afirmar que na ligação com o Atlântico poderão de novo ser encontradas as soluções mais adequadas para os nossos actuais problemas do desenvolvimento e da afirmação internacional, através da possível e desejável futura assumpção por Portugal de um papel de entreposto de importantes fluxos nas relações transatlânticas, em que as luso-brasileiras e as com a CPLP deverão desempenhar um papel centra

A large sample study of spin relaxation and magnetometric sensitivity of paraffin-coated Cs vapor cells

We have manufactured more than 250 nominally identical paraffin-coated Cs vapor cells (30 mm diameter bulbs) for multi-channel atomic magnetometer applications. We describe our dedicated cell characterization apparatus. For each cell we have determined the intrinsic longitudinal, \sGamma{01}, and transverse, \sGamma{02}, relaxation rates. Our best cell shows \sGamma{01}/2\pi\approx 0.5 Hz, and \sGamma{02}/2\pi\approx 2 Hz. We find a strong correlation of both relaxation rates which we explain in terms of reservoir and spin exchange relaxation. For each cell we have determined the optimal combination of rf and laser powers which yield the highest sensitivity to magnetic field changes. Out of all produced cells, 90% are found to have magnetometric sensitivities in the range of 9 to 30 fTHz. Noise analysis shows that the magnetometers operated with such cells have a sensitivity close to the fundamental photon shot noise limit

The Antibiofilm Effect of a Medical Device Containing TIAB on Microorganisms Associated with Surgical Site Infection

Surgical site infections (SSIs) represent the most common nosocomial infections, and surgical sutures are optimal surfaces for bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation. Staphylococcus spp., Enterococcus spp., and Escherichia coli are the most commonly isolated microorganisms. The aim of this research was to evaluate the antibiofilm activity of a medical device (MD) containing TIAB, which is a silver-nanotech patented product. The antibacterial effect was evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212, and E. coli ATCC 25922 by assessing the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) by the Alamar Blue\uae (AB) assay. The antibiofilm effect was determined by evaluation of the minimum biofilm inhibitory concentration (MBIC) and colony-forming unit (CFU) count. Subsequently, the MD was applied on sutures exposed to the bacterial species. The antimicrobial and antibiofilm effects were evaluated by the agar diffusion test method, confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The MIC was determined for S. aureus and E. faecalis at 2 mg/mL, while the MBIC was 1.5 mg/mL for S. aureus and 1 mg/mL for E. faecalis. The formation of an inhibition zone around three different treated sutures confirmed the antimicrobial activity, while the SEM and CLSM analysis performed on the MD-treated sutures underlined the presence of a few adhesive cells, which were for the most part dead. The MD showed antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities versus S. aureus and E. faecalis, but a lower efficacy against E. coli. Surgical sutures coated with the MD have the potential to reduce SSIs as well as the risk of biofilm formation post-surgery

Experiencia de Jornadas Intercátedras: hacia la formacion extensionista para las intervenciones comunitarias.

Es intención de ésta ponencia presentar algunas reflexiones surgidas desde una experiencia extensionista conjunta, de las cátedras Economía Social (Facultad de Ciencias Económicas), Problemáticas de Vivienda Popular (Facultad de Arquitectura, Urbanismo y Diseño) y Estrategias de Intervención Comunitaria (Facultad de Psicología), de la Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. La misma se centró en la realización de “Jornadas Intercátedra”, en las cuales los estudiantes planificaron intervenciones sobre una problemática habitacional en una comunidad. Las cátedras involucradas comparten un posicionamiento ético-político frente a la temática extensionista, y en función de ello sostienen acciones desde sus propios programas curriculares. Las mismas consideran como fundamentales a los procesos de inserción, comunicación y vinculación con comunidades del sector popular, la interdisciplina como modo de abordar cuestiones complejas, y el trabajo en equipo como eje organizador de prácticas y problematizaciones. A partir de esto, se han sentido convocadas a articular intereses y recursos, ya que cuentan con una amplia trayectoria extensionista, lo cual brinda una apertura a la reflexión de diversas situaciones dentro de la realidad concreta. La intervención comunitaria requiere de estrategias que contemplen la diversidad de aportes, saberes e inquietudes. Destacándose no tanto el trabajo sobre los aspectos en común, sino sobre las diferencias. Esto implica una manera diferente de entender el poder que circula; por ello, se cree que necesariamente la instalación del enfoque interdisciplinario en articulación con los saberes comunitarios cuestiona las formaciones académicas y profesionales. Actualmente, la planificación académica no contempla en sus currículas la formación interdisciplinaria práctica. Frente a esto, la convicción de que “solos no es posible”, abre camino al planteo que posibilita esta experiencia de pensar juntos desde miradas diversas dentro de un mismo marco contextual. Habilitando el encuentro de: lenguajes, complejos conceptuales, repertorios de herramientas, experiencias diferentes.La vivencia de la jornada, fue significada por estudiantes y equipos docentes, de diversas maneras:-Rescatando y poniendo en tensión las otras miradas a la dimensión humana, poniendo en juego la reflexión sobre los sujetos con quienes se busca construir la acción y el reconocimiento de la diversidad. -La posibilidad de un espacio para el ejercicio interdisciplinario como construcción conjunta de conocimientos. A partir de la experiencia realizada surgen dilemas. Desde la formación, ¿se generan condiciones para la reflexión sobre las intervenciones comunitarias? La jornada intercátedra, ¿favorece la formación interdisciplinaria de alumnos? Las miradas diversas.encontradas en este espacio, ¿enriquecen prácticas y formas de dar respuestas a las problemáticas de la población

Synergy between vitamin D and sex hormones in respiratory functionality of patients affected by COVID-19

The outcome of COVID-19 appears to be influenced by vitamin D status of population. Although epidemiological data indicate that COVID-19 produces more severe symptoms and higher mortality in elderly in comparison to young patients and in men in comparison to women to date sex and age differences in vitamin D status in infected patients have not been evaluated yet. In this study we evaluated the levels of circulating 25(OH)D in patients hospitalized for COVID-19 divided accordingly to their sex and age. We also correlated 25(OH)D levels with patient’s respiratory status (i.e., PaO2/FiO2 ratio) and with sex hormones plasma levels to analyze the potential relationship of these parameters. We found no significant differences in plasma levels of 25(OH)D between pre- and post-menopausal female patients and age matched male patients. Interestingly, the 25(OH)D plasma levels positively correlated to PaO2/FiO2 ratio only in young patients, regardless of their sex. We also found a significantly positive correlation between 17β-estradiol and 25(OH)D in elderly women and between testosterone and 25(OH)D in elderly men, supporting the role of sex hormones in maintaining 25(OH)D levels. In conclusion, we suggest that a synergy between vitamin D and sex hormones could contribute to the age-related outcome of COVID-19

Disease-specific and general health-related quality of life in newly diagnosed prostate cancer patients: The Pros-IT CNR study

Background: The National Research Council (CNR) prostate cancer monitoring project in Italy (Pros-IT CNR) is an observational, prospective, ongoing, multicentre study aiming to monitor a sample of Italian males diagnosed as new cases of prostate cancer. The present study aims to present data on the quality of life at time prostate cancer is diagnosed. Methods: One thousand seven hundred five patients were enrolled. Quality of life is evaluated at the time cancer was diagnosed and at subsequent assessments via the Italian version of the University of California Los Angeles-Prostate Cancer Index (UCLA-PCI) and the Short Form Health Survey (SF-12). Results: At diagnosis, lower scores on the physical component of the SF-12 were associated to older ages, obesity and the presence of 3+ moderate/severe comorbidities. Lower scores on the mental component were associated to younger ages, the presence of 3+ moderate/severe comorbidities and a T-score higher than one. Urinary and bowel functions according to UCLA-PCI were generally good. Almost 5% of the sample reported using at least one safety pad daily to control urinary loss; less than 3% reported moderate/severe problems attributable to bowel functions, and sexual function was a moderate/severe problem for 26.7%. Diabetes, 3+ moderate/severe comorbidities, T2 or T3-T4 categories and a Gleason score of eight or more were significantly associated with lower sexual function scores at diagnosis. Conclusions: Data collected by the Pros-IT CNR study have clarified the baseline status of newly diagnosed prostate cancer patients. A comprehensive assessment of quality of life will allow to objectively evaluate outcomes of different profile of care

Impact of gastrointestinal side effects on patients’ reported quality of life trajectories after radiotherapy for prostate cancer: Data from the prospective, observational pros-it CNR study

Radiotherapy (RT) represents an important therapeutic option for the treatment of localized prostate cancer. The aim of the current study is to examine trajectories in patients’ reported quality of life (QoL) aspects related to bowel function and bother, considering data from the PROState cancer monitoring in ITaly from the National Research Council (Pros-IT CNR) study, analyzed with growth mixture models. Data for patients who underwent RT, either associated or not associated with androgen deprivation therapy, were considered. QoL outcomes were assessed over a 2-year period from the diagnosis, using the Italian version of the University of California Los Angeles-Prostate Cancer Index (Italian-UCLA-PCI). Three trajectories were identified for the bowel function; having three or more comorbidities and the use of 3D-CRT technique for RT were associated with the worst trajectory (OR = 3.80, 95% CI 2.04–7.08; OR = 2.17, 95% CI 1.22–3.87, respectively). Two trajectories were identified for the bowel bother scores; diabetes and the non-Image guided RT method were associated with being in the worst bowel bother trajectory group (OR = 1.69, 95% CI 1.06–2.67; OR = 2.57, 95% CI 1.70–3.86, respectively). The findings from this study suggest that the absence of comorbidities and the use of intensity modulated RT techniques with image guidance are related with a better tolerance to RT in terms of bowel side effects