285 research outputs found

    A Note on Matter Superenergy Tensors

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    We consider Bel-Robinson-like higher derivative conserved two-index tensors H_\mn in simple matter models, following a recently suggested Maxwell field version. In flat space, we show that they are essentially equivalent to the true stress-tensors. In curved Ricci-flat backgrounds it is possible to redefine H_\mn so as to overcome non-commutativity of covariant derivatives, and maintain conservation, but they become model- and dimension- dependent, and generally lose their simple "BR" form.Comment: 3 page

    Learning effect of humphrey matrix frequency doubling technology perimetry in patients with ocular hypertension

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    Aim: To evaluate the learning effect of Frequency Doubling Technology (FDT) perimetry using the Humphrey Matrix-FDT perimetry (Matrix) 24-2 full-threshold program on patients with 7 ocular hypertension experienced with standard automated perimetry. Methods: Twenty-four patients with Ocular hypertension underwent 5 full-threshold Matrix tests at intervals of 5 2 days. Learning effect was defined as an improvement at results for duration, perimetric indices, foveal sensitivity, Glaucoma Hemifield Test, and the number of points with a P < 5% and < 1% in the total and pattern deviation maps. Eccentricity, hemifield, and quadrant sensitivities were also addressed as Sources of differences in learning effect. Test-retest variability was also calculated for each repetition as the mean of the point-to-point interindividual standard deviations. Results: A learning effect was demonstrated for mean defect (P = 0.031, analysis of variance) and foveal sensitivity (P = 0.009) and it only affected the first test for both parameters. All the other parameters did not show any significant learning effect. The effect was independent From eccentricity and quadrant or hemifield sensitivities. Conclusions: The results of this study demonstrate that the learning effect for Matrix-FDT is mild and it may affect only the first test. Caution is needed in the analysis of the first Matrix-FDT examination and retest may be advisable in the presence of low mean defect

    An Evaluation of Therapeutic Noninferiority of 0.005% Latanoprost Ophthalmic Solution and Xalatan in Patients With Glaucoma or Ocular Hypertension.

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    PURPOSE: To assess the therapeutic noninferiority of 0.005% latanoprost ophthalmic solution versus Xalatan in the treatment of patients with primary open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a double-masked, randomized, multicenter study. A total of 184 patients with a diagnosis of unilateral or bilateral primary open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension were randomly assigned to either 0.005% latanoprost ophthalmic solution or Xalatan for 12 weeks. The primary end-point was the change in intraocular pressure (IOP) at 12 weeks in the 2 groups. Noninferiority was reached if the 2-sided 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the difference between adjusted treatment means were entirely within the interval from -1.5 to +1.5 mm Hg. RESULTS: The difference between treatments in the change of IOP from baseline to the end of treatment was 0.12 mm Hg (95% CI: -0.47, 0.71) in the intention-to-treat population and 0 mm Hg (95% CI: -0.58, 0.57) in the per protocol population. There was no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups in terms of drug-related adverse events. The most commonly reported drug-related local adverse events were: ocular hyperemia, eyelashes growth, and eye irritation. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that 0.005% latanoprost ophthalmic solution is noninferior to Xalatan in lowering IOP and is generally well tolerate

    A Structurally Simple Vaccine Candidate Reduces Progression and Dissemination of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

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    The Tn antigen is a well-known tumor-associated carbohydrate determinant, often incorporated in glycopeptides to develop cancer vaccines. Herein, four copies of a conformationally constrained mimetic of the antigen TnThr (GalNAc-Thr) were conjugated to the adjuvant CRM197, a protein licensed for human use. The resulting vaccine candidate, mime[4]CRM elicited a robust immune response in a triple-negative breast cancer mouse model, correlated with high frequency of CD4+ T cells and low frequency of M2-type macrophages, which reduces tumor progression and lung metastasis growth. Mime[4]CRM-mediated activation of human dendritic cells is reported, and the proliferation of mime[4]CRM-specific T cells, in cancer tissue and peripheral blood of patients with breast cancer, is demonstrated. The locked conformation of the TnThr mimetic and a proper presentation on the surface of CRM197 may explain the binding of the conjugate to the anti-Tn antibody Tn218 and its efficacy to fight cancer cells in mice

    Compass : clinical evaluation of a new instrument for the diagnosis of glaucoma

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    Aims: To evaluate Compass, a new instrument for glaucoma screening and diagnosis that combines scanning ophthalmoscopy, automated perimetry, and eye tracking. Materials and Methods: A total of 320 human subjects (200 normal, 120 with glaucoma) underwent full ophthalmological evaluation and perimetric evaluation using the Humphrey SITA standard 24\ub0 test (HFA), and the Compass test that consisted of a full-threshold program on the central 24\ub0with a photograph of the central 30\ub0 of the retina. A subgroup of normal subjects and glaucoma patients underwent a second Compass test during the same day in order to study test-retest variability. After exclusion of 30 patients due to protocol rules, a database was created to compare the Compass to the HFA, and to evaluate retinal image quality and fixation stability. Results: The difference inmean sensitivity between Compass and HFA was -1.02 \ub1 1.55 dB in normal subjects (p65% of cases; Image-based diagnosis was in accordance with the initial diagnosis in 85%of the subjects. Conclusions: Based on preliminary results, Compass showed useful diagnostic characteristics for the study of glaucoma, and combined morphological information with functional data
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