Trading strategies in the Italian interbank market

Using a data set which includes all transactions among banks in the Italian money market, we study their trading strategies and the dependence among them. We use the Fourier method to compute the variance-covariance matrix of trading strategies. Our results indicate that well defined patterns arise. Two main communities of banks, which can be coarsely identified as small and large banks, emerge.Comment: 19 page

Transbulbar B-Mode Sonography in Multiple Sclerosis: Clinical and Biological Relevance

Abstract Optic nerve sheath diameter quantification by transbulbar B-mode sonography is a recently validated technique, but its clinical relevance in relapse-free multiple sclerosis patients remains unexplored. In an open-label, comparative, cross-sectional study, we aimed to assess possible differences between patients and healthy controls in terms of optic nerve sheath diameter and its correlation with clinical/paraclinical parameters in this disease. Sixty unselected relapse-free patients and 35 matched healthy controls underwent transbulbar B-mode sonography. Patients underwent routine neurologic examination, brain magnetic resonance imaging and visual evoked potential tests. The mean optic nerve sheath diameter 3 and 5 mm from the eyeball was 22–25% lower in patients than controls and correlated with the Expanded Disability Status Scale (r = −0.34, p = 0.048, and r = −0.32, p = 0.042, respectively). We suggest that optic nerve sheath diameter quantified by transbulbar B-mode sonography should be included in routine assessment of the disease as an extension of the neurologic examination

Removal of diclofenac from aqueous solutions by adsorption on thermo‑plasma expanded graphite

The adsorption of diclofenac on thermo-plasma expanded graphite (a commercial product) from water solutions was investigated. The adsorbent material was characterized by SEM, TEM, BET, Raman and X-ray diffraction analyses. Typical diffractogram and Raman spectrum of graphitic material, dimension of 24.02 nm as crystallite dimension and a surface area of 47 m2 g−1 were obtained. The effect of pH on the adsorption capacity was evaluated in the range 1–7 and the adsorption mechanism was described by kinetic and isothermal studies. Pseudo-second order and Dubinin–Radushkevich models agreed with theoretical values of adsorption capacity (i.e. 400 and 433 mg g−1, respectively) and resulted to be the best fit for kinetics and isothermal experimental data. The thermodynamics of the process was evaluated by plotting the adsorption capacity/concentration ratio at the equilibrium as a function of different values of the multiplicative inverse of temperature. Moreover, the adsorbent regeneration was also investigated, comparing two different remediation techniques. Solvent washing performed with NaOH 0.2 M and thermo-treatment carried out by heating in an oven at 105 °C for 2 h and then at 200 °C for 4 h. The thermo-treatment was the best technique to regenerate the adsorbent, ensuring same performance after 4 cycles of use and regeneration

On the Electrical and Optical Features of the Plasma Coagulation Controller Low Temperature Atmospheric Plasma Jet

We report on the electrical and optical characterization of the Plasma Coagulation Controller (PCC) device, a low temperature atmospheric plasma source for biomedical applications. This device, designed for the study of plasma-induced blood coagulation, has been developed to operate flexibly in several operational conditions, since it is possible to vary the applied voltage V p and the pulse repetition rate f in a quite wide range ( V p range: 2–12 kV, f range: 1–40 kHz). Emission spectroscopy measurements were conducted by varying the line of sight along the axis of helium and neon plasma plumes. The increase of the Reactive Oxygen and Nitrogen Species (RONS) has been observed, as one moves from inside the gas pipe to the outside, as a consequence of the gas mixture with the surrounding air. Furthermore, high-speed photographs of the plasma jet were taken, showing that the plasma is not uniformly distributed in a continuous volumetric region, the plasma being concentrated in localized structures called Pulsed Atmospheric-pressure Plasma Streams (PAPS). The propagation velocities of these objects have been examined, noting that they are not related to the propagation of ion sound waves. Rather, we provide indications that the streamer propagation speed is proportional to the electron drift velocity

Anticancer activities of anthocyanin extract from genotyped Solanum tuberosum L. "Vitelotte"

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Avaliação da prevalência de infecção pelo Mycobacterium tuberculosis em estudantes de medicina

Background and Objective: Evaluate the prevalence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in medical students and associated factors. A proper assessment increases the institutional biosafety strategies, in addition to providing an adequate chemoprophylaxis. Methods: Between August 2013 and July 2014 a cross-evaluation of 62 medical students was carried out using the tuberculin skin test and completion of a protocol. The tuberculin test was performed using the Mantoux technique. The reading test was performed by palpation, 48 to 72 hours after injection. The data collected in the interview were: period in the course, history of atopy, history of hypersensitivity to PPD, BCG vaccination history, vaccine live attenuated the past 4 weeks, previous tuberculosis, potential exposure, time were filled exposure. Results: 30,6% of the students has tuberculin test reactor. The prevalence of positive result was in males. Conclusion: The prevalence of strong reactor tuberculin test is relatively low among medical students , but relevant to the risk stratification of this population.Justificativa e Objetivo: Estimar a prevalência da infecção pelo Mycobacterium tuberculosis em acadêmicos de medicina e fatores associados.Uma avaliação adequada incrementa as estratégias de biossegurança institucional, além de prover uma quimioprofilaxia adequada. Métodos:Estudo transversal, realizado de agosto de 2013 a julho de 2014 onde foram incluídos 62 estudantes de medicina Foi realizado teste tuberculínico e entrevista. O teste tuberculínico foi realizado através da técnica de Mantoux. A leitura do teste foi realizada pelo método palpatório, 48 a 72 horas após a injeção. Os dados coletados na entrevista foram os seguintes: período que se encontra no curso, história de atopia, história de hipersensibilidade ao PPD, histórico vacinal da BCG, vacinação de vírus vivo atenuado nas últimas 4 semanas, tuberculose prévia, exposição potencial, tempo de exposição. Resultados:30,6% dos estudantes eram reagentes. A maior prevalência de casos reagentes foi em estudantes do sexo masculino. Conclusão: A prevalência de teste tuberculínico reator forte é relativamente baixa entre os estudantes de medicina, porém relevante para a estratificação de risco desta população

Bone Marrow Edema: Overview of Etiology and Treatment Strategies

➤: Bone marrow edema (BME) is a nonspecific but relevant finding, usually indicating the presence of an underlying pathology. ➤: The gold standard technique for detecting BME is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), as it allows for a correct diagnosis to be made, which is extremely important given the heterogeneity of BME-related diseases. ➤: Depending on the severity of painful symptomatology and the MRI evidence, different treatment strategies can be followed: physical modalities, pharmacological options, and surgical therapy

Cost-effectiveness analysis of personalised versus standard dosimetry for selective internal radiation therapy with TheraSphere in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

Aims: To perform a cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) comparing personalised dosimetry with standard dosimetry in the context of selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) with TheraSphere for the management of adult patients with locally advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) from the Italian Healthcare Service perspective. Materials and methods: A partition survival model was developed to project costs and the quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) over a lifetime horizon. Clinical inputs were retrieved from a published randomised controlled trial. Health resource utilisation inputs were extracted from the questionnaires administered to clinicians in three oncology centres in Italy, respectively. Cost parameters were based on Italian official tariffs. Results: Over a lifetime horizon, the model estimated the average QALYs of 1.292 and 0.578, respectively, for patients undergoing personalised and standard dosimetry approaches. The estimated mean costs per patient were €23,487 and €19,877, respectively. The incremental cost-utility ratio (ICUR) of personalised versus standard dosimetry approaches was €5,056/QALY. Conclusions: Personalised dosimetry may be considered a cost-effective option compared to standard dosimetry for patients undergoing SIRT for HCC in Italy. These findings provide evidence for clinicians and payers on the value of personalised dosimetry as a treatment option for patients with HCC

Location of primary tumor and benefit from anti-epidermal growth factorreceptor monoclonalantibodies in patients with RAS and BRAF wild-typemetastatic colorectal cancer

Introduction. Right- and left-sided colorectal cancers (CRCs) differ in clinical and molecular characteristics. Some retrospective analyses suggested that patients with right-sided tumors derive less benefit from anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) antibodies; however, molecular selection in those studies was not extensive. Patients and Methods. Patients with RAS and BRAF wild-type metastatic CRC (mCRC) who were treated with single-agent anti-EGFRs or with cetuximab-irinotecan (if refractory to previous irinotecan) were included in the study. Differences in outcome between patients with right- and left-sided tumors were investigated. Results. Of 75 patients, 14 and 61 had right- and left-sided tumors, respectively. None of the right-sided tumors responded according to RECIST, compared with 24 left-sided tumors (overall response rate: 0% vs. 41%; p 5 .0032), and only 2 patients with right-sided tumors (15%) versus 47 patients with left-sided tumors (80%) achieved disease control (p, .0001). The median duration of progression-free survival was 2.3 and 6.6 months in patients with right-sided and left-sided tumors, respectively (hazard ratio: 3.97;95%confidence interval: 2.09–7.53; p,.0001). Conclusion. Patients with right-sided RAS and BRAF wild-type mCRC seemed to derive no benefit from single-agent anti- EGFRs