Study of OPERA sensitivity in the νμ → νe oscillation channel

We report on the study of the sensitivity in the νμ → νe oscillation channel of the OPERA detector at the Gran Sasso Laboratory along the CNGS neutrino beamline. An identification procedure for νe events was defined and a full Monte Carlo simulation was used in order to simulate the detection of real events and evaluate the identification efficiency. A cut on the reconstructed neutrino energy was studied with the purpose of improving the sensitivity on the νμ → νe oscillation parameters. Finally a further analysis of the OPERA sensitivity in (3+1)-neutrino mixing model was performed

Imaging of LAr scintillation light with segmented UV photodetector coupled with Coded Mask

Liquefied-noble-gas detectors play a crucial role in direct dark-matter search and in neutrino oscillation experiments. Liquid argon (LAr) and liquid xenon produce a large amount (∼ 40000 ph/MeV) of UV scintillation photons which are usually wavelength shifted before being detected. In a liquefied-noble-gas TPC, event reconstruction is based on the collection of ionisation charge while scintillation light is used for triggering and event timing, calorimetry, and particle identification. This approach suffers from limitations in rate capabilities because of the long drift times of electrons in large-volume detectors. We propose a novel approach for the full-optical imaging of scintillation light in LAr able to provide a complete 4D event reconstruction (i.e., in space and time). A set of UV cameras based on the Coded Aperture technology and segmented photodetectors are employed. The new technique would allow to reconstruct with high accuracy and at high rate the path of charged tracks crossing the active volume of the detector. We present the results of preliminary Monte Carlo studies and we discuss the experimental plan aimed at fully addressing the technological challenges

Primary antiphospholipid syndrome during aromatase inhibitors therapy: A case report and review of the literature

RATIONALE: Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) are a class of drugs widely used in the treatment of estrogen sensitive breast and ovarian cancer which convert testosterone to estradiol and androstenedione to estrogen. The AIs of third generation, including anastrazole, letrozole and exemestane, have actually become the standard of care of estrogen-receptor-positive breast cancer in menopausal women and are recommended as adjuvant treatment after surgery in place of/or following tamoxifen. Their main side-effects include reduction in bone mineral density, occurrence of menopausal manifestations and development of musculoskeletal symptoms which are, usually, transient, but sometimes evolve into a typical form of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Recently, a pathogenic linkage with other autoimmunity diseases, such as Sjogren syndrome (SjS), anti-synthetase antibody syndrome (ASAS), systemic sclerosis (SS) and subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE), was also described. PATIENT CONCERNS: Here, we report the first case of a patient with primary antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) developed during treatment with anastrazole. DIAGNOSIS: The patient developed a sudden onset of speech disturbance and disorientation, due to ischemic lesions, after 6 months of AIs therapy and the laboratory examination showed the positivity of anti-Cardiolipin antibodies, anti-\u3b22 Glycoprotein 1 antibodies and Lupus Anticoagulant, so a certain diagnosis of APS was achieved. INTERVENTIONS: The patient was treated with warfarin associated to hydroxychloroquine and monthly cycles of low doses intravenous immunoglobulins. OUTCOMES: A good control of the disease was obtained despite the continuation of anastrazole; the patient's clinical and laboratory situation remained not modified after AIs withdrawal. LESSONS: We discussed the possible role of anastrazole treatment in inducing APS in our patient, reporting the available literature data about the association between AIs treatment and autoimmune diseases. Furthermore, we analyzed the mechanism of action of estrogens in the pathophysiology of autoimmune rheumatic disorder

INCREASE OF REPORTS OF SUSPECTED ADVERSE DRUG REACTIONS IN ONCOLOGY

Objective: The information of safety of antineoplastic agents derives solely from clinical studies that have a number of limitations, such as the number of patients enrolled, selected case studies, follow-up of short duration; therefore, it is not possible to identify the complete profile of safety and possible side effects of the drugs under study. ADRs monitoring and reporting programmes aim to identifying and quantifying the risks associated with the use of drugs provided in a hospital setting. The main objectives of this study were to evaluate the ADRs that occurred during hospitalization for chemotherapy in 7 cancer centers, and to facilitate the development of a monitoring system of pharmacovigilance. Methods: An observational study was conducted in 7 cancer centers in the Emilia Romagna region over a period of 2 years, from January 2012 to January 2014. This study was based on an analysis of ADRs reported. Several parameters were utilised in the data evaluation, including drug and reaction characteristics. Results: From January 2012 to January 2014 No. 884 ADRs were included in National Network of pharmacovigilance. The highest ADR rate (57.4%) was found in the adult females with a mean age of 62. The oncology drug most frequently reported were taxanes and platinum derivates. Conclusion: The results obtained will contribute to the development of strategies for the pharmacovigilance service in 7 cancer centers, which will improve the quality of ADR reporting and ensure safer oncology drug use

Load characterization and revenue metering under non-sinusoidal and asymmetrical operation

This paper proposes an approach to load characterization and revenue metering, which accounts for the influence of supply deterioration and line impedance. It makes use of the Conservative Power Theory and aims at characterizing the load from the measurements done at the point of common coupling. Despite the inherent limitations of a single-point measurement, the proposed methodology enables evaluation of power terms, which clarify the effects of reactivity, asymmetry and distortion, and attempts to depurate the power consumption accounted to the load from those terms deriving from supply nonidealities

PENGARUH PENDIDIKAN KESEHATAN TERHADAP TINGKAT PENGETAHUAN PERTOLONGAN PERTAMA PADA KECELAKAAN LALU LINTAS PADA SISWA SMA NEGERI 1 KARTASURA

Kecelakaan lalu lintas saat ini bukan hal yang jarang kita jumpai. Banyaknya jumlah kendaraan bermotor dengan ruas jalan yang kurang memadai untuk volume kendaraan yang besar adalah fenomena yang menjadi salah satu pemicu terjadinya banyak kecelakaan lalu lintas di banyak kota. World Health Organisation (WHO) mengemukakan setiap hari setidaknya 3.000 orang meninggal akibat kecelakaan lalu lintas. Dari jumlah itu setidaknya 85% terjadi di negara-negara dengan pendapatan rendah dan sedang. Upaya yang dapat dilakukan untuk meminimalkan dampak dari kecelakaan lalu lintas adalah dengan pertolongan pertama pada kecelakaan. Pertolongan pertama pada kecelakaan (First Aid) adalah upaya pertolongan dan perawatan sementara terhadap korban kecelakaan sebelum mendapat pertolongan yang lebih sempurna dari dokter atau paramedik. Siswa sekolah merupakan salah satu target yang diharapkan dapat membantu melakukan tindakan pertolongan pertama pada kecelakaan untuk meminimalkan efek dari kecelakaan khususnya di sekolah mereka sendiri. Penelitian ini bertujuan mengetahui perbedaan pengaruh pendidikan kesehatan terhadap tingkat pengetahuan pertolongan pertama pada kecelakaan lalulintas pada kelompok eksperiment dan kelompok kontrol pada siswa SMA Negeri 1 Kartasura. Penelitian ini adalah penelitian quasi eksperimen. Sampel penelitian 76 siswa dan siswi SMA Negeri 1 Kartasura di daerah Kartasura dengan teknik penentuan sample purposive sampling. Teknik pengolahan data menggunakan teknik analisis t-test. Kesimpulan dari penelitian ini adalah: (1) pengetahuan awal siswa tentang pertolongan pertama pada kecelakaan sebagian besar adalah cukup, (2) pengetahuan tentang pertolongan pertama pada kecelakaan pada kelompok eksperimen sebagian besar adalah baik, dan pada kelompok kontrol sebagian besar cukup, (3) terdapat pengaruh pendidikan kesehatan terhadap tingkat pengetahuan pertolongan pertama pada kecelakaan lalu lintas pada siswa SMA Negeri 1 Kartasura, dan (4) Terdapat perbedaan post test pengetahuan antara kelompok eksperimen dan kelompok kontrol, dimana postest pengetahuan lebih tinggi daripada kelompok kontrol

AUTHENTICATION OF WILD AND REARED SEA BASS BY INFRARED SPECTROSCOPY NIRs (NEAR INFRARED REFLECTANCE SPECTROSCOPY)

The aim of this study was to evaluate NIRs (Near Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy) performances in the prediction of Farmed vs.Wild production method in European sea bass. Samples collected (n=39) were submitted to analysis in order to assess chemical composition and fatty acids profile of fillets. Aliquots of wet and ground freeze-dried minced samples were scanned in duplicates (1100 to 2498 nm; 2 nm intervals) in reflectance mode using a monochromator NIRsystem 5000. NIRs technique showed a satisfactory accurateness in predicting Protein, Lipids and Fatty acids profile in raw samples. Sample lyophilisation increased some predicting values (r2: coefficient of determination on cross-validation range from 0,671 to 0,992; SECV: standard error of cross-validation range from 0,864 to 2,981). Results showed that NIRs technique was able to discriminate between Wild (94,7% samples recognized) and Farmed (100% samples recognized) using wet muscles, and 100% for both classes on ground freeze-dried fillet

One-year follow-up of mud-bath therapy in patients with bilateral knee osteoarthritis: a randomized, single-blind controlled trial

The objective of this prospective parallel randomized single-blind study was to assess that a cycle of mud-bath therapy (MBT) provides any benefits over usual treatment in patients with bilateral knee osteoarthritis (OA). Patients with symptomatic primary bilateral knee OA, according to ACR criteria, were included in the study and randomized to one of two groups: one group received a cycle of MBT at spa center of Chianciano Terme (Italy) in addition to the usual treatment, and one group continued their regular care routine alone. Clinical assessments were performed 7\ufffddays before enrollment (screening visit), at the time of enrollment (basal time), after 2\ufffdweeks, and after 3, 6, 9, and 12\ufffdmonths after the beginning of the study. All assessments were conducted by two researchers blinded to treatment allocation. The primary efficacy outcomes were the global pain score evaluated by Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) subscore for physical function (W-TPFS). Of the 235 patients screened, 103 met the inclusion criteria: 53 patients were included in the MBT group and 50 in the control group. In the group of patients treated with MBT, we observed a statistically significant (p\ufffd<\ufffd0.001) reduction of VAS and W-TPFS score at the end of the treatment; this improvement was significant (p\ufffd<\ufffd0.05) also at 3\ufffdmonths of follow-up. The control group did not show significant differences between baseline time and all other times. The differences between one group were significant for both primary parameters already from the 15th day and persisted up to the 9th month. This beneficial effect was confirmed by the significant reduction of symptomatic drug consumption. Tolerability of MBT seemed to be good, with light and transitory side effects. Our results confirm that a cycle of MBT added to usual treatment provides a beneficial effect on the painful symptoms and functional capacities in patients with knee OA that lasts over time. Mud-bath therapy can represent a useful backup to pharmacologic treatment of knee OA or a valid alternative for patients who do not tolerate pharmacological treatments

Influence of Ageing Time and Method on Beef Quality and Safety

The effectiveness of dry ageing with regard to retaining meat quality is still subject to debate. At 4 d post mortem, samples of boneless strip loins were excised from young Charolais carcasses and then stored for a further 26 d in a cooler, either vacuum-packaged (VP) or dried-aged (DA). Loin samples were also dissected 7 d post mortem as a control treatment (CT). Chemical, instrumental and microbiological data (n = 18) were determined in longissimus dorsi and underwent ANOVA to estimate the differences in the ageing fixed factor split into two orthogonal contrasts: control vs. aged and VP vs. DA. Ageing loss (both surface dehydration and water purge) was greater in DA compared to VP samples, resulting in the lowest moisture content and highest crude protein and fat percentage in DA loins. The ageing method did not affect meat surface colour, except for redness, which had the lowest value in DA samples. Meat tenderness improved a similar amount following both VP and DA ageing treatments. Compared to the control, prolonged ageing raised both the peroxide value and the total microbial count, especially in DA samples, though both remained within the recommended limits. In summation, both ageing methods improved beef meat tenderisation, preserving its shelf life