β^{+} Gamow-Teller Strengths from Unstable ^{14}O via the (d,^{2}He) Reaction in Inverse Kinematics

For the first time, the (d,^{2}He) reaction was successfully used in inverse kinematics to extract the Gamow-Teller transition strength in the β^{+} direction from an unstable nucleus. The new technique was made possible by the use of an active-target time-projection chamber and a magnetic spectrometer, and opens a path to addressing a range of scientific challenges, including in astrophysics and neutrino physics. In this Letter, the nucleus studied was ^{14}O, and the Gamow-Teller transition strength to ^{14}N was extracted up to an excitation energy of 22 MeV. The data were compared to shell-model and state-of-the-art coupled-cluster calculations. Shell-model calculations reproduce the measured Gamow-Teller strength distribution up to about 15 MeV reasonably well, after the application of a phenomenological quenching factor. In a significant step forward to better understand this quenching, the coupled-cluster calculation reproduces the full strength distribution well without such quenching, owing to the large model space, the inclusion of strong correlations, and the coupling of the weak interaction to two nucleons through two-body currents.

Design and construction of a novel energy-loss optical scintillation system (ELOSS) for heavy-ion particle identification

We present the development of a novel heavy-ion particle-identification (PID) device based on an energy-loss measurement to be implemented in the focal plane of the S800 spectrograph of the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB). The new instrument consists of a multi-segmented optical detector [energy-loss optical scintillation system (ELOSS)] that is filled with xenon at pressures ranging from 400 to 800 Torr. The gas volume is surrounded by arrays of photomultiplier tubes and placed along the direction of the beam for recording the prompt scintillation light. The number of detected photons, which is proportional to the energy deposited by the beam particle along its track in the detector volume, allows one to identify the corresponding atomic number (Z). The ELOSS technology is expected to provide high-resolution ΔE measurements (≤0.6% σ) at a high counting rate (>50 kHz). In addition, it has the capability of providing timing information with around 150 ps resolution (σ) compared to the lack of useable timing information of the conventional ionization chamber relying on drifting charges. The development of fast, accurate ΔE measurement techniques for present and future nuclear science facilities will have a high impact on the design and implementation of rare-isotope beam experiments at FRIB and their scientific outcome. As such, ELOSS also represents a prototype for the development of PID detector systems of other planned and future spectrometers, such as the high rigidity spectrometer at FRIB.

Evidence of a Near-Threshold Resonance in ^{11}B Relevant to the β-Delayed Proton Emission of ^{11}Be

A narrow near-threshold proton-emitting resonance (E_{x}=11.4  MeV, J^{π}=1/2^{+}, and Γ_{p}=4.4  keV) was directly observed in ^{11}B via proton resonance scattering. This resonance was previously inferred in the β-delayed proton emission of the neutron halo nucleus ^{11}Be. The good agreement between both experimental results serves as a ground to confirm the existence of such exotic decay and the particular behavior of weakly bound nuclei coupled to the continuum. R-matrix analysis shows a sizable partial decay width for both, proton and α (Γ_{α}=11  keV) emission channels.

Constraining the ^{30}P(p, γ)^{31}S Reaction Rate in ONe Novae via the Weak, Low-Energy, β-Delayed Proton Decay of ^{31}Cl

The ^{30}P(p,γ)^{31}S reaction plays an important role in understanding the nucleosynthesis of A≥30 nuclides in oxygen-neon novae. The Gaseous Detector with Germanium Tagging was used to measure ^{31}Cl β-delayed proton decay through the key J^{π}=3/2^{+}, 260-keV resonance. The intensity I_{βp}^{260}=8.3_{-0.9}^{+1.2}×10^{-6} represents the weakest β-delayed, charged-particle emission ever measured below 400 keV, resulting in a proton branching ratio of Γ_{p}/Γ=2.5_{-0.3}^{+0.4}×10^{-4}. By combining this measurement with shell-model calculations for Γ_{γ} and past work on other resonances, the total ^{30}P(p,γ)^{31}S rate has been determined with reduced uncertainty. The new rate has been used in hydrodynamic simulations to model the composition of nova ejecta, leading to a concrete prediction of ^{30}Si:^{28}Si excesses in presolar nova grains and the calibration of nuclear thermometers.

Design of a custom-made device for real-time optical measurement of differential mineral concentrations in three-dimensional scaffolds for bone tissue engineering

Monitoring bone tissue engineered (TEed) constructs during their maturation is important to ensure the quality of applied protocols. Several destructive, mainly histochemical, methods are conventionally used to this aim, requiring the sacrifice of the investigated samples. This implies (i) to plan several scaffold replicates, (ii) expensive and time consuming procedures and (iii) to infer the maturity level of a given tissue construct from a cognate replica. To solve these issues, non-destructive techniques such as light spectroscopy-based methods have been reported to be useful. Here, a miniaturized and inexpensive custom-made spectrometer device is proposed to enable the non-destructive analysis of hydrogel scaffolds. Testing involved samples with a differential amount of calcium salt. When compared to a reference standard device, this custom-made spectrometer demonstrates the ability to perform measurements without requiring elaborate sample preparation and/or a complex instrumentation. This preliminary study shows the feasibility of light spectroscopy-based methods as useful for the non-destructive analysis of TEed constructs. Based on these results, this custom-made spectrometer device appears as a useful option to perform real-time/in-line analysis. Finally, this device can be considered as a component that can be easily integrated on board of recently prototyped bioreactor systems, for the monitoring of TEed constructs during their conditioning.

Beam particle identification and tagging of incompletely stripped heavy beams with HEIST

A challenge preventing successful inverse kinematics measurements with heavy nuclei that are not fully stripped is identifying and tagging the beam particles. For this purpose, the HEavy ISotope Tagger (HEIST) has been developed. HEIST utilizes two micro-channel plate timing detectors to measure the time-of-flight, a multi-sampling ion chamber to measure energy loss, and a high-purity germanium detector to identify isomer decays and calibrate the isotope identification system. HEIST has successfully identified ¹⁹⁸Pb and other nearby nuclei at energies of about 75 MeV/A. In the experiment discussed, a typical cut containing 89% of all ¹⁹⁸Pb⁸⁰⁺ in the beam had a purity of 86%. We examine the issues of charge state contamination. The observed charge state populations of these ions are presented and, using an adjusted beam energy, are well described by the charge state model GLOBAL.

Development and validation of an in-silico tool for the study of therapeutic agents in 3D cell cultures

Computational models constitute a fundamental asset for cancer research and drug R&D, as they provide controlled environments for testing of hypotheses and are characterized by the total knowledge of the system. These features are particularly useful for 3D cell culture models where a complex interaction among cells and their environments ensues. In this work, we present a programmable simulator capable of reproducing the behavior of cells cultured in 3D scaffolds and their response to pharmacological treatment. This system will be shown to be able to accurately describe the temporal evolution of the density of a population of MDA-MB-231 cells following their treatment with different concentrations of doxorubicin, together with a newly described drug-resistance mechanism and potential re-sensitization strategy. An extensive technical description of this model will be coupled to its experimental validation and to an analysis aimed at identifying which variables and behaviors account for differences in the response to treatment. Comprehensively, this work contributes to the growing field of integrated in-silico/in-vitro analysis of biological processes which has great potential for both the increase of our scientific knowledge and the development of novel, more effective treatments.

First Direct Measurement of ^{22}Mg(α,p)^{25}Al and Implications for X-Ray Burst Model-Observation Comparisons

Type-I x-ray bursts can reveal the properties of an accreting neutron star system when compared with astrophysics model calculations. However, model results are sensitive to a handful of uncertain nuclear reaction rates, such as ^{22}Mg(α,p). We report the first direct measurement of ^{22}Mg(α,p), performed with the Active Target Time Projection Chamber. The corresponding astrophysical reaction rate is orders of magnitude larger than determined from a previous indirect measurement in a broad temperature range. Our new measurement suggests a less-compact neutron star in the source GS1826-24.

Erratum: Direct Observation of Proton Emission in ^{11}Be [Phys. Rev. Lett. 123, 082501 (2019)]

This corrects the article DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.123.082501.

Direct Observation of Proton Emission in ^{11}Be

The elusive β^{-}p^{+} decay was observed in ^{11}Be by directly measuring the emitted protons and their energy distribution for the first time with the prototype Active Target Time Projection Chamber in an experiment performed at ISAC-TRIUMF. The measured β^{-}p^{+} branching ratio is orders of magnitude larger than any previous theoretical model predicted. This can be explained by the presence of a narrow resonance in ^{11}B above the proton separation energy.

Multi-layer thick gas electron multiplier (M-THGEM): A new MPGD structure for high-gain operation at low-pressure

The operating principle and performances of the Multi-layer Thick Gaseous Electron Multiplier (M-THGEM) are presented. The M-THGEM is a novel hole-type gaseous electron multiplier produced by multi-layer printed circuit board technology; it consists of a densely perforated assembly of multiple insulating substrate sheets (e.g., FR-4), sandwiched between thin metallic-electrode layers. The electron avalanche processes occur along the successive multiplication stages within the M-THGEM holes, under the action of strong dipole fields resulting from the application of suitable potential differences between the electrodes. The present work focuses on the investigation of two different geometries: a two-layer M-THGEM (either as single or double-cascade detector) and a single three-layer M-THGEM element, tested in various low-pressure He-based gas mixtures. The intrinsically robust confinement of the avalanche volume within the M-THGEM holes provides an efficient reduction of the photon-induced secondary effects, resulting in a high-gain operation over a broad pressure range, even in pure elemental gas. The operational principle, main properties (maximum achievable gain, long-term stability, energy resolution, etc.) under different irradiation conditions, as well as capabilities and potential applications are presented and discussed.

GSTA1*-69C/T and GSTO2*N142D as asthma- and allergy-related risk factors in Italian adult patients

1. Asthma and allergies are characterized by variable and subjective symptoms influenced by many genes, molecular mechanisms and environmental factors. The presence of inflammation and oxidative stress in the airways are important biochemical features of asthma and respiratory allergies. Glutathione S-transferase (GSTs) enzymes play an important role in cellular protection against inflammation, and functional genetic polymorphisms in GST genes show a significant association with asthma and allergy risk. Specifically, our previous study on asthmatic children highlighted GSTA1 and GSTO2 as novel susceptibility loci for asthma. 2. In the present study we focused our attention on GSTA1*-69C/T (rs3957357) and GSTO2*N142D (rs156697) polymorphisms to confirm our previous results in an independent adult study population and to clarify whether GSTA1 and GSTO2 gene polymorphisms are involved in a non-discriminative pathway towards asthma and respiratory allergy. 3. To accomplish this, we recruited 103 patients with respiratory allergies, 199 patients with asthma and 200 healthy controls. Genomic DNA extracted from buccal cells was screened for GSTA1*-69C/T and GSTO2*N142D single nucleotide polymorphisms. 4. The GSTA1*-69T and GSTO2*D142 variants are both associated with a significantly increased risk of asthma, whereas only GSTA1*-69C/T is significantly associated with allergies. These outcomes confirm the involvement of GSTO2 loci in asthma and suggest that GSTA1 is a common risk factor for asthma and allergies.

A novel fast-neutron detector concept for energy-selective imaging and imaging spectroscopy

We present and discuss the operational principle of a new fast-neutron detector concept suitable for either energy-selective imaging or for imaging spectroscopy. The detector is comprised of a series of energy-selective stacks of converter foils immersed in a noble-gas based mixture, coupled to a position-sensitive charge readout. Each foil in the various stacks is made of two layers of different thicknesses, fastened together: a hydrogen-rich (plastic) layer for neutron-to-proton conversion, and a hydrogen-free coating to selectively stop/absorb the recoil protons below a certain energy cut-off. The neutron-induced recoil protons, that escape the converter foils, release ionization electrons in the gas gaps between consecutive foils. The electrons are then drifted towards and localized by a position-sensitive charge amplification and readout stage. Comparison of the images detected by stacks with different energy cut-offs allows energy-selective imaging. Neutron energy spectrometry is realized by analyzing the responses of a sufficient large number of stacks of different energy response and unfolding techniques. In this paper, we present the results of computer simulation studies and discuss the expected performance of the new detector concept. Potential applications in various fields are also briefly discussed, in particularly, the application of energy-selective fast-neutron imaging for nuclear safeguards application, with the aim of determining the plutonium content in Mixed Oxide (MOX) fuels.

High-frame rate imaging of two-phase flow in a thin rectangular channel using fast neutrons

We have demonstrated the feasibility of performing high-frame-rate, fast neutron radiography of air-water two-phase flows in a thin channel with rectangular cross section. The experiments have been carried out at the accelerator facility of the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt. A polychromatic, high-intensity fast neutron beam with average energy of 6 MeV was produced by 11.5 MeV deuterons hitting a thick Be target. Image sequences down to 10 ms exposure times were obtained using a fast-neutron imaging detector developed in the context of fast-neutron resonance imaging. Different two-phase flow regimes such as bubbly slug and churn flows have been examined. Two phase flow parameters like the volumetric gas fraction, bubble size and mean bubble velocities have been measured. The first results are promising, improvements for future experiments are also discussed.

Metal-score as a potential non-invasive diagnostic test for Alzheimer's disease

The link between biometals and Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been investigated with a focus on local metal accumulations. In this work, we have looked at systemic metal changes and computed a score (M-score) based on metal disarrangements to discriminate patients with AD from patients with vascular dementia (VaD) and from controls. We measured serum levels of iron, copper, ceruloplasmin, transferrin, and total antioxidant capacity (TAS), performed Apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotyping and calculated non-ceruloplasmin copper ('free' copper') levels, transferrin saturation, total iron binding capacity, and ceruloplasmin-transferrin ratio (Cp/Tf) in 93 patients with AD, 45 patients with VaD, and 48 controls. All subjects underwent biochemical, neuroimaging and cognitive evaluations. Significant differences were observed among the tested groups for the levels of copper, free copper, peroxides, and TAS and for the Cp/Tf with disparity in couple comparison. On this basis we created the M-score as linear combination of biometal variables and APOE genotype. Besides its ability to discriminate AD patients vs. controls (ROC AUC=90%), M-score was able to distinguish AD vs. VaD (ROC AUC=79%). Moreover, we calculated the sensitivity and the specificity for M-score and for the other significant variables: M-score reached the highest sensitivity without a relevant loss in terms of specificity. When we compared M-score with APOE genotype and Medial Temporal Atrophy score, it resulted statistically better than these diagnostic markers. In conclusion, we confirm the link between biometals and AD and suggest its potential as diagnostic tool. Further studies may elucidate its potential role as reliable diagnostic test.

Development of a cold-neutron imaging detector based on thick gaseous electron multiplier

We present the results of our recent studies on a cold-neutron imaging detector prototype based on THick Gaseous Electron Multiplier (THGEM). The detector consists of a thin Boron layer, for neutron-to-charged particle conversion, coupled to two THGEM electrodes in cascade for charge amplification and a position-sensitive charge-readout anode. The detector operates in Ne∕(5%)CF4, at atmospheric pressure, in a stable condition at a gain of around 10(4). Due to the geometrical structure of the detector elements (THGEM geometry and charge read-out anode), the image of detector active area shows a large inhomogeneity, corrected using a dedicated flat-filed correction algorithm. The prototype provides a detection efficiency of 5% and an effective spatial resolution of the order of 1.3 mm.

Fast bedside measurement of blood count and C-reactive protein in newborns compared with conventional methods

BACKGROUND

Abnormal complete blood count (CBC) and high plasma C-reactive protein (CRP) are associated with neonatal infections and could be helpful in the diagnosis of neonatal sepsis and to monitor the antibiotic treatment.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this work is to evaluate and compare the performance of a bedside analyzer for blood count and C-reactive protein (CRP) with a conventional analyzer in a neonatal population.

METHODS

150 capillary or venous blood samples of term and preterm newborns were processed on an ABX-MicrosCRP200 analyzer and on a SysmexXE2100 (conventional hematology analyzer) for CBC, leukocyte differential, reticulocytes, and nucleated red blood cells (NRBC); high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) was performed on a ModularPE. The differences between complete blood count and CRP were regressed against their means and assessed by means of intra-class-correlation.

RESULTS

The intra-class-correlation for white blood cell (WBC) was 0.98, for hemoglobin 0.97, for hematocrit 0.96, for mean corpuscular volume 0.95, and for platelet 0.98. ABX-MicrosCRP200 overestimated the WBC (+1.27 x 10(3)/microL; p < 0.001), hematocrit (+1.80%; p < 0.001), and platelet (+13.55 x 10(3)/microL; p < 0.001). The intra-class-correlation for CRP was high (0.97), without systematic difference between the two values (p = 0.64).

CONCLUSIONS

The agreement between the two methods was high for both tests. However, the SD of the difference for WBC and platelet could be clinically important in leukopenic or thrombocytopenic newborns.

Blood cell counting in neonates: a comparison between a low volume micromethod and the standard laboratory method

BACKGROUND

Iatrogenic anaemia caused by repeated blood sampling to monitor laboratory parameters can contribute, particularly in neonates, to the need for transfusion. "Point of care" laboratory equipment uses smaller amounts of blood for analytic determinations and could, therefore, help to prevent secondary anaemia. In this study we compared the results of haematological parameters measured using a standard laboratory method and using a "point of care" micromethod, with the aim of validating the use of this latter method in clinical practice in neonatology.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred and fifty venous or capillary blood samples were taken from full-term or premature neonates 2-4 hours or 48 hours after birth. Each sample was processed by a standard haematology analyser and another micromethod instrument. Bland-Altman plots were constructed for each parameter and intra-class coefficients of correlation were calculated in order to evaluate the concordance between the two analysers.

RESULTS

The concordance between the data obtained with the two analysers, expressed as the intra-class correlation, was 0.98 for white blood cell count, 0.97 for haemoglobin concentration, 0.96 for haematocrit, 0.95 for mean red cell volume and 0.98 for platelet count. The micromethod produced overestimated mean values for the leucocyte count (+1.27; p<0.001), haematocrit (+1.80; p<0.001) and platelet count (+13.55; p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, the concordance between the values obtained with the two analysers was high for each of the parameters taken into consideration. In the case of haemoglobin and leucocytes, give the high intra-class correlation and lack of systematic overestimation of one method over another, the micromethod guarantees a correct evaluation; however, despite the high intra-class correlations for platelet counts, the systemic error seems to suggest that the micromethod cannot guarantee an appropriate evaluation of this parameter.

New prospective for non-invasive detection, grading, size evaluation, and tumor location of prostate cancer

BACKGROUND

PSA blood test and other present screening tools fail to provide the required sensitivity and specificity and, at early stages, lack correlation with tumor grade, volume, and location. Thus alternative approaches are highly desired. We present and assess a novel method for PCa detection, grading, volume evaluation and tumor location, based on non-invasive zinc concentration mapping in the gland by means of a dedicated rectal probe.

METHODS

Zinc-concentration values measured in histologically examined tissue fragments from needle biopsy of 598 patients were analyzed. They were used to generate computer simulated zinc-concentration maps, further analyzed with image-processing tools. The tumor detection performances versus Gleason grade were assessed.

RESULTS

A significant increase of zinc depletion with increasing Gleason pattern (grade) classification was established. Tumor detection performance in zinc-concentration maps progressively improves with the cancer's first component score. Reliable information on the location, size and Gleason-grade combination of the lesion can be extracted for clinically relevant volumes.

CONCLUSIONS

Zinc depletion in the prostate peripheral zone is the basis for a novel, non-invasive PCa detection, localization, volume evaluation and grading method. Its realization and application as a pre-biopsy and pre-treatment examination, or a follow-up tool, relies on the development of a dedicated transrectal probe. It should have significant impact on biopsy effectiveness, point at a possible extraprostatic extension and provide critical data for focal treatment. The information on tumor grade and distribution may have an important impact on disease management.

Ceruloplasmin/Transferrin system is related to clinical status in acute stroke

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

In acute stroke, Iron (Fe) may amplify reperfusion injury by catalyzing the conversion of superoxide and hydrogen peroxide into highly reactive radicals. Transferrin (Tf) is the main protein regulating Fe homeostasis, whereas Ceruplasmin (CP) is a circulating ferroxidase enzyme able to oxidize ferrous ions to less toxic ferric forms. This study aims at investigating whether CP, Copper (Cu), Tf, and Fe play a role in the pathophysiology of acute stroke.

METHODS

We enrolled 35 acute stroke patients and 44 controls. All patients underwent: neurological examination assessed by National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), ultrasound evaluation of carotid atherosclerosis, brain MRI to quantify ischemic lesion volume and measurement of serum levels of CP, Cu, Tf, Fe, hydro-peroxides, and Total plasmatic antioxidant capacity.

RESULTS

In patients, NIHSS scores were associated with Tf (r=-0.48, P=0.004), hydro-peroxides (r=0.34, P=0.046), CP (r=0.43, P=0.012), and lesion volume (r=0.50, P=0.004). Lesion volume was inversely associated with Tf (r=-0.44, P=0.012). CP and hydro-peroxides were also largely related (r=0.81, P<0.001). The model multiple R was 0.57, resulting in a 32.5% of explained NIHSS variance with Tf accounting for 23.4% and CP for 9.1%.

CONCLUSIONS

CP and Tf levels are representative of clinical status in acute stroke patients. Our findings suggest a protective role of Tf in acute stroke and a possible ambivalent role of CP.

Evaluating the cancer detection and grading potential of prostatic-zinc imaging: a simulation study

The present work deals with the analysis of prostatic-zinc-concentration images. The goal is to evaluate potential clinically relevant information that can be extracted from such images. In the absence of experimental images, synthetic ones are produced from clinically measured zinc-concentration distributions in certified benign and cancerous tissue samples, classified by the lesion grade. We describe the method for producing the images and model the effect of counting statistics noise. We present in detail the image analysis, which is based on a combination of standard image processing and segmentation tools, optimized for this particular application. The information on lowest zinc value obtained from the image analysis is translated to clinical data such as tumour presence, location, size and grade. Their confidence is evaluated with the help of standard statistical tools such as receiver operating characteristic analysis. The present work predicts a potential for detecting small prostate-cancer lesions, of grade (4+3) and above, with very good specificity and sensitivity. The present analysis further provides data on the pixel size and image counting statistics requested from the trans-rectal probe that will record in vivo prostatic-zinc maps in patients.

Clinical assessment of the cancer diagnostic value of prostatic zinc: a comprehensive needle-biopsy study

BACKGROUND

The correlation between Zinc concentration in the prostate's peripheral zone to the onset or presence of malignant process needs to be evaluated in detail.

METHODS

Zinc concentration was measured in approximately 1-4 mm3 segments of fresh needle-biopsy cores, with X-ray fluorescence, and correlated with the histological findings of these tissue segments.

RESULTS

Local Zinc concentration is correlated with the presence of cancer (PCa); the higher the Gleason score the greater the Local Zinc depletion. The Zinc value averaged over the entire extracted tissue is specific only to Gleason score 8-9 PCa. The results refer to patients avoiding Zinc-rich supplements since those show elevated prostatic Zinc concentration in identified cancer tissue. A computer simulation analysis of randomly located 0.03-3.3 cm3 lesions, with particular Gleason score and the measured Local Zinc concentration, revealed a potential diagnostic approach definitely superior to PSA, with sensitivity to the tumor grade and with excellent detection capability for Gleason score >6. Further clinical studies have been designed, both on full prostates after radical prostatectomy as well as on biopsy cores at higher resolution, to establish the accuracy of the method for Gleason score = 6.

CONCLUSIONS

The PCa diagnostic potential of Local Zinc concentration is confirmed and there is indication that the amount of Zinc depletion could be used as a measure of the Gleason score of the tumor. Local Zinc concentration mapping has the potential to improve patient selection for biopsy, biopsy site selection and local therapy (e.g., Cryotherapy, Brachytherapy) site selection.

The assessment of path linearity in swimming: a pilot study

The lateral-medial displacement (LF) and the overall drift from a straight path (DT) were quantified and compared in 5 top-level (TLS) and 5 low-level (LLS) crawl swimmers. Sixteen repetitions of 25-m crawl at increasing intensity were performed and videotaped. The performances were divided into 3 intensities (< 80 %, 80 - 90 % and > 90 % of maximal speed). LF was expressed as overlength swum (OLS) and coefficient of variation (CV) of the Z-component movement. OLS revealed a significant main effect for swimmer level (p < 0.01), intensity (p < 0.01) and their interaction (0.48, 0.37, 0.31-m for TLS and 0.47, 0.43, 0.44-m for LLS, p < 0.05). CV was significantly higher in LLS at the lowest (0.69 vs. 0.22, p < 0.05) and highest intensity (0.71 vs. 0.33, p < 0.05). DT, expressed as the slope of the linear regression of position data vs. time, was significantly higher in LLS only at the highest intensity (0.025 vs. 0.013, p < 0.05). The amount of dissipated energy due to LF, quantified by means of discrete Fourier analysis, revealed a difference only when the 0 - 5 Hz and 5 - 10 Hz spectral windows were analysed separately. While LF has a practical significance since it contributes to increase drag, DT is negligible at least for short-distance events.

Depression After Lung Transplantation: Causes and Treatment

During the postoperative course of lung transplantation, patients may experience depressive symptoms that negatively influence their ability to cope with the new organ, their adherence to rehabilitation and pharmacologic therapy, and their overall quality of life (QoL). To date, no review has explored the causes of depression following transplantation or the efficacy and safety of therapeutic interventions in this patient group. We conducted a comprehensive 1966-2006 MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PsycINFO search for studies of the causes and treatments of depression in lung transplant recipients. We identified 25 studies of variable methodologic quality. Depression rates are high among candidates for lung transplantation. In the short term, after surgery depressive symptoms remain low with an improvement in QoL, whereas in the long term (>3 years), the decline of functional status is associated with a dramatic increase in such symptomatology. Personality disorders, coping strategies, stressful life events, physical complications, corticosteroid medications, age, gender, and psychosocial support all play a central role in causing depressive states in lung transplant recipients. Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and new-generation antidepressants (mirtazapine) represent the best therapeutic choices for this group of patients. The risk of serious drug-drug interactions should be carefully monitored by experienced clinicians. Complementary therapies and psychoeducational intervention also help recipients to strengthen their coping strategies, offering further advantages after transplantation. Additional well-conducted randomized controlled trials are needed to clarify the epidemiologic course of depression following lung transplantation and to tailor effective pharmacologic or psychological interventions accordingly.

[PCBs cause necrosis of L6C5 myoblasts]

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are structurally related to dioxins, widely used in the past in various industrial applications and daily used products. Although PCBs production was discontinued more than twenty years ago, their chemical stability and high lipophilicity make them persistent pollutants and dangerous occupational contaminants. Skeletal muscle is an important site of PCB accumulation. Our previous results about the effects of PCBs on L6C5 myoblasts, showed that "low concentrations" (< 10 microg/ml) of these compounds inhibit in vitro myogenic differentiation in a concentration-dependent fashion, while toxic effects only begin to be evident at PCB concentrations > or = 10 microg/ml. In the present paper we wondered if the observed cell mortality is due to necrosis or if it depends on the activation of programmed cell death mechanisms (apoptosis). Using different methods of analysis, we have observed that PCBs cause necrosis of myogenic cells and that such effect is related to the employed concentrations and to the time of exposure (EC50 approximately = 50 microg/ml). Our results may help to explain the creatin kinase elevation, observed in the blood of patients acutely exposed to high concentrations of PCBs, as the consequence of a necrotic damage of the skeletal muscle. It will be therefore interesting to evaluate the presence of muscular damages in the chronic exposures to PCBs.

Elevation of serum copper levels in Alzheimer's disease

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether serum trace metals and oxidative species are related to abnormal cognition in AD.

METHODS

The authors studied serum peroxides, copper, iron, transferrin, and antioxidant capacity in 79 patients with AD (mean age 74.3 years; 25 men, 54 women) and in 76 cognitively normal individuals (mean age 70.1 years; 33 men, 43 women). The relation of these oxidative and trace metals to APOE epsilon4 allele frequency, neuropsychological performance, and cerebrovascular or atrophic burden, as estimated by brain MRI and ultrasonography of cerebral vessels, was evaluated.

RESULTS

Copper level was higher (p < 0.001) in subjects with AD than control subjects (specificity = 95%, sensitivity = 60%) with a cutoff serum level of 16 micro mol/L (1.02 mg/L). An increase of 1 micro mol/L in serum copper accounted for 80% of the risk of having AD and correlated with poor neuropsychological performance and medial temporal lobe atrophy (p < 0.03). Antioxidant capacity decreased and correlated with medial temporal lobe atrophy (p < 0.009) and with APOE epsilon4 allele (p = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

Copper may play a role in neurodegenerative processes in AD, and serum copper measurement may prove to be a peripheral diagnostic marker for AD.

d-penicillamine reduces serum oxidative stress in Alzheimer's disease patients

BACKGROUND

Several lines of evidence address the emerging role for copper in Alzheimer's disease (AD) for sustaining oxidative mechanisms. Studies indicate that peripheral markers of oxidative stress in AD patients could be informative about the pathophysiology of this brain condition. Here, we present a pilot study examining the efficacy of the copper-chelating agent d-penicillamine in reducing oxidative stress in AD patients.

DESIGN

Serum levels of copper sampled in AD patients and healthy controls indicate a copper homeostasis imbalance in AD. On this basis, 34 AD patients were enrolled in a 6-month, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with the copper d-penicillamine-chelating agent. Nine patients for each group completed the trial. Oxidative stress, trace metals and clinical parameters were evaluated.

RESULTS

At the start of the study (t0) total peroxides and copper serum content of AD patients were higher (P < 0.0001, P < 0.0001, respectively) and antioxidants were lower (P < 0.05) than in healthy controls. Copper and peroxides were correlated in the AD population (Pearson's r = 0.61, P < 0.001). After treatment with d-penicillamine, the extent of oxidative stress (P < 0.05) was decreased, but no difference was observed in the rate of cognitive decline.

CONCLUSION

Data from this pilot study suggest that copper could play a role in the production of peroxides in AD, and that d-penicillamine has an effect in reducing oxidative damage, however, results are still inconclusive in terms of drug efficacy on the clinical progression of AD. Studies with larger cohorts are needed to elucidate the real effectiveness of d-penicillamine treatment in AD.

Spreading the clinical information system: which users are satisfied?

The present study deals with the assessment of the perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use of the clinical core of the HIS we are building, and progressively spreading into the medical centre, through the use of two questionnaires. The differences in subjective perception among clinical units and professional roles have been analyzed. Results show that the system, in use on a mandatory basis, has been accepted. Most of the users are satisfied, and probable removable causes of dissatisfaction have been identified.

Assessing users' satisfaction through perception of usefulness and ease of use in the daily interaction with a hospital information system

The present study deals with the assessment of the subjective perception of the clinical core of the hospital information system (HIS) we are building. This HIS is not in use on a voluntary basis, but physicians and nurses use it for all the aspects of their inpatient care that have been informatized. Two questionnaires, aimed at the assessment of users perceived usefulness and ease of use of information technology, were utilized to: obtain feedback of the actual users' satisfaction as a predictive factor for the future life of the system, assess the real influence of the often-mentioned problems of age and unfamiliarity with computers of potential users, learn about the aspects which would enhance users' acceptance. The analysis of answers to the questionnaires has indicated a substantially positive perception of the system in terms of both usefulness and ease of use. This constitutes a good reason to keep on investing in the project. Even though this study has the intrinsic limit of the small dimension of the inquired population (53 users, equivalent to 98% of the personnel of the assessed clinical units), our data confirm the inconsistency of the relationship between perception of usefulness and age, and show "unfamiliarity with computers" as commonplace. On the other hand, it seems that the keystone for usefulness perception is the knowledge the users have of the system. An effort by the technical personnel in establishing a broader collaboration with the users, and in providing more exhaustive training and support may well be worthwhile.

Interaction and dialogue between the users and the patient record core of hospital information system: looking for a solution

The lack of good user interface, in terms of both modality of dialogue and system behaviour is the major impediment to the acceptance and routine use of the computer based patient record (CPR) core of a hospital information system. We describe here the adopted approach to face the daily users' needs, overcoming the pitfalls of the paper based patient record (PPR), and giving the physicians an exhaustive modality for CPR inspection.