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The expected particle fluence in the inner part of the CMS Preshower is calculated to be 1.6×1014 cm-2 for neutrons and 0.4×1014 cm-2 for charged hadrons. Since the error of the calculation is high and/or unexpected accidental beam misalignments might happen we have irradiated Preshower silicon sensors to fluences up to 5×1014 n/cm2 to verify that they hold voltages necessary to reach the full charge collection efficiency. All irradiated sensors showed no signs of breakdown up to 1000 V, the maximum voltage applied. All but one display a sufficiently stable charge collection efficiency up to 1000 V. No noisy channels were observed at the extreme voltages.The measured charge collection efficiency was 71±12% and 59±12% for sensors irradiated to 3×1014 and 5×1014 n/cm2, respectively. These values are consistent with the extrapolation from previous measurements made on sensors irradiated to 2.3×1014 n/cm2.The work presents the results of static and dynamic measurements and shows that our design and the technology are very robust. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Melanoma is the most common lethal cutaneous neoplasm. In order to harmonize treatment and follow-up of melanoma patients, guidelines for the management of melanoma in Switzerland have been inaugurated in 2001. These have been approved by all Swiss medical societies involved in the care of melanoma patients. New data necessitated changes concerning the safety margins (reduction to maximally 2 cm) and modifications of the recommendations of follow-up.

Background: The melanoma incidence has increased over recent decades. Educational campaigns aim to encourage protection from the sun and early detection of melanoma., Methods: During a campaign in Switzerland, information on risk factors, sun protection and melanoma prevention was distributed. 10987 people completed a questionnaire regarding risk factors, and 2746 people were examined by a dermatologist., Results: Men had a higher risk as assessed by skin type, ultraviolet exposure, family history, number of moles and sunburns during childhood. Changes in moles were reported significantly more often by people with: (1). a positive family history (p < 0.0001); (2). multiple moles (p < 0.0001), and (3). sunburns during childhood (p < 0.0001). A precancerous or cancerous condition was suspected in 16% of individuals examined., Conclusion: Early detection of melanoma can be achieved by this type of campaign. Primary prevention is a long-term approach and educational efforts targeting risk groups must be continued., (Copyright 2002 S. Karger AG, Basel)

Melanoma is the most common lethal cutaneous neoplasm. There is major controversy over the best management of this malignancy. In order to harmonize treatment and follow-up of melanoma patients, guidelines for the management of melanoma in Switzerland have been inaugurated. They have been approved by all Swiss medical societies involved in the care of melanoma patients., (Copyright 2001 S. Karger AG, Basel)

The development of steal syndrome distal to an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) created for hemodialysis access remains a significant clinical problem. This study was undertaken to determine the role of intraoperative noninvasive testing in the prediction and management of steal syndrome following arteriovenous fistula creation. First, in order to determine a threshold digital/brachial index (DBI) for patients at risk for steal syndrome, we performed a retrospective review of patients who had had the DBI measured and who developed symptoms (steal syndrome) following AVF creation. This was followed by a prospective evaluation of the ability of the DBI to predict which patients undergoing AVF surgery would develop steal syndrome. A DBI of <0.6 identifies a patient at risk for steal syndrome. Intraoperative DBI cannot be used to predict which patient will develop steal syndrome; however, if revision is indicated, the DBI should be increased to >0.6. Failure to accomplish this puts the patient at risk for continued steal syndrome.

Background: Accumulating evidence suggests that oxidative modification of lipoproteins may play a significant role in atherogenesis. In this study, we hypothesized that the iron chelator deferiprone (L1) would function as an antioxidant and decrease atherosclerosis progression., Materials and Methods: For the in vitro studies, human low-density lipoprotein (LDL) was collected and then subjected to oxidation by either hemin/H2O2 or copper sulfate in the presence of various concentrations of L1. Lag time to oxidation was measured to assess antioxidant activity of L1. In addition, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were subjected to oxidized LDL in the presence of varying concentrations of L1 to assess the antioxidant cytoprotective ability of L1. For the in vivo studies, rabbits (n = 21) were maintained on a 0.25% by weight cholesterol diet for 10 weeks; 9 rabbits also received twice daily L1 by gavage (total dose = 100 mg/kg/day). Lipid profiles were measured during the study. At 10 weeks, rabbits were sacrificed, and thoracic aorta cholesterol content (TACC) and planimetry were determined to assess atherosclerosis severity., Results: In vitro, L1 prevented oxidation of LDL and protected HUVEC from the cytotoxic effects of oxidized LDL in a concentration-dependent manner. In vivo, L1 reduced TACC (P = 0.001), while also significantly decreasing total plasma cholesterol (P = 0.003), very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P = 0.01), and LDL cholesterol (P = 0.002) compared to control animals. However, no significant differences between L1-treated animals and controls were evident for the surface area of plaque involvement by planimetry (P = 0.3) or in the serum iron levels (P = 0.3)., Conclusions: These results confirm that L1 possesses antioxidant activity in vitro and may reduce atherogenesis in vivo., (Copyright 1997 Academic Press.)

This paper examines the impact of the growing national health consciousness on the delivery of health care services. The health-involved consumer is first profiled and implications for health care marketing strategy are then identified. Suggestions are also made regarding the tailoring of health services to the health-involved segment.

62 biopsies of 40 patients with pityriasis rosea Gibert (PRG) were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. The main histopathological feature is eczematoid. In addition, the following characteristics, especially in combination, are helpful for the differential diagnosis: absence or decrease of the granular cell layer, erythrocytes in the papillary dermis and partly in the epidermis, and homogenization of the collagen of the papillary dermis. Recent and older lesions show little difference although the number of eosinophils in the inflammatory infiltrates has generally increased.

The combined application of an oral retinoid (Ro 10-9359) and phototherapy with predominantly UVB radiation (Selective Ultraviolet Phototherapy=SUP) is a new, highly effective method of treating psoriasis. It has few side effects and can be performed on an out-patient basis. With the aid of this combined treatment we achieved good or very good improvement in 19 out of 23 patients with generalized psoriasis (=82.6%). The average number of radiation sessions required to achieve this was 22.9, and the mean total therapeutic dose (TTD) was 73 J/cm2. In a control group of 40 psoriasis patients, who received only radiation therapy, we achieved good or very good results in only 60% with an average of 26 radiation sessions and 94 J/cm2 TTD. The effect of the oral retinoid and UVB radiation therapy is apparently additive, since the retinoid does not increase the sensitivity of the skin to light.

This case proves the possibility of a malignant transformation of seborrheic keratosis. This evidence is furnished by a biopsy specimen that shows not only a topical relationship between seborrheic keratosis and Bowen's disease, but also the progressive transition. An evident biopsy has to be made prior to clinical suspicion of malignant degeneration, that means prior to the destruction of the transitional zone by the tumor.

This report describes preliminary results using technetium-99m stannous phytate as a lymph-node imaging agent in animals. After the subcutaneous administration there is good visualization of the draining nodes, best obtained 2-4 hr from the time of injection. There is also visualization of the liver, spleen, kidneys, and bladder. This agent appears suitable for lymph-node imaging in areas where the extranodal concentration does not interfere.