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Abstract: In this paper we investigate, with a detailed Monte Carlo simulation based on Geant4, the novel approach of Lenti (2008) to 3D imaging with photon scattering. A monochromatic and well collimated gamma beam is used to illuminate the object to be imaged and the photons Compton scattered are detected by means of a surrounding germanium strip detector. The impact position and the energy of the photons are measured with high precision and the scattering position along the beam axis is calculated. We study as an application of this technique the case of brain imaging but the results can be applied as well to situations where a lighter object, with localized variations of density, is embedded in a denser container. We report here the attainable sensitivity in the detection of density variations as a function of the beam energy, the depth inside the object and size and density of the inclusions. Using a 600keV gamma beam, for an inclusion with a density increase of 30% with respect to the surrounding tissue and thickness along the beam of 5mm, we obtain at midbrain position a resolution of about 2mm and a contrast of 12%. In addition the simulation indicates that for the same gamma beam energy a complete brain scan would result in an effective dose of about 1mSv. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We investigated the effect of ageing and training on muscle fibre conduction velocity (MFCV) and cardiorespiratory response during incremental cycling exercise. Eight young (YT; 24±5 yrs) and eight older (OT; 64±3 yrs) cyclists, together with eight young (YU; 27±4 yrs) and eight older (OU; 63±2 yrs) untrained individuals underwent to an incremental maximal test on a cycle ergometer. Ventilatory threshold (VT), respiratory compensation point (RCP) and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) were identified and MFCV recorded from the vastus lateralis muscle using surface electromyography with linear arrays electrodes. In YT MFCV increased with the exercise intensity, reaching a peak of 4.99±1.02 [m/s] at VT. Thereafter, and up to VO2max, MFCV declined. In YU MFCV showed a similar trend although the peak [4.55±0.53m/s] was observed, at 75% of VO2max an intensity higher than VT (66% of VO2max). In both YT and YU MFCV did not decline until RPC, which occurred at 78% VO2max in YU and at 92% VO2max (P <0.01) in YT. Differently from young individuals, MFCV in older subjects did not increase with exercise intensity. Moreover, maximal MFCV in OU was significantly lower [3.53±0.40m/s;] than that of YT (P <0.005) and YU (P <0.05). The present study shows that, especially in young individuals, MFCV reflects cardiorespiratory response during incremental dynamic cyclic exercise and hence can be used to investigate motor unit recruitment strategies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this paper a novel approach to 3-D imaging is discussed. A monochromatic and well collimated gamma rays beam is used to illuminate the body to be imaged; the photons Compton scattered off the body are detected by means of a Germanium strip detector which measures, with high precision, the energy of the photon and its impact position. Inverting the Compton formula, the gamma scattering position along the beam axis is calculated. The electron density of the body may be imaged with this approach. Resolutions and signal to noise ratios are discussed as a function of incident gamma ray energy; a simple simulation is presented. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this paper, a novel type of detector is discussed. A RICH with very long focal length (i.e. 20m) with respect to its transverse dimensions, with a dipole magnet in the middle, can work as a magnetic spectrometer and a standard RICH at the same time. With only one detector the momentum and the velocity of a charged particle (and so its mass) can be measured. This object is intrinsically very fast and also well suited for triggering purposes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

High-on-treatment platelet reactivity (HTPR) has been established as a predictor of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions on dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT), but no data are available on its predictive value in patients on DAPT after carotid artery stenting (CAS). We aimed to evaluate the possible association between HTPR in patients on aspirin plus clopidogrel therapy after CAS and subsequent MACE. All consecutive patients treated with CAS in a single institution were enrolled in a prospective clinical study. HTPR was evaluated with 5 different laboratory assays carried out just before CAS. MACE incidence (cerebral ischemia, myocardial infarction, stent thrombosis, acute limb ischemia and vascular death) was evaluated at 30 days and thereafter at yearly visits. A total of 300 patients were enrolled in the study, and eight were then excluded because blood samples resulted unsuitable for the laboratory testing or CAS aborted for technical problems. Median follow-up was 5.8 years and during this period 47 MACE occurred. HTPR detected by multiplate electronic aggregometry (MEA) and the VASP phosphorylation assay (VASP) were associated with a significantly enhanced risk of MACE (p = 0.048 and p = 0.038, respectively). However, HTPR to three tests (HTPR3) was more strongly predictive of increased risk of a vascular event at follow up (p = 0.005) at bivariate analysis and also at Cox regression multivariate analysis (p = 0.002). HTPR to three different assays (mainly to VASP + PFA P2Y+ VerifyNow) in patients on DAPT after CAS has predictive value for subsequent MACE. Prospective studies to assess whether platelet function testing-guided antiplatelet therapy is superior to standard DAPT in patient undergoing CAS should be considered. • While the predictive value of HTPR for PCI is known no data are available for CAS. • 300 patients undergoing CAS were enrolled in a prospective clinical study. • HTPR to DAPT was evaluated with 5 different laboratory assays. • HTPR detected by MEA and VASP test was associated with risk of MACE. • HTPR to three tests was strongly predictive of increased MACE risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents the findings of a multi-center study conducted in Italy that aimed to assess the frequency of type I gastric neuroendocrine neoplasms (gNENs) in patients with autoimmune atrophic gastritis (AAG). The study included 375 patients with AAG, and over a median follow-up of 4 years, 80 patients were found to have 97 well-differentiated gNENs. The study highlights the importance of regular endoscopic surveillance and thorough histopathological examination in patients with AAG for early diagnosis and treatment of gNENs. The occurrence of gNENs in patients with AAG is linked to elevated circulating gastrin levels, which stimulate abnormal proliferation of gastric enterochromaffin-like cells. [Extracted from the article]

This article presents the findings of a multicentric retrospective study conducted in Italy on patients with autoimmune atrophic gastritis (AAG). The study aimed to investigate the incidence and characteristics of gastric polyps in patients with AAG. The study included 375 patients with AAG, and it was found that 50.4% of these patients had at least one incidental polyp. The polyps observed included inflammatory, adenomatous, fundic gland polyps, gastric neuroendocrine tumors (gNETs), adenocarcinomas, and one MALT lymphoma. The study highlights the importance of proactive endoscopic monitoring and comprehensive histopathological evaluation in patients with AAG to effectively identify and manage these different gastric lesions. [Extracted from the article]

NA62 is a new generation kaon experiment at the CERN SPS aiming at studying rare and forbidden decays. One of main challenges of the experiment is the suppression of background decay channels with branching ratios up to 10 orders of magnitude higher than the signal and with similar experimental signatures. To provide such suppression, a powerful particle identification (PID) is needed. A key element of PID in NA62 is the Ring Imaging Cherenkov (RICH) detector. The RICH has successfully operated during the 2016–2018 data taking periods, being essential in the measurement of the branching ratio of the K + → π + ν ν ̄ decay. The detector was also used for searches for lepton number violation in 3-track kaon decays. The results on the π / μ and π /e separation directly measured with the data for the aforementioned decays are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is defined as a common bacterial infection that can lead to significant morbidity such as stricture, fistula, abscess formation, bacteremia, sepsis, pyelonephritis, and kidney dysfunction with a mortality rates reported of 1% in men and 3% in women because of development of pyelonephritis. UTIs are more common in women and the 33% of them require antimicrobials treatment for at least one episode by the age of 24 years. UTIs are the most common infections observed during pregnancy and up to 30% of mothers with not treated asymptomatic bacteriuria may develop acute pyelonephritis which consequently can be associated to adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. All bacteriuria in pregnancy should be treated with antimicrobial treatments being safe for both the mother and the fetus. Approximately one every four women receives prescription of antibiotic treatment during pregnancy, nearly 80% of all the prescription medications during gestation. The use of fosfomycin to treat cystitis in pregnancy generally considered safe and effective. Even though use on antibiotics for urinary tract infections is considered generally safe for the fetus and mothers, this opinion is not based on specific studies monitoring the relationship of among urinary infections, consumption of antibiotics, and pregnancy outcomes.Materials and Methods: On this basis we decided to analyze data from the database of our multicenter study PHYTOVIGGEST, reporting data from 5362 pregnancies, focusing on use of fosfomycin. Principal outcomes of pregnancy in women treated with fosfomycin were taken into consideration.Results: Women who have been treated with urinary antibiotics during the pregnancy were 183. With respect to the total number of pregnancies of our sample, these women represented the percentage of 3.49% (187/5362). Analysis of different outcomes of pregnancy such as gestational age, neonatal weight, and neonatal Apgar index did not show any significant difference. At the same time, analysis of data of pregnancy complicancies (such as urgent cesarean delivery, use of general anesthesia, need to induce labor) did not show any difference in women taking fosfomycin during pregnancy and those not taking it.Conclusions: Our data, based on a large number of pregnancies, confirm the safety use of fosfomycin use in pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

NA62 is the last generation kaon experiment at CERN SPS aiming to study the decay K + → π + ν ν ¯ . The goal of the experiment is to measure the decay branching ratio, O ( 10 − 10 ) , with 10% precision collecting about 100 K + → π + ν ν ¯ events in three years of data taking and assuming a 10% signal acceptance. The weak signal and the huge background make the experiment very challenging. The NA62 detector must be able to reject background events from decay channels with branching ratios up to 10 orders of magnitude higher than the signal one and with similar experimental signature. In order to achieve the designed goal, good Particle Identification (PID), kinematic rejection and precise timing are required. The key element of the PID in NA62 is the Ring Imaging Cherenkov detector (RICH) to identify pions and muons and to measure the particle arrival time. After a pilot run in 2014, installation and commissioning of the detector were completed in 2015, when also the first physics run took place. Results on the detector performance will be presented together with preliminary results from the 2015 and 2016 physics runs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The NA62 experiment at CERN aims to measure the branching ratio of the ultra-rare charged kaon decay K + → π + ν ν ¯ with a 10% accuracy and with a background contamination at the 10% level. Since the branching ratio of this decay is O (10 −10 ), to fulfill such request one of the main backgrounds, the decay K + → μ + ν (BR ~ 63 % ), must be suppressed by a rejection factor of 4×10 −13 (assuming 10% signal acceptance). This can be partially accomplished using a combination of kinematical cuts (8×10 −6 ) and the different power of penetration through matter of pions and muons (10 −5 ). A further 5×10 −3 suppression factor will be provided by a RICH detector, in a momentum range between 15 and 35 GeV/c. The details of the RICH project as well as the results from test runs performed on a RICH prototype of the same length of the final detector will be presented. The current status of the construction and the description of the final readout and trigger electronics will also be reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents three cases of patients with inflammatory bowel disease, one with Crohn's disease and two with ulcerative colitis, who acquired von Willebrand syndrome (AVWS), a rare bleeding disorder. Other topics discussed include the patients' clinical history, characteristics of the patients at the time of AVWS diagnosis, and optimal treatment options.

Abstract: A Ring Imaging Cherenkov (RICH) detector is the key element for particle identification in the NA62 experiment at CERN. Its purposes are to distinguish pions from muons in the momentum range from 15GeV/c to 35GeV/c with a muon suppression factor at the 0.5% level, to measure the particle arrival time with better than 100ps resolution and to provide the reference time and a fast signal for the trigger system. This paper describes the updated detector design, the present status of the construction, the final results of a prototype beam test and a possible application of Graphics Processing Units in the NA62 trigger system based on RICH information. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The NA62 RICH detector is used for the separation of pions and muons in the momentum range 15–35 GeV/c and is expected to provide a muon suppression factor better than 10^-2. A prototype of the final detector equipped with about 400 PMs (RICH-400 prototype) was built and tested in a dedicated run in 2009. The \pi-\mu separation was tested, as well as the effect of the contamination of the neon radiator with different amounts of oxygen and CO2. The \mu misidentification probability is about 0.7% and the time resolution better than 100 ps in the whole momentum range. We did not observe any absorption of the light due to the contamination of the radiator, however an effect on the ring radius is clearly observed due to the change of the refractive index of the medium. The conclusion of the studies is that the amount of CO2 in the final detector should be known at the 10^-3 level of precision or the quality of the pion identification could be seriously compromised. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: The NA62 experiment at CERN, aimed to measure branching fraction (O(10−10)), relies on a Neon based RICH detector for separation, time measurement and level 0 trigger. The experimental requirements for this detector are: a muon contamination in pion samples lower than 5×10−3 in the momentum range 15–35GeV/c and a time resolution on the charged track better than 100ps. A prototype of such a detector was built and tested in 2009; it consists of a full length () Ne filled vessel equipped with a spherical mirror and 414 PMs on its focal plane, located about 17m upstream of the mirror. This prototype was tested at CERN SPS on a positive hadron beam, in the required momentum range, to measure the separation and to confirm the time resolution obtained with a previous prototype; the misidentification probability is about 0.7% and the time resolution is better than 100ps in the whole momentum range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A RICH prototype has been constructed and tested. The detector was cylindrical, 17m long and 60cm diameter, filled with neon gas at atmospheric pressure. A spherical mirror with 17m focal length was used and 96 photomultipliers were placed in the mirror focal plane. The prototype was exposed to a momentum negative beam derived from the CERN SPS in the 2007 fall. The performances of the detector in terms of Cherenkov angle resolution, number of photoelectrons and time resolution are presented. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of factor V Leiden, prothrombin G20210A polymorphism, plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) 4G/5G polymorphism, PAI-1, homocysteine, and lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a)) in the occurrence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in patients with acute coronary syndromes who underwent coronary stenting. DESIGN: 520 patients (375 men and 145 women) with acute coronary syndromes and 520 age and sex matched controls were enrolled. MACE were recorded for 109 patients. Heterozygosity for factor V Leiden, prothrombin G20210A polymorphism, and 4G/5G polymorphism did not significantly differ between patients with and without MACE. A significantly higher percentage of patients with increased homocysteine (28% v 19%, p < 0.001) and PAI-1 concentrations (25% v 16%, p < 0.001) had MACE with respect to those who did not. In Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, the overall risk of MACE was significantly higher among patients with increased PAI-1 (p = 0.006) and homocysteine concentrations (p = 0.04). Cox regression analysis adjusted for age, sex, traditional cardiovascular risk factors, renal function, systolic left ventricular function, the number of stenosed vessels, and history of percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary artery bypass grafting showed that homocysteine (odds ratio 7.5, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1 to 57.7, p < 0.05) and PAI-1 concentrations (odds ratio 5.3, 95% CI 1.2 to 23.8, p < 0.05) within the fifth quintile (with respect to the first) were significant and independent risk factors for the future occurrence of MACE. CONCLUSIONS: Increased PAI-1 and homocysteine concentrations are independent risk factors for MACE after successful coronary stenting, whereas Lp(a) and thrombophilic polymorphisms are not predictive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the role of factor V Leiden, prothrombin G20210A polymorphism, plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) 4G/5G polymorphism, PAI-1, homocysteine, and lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a)) in the occurrence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in patients with acute coronary syndromes who underwent coronary stenting. Design: 520 patients (375 men and 145 women) with acute coronary syndromes and 520 age and sex matched controls were enrolled. MACE were recorded for 109 patients. Heterozygosity for factor V Leiden, prothrombin G20210A polymorphism, and 4G/5G polymorphism did not significantly differ between patients with and without MACE. A significantly higher percentage of patients with increased homocysteine (28% v 19%, p < 0.001) and PAI-1 concentrations (25% v 16%, p < 0.001) had MACE with respect to those who did not. In Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, the overall risk of MACE was significantly higher among patients with increased PAI-1 (p = 0.006) and homocysteine concentrations (p = 0.04). Cox regression analysis adjusted for age, sex, traditional cardiovascular risk factors, renal function, systolic left ventricular function, the number of stenosed vessels, and history of percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary artery bypass grafting showed that homocysteine (odds ratio 7.5, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1 to 57.7, p < 0.05) and PAI-1 concentrations (odds ratio 5.3, 95% CI 1.2 to 23.8, p < 0.05) within the fifth quintile (with respect to the first) were significant and independent risk factors for the future occurrence of MACE. Conclusions: Increased PAI-1 and homocysteine concentrations are independent risk factors for MACE after successful coronary stenting, whereas Lp(a) and thrombophilic polymorphisms are not predictive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The trigger used for the collection of the samples of K0→π0π0 decays in the NA48 experiment at CERN uses a novel pipeline design in order to satisfy the demanding specifications of a high rate kaon beam. The trigger algorithms, architecture and performance are described. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The Ring Imaging Cherenkov detector of the NA62 experiment at the CERN SPS is a key element of particle identification in the NA62 experimental strategy. The detector fulfills different conditions: to distinguish pions from muons with a muon rejection factor of O(10 2) in the NA62 momentum range of operation, between 15 and 35 GeV/c; to measure particle arrival time in the decay region with a precision better than 100 ps; to provide fast signals and reference time to the NA62 trigger system. The main design aspects and functional characteristics, as well as the performance of the detector measured with the data taken in the first NA62 physics runs, will be summarized in this paper. • The NA62 experiment aims to measure the branching ratio of the K + → π + ν ν ¯ decay. • The NA62 RICH performance fulfills the experiment requirements. • Pion–muon identification is performed with a muon rejection factor of O(102). • Time resolution with precision better than 100 ps is achieved. • The RICH is a key element to select charged particles in the trigger system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The NA62 experiment aims to measure the B R (K + → π + ν ν ̄) with a 10% precision. One of the main backgrounds comes from the decay K + → μ + ν , therefore a highly powerful pion/muon separation is needed. The NA62 RICH, together with the calorimeter system, provides an accurate particle identification which has been essential to obtain the first results of the NA62 K + → π + ν ν ̄ analysis, based on 2016 data. Two different algorithms have been exploited which, used in combination, allowed to get a pion reconstruction and identification efficiency of 75%, with a muon suppression factor of about 500, in the momentum range 15–35 GeV/c. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Ring Imaging Cherenkov detector of the NA62 experiment at CERN SPS was commissioned in 2014, but the optimal performance was achieved in 2016 after the precise mirror alignment with reconstructed tracks. The measurement and monitoring of basic performance parameters is discussed: ring radius resolution, ring centre resolution, single hit resolution and mean number of hits per ring. The performance is measured with 2016 data on the positron sample. Different contributions to the resolutions are calculated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The aim of this study was to document, in hyperhomocysteinemic renal transplant recipients, the effect of vitamin supplementation on carotid intima-media tickness (cIMT). Fifty-six hyperhomocysteinemic stable renal transplant recipients were randomly assigned to either vitamin supplementation (group A) or placebo treatment (group B). All patients underwent high-resolution B mode ultrasound to measure IMT of common carotid arteries before and after 6 months of vitamin supplementation. In group A, cIMT significantly decreased after treatment, whereas no significant changes were observed in group B. In conclusion, our results demonstrate a beneficial effect of the treatment of hyperhomocysteinemia by vitamin supplementation on an early sign of atherosclerosis in a group of renal transplant recipients. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]