We studied the possibility of constraining production of new scalar particles at CLIC running at 380 GeV and 1.5 TeV, assuming the associated production of Higgs-like neutral scalar with
Z
boson and ...its invisible decays. The analysis is based on the
Whizard
event generation and fast simulation of the CLIC detector response with
Delphes
. We considered
e
+
e
-
background processes but also relevant
γ
γ
and
γ
e
±
interactions. The approach consisting of a two-step analysis was used to optimise separation between signal and background processes. First, a set of preselection cuts was applied; then, multivariate analysis methods were employed to optimise the significance of observations. We first estimated the expected limits on the invisible decays of the 125 GeV Higgs boson, which were then extended to the cross section limits for production of an additional neutral scalar, assuming its invisible decays, as a function of its mass. Extracted model-independent branching ratio and cross section limits were then interpreted in the framework of the Higgs-portal models to set limits on the mixing angle between the SM-like Higgs boson and the new scalar of the “dark sector”.
Retinol dehydrogenase 5 (RDH5)-related fundus albipunctatus can present with phenotypic variability. Our purpose was to investigate new clinical characteristics and multimodal imaging findings in ...patients from different ethnic origins, carrying different mutations.
Multicenter international retrospective case series of 18 patients with genetically confirmed RDH5-related fundus albipunctatus. Patients' files were reviewed for fundus images, visual acuity, macular optical coherence tomography scans, near-infrared images, fundus autofluorescence, electroretinogram, and genetic mutations. Imaging and electroretinogram findings.
All eyes (n = 36, 100%) showed small circular findings seen on near-infrared images, termed as the "target sign," correlating to the yellowish dots seen clinically and to the distinct hyperreflective linear lesions on optical coherence tomography at the level between external limiting membrane and retinal pigment epithelium. Perifoveal atrophy with foveal sparing was seen in 4 eyes of 2 patients (both RDH5-c.160C>T, p.R54X mutation). Fundus autofluorescence revealed small hyperautofluorescent dots (n = 16, 44.4%). Scotopic electroretinograms were significantly reduced in all cases with an electronegative pattern, 66.7% displayed cone dysfunction.
Our results show distinct imaging findings present in all patients with fundus albipunctatus independent of ethnicity or genetic mutation. Our results can facilitate the current algorithm to diagnose RDH5-related fundus albipunctatus and allow for targeted genetic testing.
Fluctuations are a key property of both classical and quantum systems. While the fluctuations are well understood for many quantum systems at zero temperature, the case of an interacting quantum ...system at finite temperature still poses numerous challenges. Despite intense theoretical investigations of atom number fluctuations in Bose-Einstein condensates, their amplitude in experimentally relevant interacting systems is still not fully understood. Moreover, technical limitations have prevented their experimental investigation to date. Here we report the observation of these fluctuations. Our experiments are based on a stabilization technique, which allows for the preparation of ultracold thermal clouds at the shot noise level, thereby eliminating numerous technical noise sources. Furthermore, we make use of the correlations established by the evaporative cooling process to precisely determine the fluctuations and the sample temperature. This allows us to observe a telltale signature: the sudden increase in fluctuations of the condensate atom number close to the critical temperature.
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Particles stabilize fluid interfaces. In particular, oil/water Pickering emulsions undergo limited coalescence, yielding droplets of smaller size as the amount of particles is ...increased. Herein, we studied the effect of hydrophobic nanoparticles (<10 nm, alkyl-coated) on submicronic droplets (ca 100 nm) formed in an Ouzo system. We investigated thoroughly the water/tetrahydrofuran (THF)/butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) reference diagram, in the absence and in the presence of nanoparticles, using the Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA) technique. This allowed us to characterize the size distributions in a much finer way than what is usually obtained using conventional Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS). Both a Surfactant-Free Microemulsion (SFME, thermodynamically stable) and an Ouzo (metastable spontaneous emulsion) domains were identified and the transition from one to the other could be characterized by specific features of the droplet size distributions. We found that the presence of the nanoparticles limits coalescence in the metastable domain. We also show that the alkyl-coated nanoparticles are irreversibly attached to the liquid-liquid interface.
•IBS Patients have an impaired quality of life and a difficult relationship with healthcare providers (HCP).•A significant gap was observed between expectations and experiences with HCPs.•HCPs should ...give more empathy and attention to patients’ demands, in order to improve patient care.
IBS patients have an impaired quality of life (QoL) and feel dissatisfaction with medical care. We aim to describe the expectations of members of the French Association of IBS patients (APSSII) concerning health care providers (HCPs) and a patients’ organization.
From January to June 2013, APSSII members were asked to answer questionnaires on their expectations and experiences concerning IBS and HCP.
222/330 (67%) responded (women: 68.5%, 46.5±17.7 years, disease duration: 8.8±0.7 years, IBS-D 33.6%, IBS-C 26.7%, IBS-M 38.2%. IBS-SSS>300 in 53% and HAD score>19 in 45%). QoL impairment was correlated with disease severity and HAD score (r=−0.707 and r=−0.484, P<0.001 respectively), but not with IBS subtype. Expectations for IBS were “improved health”, “better information on causes and treatments” (94%) and “better disease recognition” (86%). A significant gap was observed between expectations and experiences with HCPs. Better information, less isolation, recognition of the disease and a decrease in medical expenses were the main expectations for joining a patients’ organization.
French IBS patients have a severe disease with a significant psychological impact and impaired QoL in half of the patients, certain unsatisfied expectations concerning HCP and high expectations in joining a patients’ organization.
The aim of our study is to evaluate the association between meals and perceived gastrointestinal symptoms in real life in a French cohort of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients.
This prospective ...cross-sectional observational study included patients from the French association (association des patients souffrant du syndrome de l'intestin irritable APSSII) of IBS. Data were collected on demographics, IBS subtype, dietary food, and meal-induced gastrointestinal symptoms from patient filled self-questionnaires or questionnaires.
Eighty-four patients with IBS were included; 82.3% female with a mean age of 46.9 ± 15.7 years. Each transit pattern subtype represented one-third of the population. Forty-five percent of patients had severe IBS according to IBS-Severity Scoring System; mean IBS Quality of Life score was 53.9 ± 18.3. Patients believed that food could trigger or exacerbate gastrointestinal symptoms in 73.3% and 93.4%, respectively. Eighty-nine percent had already tried diets, mostly lactose free diet and low fermentable, oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols diet in 61.3% and 53.6% of cases. Thirty-nine percent of meals induced gastrointestinal symptoms. Meal-induced gastrointestinal symptoms were associated with severity and subtype but not with quality of life.
This study has confirmed the important link between gastrointestinal symptoms and food. Gastrointestinal symptoms induced by meals are frequent and associated with severity and IBS-diarrhea subtype. Our study also underlines patients' interest in food and diet. More knowledge is needed on food that triggers IBS symptoms but also on diet conditions in order to improve this condition.
To investigate the anatomical and functional results in eyes with peripapillary pachychoroid syndrome (PPS) undergoing photodynamic therapy (PDT).
A total of 25 eyes from 23 patients with PPS treated ...with PDT were retrospectively evaluated in this multicentric study. Main outcome measure was the proportion of eyes that achieved treatment success, defined as a decrease in both subretinal fluid (SRF) height and central subfield thickness (CST), at 3 months after PDT compared to baseline. Secondary outcomes were the change in CST, SRF, and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) 3 months after treatment and predictive factors for treatment success. When available, data between 3 and 12 months were also reviewed.
Treatment success was achieved in 16 eyes (64%). In the total cohort, CST decreased significantly from 356 ± 118 µm at baseline to 282 ± 90 µm and 270 ± 91 µm at 1 and 3 months, respectively (p < 0.001). Maximal SRF height decreased significantly from 102 ± 83 µm at baseline to 38 ± 46 µm and 32 ± 42 µm at 1 and 3 months, respectively (p < 0.001), and remained stable at month 6 (29 ± 44 µm) and month 12 (23 ± 35 µm). BCVA improved significantly from baseline to month 3 (p = 0.021).
PDT can be considered an efficacious treatment option in patients with PPS. Prospective data with longer follow-up in a bigger cohort are needed in order to determine the optimal treatment algorithm in this relatively novel disease.
Background
Super obese patients are recommended to lose weight before bariatric surgery. The effect of intragastric balloon (IGB)-induced weight loss before laparoscopic gastric bypass (LGBP) has not ...been reported. The aim of this prospective randomized multicenter study was to compare the impact of preoperative 6-month IGB with standard medical care (SMC) in LGBP patients.
Methods
Patients with BMI >45 kg/m
2
selected for LGBP were included and randomized to receive either SMC or IGB. After 6 months (M6), the IGB was removed and LGBP was performed in both groups. Postoperative follow-up period was 6 months (M12). The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients requiring ICU stay >24 h; secondary criteria were weight changes, operative time, hospitalization stay, and perioperative complications.
Results
Only 115 patients were included (BMI 54.3 ± 8.7 kg/m
2
), of which 55 underwent IGB insertion. The proportion of patients who stayed in ICU >24 h was similar in both groups (
P
= 0.87). At M6, weight loss was significantly greater in the IGB group than in the SMC group (
P
< 0.0001). Three severe complications occurred during IGB removal. Mean operative time for LGBP was similar in both groups (
P
= 0.49). Five patients had 1 or more surgical complications, all in the IGB group (
P
= 0.02). Both groups had similar hospitalization stay (
P
= 0.59) and weight loss at M12 (
P
= 0.31).
Conclusion
IGB insertion before LGBP induced weight loss but did not improve the perioperative outcomes or affect postoperative weight loss.
Development of simulated-gas standards Cerutti, G.L.; Iglicki, F.A.
Applied radiation and isotopes,
2002, 2002 Jan-Feb, 2002-1-00, 20020101, Letnik:
56, Številka:
1
Journal Article
Recenzirano
Multigamma simulated-gas standards were developed for monitoring the surrounding air at nuclear power plants by several commercial firms and laboratories. The main advantages of our simulated-gas ...standard consist of the easy preparation, gravimetrically spiking the matrix with a standardised multigamma radioactive solution, and that it does not require to be tested against actual gas standards. Self-attenuation correction factors for low
γ-ray energies were calculated. Original studies about the stability of the adherence of the dried radioactive residue to the matrix are presented and discussed.
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