1,721,322 research outputs found
The data processor of the EUSO-SPB2 telescopes
No full textIn this paper we present the Data Processor (DP) of EUSO-SPB2 (Extreme Universe Space Observatory on a Super Pressure Balloon, mission two) telescopes. The EUSO-SPB2 is the continuation of the JEM-EUSO science program on ultra-long duration balloons, started with the EUSO-SPB1 mission. The EUSO-SPB2 will host on-board two telescopes. One is a fluorescence telescope designed to detect high energy cosmic rays via the UV fluorescence emission of the showers in the atmosphere; the other one measures direct Cherenkov light emission from lower energy cosmic rays and other optical backgrounds for cosmogenic tau neutrino detection. The DP is the component of the electronics system which performs data management and instrument control for each of the two telescopes. The DP controls front-end electronics, tags events with arrival time and payload position through a GPS system, provides signals for time synchronization of the event and measures live and dead time of the telescope. Furthermore it manages mass memory for data storage and performs housekeeping monitor and controls the power on and power off sequences. Since a super pressure balloon may remain airborne up to 100 days, the requirements on the electronics and data handling are quite severe. The DP operates at high altitude in unpressurised environment which represents a technological challenge for heat dissipation. In this paper we describe the main components of the system and the design developed for the new mission
The reduction of ferromagnetic artifacts by using a fast-spin-echo sequence in the postoperative assessment of degenerative diseases of the cervical spine
No full textCircadian pattern of serum leptin and beta-endorphin levels in obese and non obese women
No full textTo investigate diurnal profile of leptin and P-endorphin circulating levels and to assess any possible influence between these two peptides, 24-h serum concentrations of leptin and P-endorphin were examined in 24 obese (BMI 32. +/- 1 1.3) women and in 12 controls (BMI 21 +/- 0.5). Blood samples for leptin and P-endorphin determinations were drawn every four hours for 24 hours beginning at 8.00 am. Data were analyzed by unpaired t-test, linear regression and by inferential statistical procedures. We found a significant circadian rhythm for both peptides, either in obese or in controls. The 24-h mean leptin levels were significantly (p < 0.0001) higher (32.1 &PLUSMN; 2.8 ng/ml; mean &PLUSMN; SE) in obese women than controls (13.6 &PLUSMN; 1. 1), with a peak time located after midnight in obese and controls. The 24-h P-endorphin mean levels were significantly (p < 0.0001) higher in obese than controls (30.6 +/- 2 vs 22 +/- 1.9pg/ml), with acrophase located in the early morning hours in both groups. Finally, we found a positive relationship (R-2= 0.303; p = 0.0005) between leptin and P-endorphin circadian mean levels. These results show that the time course of 24-h rhythm of leptin and P-endorphin are similar in obese and lean women. The positive relationship between 24-h leptin and P-endorphin mean levels allow us to speculate that leptin may be a likely candidate to increase P-endorphin levels in obese subjects
Anxiety and depression among AL amyloidosis patients: The role of cardiac symptoms
No full textLight-chain (AL) amyloidosis has the worst prognosis out of the different forms of cardiac amyloidosis, However, data are not available about the incidence of the disease-related psychological impact of AL amyloidosis in this population. In particular, no data are available about the impact of diagnosis communication or about the impact of cardiac symptom onset and severity on anxiety and depression levels among AL patients. Aim: To evaluate the role of time that has passed since the diagnosis was communicated, time that has passed since the onset of cardiac symptoms, and actual cardiac symptom severity have on level of anxiety, depression and psychological stress among cardiology patients with AL. Thirty-two AL patients with cardiac-related symptoms were administered General Health Questionnaire, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and Centre for Epidemiological Study–Depression Scale. Clinical variables such as months gone by since diagnosis, months gone by since the onset of cardiac symptoms, and cardiac symptom severity (New York Heart Association (NYHA) class) were measured. Troponin, NT-pro BNP levels, Mayo Stage and echocardiographic characteristics were also collected. Results: According to questionnaire normative values, AL patients presented severe psychological distress, severe anxiety and clinical depression. Moreover, anxiety levels were determined by psychological distress (p < 0.001) and months gone by since the onset of cardiac symptoms (p < 0.01) while depression levels were influenced by NYHA class (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Our results suggest that there is a need to plan psychological support for these patients with consideration for the onset of cardiac symptoms and symptom severity. Light-chain (AL) amyloidosis has the worst prognosis out of the different forms of cardiac amyloidosis, However, data are not available about the incidence of the disease-related psychological impact of AL amyloidosis in this population. In
particular, no data are available about the impact of diagnosis communication or about the impact of cardiac symptom onset and severity on anxiety and depression levels among AL patients. Aim: To evaluate the role of time that has passed since the diagnosis was communicated, time that has passed since the onset of cardiac symptoms, and actual cardiac symptom severity have on level of anxiety, depression and psychological stress among cardiology patients with AL. Thirty-two AL patients with cardiac-related symptoms were administered General Health Questionnaire, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and Centre for Epidemiological Study–Depression Scale. Clinical variables such as months gone by since diagnosis, months gone by since the onset of cardiac symptoms, and cardiac symptom severity (New York Heart Association (NYHA) class) were measured. Troponin, NT-pro BNP levels, Mayo Stage and echocardiographic characteristics were also collected. Results: According to questionnaire normative values, AL patients presented severe psychological distress, severe anxiety and clinical depression. Moreover, anxiety levels were determined by psychological distress (p < 0.001) and months gone by since the onset of cardiac symptoms (p < 0.01) while depression levels were influenced by NYHA class (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Our results suggest that there is a need to plan psychological support for these patients with consideration for the onset of
cardiac symptoms and symptom severity
Anxiety and depression among amyloid light-chain cardiac amyloidosis patients: The role of life satisfaction
No full textBackground: The present study aimed to provide a contribution to the study of a rare disease, amyloid light-chain (AL) cardiac amyloidosis, which is the most common type of systemic amyloidosis. In AL amyloidosis prognosis is determined by cardiac involvement. Although the association between psychological distress (e.g. anxiety and depression) and AL cardiac amyloidosis is documented, very little is known about the psychosocial variables that may mediate the association.Aims: The aim of the study is therefore to examine the potential mediating role of life satisfaction in the relationship between cardiac symptom severity (independent variable) and anxious and depressive symptoms (dependent variables) in AL patients.Method: Forty-three AL amyloidosis patients (57.1% males) with cardiac amyloidosis were administered the Satisfaction with Life Scale, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and the Centre for Epidemiological Study–Depression Scale. Clinical variables such as months since cardiac symptom onset and cardiac symptom severity were collected.Results: Findings showed significant relationships between symptom severity and psychological disorders (e.g. anxiety and depression) and these were mediated by life satisfaction.Conclusion: Overall, findings highlight the importance of subjective well-being (e.g. life satisfaction) to reduce anxious and depressive symptoms and to improve general health in AL patients
Caregiver’s psychological well-being and quality of relationship with cardiac amyloidosis patients
No full textCaregivers’ psychological well-being is linked to the quality of care provided for familiar with chronic illness. Despite caregivers of cardiac patients present an impaired psychological well-being, less investigated is the psychological well-being of caregivers of individuals with a rare disease such as the Transthyretin Cardiac Amyloidosis (ATTR-CA). Specifically, given that no study explored the well-being of the caregiver and the caregiver-patient relationship, this study aimed to analyze the prevalence of anxiety and depression in ATTR-CA caregivers and if these disorders were associated with patient’s and caregiver’s characteristics. Fifty-eight dyad caregiver-ATTR-CA patients completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Network of Relationships Inventory. Moreover, ATTR-CA patients completed the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire, while caregivers completed the Multidimensional Scale of Social Support. Results showed that anxious caregivers (44%) reported higher conflict with patients. They had ATTR-CA relatives with a worse perception of cardiac symptoms and higher anxiety and depression. Depressed caregivers (39%) reported higher conflict with ATTR-CA relatives and lower perceived social support. Caregiver reported a high prevalence of anxiety and depression associated with worse personal relational well-being and to patient’s psycho-physical condition. The care of ATTR-CA patient should consider the caregiver well-being
Depression and cardiac symptoms among AL amyloidosis patients: The mediating role of coping strategies
No full textBackground: Amyloidosis is a rare disease group. AL amyloidosis represents the
most common type of systemic amyloidosis and cardiac involvement determines
prognosis. Although some studies have revealed that amyloidosis patients present
high levels of depression, few data are available about depression-contributing factors.
No investigations have been conducted about the coping strategies that AL
amyloidosis patients use to face the disease and there is little research on patients
with cardiac symptoms that are strongly related to the prognosis. Objectives: to
examine coping strategies (avoidance, social support seeking and problem-solving)
as potential mediator in the relationship between cardiac symptom severity (independent
variable) and depressive symptoms (dependent variable) in AL cardiologic
patients. Method: Thirty-four AL patients with cardiac-related symptoms were
administered the Coping Strategy Indicator and the Centre for Epidemiological
Study–Depression Scale. Clinical variables such as months since cardiac symptom
onset and cardiac symptom severity were collected. Results: According to questionnaire
normative values, all patients presented clinical depression. Moreover, out of
the coping strategies, avoidance and social support seeking mediated the link
between cardiac symptom severity and depressive symptoms. No mediational effect
was found for problem-solving. Discussion: As cardiac symptoms have low severity,
AL patients can avoid the disease. However, as cardiac symptoms proceed and interfere
with daily activities, they can no longer ignore their signs thus perceiving the
severity of their medical condition. This status makes individuals prone to seek less
social support and thus to prefer social isolation. Results suggest the need for early
psychological support on coping strategies for AL cardiologic patients.
Background: Amyloidosis is a rare disease group. AL amyloidosis represents the
most common type of systemic amyloidosis and cardiac involvement determines
prognosis. Although some studies have revealed that amyloidosis patients present
high levels of depression, few data are available about depression-contributing factors.
No investigations have been conducted about the coping strategies that AL
amyloidosis patients use to face the disease and there is little research on patients
with cardiac symptoms that are strongly related to the prognosis. Objectives: to
examine coping strategies (avoidance, social support seeking and problem-solving)
as potential mediator in the relationship between cardiac symptom severity (independent
variable) and depressive symptoms (dependent variable) in AL cardiologic
patients. Method: Thirty-four AL patients with cardiac-related symptoms were
administered the Coping Strategy Indicator and the Centre for Epidemiological
Study–Depression Scale. Clinical variables such as months since cardiac symptom
onset and cardiac symptom severity were collected. Results: According to questionnaire
normative values, all patients presented clinical depression. Moreover, out of
the coping strategies, avoidance and social support seeking mediated the link
between cardiac symptom severity and depressive symptoms. No mediational effect
was found for problem-solving. Discussion: As cardiac symptoms have low severity,
AL patients can avoid the disease. However, as cardiac symptoms proceed and interfere
with daily activities, they can no longer ignore their signs thus perceiving the
severity of their medical condition. This status makes individuals prone to seek less
social support and thus to prefer social isolation. Results suggest the need for early
psychological support on coping strategies for AL cardiologic patients
Going Beyond Counting First Authors in Author Co-citation Analysis
Full text linkThe present study examines one of the fundamental aspects of author co-citation analysis (ACA) - the way co-citation
counts are defined. Co-citation counting provides the data on which all subsequent statistical analyses and mappings
are based, and we compare ACA results based on two different types of co-citation counting - the traditional type that
only counts the first one among a cited work's authors on the one hand and a non-traditional type that takes into
account the first 5 authors of a cited work on the other hand. Results indicate that the picture produced through this non-traditional author co-citation counting contains more coherent author groups and is therefore considerably clearer. However, this picture represents fewer specialties in the research field being studied than that produced through the traditional first-author co-citation counting when the same number of top-ranked authors is selected and analyzed. Reasons for these effects are discussed
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