Characterization and calibration of a novel detection system for real time monitoring of radioactive contamination in water processed at water treatment facilities.

Characterization and calibration measurements were carried out at the National Institute of Ionizing Radiation Metrology of ENEA on the TAp WAter RAdioactivity (TAWARA) Real Time Monitor system recently developed for real time monitoring of radioactive contamination in water processed at water treatment facilities. Reference radiations and radionuclides were chosen in order to reflect energy ranges and radiation types of the major water radioactive contaminants possibly arising from environmental, industrial or terroristic origin. The following instrument parameters were tested: sensitivity, selectivity, background, short/long term stability, linearity with respect to activity.

The light output and the detection efficiency of the liquid scintillator EJ-309.

The light output response and the neutron and gamma-ray detection efficiency are determined for liquid scintillator EJ-309. The light output function is compared to those of previous studies. Experimental efficiency results are compared to predictions from GEANT4, MCNPX and PENELOPE Monte Carlo simulations. The differences associated with the use of different light output functions are discussed.

Detecting fast and thermal neutrons with a boron loaded liquid scintillator, EJ-339A.

A commercial boron-loaded liquid scintillator EJ-339 A was studied, using a (252)Cf source with/without polyethylene moderator, to examine the possibility of discriminating slow-neutron induced events in (10)B from fast-neutron events, resulting from proton recoils, and gamma-ray events. Despite the strong light quenching associated with neutron induced events in (10)B, correct classification of these events is shown to be possible with the aid of digital signal processing.

Tratamiento quirúrgico de la obesidad mediante “banda gástrica ajustable” por vía la paroscópica. Una técnica posible en los programas de CMA / No disponible

Objetivo: Exponer nuestra experiencia en el tratamiento quirúrgico de la obesidad mediante banda gástrica ajustable por la paroscopia (BGAL) dentro de un programa de cirugía de corta estancia. Pacientes y método: Entre junio de 2006 y diciembre de2007 fueron intervenidos de forma consecutiva 57 pacientes obesos mediante la técnica de BGAL. Los criterios de selección utilizados para establecer la indicación quirúrgica se basan en los establecidos por el Instituto Nacional de Salud americano y en la declaración de Salamanca de la Sociedad Española de Cirugía de la Obesidad (SECO). Las variables analizadas son: tiempo quirúrgico, tiempo de cumplimiento de criterios de alta en CMA, tiempo de estancia postoperatoria, tiempo de estancia total (desde el ingreso hasta el alta) y complicaciones. Resultados: Todos los pacientes fueron dados de alta dentro de las 24 horas postoperatorias. La estancia hospitalaria postoperatoria fue de 13 horas (11-20). La estancia media total fue de 20 horas (con una noche). El tiempo medio de cumplimiento de los criterios de alta fue de 6 horas. El tiempo quirúrgico medio fue de 118 minutos (80-164). No se registró ninguna complicación intraoperatoria. No hubo reconversiones, reintervenciones, reingresos o complicaciones en los 30 primeros días postoperatorios. Hubo un caso de rotación del reservorio subcutáneo, que obligó a reposición amiento bajo anestesia local, así como tres disfunciones esofágicas. Conclusiones: La intervención de BGAL, realizada por equipos multidisciplinares dedicados específicamente a la obesidad mórbida, puede desarrollarse dentro de programas de cirugía de corta estancia y CMA. La mayoría de pacientes cumplen los criterios de alta en las 6 primeras horas postoperatorias (AU)

Objective: To show our experience in the laparoscopic surgical treatment of obesity using the adjustable gastric band (AGBL) included in a program for day surgery .Patients and method: Between June 2006 and December 2007 we performed the procedure on 57 obese patients, consecutively, using the AGBL technique. The selection criteria used to establish the surgical indications is based on the American National Institute of Health and the SECO. The variables analyzed were: surgical time, time until discharge criteria are met, time spent in hospital post surgery, the overall time of hospital stay (from admittance until leaving) and complications. Results: All patients were discharged within 24 hours postsurgery. The hospital postoperative stay was 13 hours (r:11-20 h). The total average period of time spent in the hospital was 20 hours (with one night). Average time before reaching discharge criteria was 6 hours. Average surgical time was 118 min (r:80-164 m). We have not registered any intra-operative complications. No reconversions. No re-operations No re-admissions to hospital. No complications during the first 30 day spost surgery. 1 case of subcutaneous port rotation of reservoir that required a repositioning under local anesthesia. 3 esophageal disfuntions. Conclusions: The AGBL procedure performed by multidisciplinary teams dedicated specifically to the treatment of morbid obesity can be included in a program for ambulatory surgery. Most patients recover and are discharged before the anticipated 6 postsurgical hours (AU)