Complications of Body Piercings: A Systematic Review

The practice of body piercing has been present in many cultures worldwide for centuries, whether for religious or spiritual reasons or as a form of self-expression. In recent years, body piercings have become increasingly popular in all genders, with the most common sites being the ears, mouth, nose, eyebrows, nipples, navel, and genitals. However, despite the widespread utilization of piercings, a comprehensive literature review of associated complications is lacking. This scoping review aims to summarize the literature regarding complications associated with cutaneous and mucosal piercings. Given that body piercing has become more prevalent in recent years and that studies have noted an increase in a variety of piercing-induced complications, it is of utmost importance that piercing salons have proper hygiene practices in place and that patients are aware of the multitude of potential complications that can arise.

Investigating the impact of COVID-19 on individuals with visual impairment

We present a comprehensive review of the various challenges that individuals with visual impairment (VI) face during the COVID-19 pandemic. A structured review was done using online databases PubMed, EMBASE, and grey literature databases between 19 April 2021 and 4 August 2021, using search terms ‘COVID-19’, ‘SARS-CoV-2’, ‘Coronavirus’, or ‘pandemic’ combined with ‘visually impaired’, ‘visual impairment’, or ‘Blind’. Studies included were written in English, published after the World Health Organization (WHO) declaration of the COVID-19 Pandemic (11 March 2020), and focused on the VI population during the pandemic. The initial search yielded 702 publications, of which 20 met our inclusion criteria and were included in analysis. Emotional distress from deteriorating mental health and social isolation were considerably higher in the VI population. For a community that relies on spatial awareness and touch, regulations related to social distancing and avoiding contact were considerable barriers. Further challenges were noted in accessing healthcare, care, receiving timely health information and changes in regulations, adequately sanitizing, using technology, and completing activities of daily living. In the unprecedented times of the COVID-19 pandemic, the VI community has faced unique challenges. A more holistic and inclusive approach needs to be adopted to ensure that more vulnerable populations are adequately cared for.

A review of cannabis allergy in the early days of legalization

Cannabis allergy is a burgeoning field; consequently, research is still in its infancy and allergists' knowledge surrounding this topic is limited. As cannabis legalization expands across the world, it is anticipated that there will be an increase in cannabis use. Thus, we hypothesize that a concomitant rise in the incidence of allergy to this plant can be expected. Initiatives aimed at properly educating health care professionals are therefore necessary. This review presents the most up-to-date information on a broad range of topics related to cannabis allergy. Although the clinical features of cannabis allergy are becoming more well described and recognized, the tools available to make a correct diagnosis are meager and often poorly accessible. In addition, research on cannabis allergy is still taking its first steps, and new and potentially groundbreaking findings in this field are expected to occur in the next few years. Finally, although therapeutic approaches are being developed, patient and physician education regarding cannabis allergy is certainly needed.

Elemental characterization of freeze dried domestic animals' milk using ion beam analysis techniques

Particle induced X-ray emission (PIXE) and particle induced γ-ray emission (PIGE) techniques were employed to perform elemental analysis in four milk samples of local domestic animals, namely sheep, caw, camel and goat. Additionally, Rutherford backscattering (RBS) spectra were acquired simultaneously with PIXE and PIGE to determine matrix elements. Milk samples were prepared in a simple dried base following freeze drying process. Optimization of PIXE/PIGE/RBS experimental conditions as well as data acquisition and analysis procedures were carefully addressed. Verification study was performed relying on the analysis of both IAEA-11 and IAEA-153 reference materials. Accuracies of ±5-10% together with relative standard deviations of less than 15% were mostly reported. Chemical element concentrations of 11 elements were determined, namely Na, Mg, P, S, Cl, K, Ca, Zn, Br, Rb and Sr. Obtained element concentration values were mostly in the range 1000-10000 μg/g for major elements and 5-100 μg/g for trace elements. No significant changes in elemental concentration differences for both trace and major elements were noticed in the four different milk samples. The contribution of the elements in these milk samples to the dietary recommended intakes (DRI) has been evaluated. Advantages of applying multiple ion beam analysis techniques have been discussed.

Prevalence of Gram positive bacteria in the affected individuals of Otitis media with effusion from the indigenous population of Southern Punjab, Pakistan: first report

Otitis media with effusion (OME) is a type of otitis media (OM) characterized by the presence of fluid behind intact tympanic membrane and is one of the most common diseases of early childhood. It is an infectious disease associated with the presence of many pathogenic bacteria in the middle ear of affected individuals. This study was aimed to determine the prevalence of Gram-positive bacteria from the middle ear of OME patients in the population of Southern Punjab, Pakistan. The incidence of OME under comprehensive healthcare setting was investigated in patients who consulted at the department of ear, throat and nose, Bahawal Victoria Hospital (BVH), Bahawalpur, from December, 2019 to May, 2021. Ear swabs were taken from affected and normal individuals. After culturing bacteria from the ear swabs, microscopic analysis and biochemical tests were performed to characterize the cultured Gram-positive bacteria. Out of 352 patients examined, 109 (30.9%) patients had OME. Age of the participants ranged from 14 to 50 years; individuals between the ages of 14 and 22 years had the highest infection rates, while individuals between 40 and 50 years had the lowest rate of infection. Tympanic membrane perforation, fever, cough, sore throat, ear pain and hearing problem showed association with symptoms of OME. Microscopic analysis and biochemical characterization showed the presence of streptococci and staphylococci in all the studied samples. The most frequently isolated bacteria were Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Staphylococcus aureus with percentage of 53.3%, 20% and 13.3% respectively. Enterococcus faecalis (6.6%) and Staphylococcus epidermidis (6.6%) were also identified in the studied samples. This study will help in the better medical administration of OME affected individuals.

Statistical modeling for analyzing grain yield of durum wheat under rainfed conditions in Azad Jammu Kashmir, Pakistan

One of the most important traits that plant breeders aim to improve is grain yield which is a highly quantitative trait controlled by various agro-morphological traits. Twelve morphological traits such as Germination Percentage, Days to Spike Emergence, Plant Height, Spike Length, Awn Length, Tillers/Plant, Leaf Angle, Seeds/Spike, Plant Thickness, 1000-Grain Weight, Harvest Index and Days to Maturity have been considered as independent factors. Correlation, regression, and principal component analysis (PCA) are used to identify the different durum wheat traits, which significantly contribute to the yield. The necessary assumptions required for applying regression modeling have been tested and all the assumptions are satisfied by the observed data. The outliers are detected in the observations of fixed traits and Grain Yield. Some observations are detected as outliers but the outlying observations did not show any influence on the regression fit. For selecting a parsimonious regression model for durum wheat, best subset regression, and stepwise regression techniques have been applied. The best subset regression analysis revealed that Germination Percentage, Tillers/Plant, and Seeds/Spike have a marked increasing effect whereas Plant thickness has a negative effect on durum wheat yield. While stepwise regression analysis identified that the traits, Germination Percentage, Tillers/Plant, and Seeds/Spike significantly contribute to increasing the durum wheat yield. The simple correlation coefficient specified the significant positive correlation of Grain Yield with Germination Percentage, Number of Tillers/Plant, Seeds/Spike, and Harvest Index. These results of correlation analysis directed the importance of morphological characters and their significant positive impact on Grain Yield. The results of PCA showed that most variation (70%) among data set can be explained by the first five components. It also identified that Seeds/Spike; 1000-Grain Weight and Harvest Index have a higher influence in contributing to the durum wheat yield. Based on the results it is recommended that these important parameters might be considered and focused in future durum wheat breeding programs to develop high yield varieties.

Autologous stem cell implantation with core decompression for avascular necrosis of the femoral head using a new device

INTRODUCTION

Autologous stem cell progenitor implantation into necrotic lesions of the femoral head has previously been described as a potential treatment for avascular necrosis (AVN), on the basis that there is a reduced number of functioning stem cells in the marrow within the necrotic segment. We present a case series of patients with AVN that underwent core decompression with autologous stem cell implantation using a new device.

METHODS

The records and imaging of patients with AVN of the femoral head treated by a single surgeon were retrospectively reviewed. All patients were treated with core decompression and stem cell progenitor implantation, using the PerFuse system. Preoperatively, demographic information, AVN staging (as per Ficat and Arlet classification) and visual analogue pain scores (VAS) of the hips were recorded. These results were compared with postoperative VAS and imaging, with further review on the progression of AVN.

RESULTS

We treated 14 hips in 13 patients with an average follow up of 12 months. Patients with Ficat I-II were selected for the procedure. The average preoperative VAS was 3.9. Postoperatively, this dropped to 2.6, with over half of patients reporting at least a two-point decrease in pain. Eight of the 14 treated hips showed no radiological progression of the disease, while six showed femoral head collapse requiring total hip arthroplasty (THA) at an average of ten months after treatment.

CONCLUSION

Our early findings indicate that hip decompression with stem cell progenitor implantation for AVN of the femoral head provides symptomatic relief and may be beneficial in arresting progression of disease using this simple new device.

Improved experimental evaluation and model validation of a 252Cf irradiator for delayed gamma-ray spectrometry applications

We present experimental and MCNP modeled results of neutron flux monitoring in an irradiator, which consists of a²⁵²Cf sealed source housed in the center of a cubic block of high-density polyethylene. This work is contributing to our development in the delayed gamma-ray spectroscopy non-destructive assay technique for nuclear safeguards and security applications. We evaluated the thermal and resonance flux values using the Westcott foil activation method for two measurement position count rates of ¹⁹⁷Au and ¹¹⁵In. Comparisons between the calculated thermal fluxes from measurements and those from MCNP models show deviations of ~20%. However, both the measured and modeled thermal fluxes are two orders of magnitude higher than the fluxes at the resonance peak energies at both measurement positions, demonstrating that the irradiator is sufficient. Furthermore, this work showed that with a²⁵²Cf sealed source of a strength of 4.4 × 10⁶ n.s^-1, a thermal flux in the range 2-5 × 10⁴ n.s^-1.cm^-2 is achievable in our compact irradiator making it suitable for active analysis techniques such as DGS.

The importance of supplementary immunisation activities to prevent measles outbreaks during the COVID-19 pandemic in Kenya

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted routine measles immunisation and supplementary immunisation activities (SIAs) in most countries including Kenya. We assessed the risk of measles outbreaks during the pandemic in Kenya as a case study for the African Region.

METHODS

Combining measles serological data, local contact patterns, and vaccination coverage into a cohort model, we predicted the age-adjusted population immunity in Kenya and estimated the probability of outbreaks when contact-reducing COVID-19 interventions are lifted. We considered various scenarios for reduced measles vaccination coverage from April 2020.

RESULTS

In February 2020, when a scheduled SIA was postponed, population immunity was close to the herd immunity threshold and the probability of a large outbreak was 34% (8-54). As the COVID-19 contact restrictions are nearly fully eased, from December 2020, the probability of a large measles outbreak will increase to 38% (19-54), 46% (30-59), and 54% (43-64) assuming a 15%, 50%, and 100% reduction in measles vaccination coverage. By December 2021, this risk increases further to 43% (25-56), 54% (43-63), and 67% (59-72) for the same coverage scenarios respectively. However, the increased risk of a measles outbreak following the lifting of all restrictions can be overcome by conducting a SIA with ≥ 95% coverage in under-fives.

CONCLUSION

While contact restrictions sufficient for SAR-CoV-2 control temporarily reduce measles transmissibility and the risk of an outbreak from a measles immunity gap, this risk rises rapidly once these restrictions are lifted. Implementing delayed SIAs will be critical for prevention of measles outbreaks given the roll-back of contact restrictions in Kenya.

Medium-throughput ESR detection of superoxide production in undetached adherent cells using cyclic nitrone spin traps

Spin trapping with cyclic nitrones coupled to electron spin resonance (ESR) is recognized as a specific method of detection of oxygen free radicals in biological systems, especially in culture cells. In this case, the detection is usually performed on cell suspensions, which is however unsuitable when adhesion influences free radical production. Here, we performed ESR detection of superoxide with four spin traps (5-diethoxyphosphoryl-5-methyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide, DEPMPO; 5-diisopropoxyphosphoryl-5-methyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide, DIPPMPO; (4R*, 5R*)-5-(diisopropyloxyphosphoryl)-5-methyl-4-[({[2-(triphenylphosphonio)ethyl]carbamoyl}oxy)methyl]pyrroline N-oxide bromide, Mito-DIPPMPO; and 6-monodeoxy-6-mono-4-[(5-diisopropoxyphosphoryl-5-methyl-1-pyrroline-N-oxide)-ethylenecarbamoyl-(2,3-di-O-methyl) hexakis (2,3,6-tri-O-methyl)]-β-cyclodextrin, CD-DIPPMPO) directly on RAW 264.7 macrophages cultured on microscope coverslip glasses after phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) stimulation. Distinct ESR spectra were obtained with each spin trap using this method. CD-DIPPMPO, a recently published phosphorylated cyclic nitrone bearing a permethylated β-cyclodextrin moiety, was confirmed as the most specific spin trap of the superoxide radical, with exclusive detection of the superoxide adduct. ESR detection performed on cells attached to coverslips represents significant advances over other methods in terms of simplicity, speed, and measurement under near-physiological conditions. It thus opens the way for numerous applications, such as medium-throughput screening of antioxidants and reactive oxygen species (ROS)-modulating agents.

Feasibility study of production of radioactive carbon black or carbon nanotubes in cyclotron facilities for nanobioscience applications

A feasibility study regarding the production of radioactive carbon black and nanotubes has been performed by proton beam irradiation. Experimental and theoretical excitation functions of the nuclear reaction (nat)C(p,x)(7)Be in the proton energy range 24-38 MeV are reported, with an acceptable agreement. We have demonstrated that sufficient activities of (7)Be radioisotope can be produced in carbon black and nanotube that would facilitate studies of their possible impact on human and environment.

Novel surgical reconstruction of a mycotic abdominal aortic aneurysm using cryopreserved femoral arterial allograft from the NHS tissue bank: a new resource for UK vascular surgeons

The treatment of mycotic abdominal aortic aneurysms remains a significant surgical challenge associated with significant morbidity and mortality. In the following case report, we describe our successful management of a patient with a mycotic abdominal aortic aneurysm using two cryopreserved superficial femoral artery allografts (available from the UK NHS tissue bank) to create a Y-shaped allograft to permit immediate aortic reconstruction after surgical debridement. To our knowledge, this is the first time such a reconstruction has been reported in the literature.

A strategy to meet the 'two-week' target for carotid endarterectomy in symptomatic patients

Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) within two weeks of the index neurological event (INE) achieves maximum stroke prevention. This study assesses the impact of institution-wide policy changes on CEA performance in symptomatic patients. Between two study periods (1 January 2007 and 31 December 2007; 1 August 2008 and 31 July 2009) transient ischaemic attack (TIA) clinics, an acute stroke protocol and utilisation of vascular operating lists, were adopted. Following the changes, the interval between the INE and CEA fell from 23 (n = 65; interquartile range (IQR) 9-66) to 6.5 (n = 52; IQR 2-13.5) days (p < 0.001) with 32.3% v 82.7% performed within two weeks (p < 0.001). Significant improvements were seen in the time taken from onset of symptoms to presentation, and presentation to a carotid duplex and surgical review. Univariate analyses suggest this improvement is associated with the type of INE, point of presentation and the need for further imaging. Implementation of these policies has produced a significant improvement in service provision largely meeting the two-week target.

Effects of dietary inclusion of Rhus coriaria on internal milieu of rabbits

The aim of the present work was to investigate the effect of Rhus coriaria L. inclusion to the diet on some biochemical, haematological parameters and the level of antioxidant status of male rabbits. Adult rabbits were divided into five groups: one control (C) and four experimental groups. Experimental animals received sumac per os in feed in various doses (0.50%, 0.75%, 1.00% and 1.50%) for 90 days. Significant increase in PDWc (platelet distribution width) in E3 group when compared with control group was recorded. Sumac administration resulted in decreased cholesterol levels in all experimental groups vs. control group. Significantly lower level of cholesterol was found in E4 group with highest dose of sumac (1.50%). Higher values of total antioxidant status (TAS) and albumins were observed in all experimental groups in comparison with control group. A significant increase in TAS was detected in group E1 and E4. Concentrations of albumins were significantly higher in groups E3 and E4 vs. control group. Sumac administration had no significant effect on bilirubin content. In conclusion, these results show a positive effect of sumac consumption on antioxidant status and cholesterol level in adult male rabbits.

First record of the natural occurrence of hexaploid loach Misgurnus anguillicaudatus in Hubei Province, China

Natural occurrence of hexaploid loach Misgurnus anguillicaudatus detected in central China is reported here for the first time. The evidences from karyotyping, DNA content analysis and nuclear volume measurements were described to confirm the hexaploid nature of the identified individual.

Preparation and testing of bevacizumab radioimmunoconjugates with Bismuth-213 and Bismuth-205/Bismuth-206

Bevacizumab, a humanized anti-VEGF monoclonal antibody has shown promise in various clinical trials. We report the development and testing of Bi-213 (an alpha-emitting radionuclide) labeled bevacizumab for in vitro and in vivo studies using two different chelators viz cDTPA and CHX-A''. The developed labeling method showed high labeling yields of 93.6% and 89.7% for cDTPA and CHX-A'' respectively and the results were reproducible. The in vitro and in vivo stability tests were carried out using Bi-213 and long half-life Bismuth isotope (Bi-205/Bi-206) for pharmacokinetics. The in vitro results showed remarkable stability of the radiolabeled bevacizumab regardless of the chelator. The in vivo pharmacokinetics studies however, showed that the uptake and retention of cDTPA-bevacizumab was significantly higher in kidneys (p-value 0.02) and lower in liver and spleen (p-value <0.0001 and 0.0009 respectively). The values for the two conjugates compared well in blood but the longer term data for CHX-A'' conjugate showed slow clearance resulting in a significantly longer blood half-life of the product (211 hours compared to 4 hours for cDTPA-bevacizumab). Preliminary in vivo results showed increased efficacy of the combination therapy compared to bevacizumab only. The tumor area (mm(2)) decreased from 24.8 +/- 3.6 and 12.8 +/- 1.7 for 1 and 3 mg/kg cold bevacizumab only to 6.5 +/- 0.7 and 7.5 +/- 4.8 when single dose of 333 MBq/kg of (213)Bi-bevacizumab was administered as combination therapy. In conclusion it can be said that stable radiolabeled bevacizumab conjugates can be prepared with Bi-213 with either chelators used. The shorter blood half-life with cDTPA-bevacizumab may not be a major concern with Bi-213 as its own half-life is 46 minutes only. The combination therapy proved superior to bevacizumab alone therapy, a phenomenon that can be particularly useful in cancers where bevacizumab alone has shown limited success like prostate cancer.

Measurement techniques for tracer kinetic studies with stable isotopes of zirconium

Biokinetic models are used in radiation protection to assess internal radiation doses. Experiments with stable isotopes as tracers can be performed to obtain characteristic parameters of these models. Two methods for the measurement of zirconium isotopes in human biological samples are presented--thermal ionisation mass spectrometry (TIMS) and proton nuclear activation analysis (PNA). Descriptions include sample preparation, operating conditions, relative uncertainties and method detection limits as well as important properties of both methods.

Cyclotron production of 64Cu by deuteron irradiation of 64Zn

The short-lived (12.7h half-life) (64)Cu radioisotope is both a beta(+) and a beta(-) emitter. This property makes (64)Cu a promising candidate for novel medical applications, since it can be used simultaneously for therapeutic application of radiolabelled biomolecules and for diagnosis with PET. Following previous work on (64)Cu production by deuteron irradiation of natural zinc, we report here the production of this radioisotope by deuteron irradiation of enriched (64)Zn. In addition, yields of other radioisotopes such as (61)Cu, (67)Cu, (65)Zn, (69m)Zn, (66)Ga and (67)Ga, which were co-produced in this process, were also measured. The evaporation code ALICE-91 and the transport code SRIM 2003 were used to determine the excitation functions and the stopping power, respectively. All the nuclear reactions yielding the above-mentioned radioisotopes were taken into account in the calculations both for the natural and enriched Zn targets. The experimental and calculated yields were shown to be in reasonable agreement. The work was carried out at the Scanditronix MC-40 Cyclotron of the Institute for Health and Consumer Protection of the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission (Ispra site, Italy). The irradiations were carried out with 19.5 MeV deuterons, the maximum deuteron energy obtainable with the MC-40 cyclotron.

Optimisation study of α-cyclotron production of At-211/Po-211g for high-LET metabolic radiotherapy purposes

The production of no-carrier-added (NCA) alpha-emitter (211)At/(211g)Po radionuclides for high-LET targeted radiotherapy and immunoradiotherapy, through the (209)Bi(alpha,2n) reaction, together with the required wet radiochemistry and radioanalytical quality controls carried out at LASA is described, through dedicated irradiation experiments at the MC-40 cyclotron of JRC-Ispra. The amount of both the gamma-emitter (210)At and its long half-lived alpha-emitting daughter (210)Po is optimised and minimised by appropriate choice of energy and energy loss of alpha particle beam. The measured excitation functions for production of the main radioisotopic impurity (210)At-->(210)Po are compared with theoretical predictions from model calculations performed at ENEA.

Cyclotron production of Ac-225 for targeted alpha therapy

The feasibility of producing Ac-225 by proton irradiation of Ra-226 in a cyclotron through the reaction Ra-226(p,2n)Ac-225 has been experimentally demonstrated for the first time. Proton energies were varied from 8.8 to 24.8 MeV and cross-sections were determined by radiochemical analysis of reaction yields. Maximum yields were reached at incident proton energies of 16.8 MeV. Radiochemical separation of Ac-225 from the irradiated target yielded a product suitable for targeted alpha therapy of cancer.

HLA-matching by DNA methods: impact on a living related renal transplantation programme

DNA methods have resulted in improved renal allograft survival rates in cadaveric renal transplantation. This paper describes the impact of DNA typing by PCRSSP on a living related renal transplant (LRRT) programme. It evaluates error rates in serology, acute rejections, graft function and survival rates between the two typing methods. Serological typing was done on CTS 120 antisera Class 1 and 60 antisera Class 2 and 72 antisera Terasaki Class1 and 72 antisera Class2 Antigens. Low resolution PCR-SSP typing was done by 24 primers for HLA A , 48 for HLA B and 24 for HLA DR. Of the 585 transplants, 159 (Group I) were serology based, 172 serology and PCR-SSP for HLA DR (Group II) and 254 on serology and PCR-SSP for HLA A and B and only PCR-SSP for HLA DR (Group III). Error rates in serology as compared to PCR-SSP were 24% for HLA A, 16% for HLA B and 35% for HLA DR. Acute rejection in Group I were 39% Group II 30% and Group III 26% (p 0.02). Graft function of serum creatinine<1.5 mg/dl at 1 year was found in 26% of Group I patients as compared to 48% of Group III (p<0.0001). One and three year graft survival was 93% and 87% for Group II as compared to 81% and 69% for Group I respectively (p 0.0001). Matching by this combination of serology and PCR-SSP is not only economical for a developing country but also improves graft survival by 12% at 1 and 18% at 3 years.

Metabolic and appetite responses to prolonged walking under three isoenergetic diets

The effects of three isoenergetic diets on metabolic and appetite responses to prolonged intermittent walking were investigated. Eight men undertook three 450-min walks at intensities varying between 25-30 and 50-55% of maximal O2 uptake. In a balanced design, the subjects were given breakfast, snacks, and lunch containing total carbohydrate (CHO), protein (P), and fat (F) in the following amounts (g/70 kg body mass): mixed diet, 302 CHO, 50 P, 84 F; high-CHO diet, 438 CHO, 46 P, 35 F; high-fat diet, 63 CHO, 44 P, 196 F. Substrate balance was calculated by indirect calorimetry over the 450-min exercise period. Blood samples were taken before exercise and every 45 min during the exercise period. The high-fat diet resulted in a negative total CHO balance (-140 +/- 1 g) and a lower negative fat balance (-110 +/- 33 g) than the other two diets (P < 0.05). Plasma glucagon, nonesterified fatty acids, glycerol, and 3-hydroxybutyrate were higher with the high-fat diet (P < 0.05 vs. high CHO), whereas plasma insulin was lower after high fat (P < 0.05 vs. mixed and high CHO). Subjective ratings of fatigue and appetite showed no differences between the three trials. Although diet influenced the degree of total CHO and fat oxidation, fat was the main source of energy in all trials.

Reliability of two calculation codes for efficiency calibrations of HPGe detectors

This paper reports the reliability of efficiency calibrations for gamma-ray detectors using the calculation codes ANGLE and LabSOCS. For experimental verification, three HPGe detectors under various laboratory geometry configurations were used for this study. An overall comparison between experimental and calculated efficiency calibration curves is presented and comments on the various error sources affecting the final results are given. The deviations are generally below 10%, which could be acceptable for many applications.