Radiological and instrumental neutron activation analysis determined characteristics of size-fractionated fly ash.

The concentration of trace elements and radionuclides in fly ash particles of different size can exhibit significant variation, due to the various processes taking place during combustion inside a coal-fired power plant. An investigation of this effect has been performed by analyzing samples of fly ash originating in two different coal-fired power plants, after separation into size fractions by sieving. The samples were analyzed by gamma-ray spectrometry, including low-energy techniques, radon exhalation measurement and instrumental neutron activation analysis for the determination of Al, As, Ga, K, La, Na, Mn, Mg, Sr, Sc, and V.

In-hospital mortality in a tertiary referral hospital: causes of death and comparison between patients with and without diabetes.

Introduction: Subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have increased morbidity and mortality mainly due to macrovascular complications. In addition, diabetic patients show increased in-hospital admissions in comparison with nondiabetic patients. However, in-hospital mortality data for patients with T2DM are not available in our country.

Risk factors for severe hypoglycaemia in type 2 diabetic patients admitted to hospital in Piraeus, Greece.

A 3-year study assessed the prevalence and causes of severe treatment-related hypoglycaemia in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients admitted to hospital in Piraeus. Out of the 2858 patients admitted, 207 (7.2%) had severe hypoglycaemia: 72 were being managed with insulin, 132 oral hypoglycaemic drugs and 3 combined insulin/oral drugs.