Search

International audience; Background: Mainly because of its long half-life and despite its scientific relevance, spectroscopic measurements of 176Lu beta decays are very limited and lack formulation of shape factors. Direct measurement of its Q-value is also presently unreported. In addition, the description of forbidden decays provides interesting challenges for nuclear theory. The comparison of precise experimental results with theoretical calculations for these decays can help to test underlying models and can aid the interpretation of data from other experiments.Purpose: Perform the first precision measurement of 176Lu beta-decay spectrum and attempt the observation of its electron capture decays, as well as perform the first precision direct measurement of the 176Lu beta-decay Q-value. Compare the shape of the precisely determined experimental beta-spectrum to theoretical calculations, and compare the end-point energy to that obtained from an independent Q-value measurement.Method: The 176Lu beta-decay spectra and the search for electron capture decays were measured with an experimental set-up that employed lutetium-based scintillator crystals and an NaI(Tl) spectrometer for coincidence counting. The beta-decay Q-value was determined via high-precision Penning trap mass spectrometry (PTMS) with the LEBIT facility at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory. The beta-spectrum calculations were performed within the Fermi theory formalism with nuclear structure effects calculated using a shell model approach.Results: Both beta transitions of 176Lu were experimentally observed and corresponding shape factors formulated in their entire energy ranges. Search for electron captures decay branches led to an experimental upper limit of 6.3x10-6 compared to its beta decays. The 176Lu beta-decay and electron capture Q-values were measured using PTMS to be 1193.0(6) keV and 108.9(8) keV, respectively. This enabled precise beta end-point energies of 596.2(6) keV and 195.3(6) keV for the primary and secondary beta-decays, respectively, to be determined. The conserved vector current hypothesis was applied to calculate the relativistic vector matrix elements. The beta-spectrum shape was shown to significantly depend on the Coulomb displacement energy and on the value of the axial vector coupling constant gA, which was extracted according to different assumptions.

Nuclear mass measurements of isotopes are key to improving our understanding of nuclear structure across the chart of nuclides, in particular for the determination of the appearance or disappearance of nuclear shell closures. We present high-precision mass measurements of neutron-rich Ca, Ti and V isotopes performed at the TITAN and LEBIT facilities. These measurements were made using the TITAN multiple-reflection time-of-flight mass spectrometer (MR-ToF-MS) and the LEBIT 9.4T Penning trap mass spectrometer. In total, 13 masses were measured, eight of which represent increases in precision over previous measurements. These measurements refine trends in the mass surface around $N = 32$ and $N = 34$, and support the disappearance of the $N = 32$ shell closure with increasing proton number. Additionally, our data does not support the presence of a shell closure at $N = 34$., 8 pages, 6 figures

With the planned turn-on of the PIP-II 800 MeV superconducting proton linac, Fermilab will potentially become the world's best laboratory at which to carry out fundamental muon measurements, sensitive searches for symmetry violation, and precision tests of theory. In preparation, we propose to develop the techniques that will be needed. An R&D and physics program is proposed at the Fermilab MeV Test Area to use the existing 400 MeV Linac to demonstrate the efficient production of a slow muonium beam using $\mu^+$ stopped in a ~100-$\mu$m-thick layer of superfluid helium, and to use that beam to measure muonium gravity., Comment: 3 pages, submitted to Fermilab

We report precision mass measurements of neutron-deficient gallium isotopes approaching the proton drip line. The measurements of $^{60-63}$Ga performed with the TITAN multiple-reflection time-of-flight mass spectrometer provide a more than threefold improvement over the current literature mass uncertainty of $^{61}$Ga and mark the first direct mass measurement of $^{60}$Ga. The improved precision of the $^{61}$Ga mass has important implications for the astrophysical rp process, as it constrains essential reaction Q-values near the $^{60}$Zn waiting point. Based on calculations with a one-zone model, we demonstrate the impact of the improved mass data on prediction uncertainties of X-ray burst models. The first-time measurement of the $^{60}$Ga ground-state mass establishes the proton-bound nature of this nuclide; thus, constraining the location of the proton drip line along this isotopic chain. Including the measured mass of $^{60}$Ga further enables us to extend the evaluated $T=1$ isobaric multiplet mass equation up to $A=60$., 16 pages, 6 figures

Background and objectives: End stage renal disease (ESRD) patients are exposed to the risk of ionizing radiation during repeated imaging studies. The variability in diagnostic imaging policies and the accompanying radiation doses across various renal units is still unknown. We studied this variability at the centre level and quantified the associated radiation doses at the patient level. Methods: Fourteen Italian nephrology departments enrolled 739 patients on haemodialysis and 486 kidney transplant patients. The details of the radiological procedures performed over one year were recorded. The effective doses and organ doses of radiation were estimated for each patient using standardized methods to convert exposure parameters into effective and organ doses Results: Computed tomography (CT) was the major contributor (> 77%) to ionizing radiation exposure. Among the haemodialysis and kidney transplant patients, 15% and 6% were in the high (≥ 20mSv per year) radiation dose groups, respectively. In haemodialysis patients, the most exposed organs were the liver (16mSv), the kidney (15mSv) and the stomach (14mSv), while the uterus (6.2mSv), the lung (5.7mSv) and the liver (5.5mSv) were the most exposed in kidney transplant patients. The average cumulative effective dose (CED) of ionizing radiation among centres in this study was highly variable both in haemodialysis (from 6.4 to 18.8mSv per patient-year; p = 0.018) and even more so in kidney transplant (from 0.6 to 13.7mSv per patient-year; p = 0.002) patients. Conclusions: Radiation exposure attributable to medical imaging is high in distinct subgroups of haemodialysis and transplant patients. Furthermore, there is high inter-centre variability in radiation exposure, suggesting that nephrology units have substantially different clinical policies for the application of diagnostic imaging studies.

The Isobaric Multiplet Mass Equation (IMME) has been successful at predicting the masses of isobaric analogue states in the same multiplet, while its coefficients are known to follow trends as functions of mass number. The Atomic Mass Evaluation 2016 [Chin. Phys. C 41, 030003 (2017)] $^{44}$V mass value results in an negative $c$ coefficient for the IMME quadratic term. The $b$ and $c$ coefficients can provide constraints for construction of the isospin-nonconserving (INC) Hamiltonians for the $pf$ shell. The excitation energy of the $0^+, T=2$ level in $^{44}$V is currently unknown and can be used to constrain the $^{44}$Cr mass. The aim of the experiment was to perform high-precision mass measurements to resolve the difference between $^{44}$V isomeric and ground states, to test the IMME, and to provide ingredients for identifying the $0^+$, $T=2$ state in $^{44}$V. High-precision Penning trap mass spectrometry was performed at LEBIT, to measure the cyclotron frequency ratios of [$^{44g,m}$VO]$^+$ versus [$^{32}$SCO]$^+$, a reference mass, to extract both the isomeric and ground state masses of $^{44}$V. The mass excess of the ground and isomeric states in $^{44}$V were measured to be $-23\ 804.9(80)$ keV/$\text{c}^2$ and $-23\ 537.0(55)$ keV/$\text{c}^2$. This yielded a new proton separation energy of $S_p$ = 1\ 773(10) keV. The new mass values of $^{44}$V have been used to deduce the IMME $b$ and $c$ coefficients of the lowest $2^+$ and $6^+$ triplets in $A=44$. The $2^+$ $c$ coefficient is verified with the IMME trend and agrees with the shell-model predictions using charge-dependent Hamiltonians. The mirror energy differences were determined between $^{44}$V and $^{44}$Sc, in line with isospin-symmetry. The new value of the proton separation energy determined will be important for the determination of the $0^+$, $T=2$ state in $^{44}$V and for prediction of the mass of $^{44}$Cr., Comment: 9 pages, 5 figures

International audience; Background: The quadratic isobaric multiplet mass equation (IMME) has been very successful at predicting the masses of isobaric analog states in the same multiplet, while its coefficients are known to follow specific trends as functions of mass number. The Atomic Mass Evaluation 2016 [Chin. Phys. C 41, 030003 (2017)]1674-113710.1088/1674-1137/41/3/030003 V44 mass value results in an anomalous negative c coefficient for the IMME quadratic term; a consequence of large uncertainty and an unresolved isomeric state. The b and c coefficients can provide useful constraints for construction of the isospin-nonconserving Hamiltonians for the pf shell. In addition, the excitation energy of the 0+,T=2 level in V44 is currently unknown. This state can be used to constrain the mass of the more exotic Cr44. Purpose: The aim of the experimental campaign was to perform high-precision mass measurements to resolve the difference between V44 isomeric and ground states, to test the IMME using the new ground state mass value and to provide necessary ingredients for the future identification of the 0+, T=2 state in V44. Method: High-precision Penning trap mass spectrometry was performed at LEBIT, located at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory, to measure the cyclotron frequency ratios of [VO44g,m]+ versus [SCO32]+, a well-known reference mass, to extract both the isomeric and ground state masses of V44. Results: The mass excess of the ground and isomeric states in V44 were measured to be −23804.9(80) keV/c2 and −23537.0(55) keV/c2, respectively. This yielded a new proton separation energy of Sp=1773(10) keV. Conclusion: The new values of the ground state and isomeric state masses of V44 have been used to deduce the IMME b and c coefficients of the lowest 2+ and 6+ triplets in A=44. The 2+c coefficient is now verified with the IMME trend for lowest multiplets and is in good agreement with the shell-model predictions using charge-dependent Hamiltonians. The mirror energy differences were determined between V44 and Sc44, in line with isospin-symmetry for this multiplet. The new value of the proton separation energy determined, to an uncertainty of 10 keV, will be important for the determination of the 0+, T=2 state in V44 and, consequently, for prediction of the mass excess of Cr44.

Background: The understanding and description of forbidden decays provides interesting challenges for nuclear theory. These calculations could help to test underlying nuclear models and interpret experimental data. Purpose: Compare a direct measurement of the $^{138}$La $\beta$-decay $Q$ value with the $\beta$-decay spectrum end-point energy measured by Quarati et al. using LaBr$_3$ detectors [Appl. Radiat. Isot. 108, 30 (2016)]. Use new precise measurements of the $^{138}$La $\beta$-decay and electron capture (EC) $Q$ values to improve theoretical calculations of the $\beta$-decay spectrum and EC probabilities. Method: High-precision Penning trap mass spectrometry was used to measure cyclotron frequency ratios of $^{138}$La, $^{138}$Ce and $^{138}$Ba ions from which $\beta$-decay and EC $Q$ values for $^{138}$La were obtained. Results: The $^{138}$La $\beta$-decay and EC $Q$ values were measured to be $Q$ = 1052.42(41) keV and $Q_{EC}$ = 1748.41(34) keV, improving the precision compared to the values obtained in the most recent atomic mass evaluation [Wang, et al., Chin. Phys. C 41, 030003 (2017)] by an order of magnitude. These results are used for improved calculations of the $^{138}$La $\beta$-decay shape factor and EC probabilities. New determinations for the $^{138}$Ce 2EC $Q$ value and the atomic masses of $^{138}$La, $^{138}$Ce, and $^{138}$Ba are also reported. Conclusion: The $^{138}$La $\beta$-decay $Q$ value measured by Quarati et al. is in excellent agreement with our new result, which is an order of magnitude more precise. Uncertainties in the shape factor calculations for $^{138}$La beta-decay using our new $Q$ value are reduced by an order of magnitude. Uncertainties in the EC probability ratios are also reduced and show improved agreement with experimental data., Comment: Nine pages, eight figures

Background: Ultra-low $Q$-value $\beta$-decays are interesting processes to study with potential applications to nuclear $\beta$-decay theory and neutrino physics. While a number of potential ultra-low $Q$-value $\beta$-decay candidates exist, improved mass measurements are necessary to determine which are energetically allowed. Method: Penning trap mass spectrometry was used to determine the atomic mass of $^{89}$Y and $^{139}$La, from which $\beta$-decay $Q$-values for $^{89}$Sr and $^{139}$Ba were obtained to determine if there could be an ultra-low $Q$-value decay branch in the $\beta$-decay of $^{89}$Sr $\rightarrow$ $^{89}$Y or $^{139}$Ba $\rightarrow$ $^{139}$La. Results: The $^{89}$Sr $\rightarrow$ $^{89}$Y and $^{139}$Ba $\rightarrow$ $^{139}$La $\beta$-decay $Q$-values were measured to be $Q_{\rm{Sr}}$ = 1502.20(0.35) keV and $Q_{\rm{Ba}}$ = 2308.37(68) keV. These were compared to energies of excited states in $^{89}$Y at 1507.4(1) keV, and in $^{139}$La at 2310(19) keV and 2313(1) keV to determine $Q$-values of -5.20(37) keV for the potential ultra-low $\beta$-decay branch of $^{89}$Sr and -1.6(19.0) keV and -4.6(1.2) keV for those of $^{139}$Ba. Conclusion: The potential ultra-low $Q$-value decay branch of $^{89}$Sr to the $^{89}$Y (3/2$^-$, 1507.4 keV) state is energetically forbidden and has been ruled out. The potential ultra-low $Q$-value decay branch of $^{139}$Ba to the 2313 keV state in $^{139}$La with unknown J$^{\pi}$ has also been ruled out at the 4$\sigma$ level, while more precise energy level data is needed for the $^{139}$La (1/2$^+$, 2310 keV) state to determine if an ultra-low $Q$-value $\beta$-decay branch to this state is energetically allowed., Comment: 5 pages, 3 figures

Background: Ultra-low $Q$-value $��$-decays are interesting processes to study with potential applications to nuclear $��$-decay theory and neutrino physics. While a number of potential ultra-low $Q$-value $��$-decay candidates exist, improved mass measurements are necessary to determine which are energetically allowed. Method: Penning trap mass spectrometry was used to determine the atomic mass of $^{89}$Y and $^{139}$La, from which $��$-decay $Q$-values for $^{89}$Sr and $^{139}$Ba were obtained to determine if there could be an ultra-low $Q$-value decay branch in the $��$-decay of $^{89}$Sr $\rightarrow$ $^{89}$Y or $^{139}$Ba $\rightarrow$ $^{139}$La. Results: The $^{89}$Sr $\rightarrow$ $^{89}$Y and $^{139}$Ba $\rightarrow$ $^{139}$La $��$-decay $Q$-values were measured to be $Q_{\rm{Sr}}$ = 1502.20(0.35) keV and $Q_{\rm{Ba}}$ = 2308.37(68) keV. These were compared to energies of excited states in $^{89}$Y at 1507.4(1) keV, and in $^{139}$La at 2310(19) keV and 2313(1) keV to determine $Q$-values of -5.20(37) keV for the potential ultra-low $��$-decay branch of $^{89}$Sr and -1.6(19.0) keV and -4.6(1.2) keV for those of $^{139}$Ba. Conclusion: The potential ultra-low $Q$-value decay branch of $^{89}$Sr to the $^{89}$Y (3/2$^-$, 1507.4 keV) state is energetically forbidden and has been ruled out. The potential ultra-low $Q$-value decay branch of $^{139}$Ba to the 2313 keV state in $^{139}$La with unknown J$^��$ has also been ruled out at the 4$��$ level, while more precise energy level data is needed for the $^{139}$La (1/2$^+$, 2310 keV) state to determine if an ultra-low $Q$-value $��$-decay branch to this state is energetically allowed., 5 pages, 3 figures

Background: The understanding and description of forbidden decays provides interesting challenges for nuclear theory. These calculations could help to test underlying nuclear models and interpret experimental data. Purpose: Compare a direct measurement of the $^{138}$La $��$-decay $Q$ value with the $��$-decay spectrum end-point energy measured by Quarati et al. using LaBr$_3$ detectors [Appl. Radiat. Isot. 108, 30 (2016)]. Use new precise measurements of the $^{138}$La $��$-decay and electron capture (EC) $Q$ values to improve theoretical calculations of the $��$-decay spectrum and EC probabilities. Method: High-precision Penning trap mass spectrometry was used to measure cyclotron frequency ratios of $^{138}$La, $^{138}$Ce and $^{138}$Ba ions from which $��$-decay and EC $Q$ values for $^{138}$La were obtained. Results: The $^{138}$La $��$-decay and EC $Q$ values were measured to be $Q$ = 1052.42(41) keV and $Q_{EC}$ = 1748.41(34) keV, improving the precision compared to the values obtained in the most recent atomic mass evaluation [Wang, et al., Chin. Phys. C 41, 030003 (2017)] by an order of magnitude. These results are used for improved calculations of the $^{138}$La $��$-decay shape factor and EC probabilities. New determinations for the $^{138}$Ce 2EC $Q$ value and the atomic masses of $^{138}$La, $^{138}$Ce, and $^{138}$Ba are also reported. Conclusion: The $^{138}$La $��$-decay $Q$ value measured by Quarati et al. is in excellent agreement with our new result, which is an order of magnitude more precise. Uncertainties in the shape factor calculations for $^{138}$La beta-decay using our new $Q$ value are reduced by an order of magnitude. Uncertainties in the EC probability ratios are also reduced and show improved agreement with experimental data., Nine pages, eight figures

We report the mass measurement of $^{56}$Cu, using the LEBIT 9.4T Penning trap mass spectrometer at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory at Michigan State University. The mass of $^{56}$Cu is critical for constraining the reaction rates of the $^{55}$Ni(p,$\gamma$)$^{56}$Cu(p,$\gamma$)$^{57}$Zn($\beta^+$)$^{57}$Cu bypass around the $^{56}$Ni waiting point. Previous recommended mass excess values have disagreed by several hundred keV. Our new value, ME=$-38 626.7(6.4)$ keV, is a factor of 30 more precise than the suggested value from the 2012 atomic mass evaluation [Chin. Phys. C {\bf{36}}, 1603 (2012)], and more than a factor of 12 more precise than values calculated using local mass extrapolations, while agreeing with the newest 2016 atomic mass evaluation value [Chin. Phys. C {\bf{41}}, 030003 (2017)]. The new experimental average was used to calculate the astrophysical $^{55}$Ni(p,$\gamma$) and $^{57}$Zn($\gamma$,p) reaction rates and perform reaction network calculations of the rp-process. These show that the rp-process flow redirects around the $^{56}$Ni waiting point through the $^{55}$Ni(p,$\gamma$) route, allowing it to proceed to higher masses more quickly and resulting in a reduction in ashes around this waiting point and an enhancement to higher-mass ashes., Comment: 6 pages, 5 figures

A healthy, smoker farmer had a serious accident with a tracheal rupture. After 1 year of subjective wellness, he developed a persistent fever, cough and dyspnea, partially solved by antibiotics and steroids. Several investigations were performed, but they were all negative. A treatment with steroids was administered with a good initial response but subsequent worsening up to respiratory failure two years later, that required intubation and VAM. A bronchoscopy demonstrated the presence of a severe tracheobronchomalacia, possibly caused by post-traumatic chondritis. A Dumon Y silicone stent was inserted but, due to dislodgement, was replaced with a metallic stent, nevertheless a malacic progression was observed, and the patient died in two weeks due to septic shock.

BACKGROUND Kidney transplantation is the treatment of choice to restore fertility to women on renal replacement therapy. Over time, immunosuppressive, support therapies and approaches towards high-risk pregnancies have changed. The aim of this study was to analyse maternal-foetal outcomes in two cohorts of transplanted women who delivered a live-born baby in Italy in 1978-2013, dichotomized into delivery before and after January 2000. METHODS A survey involving all the Italian transplant centres was carried out, gathering data on all pregnancies recorded since the start of activity at each centre; the estimated nationwide coverage was 75%. Data on cause of ESRD, dialysis, living/cadaveric transplantation, drug therapy, comorbidity, and the main maternal-foetal outcomes were recorded and reviewed. Data were compared with a low-risk cohort of pregnancies from two large Italian centres (2000-14; Torino and Cagliari Observational Study cohort). RESULTS The database consists of 222 pregnancies with live-born babies after transplantation (83 before 2000 and 139 in 2000-13; 68 and 121 with baseline and birth data, respectively), and 1418 low-risk controls. The age of the patients significantly increased over time (1978-99: age 30.7 ± 3.7 versus 34.1 ± 3.7 in 2000-13; P < 0.001). Azathioprine, steroids and cyclosporine A were the main drugs employed in the first time period, while tacrolimus emerged in the second. The prevalence of early preterm babies increased from 13.4% in the first to 27.1% in the second period (P = 0.049), while late-preterm babies non-significantly decreased (38.8 versus 33.1%), thus leaving the prevalence of all preterm babies almost unchanged (52.2 and 60.2%; P = 0.372). Babies below the 5th percentile decreased over time (22.2 versus 9.6%; P = 0.036). In spite of high prematurity rates, no neonatal deaths occurred after 2000. The results in kidney transplant patients are significantly different from controls both considering all cases [preterm delivery: 57.3 versus 6.3%; early preterm: 22.2 versus 0.9%; small for gestational age (SGA): 14 versus 4.5%; P < 0.001] and considering only transplant patients with normal kidney function [preterm delivery: 35 versus 6.3%; early preterm: 10 versus 0.9%; SGA: 23.7 versus 4.5% (P < 0.001); risks increase across CKD stages]. Kidney function remained stable in most of the patients up to 6 months after delivery. Multiple regression analysis performed on the transplant cohort highlights a higher risk of preterm delivery in later CKD stages, an increase in preterm delivery and a decrease in SGA across periods. CONCLUSIONS Pregnancy after transplantation has a higher risk of adverse outcomes compared with the general population. Over time, the incidence of SGA babies decreased while the incidence of 'early preterm' babies increased. Although acknowledging the differences in therapy (cyclosporine versus tacrolimus) and in maternal age (significantly increased), the decrease in SGA and the increase in prematurity may be explained by an obstetric policy favouring earlier delivery against the risk of foetal growth restriction.

We report the first direct measurement of the $^{14}\text{O}$ superallowed Fermi $\beta$-decay $Q_{EC}$-value, the last of the so-called "traditional nine" superallowed Fermi $\beta$-decays to be measured with Penning trap mass spectrometry. $^{14}$O, along with the other low-$Z$ superallowed $\beta$-emitter, $^{10}$C, is crucial for setting limits on the existence of possible scalar currents. The new ground state $Q_{EC}$ value, 5144.364(25) keV, when combined with the energy of the $0^+$ daughter state, $E_x(0^+)=2312.798(11)$~keV [Nucl. Phys. A {\bf{523}}, 1 (1991)], provides a new determination of the superallowed $\beta$-decay $Q_{EC}$ value, $Q_{EC}(\text{sa}) = 2831.566(28)$ keV, with an order of magnitude improvement in precision, and a similar improvement to the calculated statistical rate function $f$. This is used to calculate an improved $\mathcal{F}t$-value of 3073.8(2.8) s., Comment: 5 pages, 5 figures

We report the first direct measurement of the $^{14}\text{O}$ superallowed Fermi $��$-decay $Q_{EC}$-value, the last of the so-called "traditional nine" superallowed Fermi $��$-decays to be measured with Penning trap mass spectrometry. $^{14}$O, along with the other low-$Z$ superallowed $��$-emitter, $^{10}$C, is crucial for setting limits on the existence of possible scalar currents. The new ground state $Q_{EC}$ value, 5144.364(25) keV, when combined with the energy of the $0^+$ daughter state, $E_x(0^+)=2312.798(11)$~keV [Nucl. Phys. A {\bf{523}}, 1 (1991)], provides a new determination of the superallowed $��$-decay $Q_{EC}$ value, $Q_{EC}(\text{sa}) = 2831.566(28)$ keV, with an order of magnitude improvement in precision, and a similar improvement to the calculated statistical rate function $f$. This is used to calculate an improved $\mathcal{F}t$-value of 3073.8(2.8) s., 5 pages, 5 figures

To assess the natural story of HIV-associated affective and cognitive disorders and the relationship with clinical, pharmacological, immunological and behavioural factors.

The objective of this study was to investigate the ability of allopurinol (1) to inhibit free radical or reactive oxygen species (.OH, ¹O2, H2O2) as well as the study of its photochemical activity. We investigated the ability of 1 to scavenge oxygen metabolites generated by cell-free systems using luminol enhanced-chemiluminescence and electronic absorption spectra as monitors. Both absorbance and fluorescence scans reveal that 1 is able to react with equimolar quantities of H2O2. In the presence of 1 a dose-dependent inhibition period was observed in this system as assayed by isoluminol-enhanced chemiluminescence (ILCL) in the presence of horseradish peroxidase (HRP), as well as by luminol-enhanced chemiluminescence (LCL) in the presence of H2O2 or ferrous ion. On the other hand, 1 did not show an efficient scavenging activity of galvanoxyl radical in ethanolic solutions. Furthermore, in a separate experiment, it was not observed trapping of singlet oxygen (¹O2) generated by Rose Bengal, in the presence of 1. The activity of 1 was compared with that of vitamins E and C. In vitro experiments of photohemolysis in presence of 1 and cinoxacin, a phototoxic antibacterial quinolone, the photohemolytic effect of cinoxacin was diminished. Allopurinol alone did not show any phototoxic effect under irradiation with UV-A or visible light but was photo-unstable and phototoxic in vitro with UV-B light. Se estudió la habilidad del alopurinol (1) para inhibir radicales libres o especies reactivas de oxigeno (.OH, ¹O2, H2O2), igualmente se determinó su actividad fotoquímica. De otro lado se midió la habilidad de 1 para eliminar los metabolitos de oxígeno generados por un sistema libre de células basado en quimioluminicencia aumentada de luminol y se monitoreo el espectro de absorción electrónica. Las dos determinaciones, absorbancia y fluorescencia, revelan que 1 es capaz de reaccionar con cantidades equimoleculares de H2O2. En presencia de alopurinol se observan periodos de inhibición dosis dependiente al usar isoluminol como intensificador de luminiscencia (ILCL) en presencia de peroxidasa de rábano o ión ferroso. Por otro lado, 1 no mostró una eficiente actividad frente a radicales galvanoxil en solución etanólica. En otros experimentos en presencia de 1 no se observó bloqueo de especies de oxígeno singlete (¹O2) generado por rosa bengala. La habilidad de 1 fue comparada con la de vitaminas E y C. En experimentos de fotohemólisis in vitro en presencia de 1 y cinoxacin, quinolona fototóxico antibanterial, el efecto fotohemolítico del cinoxacin fue disminuido. El alopurinol no mostró efecto fototóxico por irradiación con luz UV-A o luz visible, sin embargo se mostró foto - inestable y fototóxico in vitro bajo irradiación con luz UV-B.

Se estudió la habilidad del alopurinol (1) para inhibir radicales libres o especies reactivas de oxigeno (.OH, 1O2, H2O2), igualmente se determinó su actividad fotoquímica. De otro lado se midió la habilidad de 1 para eliminar los metabolitos de oxígeno generados por un sistema libre de células basado en quimioluminicencia aumentada de luminol y se monitoreo el espectro de absorción electrónica. Las dos determinaciones, absorbancia y fluorescencia, revelan que 1 es capaz de reaccionar con cantidades equimoleculares de H2O2. En presencia de alopurinol se observan periodos de inhibición dosis dependiente al usar isoluminol como intensificador de luminiscencia (ILCL) en presencia de peroxidasa de rábano o ión ferroso. Por otro lado, 1 no mostró una eficiente actividad frente a radicales galvanoxil en solución etanólica. En otros experimentos en presencia de 1 no se observó bloqueo de especies de oxígeno singlete (1O2) generado por rosa bengala. La habilidad de 1 fue comparada con la de vitaminas E y C. En experimentos de fotohemólisis in vitro en presencia de 1 y cinoxacin, quinolona fototóxico antibanterial, el efecto fotohemolítico del cinoxacin fue disminuido. El alopurinol no mostró efecto fototóxico por irradiación con luz UV-A o luz visible, sin embargo se mostró foto - inestable y fototóxico in vitro bajo irradiación con luz UV-B. The objective of this study was to investigate the ability of allopurinol (1) to inhibit free radical or reactive oxygen species (.OH, 1O2, H2O2) as well as the study of its photochemical activity. We investigated the ability of 1 to scavenge oxygen metabolites generated by cell-free systems using luminol enhanced-chemiluminescence and electronic absorption spectra as monitors. Both absorbance and fluorescence scans reveal that 1 is able to react with equimolar quantities of H2O2. In the presence of 1 a dose-dependent inhibition period was observed in this system as assayed by isoluminol-enhanced chemiluminescence (ILCL) in the presence of horseradish peroxidase (HRP), as well as by luminol-enhanced chemiluminescence (LCL) in the presence of H2O2 or ferrous ion. On the other hand, 1 did not show an efficient scavenging activity of galvanoxyl radical in ethanolic solutions. Furthermore, in a separate experiment, it was not observed trapping of singlet oxygen (1O2) generated by Rose Bengal, in the presence of 1. The activity of 1 was compared with that of vitamins E and C. In vitro experiments of photohemolysis in presence of 1 and cinoxacin, a phototoxic antibacterial quinolone, the photohemolytic effect of cinoxacin was diminished. Allopurinol alone did not show any phototoxic effect under irradiation with UV-A or visible light but was photo-unstable and phototoxic in vitro with UV-B light.

Background: The extent to which the prognosis for AIDS and death of patients initiating highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) continues to be affected by their characteristics at the time of initiation (baseline) is unclear. Methods: We analyzed data on 20,379 treatment-naive HIV-1- infected adults who started HAART in 1 of 12 cohort studies in Europe and North America (61,798 person-years of follow-up, 1844 AIDS events, and 1005 deaths). Results: Although baseline CD4 cell count became less prognostic with time, individuals with a baseline CD4 count 350 cells/μL (hazard ratio for AIDS = 2.3, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.0 to 2.3; mortality hazard ratio = 2.5, 95% CI: 1.2 to 5.5, 4 to 6 years after starting HAART). Rates of AIDS were persistently higher in individuals who had experienced an AIDS event before starting HAART. Individuals with presumed transmission by means of injection drug use experienced substantially higher rates of AIDS and death than other individuals throughout follow-up (AIDS hazard ratio = 1.6, 95% CI: 0.8 to 3.0; mortality hazard ratio = 3.5, 95% CI: 2.2 to 5.5, 4 to 6 years after starting HAART). Conclusions: Compared with other patient groups, injection drug users and patients with advanced immunodeficiency at baseline experience substantially increased rates of AIDS and death up to 6 years after starting HAART.

VIMOS is a wide-field imager and spectrograph mounted on UT3 at the VLT, whose FOV consists of four 7'x8' quadrants. Here we present the measurements of total transmission profiles -- i.e. the throughput of telescope + instrument -- for the broad band filters U, B, V, R, I, and z for each of its four quadrants. Those measurements can also be downloaded from the public VIMOS web-page. The transmission profiles are compared with previous estimates from the VIMOS consortium., Comment: 5 pages, 3 figures, to appear in the proceedings of the ESO instrument calibration workshop 2007, Springer Verlag series "ESO Astrophysics Symposia", eds. F. Kerber & A. Kaufer

Background: Factors influencing the outcome of structured treatment interruptions (STIs) in HIV chronic infection are not fully elucidated. Methods: In ISS-PART, 273 subjects were randomly assigned to arm A (137 assigned to continuous highly active antiretroviral therapy [HAART]) and arm B (136 assigned to 5 STIs of 1, 1, 2, 2, and 3 months'duration, each followed by 3 months of therapy). Main outcome measures were the proportion of subjects with a CD4 count >500 cells/mm 3 , the rate of virologic failure, and the emergence of resistance at 24 months. Results: The proportion of subjects with a CD4 count >500 cells/mm 3 was higher in arm A than in arm B (86.5% vs. 69.1%; P = 0.0075). Pre-HAART CD4 cell count and male gender were independent predictors of a CD4 count >500 cells/mm 3 in arm B. The overall risk of virologic failure was not increased in arm B; however, it was higher in the 38 subjects who had resistance mutations in the rebounding virus. Archived mutations at baseline and the use of a regimen that included an unboosted protease inhibitor (PI), compared with nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor-based HAART, independently predicted the emergence of plasma mutations during STI (P = 0.002 for DNA mutations and P = 0.048 for PI-based HAART). Conclusions: Our results suggest that patients with preexisting mutations and treated with unboosted PI-based HAART should not be enrolled in studies of time-fixed treatment interruptions, being at higher risk of developing plasma mutations during STI and virologic failure at therapy reinstitution.

Objective: To describe the changes in costs of care for HIV-positive patients in Italy after the spread of antiretroviral combination therapies (HAART).Methods: Five thousand four hundred and twenty-two patients from the I.CO.N.A. (Italian Cohort Naive Antiretrovirals) study were followed between 1997 and 2002. Costs included antiretroviral therapies (ART), hospital admissions, prophylaxis, and main laboratory examinations. The perspective was that of the National Health Service.Results: Admission costs per person-year decreased from 2148 euro in 1997 to 256 in 2002, while the average annual costs of ART increased from 2145 to 3149 euro (1997 prices). From 1997 to]999, ART costs increased from 42.3 to 85.9% of the total, while admission costs decreased from 42.3 to 7.0% and prophylaxis from 7.3 to 1.7%. The breakdown of ART costs shows how dual therapies decreased over time in favor of HAART, falling from 26.8% in 1997 to 5.9% in 2002. Patients with fewer than five treatment switches had the lowest costs distributions over the entire observation period.Conclusions: From 1997 to 2002 inpatient costs progressively decreased in favor of antiretroviral therapy. Annual average costs per patient decreased, while total direct costs increased over time: health resources, initially concentrated on hospitalized patients were then distributed over a growing number of subjects. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) greatly reduces the risk of developing tuberculosis for HIV-infected persons. Nonetheless, HIV-associated tuberculosis continues to occur in countries where HAART is widely used. To identify the characteristics of HIV-infected persons who develop tuberculosis in the context of the availability of HAART, the current authors analysed data taken from 271 patients diagnosed, in Italy, during 1999-2000. These patients represent 0.7% of the 40,413 HIV-infected patients cared for in the clinical units participating in this current study. From the data it was observed that 20 patients (7.4%) had a previous episode of tuberculosis whose treatment was not completed. Eighty-one patients (29.9%) were diagnosed with HIV at tuberculosis diagnosis, 108 (39.8%) were aware of their HIV status but were not on antiretroviral treatment and 82 (30.3%) were on antiretroviral treatment. Patients on antiretroviral treatment were significantly less immunosuppressed than patients with HIV diagnosed concurrently with tuberculosis, or other patients not on antiretrovirals (median CD4 lymphocytes count: 220 cells x mm(-3) versus 100 cells x mm(-3), and 109 cells x mm(-3), respectively). No significant differences in clinical presentation of tuberculosis according to antiretroviral therapy status were recorded. Failure of tuberculosis control interventions (e.g. noncompletion of treatment) and of HIV care (delayed diagnosis of HIV infection and suboptimal uptake of therapy) may contribute to continuing occurrence of HIV-associated tuberculosis in a country where highly active antiretroviral therapy is largely available. However, a significant proportion of cases occur in patients who are on antiretroviral treatment.

This paper reviews the complications that arose after 68 276 percutaneous liver biopsies performed from 1973 to 1983. The complications are analyzed in relation to the underlying liver disease and to the type of needle used. Death was infrequent (9/100 000); it was always due to haemoperitoneum and occurred only in patients with malignant diseases or cirrhosis. Complications were less frequent in AVH (44/100 000) than in other liver diseases (from 125 to 278/100 000). Death, serious haemorrhagic complications, pneumothorax and biliary peritonitis were more frequent after biopsy with the Trucut needle than after biopsy with Menghini's needle (3/1000 against 1/1000). Sixty-one percent of complications were discovered within two hours of biopsy and 96% within one day. The data indicate a post biopsy observation period of at least 24 hours. The day-case procedure should be reserved for patients not presenting liver tumour or cirrhosis.

Opening of the lamina terminalis is often used in surgery of the optico-chiasmatic region. Consequently, alteration of cerebral-spinal fluid (CSF) dynamics can occur after this manoeuvre, thus potentially translating into clinical complications. Herein, we describe 2 cases in which clinically relevant hypothalamic dysfunctions developed after few days opening of the lamina terminalis both patients showed mild to moderate preoperative hydrocephalus which improved postoperatively.In a patient with ruptured aneurysm of the basilar bifurcation, opening of the lamina terminalis was performed prior to acute-stage clipping. On postoperative day 7th, the patient developed significant subdural hygroma, mild disturbances of consciousness and increase of ADH concentration. These clinical features resolved only following subdural hygroma drainage and ventricular-peritoneal shunting. One previously operated patient in whom the lamina terminalis had been opened to remove a sizeable parasellar tumour showed a similar post-operative course. In this patient, sole subdural hygroma drainage was not an effective treatment, and the patient died subsequently for complications related to long-standing, though mild, hypothalamic dysfunction.Our experience may suggest that hypothalamic dysfunctions should be reminded as a possible, although rare, complication following the opening of the lamina terminalis. This clinical condition, if not properly managed, may contribute to trigger severe life-threatening complications.

We studied the predictive value of self-reported adherence and plasma drug concentrations on virological rebound to HAART. Among 238 participants in the AdICoNA study who had viral loador = 500 copies/ml, 42 (17.6%) experienced virological rebound by 96 weeks. Both self-reported non-adherence and sub-optimal concentration were independently associated with a higher risk of virological rebound.