Modulated Magnetic Phases in Rare Earth Metallic Systems

Neutron scattering has played a key role in the microscopic understanding of the static and dynamic properties of magnetic materials. Modulated magnetic structures first discovered in the late fifties can no longer be referred to as exotic; more than a hundred such phases have already been found in a variety of magnetic systems. Neutron and x-ray magnetic scattering have played a complementary role in the recent discovery and understanding of the modulated magnetic phases in rare earth metallic systems.

Therapeutic outcome of elderly and nonelderly patients receiving home intravenous antimicrobial therapy

The therapeutic outcomes of elderly patients receiving home i.v. antimicrobial therapy were compared with those of younger patients receiving the same therapy. Using predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria, 150 consecutively referred patients were accepted into the study. These patients were receiving home i.v. antimicrobial therapy from three home-health-care pharmacies (HHCPs). Referred patients were classified as elderly (greater than or equal to 62 years old) or nonelderly. Data for these patients were compiled retrospectively using interviews and chart reviews. Outcome of the i.v. antimicrobial therapy was rated as either adequate or inadequate based on predetermined criteria. Outcomes were analyzed for each HHCP and for the pooled data. The mean age of the pooled nonelderly group was 38 +/- 14 years, and the mean age of the pooled elderly group was 71 +/- 6 years. Adequate outcomes were noted in 70% of the pooled samples of elderly patients and 76% of the pooled samples of nonelderly patients. The difference between the outcomes of patients in the two age groups was not significant. In this carefully selected population, elderly and nonelderly patients receiving home i.v. antimicrobial therapy had similar therapeutic outcomes.