Evidence for subthermal rotational populations in stored molecular ions through state-dependent dissociative recombination

We demonstrate that the dissociative recombination of D2H+ with low-energy electrons depends on the rotational energy of the molecular ion such that highly excited ions have a larger rate coefficient than colder ones. Observations on an ion beam continuously interacting with electrons at low relative velocity indicate that excited rotational levels are preferentially depleted which, in competition with radiative heating due to blackbody radiation, provides an opportunity for controlling the rotational temperature of stored molecules.

Rate coefficients and final states for the dissociative recombination of LiH+

The dissociative recombination of LiH+ ions with low-energy electrons is observed at a storage ring and the final states are analyzed using fragment imaging and field ionization techniques. The rate coefficient is found to be larger than its estimated value used in astrophysical models. Mostly the highest energetically possible Rydberg states of the lithium atom are populated by the reaction, indicating a common trend for molecular recombination via the noncrossing mode.

Postexposure effectiveness of varicella vaccine

OBJECTIVE

1) To describe the postexposure effectiveness of varicella vaccine in a homeless shelter; and 2) to demonstrate an effective public health intervention and its implications.

DESIGN

A prospective observational study.

SETTING

A women and children's shelter in Philadelphia with 2 cases of varicella before intervention.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Varicella in vaccinated and unvaccinated shelter residents; vaccine effectiveness for prevention of varicella when administered after exposure among children <13 years of age.

RESULTS

Sixty-seven shelter residents received varicella vaccine after exposure, including 42 children <13 years of age. One child who was unvaccinated developed varicella, but no vaccinated child developed typical disease. Vaccine effectiveness was 95.2% (95% CI, 81.6%-98.8%) for prevention of any disease and 100% for prevention of moderate or severe disease among the children <13 years of age.

CONCLUSION

When used within 36 hours after exposure to varicella in a setting where close contact occurred, varicella vaccine was highly effective in preventing further disease. This study provides support for the recent recommendation by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices to administer varicella vaccine after exposure: this practice should minimize the number of moderate or severe cases of disease and prevent prolonged outbreaks.

Effect of colony-stimulating factors on number and function of circulating monocytes in normal dogs

Recombinant human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (rhuGM-CSF) and recombinant canine granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (rcG-CSF) were administered to normal dogs, and effect on monocyte number and function was evaluated. rhuGM-CSF, administered for 14 days, induced a 2.5-fold increase in monocyte counts on day 3. Leukocytes increased two-fold after 1 day. Counts peaked on day 11, then declined, approaching pretreatment counts by day 15. On day 7, in vivo monocyte cytostasis activity was significantly enhanced, and declined on day 14. rcG-CSF induced a 4.5-fold increase in monocyte counts on day 3. Leukocyte counts increased three-fold after 1 day. Increased counts were maintained for 69 days, at which time treatment was discontinued. There was no effect of rcG-CSF on in vivo monocyte cytostasis activity on days 7 and 14.

[The use of the ion exchange polymer Wofatit CP for sample preparation of drugs from urine for high pressure liquid chromatographic and spectrophotometric determinations]

The sample preparation of the alkaline drugs dioxopromethazinehydrochloride and trapidil from urine was studied systematically. The weak acid cation exchanger Wofatit CP was used as stationary phase. Batch mode and column chromatographic sample preparation were compared. The usable capacity of the ion exchanger for the analyte is an important characteristic for the sample preparation. The great influence of pH and ionic strength of the sample on the usable capacity was proved.

[Ropivacaine in epidural anesthesia. Dose-response relationship and a comparison with bupivacaine]

Ropivacaine is a new long-acting local anesthetic with a pharmacodynamic profile resembling that of bupivacaine; in addition, ropivacaine has been shown to be less cardiotoxic than bupivacaine in dogs and pigs. To test the dose-response relationship of ropivacaine 0.75% (epinephrine 1:200,000) given epidurally, 47 patients were divided into three groups; the first group received 15 ml (n = 16), the second 20 ml (n = 15), and the third group, 25 ml (n = 16) ropivacaine. Further, to compare bupivacaine 0.75%, bupivacaine 0.5% and ropivacaine 0.75% for epidural anesthesia, 15 ml bupivacaine 0.75% (n = 15) or bupivacaine 0.5% (n = 15) or ropivacaine 0.75% (n = 16) was given epidurally, all with epinephrine added to the solution (1:200,000).

METHODS

A total of 77 patients with ASA I or II were enrolled in a non-randomized open-label study. All patients were scheduled for varicose vein stripping. Male and female patients aged 18-70 and weighing 50-100 kg were included in the study. Patients were all placed in a sitting position and the epidural space was identified by the "loss of resistance" technique using a midline approach at the L 3/4 interspace; a test dose of 3 ml local anesthetic was then given, followed by injection of the remainder of the local anesthetic at the rate of 10 ml/min 1 min later. Following injection patients were immediately positioned supine. Upward and downward spread of analgesia were determined bilaterally by the pin-prick method, motor blockade was assessed by use of the Bromage scale following each determination of analgesia. Heart rate and blood pressure were obtained immediately before blockade and every 5 min until 3 h after the injection. RESULTS. The different volumes of ropivacaine 0.75% (15, 20, and 25 ml) brought about adequate analgesia in the sacral and lumbar regions in all patients. In the thoracic region T 6, T 5 and T 4 were reached. The time of onset of analgesia (segment L-1 in all three groups) was 6.4 +/- 2.9 min, 7.7 +/- 2.3 min, and 5.6 +/- 2.9 min for the 15-, 20- and 25-ml groups, respectively. The highest thoracic dermatome was reached after 20 +/- 6 min, 26 +/- 11 min, and 18 +/- 5 min. The duration of sensory anesthesia at the T 10 dermatomal level was 250 +/- 68, 249 +/- 77, and 278 +/- 51 min. Two-segment regression time was 160 +/- 67 min for bupivacaine 0.75%, 140 +/- 60 min for bupivacaine 0.5%, and 124 +/- 29 min for ropivacaine 0.75%. The total duration of sensory block was 303 +/- 58, 290 +/- 70, and 343 +/- 55 min for 15-, 20- and 25-ml groups, respectively. The degree of motor block achieved was 1.6, 1.8, and 2.0 (Bromage), respectively. Sensory anesthesia was considered adequate for surgery in all patients, and no signs of systemic toxicity were observed in any of the patients. The comparison of bupivacaine 0.75%, bupivacaine 0.5% and ropivacaine 0.75% revealed the same latency period of analgesia for bupivacaine 0.75% and ropivacaine 0.75%. This was shorter than for bupivacaine 0.5% (bupivacaine 0.75%: 6.4 +/- 2.1, bupivacaine 0.5%: 7.8 +/- 4...

Post mortem changes in adenylate cyclase activity in rat brain striatum

Adenylate cyclase activity in rat striatum decreased post mortem. Half-lives were about 2.7 h at 22 degrees C, 72 h at 4 degrees C. Differences in stability after death of adenylate cyclase in human brain and rat striatum, and possible heterogenity of the enzyme, are briefly discussed.