Design and first tests of the trapped electrons experiment T-REX.

Gyrotrons are essential for electron cyclotron resonance heating in fusion reactors, making efficient operation crucial for advancing fusion energy. Past experiments revealed instability issues due to trapped electrons in the magnetron injection gun (MIG) region, causing undesired currents and operational failures. To address this, tight manufacturing tolerances are required for the MIG geometry [Pagonakis et al., Phys. Plasmas 23, 023105 (2016)]. We present the initial findings of the trapped electrons experiment developed at the Swiss Plasma Center, designed to understand the physics of electron clouds in gyrotron MIGs. T-REX replicates MIG geometries, as well as their typical electric and magnetic fields, and it is supported by 2D particle-in-cell simulations with the FENNECS code [Le Bars et al., Phys. Plasmas 29, 082105 (2022); Le Bars, Ph.D. thesis, EPFL, Lausanne, 2023]. The setup includes two coaxial electrodes in a vacuum chamber atop a superconducting magnet, with a central electrode biased to negative DC voltages and an outer one at the ground, creating a radial electric field (1-2 MV/m) and an axial magnetic field (B < 0.4 T). This setup mimics Penning-Malmberg traps. We present the experimental device and first findings on current distribution and also a qualitative comparison with FENNECS simulations [Le Bars et al., Comput. Phys. Commun. 303, 109268 (2024)]. Planned diagnostics include optical emission spectroscopy, phosphor screen imaging, streak camera imaging, and potentially electric field distribution via the Stark effect. This research aims to enhance gyrotron performance and reliability in fusion energy systems.

Torsade de pointes and systemic azole antifungal agents: Analysis of global spontaneous safety reports.

Background: Literature about torsade de pointes induced by azole antifungal agents is scarce, despite the well-known association. Furthermore, little is known about the latency time between commencing an azole antifungal agent and developing torsade de pointes. The objectives of the present study were therefore to identify all cases of torsade de pointes associated with systemic azole antifungal use reported to the WHO monitoring centre (Uppsala, Sweden) and to determine the latency times between commencing the azole and developing torsade de pointes. Methods: Investigator-driven, retrospective, descriptive analysis of post-marketing pharmacovigilance data regarding systemic azole antifungal agents and the development of torsade de pointes reported to the WHO monitoring centre 1995-2015. Results: 191 cases were reported as follows: fluconazole 130, itraconazole 22, ketoconazole 5, posaconazole 1, voriconazole 33. More than half of all cases involved concomitant suspected or interacting drugs. The median latency times between starting the azole and developing torsade de pointes ranged from 1 (posaconazole) - 9.5 days (itraconazole), range <1-250). Conclusions: Clinicians should be aware of these features of azole-associated torsade de pointes, avoid interacting drugs if at all possible and monitor at-risk patients.

[Drug-drug interactions with HIV treatments]. / Medikamenteninteraktion bei HIV-Therapien.

We develop a differential diagnosis and diagnostic approach to a possible drug-drug interaction between a cART based on boosted atazanavir and newly given drugs. History taking should not only encompass prescribed but also over-the-counter medication. Exchange of information between attending physicians as to therapeutic changes, documented side effects and adherence, therapeutic drug monitoring of cART and evaluation by pharmacologist in complex situations are the diagnostic tools at hand.

[Mitral valve endocarditis after Turkish "Festival of Sacrifice"]. / Mitralklappenendokarditis nach türkischem Opferfest.

Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae is the causative agent of swine erysipelas. Systemic infections caused by E. rhusiopathiae are rare, but often (90%) associated with endocarditis. In about 60% of cases endocarditis develops on normal heart valves, and despite appropriate antibiotic therapy about one-third of the patients requires valve replacement. We report the case of a housewife, who developed a mitral valve endocarditis due to E. rhusiopathiae after preparing meat for the Turkish "Festival of Sacrifice".

Steady-state fully noninductive current driven by electron cyclotron waves in a magnetically confined plasma

A steady-state, fully noninductive plasma current has been sustained for the first time in a tokamak using electron cyclotron current drive only. In this discharge, 123 kA of current have been sustained for the entire gyrotron pulse duration of 2 s. Careful distribution across the plasma minor radius of the power deposited from three 0. 5-MW gyrotrons was essential for reaching steady-state conditions. With central current drive, up to 153 kA of current have been fully replaced transiently for 100 ms. The noninductive scenario is confirmed by the ability to recharge the Ohmic transformer. The dependence of the current drive efficiency on the minor radius is also demonstrated.