Kneelike structure in the spectrum of the heavy component of cosmic rays observed with KASCADE-Grande.

We report the observation of a steepening in the cosmic ray energy spectrum of heavy primary particles at about 8×10(16) eV. This structure is also seen in the all-particle energy spectrum, but is less significant. Whereas the "knee" of the cosmic ray spectrum at 3-5×10(15) eV was assigned to light primary masses by the KASCADE experiment, the new structure found by the KASCADE-Grande experiment is caused by heavy primaries. The result is obtained by independent measurements of the charged particle and muon components of the secondary particles of extensive air showers in the primary energy range of 10(16) to 10(18) eV. The data are analyzed on a single-event basis taking into account also the correlation of the two observables.

A capacitive probe with shaped probe bias for ion flux measurements in depositing plasmas.

The application of a pulse shaped biasing method implemented to a capacitive probe is described. This approach delivers an accurate and simple way to determine ion fluxes in diverse plasma mixtures. To prove the reliability of the method, the ion probe was used in a different configuration, namely, a planar Langmuir probe. In this configuration, the ion current was directly determined from the I-V characteristic and compared with the ion current measured with the pulse shaped ion probe. The results from both measurements are in excellent agreement. It is demonstrated that the capacitive probe is able to perform spatially resolved ion flux measurements under high deposition rate conditions (2-20 nm/s) in a remote expanding thermal plasma in Ar/NH(3)/SiH(4) mixture.

Role of kinin B1 and B2 receptors in a rat model of neuropathic pain.

Kinin B1 and B2 receptor (R) gene expression (mRNA) is increased in the sensory system after peripheral nerve injury. This study measured the densities of B1R and B2R binding sites in the spinal cord and dorsal root ganglia (DRG) by quantitative autoradiography, and evaluated the effects of two selective non-peptide antagonists at B1R (LF22-0542) and B2R (LF16-0687) on pain behavior after partial ligation of the left sciatic nerve. Increases of B1R binding sites were seen in superficial laminae of the ipsi- and contralateral spinal cord at 2 and 14 days while B2R binding sites were increased on the ipsilateral side at 2 days and on both sides at 14 days. In DRG, B1R and B2R binding sites were significantly increased at 2 days (ipsilateral) and 14 days on both sides. Whereas tactile allodynia started to develop progressively from 2 to 25 days post-ligation, the occurrence of cold allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia became significant from day 8 and day 14 post-ligation, respectively. At day 21 after sciatic nerve ligation, thermal hyperalgesia was blocked by LF22-0542 (10 mg/kg, s.c.) and LF16-0687 (3 mg/kg, s.c.), yet both antagonists had no effect on tactile and cold allodynia. Data highlight the implication of both kinin receptors in thermal hyperalgesia but not in tactile and cold allodynia associated with peripheral nerve injury. Hence LF22-0542 and LF16-0687 present therapeutic potential for the treatment of some aspects of neuropathic pain.

Rapid measurement of blood propofol levels: a proof of concept study.

OBJECTIVE: Despite many advantages over traditional volatile anaesthetic techniques, propofol total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA) makes up a small percentage of general anaesthetics administered. One of the reasons for this is the absence of a clinically useful method for measuring blood propofol concentrations. We have designed and tested a prototype system for rapidly measuring blood plasma levels of propofol using solid phase extraction (SPE) methodology, coupled with colorimetric and spectrometric techniques. METHODS: Multiple venous blood samples were taken from 17 subjects during induction of anaesthesia with propofol. Samples were analysed in duplicate on both the prototype system and using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). The prototype monitor response was calibrated against known methanol-based propofol standards and an estimate of the plasma concentration of propofol derived from regression analysis of the standard responses. RESULTS: Bland Altman analysis from a total of 87 samples gave 95% limits of agreement between the two methods of -0.34 to 0.42 microg mL(-1) (with no significant bias). The mean absolute prediction error was 8.9(7.5)%. The run time per sample on the prototype system was 4.5 min, including sample preparation. CONCLUSION: The results show that this methodology may be suitable for rapid and accurate clinical monitoring of propofol levels during general anaesthesia.

[Acute posterior or multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy]. / Epiteliopatia pigmentara placoida multifocala acuta.

The paper presents a clinical case of Acute Posterior Multifocal Placoid Pigment Epitheliopathy and the specific diagnosis problems of this case. Being a less frequent disease the common aspects are emphasized as well as the latest concepts about this syndrome.

[Comparative clinico-therapeutic study of amitriptyline hydrochloride (Tryptizol/amitriptyline)]. / Studiu comparativ clinico-terapeutic asupra clorhidratului de amitriptilina (Tryptizol/amitriptilina).

As compared to the psychopharmacological profile of amitriptyline hydrochloride the authors analyse the findings of a comparative clinical trial amitriptyline versus Tryptizol regarding their efficacy in neurotic and presenile depression. 170 inpatients divided into four comparative series were investigated. The drugs were administered according to the same scheme in monotherapy for 30 days. The efficiency and tolerance of these drugs were estimated through clinical observations, the recording of the first ameliorated state and the maximum one, psychological check-up by using Hamilton's scale for depressions, paraclinical investigation, recording of side effects, clinical and paraclinical screening for 0-10-20-30 days. The analysis of clinical findings in the investigated series reveals for both drugs their easy administration, tolerance, incidence and low intensity of the side effects. The comparative estimation of the treatment with amitriptyline and Tryptizol in neurotic and presenile depressions attests a similar therapeutic efficiency.