Coincidence measurements of photodouble ionization of benzene and thiophene.

Photodouble ionization (PDI) triple-differential cross sections (TDCSs) of benzene and thiophene have been measured in electron-electron coincidence experiments under 10-10 eV and 20-20 eV equal energy sharing conditions. A multi-Gaussian fit method has been employed to characterize the TDCSs. The trends and features observed for benzene and thiophene do highlight differences with helium most likely from molecular PDI contributions to the TDCS. A comparison with the well-known helium PDI TDCS for equal energy sharing conditions [Avaldi and Huetz J. Phys. B: At. Mol. Opt. Phys., 2005, 38, S861-S891] supported the validity of the multi-Gaussian fitting method and contextualized the benzene and thiophene fits. The molecular targets and energy sharing conditions were chosen to provide insight into the unexpected resonances observed in aromatic hydrocarbons but not aromatic heterocyclic molecules [Wehlitz et al., Phys. Rev. Lett., 2012, 109, 193001]. Contrary to the work of [Wehlitz et al., Phys. Rev. Lett., 2012, 109, 193001], no significant differences between benzene and thiophene were found.

Surprisingly low seroprevalence of Burkholderia pseudomallei in exposed healthy adults in the Darwin region of tropical Australia where melioidosis is highly endemic.

In the Darwin region of Australia where melioidosis is highly endemic, only 11/354 (3%) healthy residents were seropositive by indirect hemagglutination assay, despite extensive exposure to Burkholderia pseudomallei. None developed melioidosis, but some described a prior self-limiting illness. This seropositivity rate is much lower than that seen in northeast Thailand, where melioidosis is similarly highly endemic, potentially reflecting important differences between these two locations in the epidemiology of melioidosis.

The relative efficacy of adenosine versus verapamil for the treatment of stable paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia in adults: a meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Verapamil and adenosine are the most common agents used to treat paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT). We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the relative effectiveness of these drugs and to examine their respective adverse effect profiles. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, the Cochrane database, and international clinical trial registers for randomized controlled trials comparing adenosine (or adenosine compounds) with verapamil for the treatment of PSVT in stable adult patients. The primary outcome was rate of reversion to sinus rhythm. Secondary outcome was occurrence of pooled adverse events. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a random effects model (RevMan v5). RESULTS: Eight trials were appropriate and had the available data. The reversion rate for adenosine was 90.8% (95% CI: 87.3-93.4%) compared with 89.9% for verapamil (95% CI: 86.0-92.9%). The pooled odds ratio for successful reversion was 1.27 (95% CI: 0.63-2.57) favouring adenosine. This was not statistically significant. There was a higher rate of minor adverse effects described with adenosine (16.7-76%) compared with verapamil (0-9.9%). The rate of hypotension was lower with adenosine [0.6% (95% CI: 0.1-2.4%)] compared with verapamil [3.7% (95% CI: 1.9-6.9%)]. CONCLUSION: Adenosine and verapamil have similar efficacy in treating PSVT. Adenosine has a higher rate of minor adverse effects, and of overall adverse effects, whereas verapamil has a higher rate of causing hypotension. A decision between the two agents should be made on a case-by-case basis and ideally involve informed discussion with the patient where appropriate.