The Rb2 31Π g state: Observation and analysis.

This paper reports observations and analysis of the Rb2 31Π g state. A total of 323 rovibrational term values spanning the range of the rotational quantum number J = 7 through 77 and the vibrational quantum number v = 2 through 23 (about 1/3 of the potential well depth) were measured using the optical-optical double resonance technique. The term values are simulated within a model of a piece-wise multi-parameter potential energy function based on the generalized splines. This function not only enables a reproduction of the experimental data with a reasonable quality but also approximates the available ab initio function in its whole range with a uniform accuracy.

Measurement of the Na2 51Σg+→A1Σu+ and 61Σg+→A1Σu+ transition dipole moments using optical-optical double resonance and Autler-Townes spectroscopy.

Accurate knowledge of transition dipole moment matrix elements is crucial since important parameters associated with the interaction of light with matter, such as emission and absorption line intensities, lifetimes, and Einstein coefficients, depend on these matrix elements. We report here an experimental study of the Na2 51Σg+↔A1Σu+ and 61Σg+↔A1Σu+ electronic transition dipole moments and their dependence on internuclear distance. We have measured absolute transition dipole matrix elements for ro-vibrational transitions of the Na2 51Σg+↔A1Σu+ and 61Σg+↔A1Σu+ electronic transitions using Autler-Townes and optical-optical double resonance spectroscopy, and we compare the results to ab initio theoretical values [A. Sanli et al., J. Chem. Phys. 143, 104304 (2015)].

Re-examination of the Cs2 ground singlet X1Σg+ and triplet a3Σu+ states.

This paper clarifies the disagreement in the depth of the potential energy curve of the cesium dimer singlet ground state which has lasted for nearly a decade. We point out that the origin of this disagreement must be a technical misprint in the values of the three binding energies reported by Danzl et al. [Science 321, 1062 (2008)], while the X1Σg+ state potential reported by Coxon and Hajigeorgiou [J. Chem. Phys. 132, 094105 (2010)], based on experimental data by Amiot and Dulieu [J. Chem. Phys. 117, 5155 (2002)], is quite correct. We have recalculated the potential energy function of the triplet ground state a3Σu+ by using the available experimental data spanning both the attractive and the repulsive branches so that the potential energy function complies asymptotically with the singlet ground state X1Σg+ potential energy function by Coxon and Hajigeorgiou. This is important for the simulation of the near dissociation properties such as Feshbach resonances, which are typically observed in modern experiments with ultracold atoms and molecules.

Observations and analysis with the spline-based Rydberg-Klein-Rees approach for the 3(1)Σg(+) state of Rb2.

Ro-vibrational term values of the 3(1)Σg (+) state of (85,85)Rb2 and (85,87)Rb2 and resolved fluorescence spectra to the A(1)Σu (+) state are recorded following optical-optical double resonance excitation. The experimental data are heavily perturbed, and as a result, the standard analysis based on Dunham series representation of the energy levels fails. The analysis is done via modeling the adiabatic potential function with the Rydberg-Klein-Rees potential constructed from the generalized smoothing spline interpolation of the vibrational energies Gv and rotational constants Bv.

Electronic transition dipole moment and radiative lifetime calculations of sodium dimer ion-pair states.

We report here ab initio calculated electronic transition dipole moments for the sodium dimer ion pair states of (1)Σg (+) symmetry. They vary strongly as a function of internuclear distance because of the effect of the Na(+) + Na(-) ion pair potential, which also causes the formation of additional wells and shoulders in the molecular potential energy curves. We also present a computational study of the transition dipole moment matrix elements and lifetimes for these ion-pair states.

Microalbuminuria as an early marker of renal involvement in Behcet's disease: it is associated with neurological involvement and duration of the disease.

BACKGROUND: Despite its nature as a systemic vasculitis, renal involvement is known to occur infrequently in Behçet's Disease (BD). OBJECTIVES: Our aim was to investigate proteinuria, microhematuria and microalbuminuria in 24-h urine and evaluate subclinical or symptomatic renal involvement in BD patients. METHODS: Two hundred and eleven patients who fulfilled the International Behçet's Disease criteria were included in the study. After urine analysis, five of 12 patients who were found to have proteinuria underwent renal biopsy, while 199 patients without proteinuria were investigated for microalbuminuria (MA). RESULTS: A total of 34 (16.1%) patients were found to have renal involvement including 22 (11.1%) with MA and 12 with proteinuria (5.6%). Renal biopsies resulted as focal glomerulosclerosis in three, membranous glomerulosclerosis in one and secondary amyloidosis in two patients. Neurological involvement was found to be significantly more prevalent in patients with MA (P < 0.01). Neurological involvement and duration of disease (> or = 10 years) was found to increase the risk for MA by 21.75-fold and 5.03-fold, respectively. Though age over 40 years, thrombophlebitis, HLA B51 haplotype and ophthalmological involvement were not found to be significantly associated with MA; these parameters increased the risk for MA. CONCLUSIONS: Renal involvement may be more prevalent in BD than it has been recognized; it usually presents with asymptomatic microhematuria, proteinuria and/or microalbuminuria; therefore clinicians must check 24-h urine for the presence of proteinuria, microhematuria and microalbuminuria; especially in patients who are aged over 40 years, have a longer duration of the disease and multisystem involvement.

Congenital lymphoedema, bronchiectasis and seizure: case report.

A 10-year-old girl with facial anomalies, mental retardation, peripheral lymphoedema, convulsions, cerebral cortical dysgenetic changes, bronchiectasis and chronic sinusitis is presented. She had features of both yellow nail syndrome and Hennekam syndrome. We think that our case might be a new congenital lymphoedema syndrome or an intermediate form between these syndromes.

Proteinuria after conversion to sirolimus in renal transplant recipients.

Sirolimus (SRL) is a new, potent immunosuppressive agent. More recently, proteinuria has been reported as a consequence of sirolimus therapy, although the mechanism has remained unclear. We retrospectively examined the records of 25 renal transplant patients, who developed or displayed increased proteinuria after SRL conversion. The patient cohort (14 men, 11 women) was treated with SRL as conversion therapy, due to chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN) (n = 15) neoplasia (n = 8); Kaposi's sarcoma, Four skin cancers, One intestinal tumors, One renal cell carsinom) or BK virus nephropathy (n = 2). SRL was started at a mean of 78 +/- 42 (15 to 163) months after transplantation. Mean follow-up on SRL therapy was 20 +/- 12 (6 to 43) months. Proteinuria increased from 0.445 (0 to 1.5) g/d before conversion to 3.2 g/dL (0.2 to 12) after conversion (P = 0.001). Before conversion 8 (32%) patients had no proteinuria, whereas afterwards all patients had proteinuria. In 28% of patients proteinuria remained unchanged, whereas it increased in 68% of patients. In 40% it increased by more than 100%. Twenty-eight percent of patients showed increased proteinuria to the nephrotic range. Biopsies performed in five patients revealed new pathological changes: One membranoproliferative glomerulopathy and interstitial nephritis. These patients showed persistently good graft function. Serum creatinine values did not change significantly: 1.98 +/- 0.8 mg/dL before SRL therapy and 2.53 +/- 1.9 mg/dL at last follow-up (P = .14). Five grafts were lost and the patients returned to dialysis. Five patients displayed CAN and Kaposi's sarcoma. Mean urinary protein of patients who returned to dialysis was 1.26 (0.5 to 3.5) g/d before and 4.7 (3 to 12) g/d after conversion (P = .01). Mean serum creatinine level before conversion was 2.21 mg/dL and thereafter, 4.93 mg/dL (P = .02). Heavy proteinuria was common after the use of SRL as rescue therapy for renal transplantation. Therefore, conversion should be considered for patients who have not developed advanced CAN and proteinuria. The possibility of de novo glomerular pathology under SRL treatment requires further investigation by renal biopsy.

Lipid profile in chronic allograft nephropathy.

Chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN) represents the cumulative and incremental damage to nephrons by time-dependent immunologic and nonimmunologic causes. Hyperlipidemia is one nonimmunologic mechanism that promotes injury and poor function in a renal transplant. The aim of our study was to determine the effect of lipid profiles on CAN among renal transplant recipients. We retrospectively evaluated 53 renal transplant recipients who were classified according to the presence of CAN: CAN+ = 28 (18 males, 10 females) constituted the study group, whereas those with stable graft function CAN- = 25 (14 males, 11 females) were the control group. Biochemical parameters included serum urea, creatinine, total cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1), apolipoprotein B (ApoB), lipoprotein (a), homocysteine, and high-sensitive CRP (hs CRP). Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) and/or angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) use was significantly greater among the CAN+ group compared with the controls (P = .02, P = .04). Also, higher serum creatinine levels were observed in the CAN+ group (1.49 vs 1.22 mg/dL, P = .002), whereas serum levels of total cholesterol, triglyceride, hs CRP, and albumin were similar in both groups. The levels of ApoA1, ApoB, and lipoprotein (a) were similar, whereas the LDL/HDL cholesterol ratio and homocysteine levels were significantly higher in the CAN+ group (P = .04, P = .04). In conclusion, the LDL/HDL ratio may have a positive impact on CAN and may be used as a parameter during patient follow-up.

Impact of hepatitis C virus infection on patient and graft survival in kidney transplantation.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is the main cause of chronic liver disease after renal transplantation, which represents a risk factor for graft loss and patient death. Hepatitis C (+) kidney transplant candidates who remain on the waiting list show a greater risk of mortality than those who are transplanted, a risk that escalates with time. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of HCV infection on patient and allograft survival in our transplant population. Among 90 renal transplant patients transplanted between 1991 and 2002 who were retrospectively analyzed, 45 were HCV-positive and 45 HCV-negative by serology. All positive patients had shown positive HCV antibody and/or positive HCV RNA. The mean ages of the patients were 36.2 +/- 9 years among the HCV (+) and 38 +/- 10 years among the HCV (-) patients (P = .31). Eighteen HCV (+) patients and 14 HCV (-) patients received their grafts from deceased donors. The immunosuppressive protocols were similar in both groups. The number of acute rejection episodes were 13 (30%) in HCV (+) and 6 (13%) in the HCV (-) group (P = .006). Diabetes mellitus developed in 10 (23%) HCV (+) and 7 (16%) HCV (-) patients (P = .04). Cytomegalovirus disease occurred in 5 (16%) HCV (+) and 2 (6%) HCV (-) patients (P = .32). The mean serum creatinine was 1.85 +/- 1.1 mg/dL in HCV (+) and 1.8 +/- 1 mg/dL in HCV (-) group (P = .82). The mean graft survivals were 97.1 +/- 52 months in the HCV (+) and 81.1 +/- 37 months in the HCV (-) group (P = .04). Seven HCV (+) patients (16%) and three HCV (-) patients (6%) lost their grafts (P = .04). Advanced cirrhosis developed in three HCV (+) patients (6%). One patient died in the HCV (+) group. Patient survivals were 98% in the HCV (+) and 100% in the HCV (-) cohorts. In this study, the rate of graft loss was higher in HCV (+) patients, whereas the patient survival was similar.

Venlafaxine extended release for the treatment of patients with premature ejaculation: a pilot, single-blind, placebo-controlled, fixed-dose crossover study on short-term administration of an antidepressant drug.

In this study, we aimed at evaluating the efficacy and safety of venlafaxine extended release 75 mg, a serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor, in the treatment of patients with premature ejaculation. Thirty-one patients with intravaginal ejaculation latency of less than 2 min received venlafaxine XR (75 mg/day) or placebo during a 2-week period for each agent with a washout period of 1 week between agents. Efficacy was assessed for each agent with changes in ejaculation latency measured with a stopwatch and sexual satisfaction scores of patients and partners. Side-effects, pre- and post-treatment levels of biochemical and spermiogram parameters, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin and total testosterone were recorded for each agent. Statistical analysis was performed on 21 patients. After 2 weeks of treatment with placebo and venlafaxine, ejaculation latency time was significantly increased from 60.1 +/- 39.1 to 126.9 +/- 98.3 sec and to 178.1 +/- 122.8 sec, respectively (p < 0.0001 for each one). However, the difference between the two agents was insignificant (p = 0.144). Venlafaxine and placebo increased sexual satisfaction scores of both patients and partners similarly, no statistically significant difference was found between them in this respect. The incidence of side-effects with venlafaxine was indifferent than that of placebo (p > 0.1) except nausea (p = 0.035). Both agents did not change the blood and spermiogram parameters significantly, except FSH increases. Short-term use of venlafaxine XR 75 mg has only a placebo effect on ejaculation latency and sexual satisfaction scores, therefore, is not appropriate for the patients with premature ejaculation. Further dose-time studies are required to draw final conclusions on the inefficacy of this drug in premature ejaculation.

Lessons learned from the catastrophic Marmara earthquake: factors influencing the final outcome of renal victims.

BACKGROUND: During catastrophic earthquakes, crush syndrome is the second most frequent cause of death after the direct impact of trauma. The Marmara earthquake, which struck Northwestern Turkey in August 1999, was characterized by 639 crush syndrome victims with acute renal problems. The factors influencing their final outcome have been the subject of this study. PATIENTS/METHODS: Within the first week of the disaster questionnaires asking about 63 clinical and laboratory variables were sent to 35 reference hospitals that treated the victims. Information obtained by means of these questionnaires, including the factors with a potential influence on outcome, was submitted to analysis. RESULTS: Overall mortality rate was 15.2%. In univariate analysis, nonsurvivors were older (p = 0.048); the highest mortality rates were observed among the victims coming from the closest cities to the reference hospitals. Admission within the first 3 days of the disaster (p = 0.016), with oliguria (p = 0.042), lower figures for blood pressure (p < 0.001), platelets (p = 0.004) and serum albumin (p = 0.005) were associated with mortality. Also, higher body temperature (p = 0.013) and serum potassium (p < 0.001) as well as suffering from thoracic or abdominal traumas, extremity amputations and medical complications other than renal failure (for all 4: p < 0.0001) in addition to need of dialysis support (p = 0.015) and mechanical ventilation (p < 0.0001) indicated higher risk of death. In the multivariate analysis, age (p = 0.030, OR = 1.02), presence of disseminated intravascular coagulation (p = 0.001, OR = 4.49), abdominal trauma (p = 0.012, OR = 4.05) and amputations (p = 0.010, OR = 2.81) were predictors of mortality. Dialyzed patients were characterized by higher mortality rates than nondialyzed victims (17.2% versus 9.3%, p = 0.015). CONCLUSION: Outcome of the renal victims of catastrophic earthquakes is influenced by the type of trauma, comorbid events and complications observed during the clinical course as well as epidemiological features such as age, distance to reference hospitals and time lapse between disaster and admission to reference hospitals.

Effects of different calcineurin inhibitors on sex hormone levels in transplanted male patients.

Hormonal abnormalities in male patients with end-stage renal diseases are primarily organic and related to uremia as well as the other comorbid factors that frequently contribute to chronic renal failure and concomitant drug administration. The restoration of hormonal profiles after successful renal transplantation is still controversial. Immunosuppressive drugs may influence hormonal profiles. Our cross-sectional study of 37 male kidney transplant recipients investigated two groups according to their calcineurin inhibitor therapy, namely 21 cyclosporine versus 16 tacrolimus patients. The two groups were matched for age, graft function, mean duration of dialysis before transplantation, and duration of follow-up after transplantation. There was no statistical significant difference in baseline circulating levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone (TTE), and prolactin (PRL) between the two groups. We found that calcineurin inhibitors have favorable effects on sexual hormone levels of male renal transplant patients and that there is no difference in baseline hormone levels between cyclosporine- and tacrolimus-treated male patients.

Serum potassium in the crush syndrome victims of the Marmara disaster.

BACKGROUND: Hyperkalemia is a major cause of mortality in the patients who suffer from crush syndrome in the aftermath of major earthquakes. The aim of this study is to investigate the frequency and effects of hyperkalemia in the 639 victims of catastrophic Marmara earthquake that struck northwestern Turkey, in August 1999. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Within the first week of disaster, questionnaires were sent to 35 reference hospitals that treated the victims. Information on serum potassium which was provided in 595 out of 639 questionnaires was submitted to analysis. RESULTS: In the patients who were admitted within the first 3 days of the disaster (n = 401) serum potassium was 5.4 +/- 1.3 mEq/l, which was higher than in those admitted thereafter (n = 171) (4.5 +/- 1.1 mEq/l) (p = 0.02). Considering the whole series, males (p = 0.01), patients needing dialysis support (p < 0.001) and non-survivors (p = 0.001) were characterized by higher serum potassium at admission. Seventy patients' serum potassium was above 7 mEq/l, while 22 patients were hypokalemic (< 3.5 mEq/l). Admission potassium correlated with many clinical and laboratory variables indicating the severity of the trauma, and a logistic regression model with clinical and laboratory parameters upon admission, revealed potassium as the most significant predictor of dialysis needs in the victims admitted within the first 3 days (p = 0.008, OR = 3.33). Among the victims who were admitted to hospitals 1 week after the disaster, 8 had serum potassium levels above 6.5 mEq/l; among 4 of them were complicated by hyperkalemia even higher than 7.5 mEq/l. These findings undeline the importance of hyperkalemia during clinical course. CONCLUSION: The most important and fatal medical complication in crush syndrome patients is hyperkalemia. Risk of fatal hyperkalemia continues even after hospitalization. Empirical therapy at the scene is indicated especially in male victims with severe soft tissue traumas. Early detection and treatment of hyperkalemia may improve the final outcome of renal disaster victims.

Serum lipid peroxidation levels in small-for-gestational-age babies.

The levels of lipid peroxidation in sera of asymmetric small-for-gestational-age (SGA) babies at the second hour of life were investigated. Lipid peroxidation levels, measured as malondialdehyde (MDA), were 3.3 +/- 1.1 and 3.9 +/- 1.2 mmol/L in SGA and appropriate-for-gestational age (AGA) groups, respectively. The difference was not significant (p>0.05). This result may indicate that free radical scavengers are sufficient in SGA babies.

Neonatal goiter caused by expectorant usage.

A female newborn was admitted with the symptoms of mild respiratory distress, protruding tongue, hypotonicity, cutis marmorata, sclerema, myxedema, abdominal distension, and feeding problems on the first day of life. She had a huge neck mass, a large anterior and posterior fontanel, and hoarse cry. She had no umbilical hernia or jaundice. A history of maternal potassium iodine (expectorant) usage without doctor's advice was obtained; the mother had not attended a clinic throughout the pregnancy. On ultrasonographic examination, the thyroid right lobe was 53 x 31 mm and the left lobe was 34 x 31 mm. The results of thyroid hormone tests on the first day were as follows: T3 20 ng/dl (normal: 32-216 ng/dl), T4 0.9 microg/dl (11.8-22.6 microg/dl), TSH 120 mIU/l (2.5-13.3 mIU/l). This patient is presented to emphasize the role of hypothyroidism in drug-induced neonatal goiter and to discuss the possibility of a life-threatening effect of congenital goiter, i.e. respiratory tract obstruction.

The Marmara earthquake: epidemiological analysis of the victims with nephrological problems.

BACKGROUND: Crush syndrome resulting from earthquakes is a major cause of morbidity and mortality, as seen during the catastrophic Marmara earthquake that struck Northwestern Turkey in August 1999. This report analyzes the epidemiological characteristics of the crush syndrome victims of this disaster. METHODS: In order to analyze the nephrological problems caused by this earthquake, questionnaires were prepared within the first week of the disaster and sent to 35 reference hospitals that treated the victims. Data obtained by these questionnaires are the subject of this report. RESULTS: Of the 5302 hospitalized patients in reference hospitals, 639 (12.0%) suffered from nephrological problems, and 477 (9.0%) needed dialysis support. Considering the patients with renal problems, there was not any significant difference in gender; however, the incidence of children younger than 10 years and the older population (older than 60 years of age) was significantly lower as compared with the resident population of the affected area (P < 0.001). Nonsurvivors were older (34.5 +/- 16.1 years) than survivors (31.2 +/- 14.4 years, P = 0.048), while no deaths were recorded under the age of 10. Most patients (70.1%) were admitted within the first three days after the earthquake, and the mortality rate among these victims was higher (17.7%) as compared with victims admitted thereafter (10.0%, P = 0.016). The average time period under the rubble was 11.7 +/- 14.3 hours, which was not significantly different between survivors and nonsurvivors, while the victims who required dialysis support spent shorter durations under the rubble, as compared with the ones who were not dialyzed at all (10.3 +/- 9.5 vs. 15.9 +/- 23.1 hours, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Victims of catastrophic earthquakes are characterized by a high incidence of renal problems and the need for dialysis support. The incidence of nephrological problems is lower in children, while the period of time under the rubble is not a prognostic indicator of survival.

Serum ferritin, iron levels and iron binding capacity in asymmetric SGA babies.

The concentration of serum ferritin reflects the extent of iron stores in premature infants. We aimed to determine serum ferritin levels and iron status in asymmetric small for gestational age (SGA) babies. This study was performed on 21 SGA babies and 19 appropriate for gestational age (AGA) babies. Hemoglobin, iron, iron binding capacity and ferritin levels were investigated in the first six hours after the birth. Hemoglobin levels in the SGA and control groups were 20.9 +/- 1.3 (19.4-23.4 g/dl) and 19.6 +/- 0.8 (18.5-21.5 g/dl), respectively (p = 0.001). Serum ferritin levels in the SGA and AGA groups were 58.36 +/- 20.1 ng/ml and 90.46 +/- 30.5 ng/ml, respectively. Ferritin levels were found lower in the SGA group (p < 0.001). In the SGA group, decreased serum iron and increased iron binding capacity were found but the difference was not significant (p > 0.05). Decreased ferritin levels may result from either impaired iron transport associated with uteroplacental vascular insufficiency or increased iron utilization during enhanced erythropoiesis in conditions characterized by chronic fetal hypoxia. Our results stress the significance of iron supplementation and careful anemia follow-up in term SGA babies. Because anemia progress early, beginning iron therapy as soon as possible is a necessity in SGA babies as in prematures.

Paraurethral cysts in newborn: a case report and review of literature.

Paraurethral cysts are uncommonly reported in the newborn. Twenty-eight cases have been reported in the English literature until now. These lesions generally resolve spontaneously. For this reason, a conservative approach is recommended, especially in paraurethral cysts of newborn without complications and symptoms. In this paper, we describe a female neonate who had a paraurethral cyst that spontaneously resolved one month after birth and review the literature.