Mid-infrared coincidence measurements on twin photons at room temperature.

Quantum measurements using single-photon detectors are opening interesting new perspectives in diverse fields such as remote sensing, quantum cryptography and quantum computing. A particularly demanding class of applications relies on the simultaneous detection of correlated single photons. In the visible and near infrared wavelength ranges suitable single-photon detectors do exist. However, low detector quantum efficiency or excessive noise has hampered their mid-infrared (MIR) counterpart. Fast and highly efficient single-photon detectors are thus highly sought after for MIR applications. Here we pave the way to quantum measurements in the MIR by the demonstration of a room temperature coincidence measurement with non-degenerate twin photons at about 3.1 µm. The experiment is based on the spectral translation of MIR radiation into the visible region, by means of efficient up-converter modules. The up-converted pairs are then detected with low-noise silicon avalanche photodiodes without the need for cryogenic cooling.

Homoleptic phosphino copper(I) complexes with in vitro and in vivo dual cytotoxic and anti-angiogenic activity.

Homoleptic, tetrahedral Cu(i) complexes of the type [Cu(P)4]BF4 (1-3), where P are the phosphine ligands, 1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphaadamantane (PTA), 3,7-diacetyl-1,3,7-triaza-5-phosphabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane (DAPTA) and 2-thia-1,3,5-triaza-phosphoaadamantane-2,2-dioxide (PTA-SO2), have been prepared. Novel complexes [Cu(DAPTA)4]BF42 and [Cu(PTA-SO2)4]BF43 have been fully characterized by means of spectroscopic methods, corroborated by XAS-EXAFS analysis of 2. In vitro cell culture experiments revealed a significant antiproliferative activity for Cu(i) compounds against several human cancer cell lines derived from solid tumors with preferential cell growth inhibition towards tumour compared to non-malignant cells. In vitro monitoring of migration and capillary-like tube formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) showed an anti-angiogenic effect of copper(i) complexes at sub-cytotoxic concentrations. In vivo studies on the antitumor efficacy and ability to inhibit angiogenesis confirmed the dual cytotoxic and anti-angiogenic properties of Cu(i) derivatives.

Sexual and bladder dysfunctions following surgery for rectal carcinoma.

A series of 475 patients who underwent surgery for rectal carcinoma were followed up and entered this study. Sexual and bladder function before and after surgery with respect to the surgical procedure was considered. 221 patients gave suitable information about their urinary function: bladder dysfunction was observed in 20% of amputated patients as against 13-14% of resected patients. 144 patients (103 males and 41 females) were available for a follow-up study of the sexual function. Sexual intercourse, libido, erection, ejaculation, dyspareunia, vaginal humidification, orgasm were the parameters examined. Almost all of them were more affected after abdominoperineal resection than after low anterior resection with manual or stapled anastomosis, although the difference was not always significant. In a few instances the rates were inverted. It is believed that these dysfunctions are not related to the type of surgery, but to required extent of radicality. Extreme care should be always taken when dissecting the end portion of the rectum to avoid injuries to the hypogastric plexus and the pudendal nerve.

Operative morbidity after shunt surgery for portal hypertension.

The operative morbidity observed in a consecutive series of 286 patients who underwent shunt surgery for portal hypertension is reported. 149 patients out of 286 (52.1%) had a postoperative complication, which required reoperation in 11 cases (5 intestinal perforations, 2 bleeding peptic ulcers, 1 eventratio, 1 cholestasis, 1 acute pancreatitis, 1 strangulated hernia). 42 patients out of the 149 with complications died of the complication (operative mortality 14.6%). Operative morbidity and mortality appeared higher in patients operated as emergencies. Whereas elective shunts gave better results. The problem involved in preventing and treating the serious complications following shunt surgery for portal hypertension are discussed.

[Return to the home environment and to work of the patient treated with portacaval anastomsosis]. / Sul reinserimento nell'ambiente familiare e di lavoro dell'operato di anastomosi porto-cava.

Social and occupational reinsertion is examined with reference to a series of 137 patients subjected to side-to-side porto-cava anastomosis for portal hypertension due to cirrhosis of the liver. Postoperative occupational reinstatement was possible in a group of patients (39.42%) who had been compelled to work less on account of haemorrhages. Considering the seriousness of the operation and the long convalescence required, there was a good overall recommencement of occupational activity (73.72%). The view is expressed that continuous contact with the hospital is essential, since this will more readily ensure that the basic hygienic and dietetic rules applicable to the patient are respected. In addition, it is felt that the patient should be required to lead as normal a life as possible, in spite of his underlying liver alteration.