553 research outputs found
Super-resolving multi-photon interferences with independent light sources
We propose to use multi-photon interferences from statistically independent
light sources in combination with linear optical detection techniques to
enhance the resolution in imaging. Experimental results with up to five
independent thermal light sources confirm this approach to improve the spatial
resolution. Since no involved quantum state preparation or detection is
required the experiment can be considered an extension of the Hanbury Brown and
Twiss experiment for spatial intensity correlations of order N>2
Isotope shifts and hyperfine structure of the Fe I 372 nm resonance line
We report measurements of the isotope shifts of the Fe I resonance line at 372 nm between all four stable
isotopes Fe, Fe, Fe, and Fe, as well as the
complete hyperfine structure of that line for Fe, the only stable
isotope having a non-zero nuclear spin. The field and specific mass shift
coefficients of the transition have been derived from the data, as well as the
experimental value for the hyperfine structure magnetic dipole coupling
constant of the excited state of the transition in Fe: MHz. The measurements were done by means of Doppler-free
laser saturated-absorption spectroscopy in a Fe-Ar hollow cathode using both
natural and enriched iron samples. The measured isotope shifts and hyperfine
constants are reported with uncertainties at the percent level.Comment: 5 pages, 5 figure
Determinants, outcomes and costs of ceftriaxone v. amoxicillin-clavulanate in the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia at Witbank Hospital
BACKGROUND. Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a major cause of death and morbidity worldwide. Treatment is centred on
antibiotics with ceftriaxone and amoxicillin-clavulanate being some of the most commonly prescribed agents.
Objective. To compare treatment outcomes and costs in patients receiving either of these two antibiotics at Witbank Hospital (WH).
METHODS. A total of 200 randomly selected adult patient files (100 receiving ceftriaxone and 100 amoxicillin-clavulanate) recording a
diagnosis of CAP were studied to determine the length of hospital stay, comorbid conditions and treatment outcomes. A descriptive and
comparable analysis was performed.
RESULTS. Male gender, higher CURB-65 scores and death were associated with the use of ceftriaxone. Severity of disease and previous
antibiotic exposure influenced the duration of hospital admission.
CONCLUSION. Gender and severity of disease (based on the CURB-65 score) were the determinants of antibiotic choice at WH. Male gender
increased the likelihood of being treated with ceftriaxone, as did a CURB-65 score of >2. There were no differences in the outcomes of
CAP patients treated with ceftriaxone compared with those treated with amoxicillin-clavulanate. Irrespective of antibiotic used, gender and
severity of disease influenced treatment outcomes. Male gender was associated with a higher mortality and longer hospital stay. The average
duration of stay for both antibiotics was not significantly different. Thus, only level 1 and 2 costs need to be considered when comparing
the two regimens. On this basis, ceftriaxone was cheaper than amoxicillin-clavulanate.http://www.samj.org.zaam201
Deep subcutaneous application of poly-L-lactic acid as a filler for facial lipoatrophy in HIV-infected patients
Introduction: Facial lipoatrophy is a crucial problem of HIV-infected patients undergoing highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Poly-L-lactic acid (PLA), provided as New-Fill(R)/Sculptra(TM), is known as one possible treatment option. In 2004 PLA was approved by the FDA as Sculptra(TM) for the treatment of lipoatrophy of the face in HIV-infected patients. While the first trials demonstrated relevant efficacy, this was to some extent linked to unwanted effects. As the depth of injection was considered relevant in this context, the application modalities of the preparation were changed. The preparation was to be injected more deeply into subcutaneous tissue, after increased dilution. Material and Methods: To test this approach we performed a pilot study following the new recommendations in 14 patients. Results: While the efficacy turned out to be about the same, tolerability was markedly improved. The increase in facial dermal thickness was particularly obvious in those patients who had suffered from lipoatrophy for a comparatively small period of time. Conclusion: With the new recommendations to dilute PLA powder and to inject it into the deeper subcutaneous tissue nodule formation is a minor problem. However, good treatment results can only be achieved if lipoatrophy is not too intense; treatment intervals should be about 2 - 3 weeks. Copyright (C) 2005 S. Karger AG, Basel
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