Sensitivity of Spin-Precession Axion Experiments.

We study the signal and background that arise in nuclear magnetic resonance searches for axion dark matter, finding key differences with the existing literature. We find that spin-precession instruments are much more sensitive than what has been previously estimated in a sizable range of axion masses, with sensitivity improvement of up to a factor of 100 using a ^{129}Xe sample. This improves the detection prospects for the QCD axion, and we estimate the experimental requirements to reach this motivated target.

Fluconazole alone or combined with flucytosine for the treatment of AIDS-associated cryptococcal meningitis.

An all oral treatment for cryptococcal meningitis is attractive, particularly where amphotericin B use is impractical. Both fluconazole and flucytosine are available in oral formulations and have activity against Cryptococcus neoformans. We conducted a prospective phase II dose escalation study employing doses of fluconazole ranging from 800 to 2000 mg daily for 10 weeks used alone or combined with flucytosine at 100 mg/kg per day for the first 4 weeks.

Milk of nonhuman origin and infectious diseases in humans.

Milk and milk products from domestic animals, which are potential infectious hazards, are made more so by modern milk production, because milk from thousands of animals is often pooled prior to bottling or before manufacturing derivative products. Thus, contaminated milk from 1 animal can result in a widespread problem. Pasteurization largely eliminates this hazard.

A randomized, prospective study of phenotype susceptibility testing versus standard of care to manage antiretroviral therapy: CCTG 575.

Objective: To assess phenotype susceptibility testing (PHENO) with standard of care (SOC) to improve antiretroviral therapy.

Design: A prospective, multicenter study of 238 patients taking a stable antiretroviral regimen for > 6 months, with one or two protease inhibitors (PI) and entry HIV RNA > 400 copies/ml.

Method: Patients were randomized to receive or not receive PHENO results for selecting antiretroviral regimens.

Relevance of peptide avidity to the T cell receptor for cytomegalovirus-specific ex vivo CD8 T cell cytotoxicity.

CD8(+) T cells contribute to the control of viral infection by several effector mechanisms, including lysis of virally infected cells and interferon (IFN)-gamma secretion. Ex vivo cytotoxicity and potent secretion of IFN-gamma in response to cytomegalovirus (CMV) epitope peptides was seen in freshly prepared unstimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells from human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients with high T cell receptor (TCR)/peptide avidity. Lymphocytes with low TCR/peptide avidity had no ex vivo cytotoxicity, secreted minimal IFN-gamma, and could not recognize autologous infected targets.