Elucidating the theoretical X-ray photoabsorption spectrum of Argon near the KM edge: Transition probabilities calculations.

We report new calculations of the transition probabilities for double electron photo-excitations near the KM edge in atomic Argon in the energy range 3220-3238 eV. The calculations were performed to study the X-ray photoabsorption spectrum of Argon near the KM edge using Multi-configurational Dirac-Hartee Fock method. Configuration interaction calculations showed that excitations to the doubly excited state [1s3p]3d is almost small compared to [1s3p]4p excitations, thus [1s3p]4p is the dominant transition in this energy range.

Equivalence between the Classical and Quantum IR Spectral Density Approaches of Weak H-Bonds in the Absence of Damping.

The aim of this paper is to overhaul the quantum elucidation of the spectral density (SD) of weak H-bonds treated without taking into account any of the damping mechanisms. The reconsideration of the SD is performed within the framework the linear response theory. Working in the setting of the strong anharmonic coupling theory and the adiabatic approximation, the simplified expression of the classical SD, in the absence of dampings, is equated to be I(ω) = Re[∫G(t)e dt] in which the classical-like autocorrelation function (ACF), G(t), is given by G(t) = tr{ρ(β){μ(0)}{μ(t)}}.

Electrical anharmonicity in hydrogen bonded systems: complete interpretation of the IR spectra of the Cl-H[combining right harpoon above] stretching band in the gaseous (CH)OHCl complex.

Following the previous developments to simulate the fully infrared spectra of weak hydrogen bond systems within the linear response theory, an extension of the adiabatic model is presented here. A general formulation including the electrical anharmonicities in the calculation of the damped autocorrelation function of weak H-bonds is adopted to facilitate the support of the additional properties, and thus the IR spectra of the Cl-H[combining right harpoon above] stretching band in the gaseous (CH)OHCl complex. We have explored the origins of the broadening of the Cl-H[combining right harpoon above] stretching band.

Emerging role for colorectal cancer screening in Asian countries.

Background And Aim: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading causes of cancer related mortality globally. Though Asia has traditionally been considered a relatively low incidence area for colorectal cancer, the incidence is reportedly increasing. The Asia Pacific Working Group for Colorectal Cancer has recommended screening of individuals at average risk starting from 50 years of age.

The burden of adult asthma in a high GDP per capita country: the QASMA study.

Background: Asthma is a major health problem worldwide. Suboptimal asthma care and poor asthma control are common even in developed countries. Qatar has the highest gross domestic product per capita in the world and high per capita health expenditure.

Oral colonization by yeasts in HIV-positive patients in Brazil.

Introduction: In HIV-infected patients, colonization of the oral cavity by potential pathogenic yeast may lead to development of systemic fungemia. We evaluated the prevalence of yeast in the oral cavity of Brazilian HIV-positive patients and verified whether or not the species characterized were enzymatically active. Furthermore, the species identified were tested for their susceptibility to antifungal treatment.

Oral Candida albicans isolates from HIV-positive individuals have similar in vitro biofilm-forming ability and pathogenicity as invasive Candida isolates.

Background: Candida can cause mucocutaneous and/or systemic infections in hospitalized and immunosuppressed patients. Most individuals are colonized by Candida spp. as part of the oral flora and the intestinal tract.

Vicriviroc in combination therapy with an optimized regimen for treatment-experienced subjects: 48-week results of the VICTOR-E1 phase 2 trial.

Background: Agents that block the CCR5 coreceptor for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have demonstrated potent antiretroviral activity. In early clinical studies, the CCR5 antagonist vicriviroc proved to be a safe and effective component of combination antiretroviral therapy.

Methods: This double-blind, dose-ranging, phase 2 trial randomized subjects to receive 30 mg or 20 mg of vicriviroc or placebo once daily plus re-optimized background therapy containing a protease inhibitor with ritonavir.

The safety and efficacy of switching stavudine to tenofovir df in combination with lamivudine and efavirenz in hiv-1-infected patients: three-year follow-up after switching therapy.

Background: Study 903 is a phase 3 trial with a completed 144-week, double-blind phase comparing tenofovir DF (TDF) with stavudine (d4T), in combination with lamivudine (3TC) and efavirenz (EFV), and an ongoing 336-week open-label extension phase.

Method: Patients in 3 countries completing the d4T treatment phase were allowed to switch d4T to TDF and receive once-daily TDF+3TC+EFV in the extension phase.

Results: At the time of switch, 100% and 99% of patients (n = 85; 60% male, 64% White; mean age 37 years; mean CD4 = 650 cells/mm3) had HIV RNA <400 and <50 copies/mL.

The safety and efficacy of tenofovir DF in combination with lamivudine and efavirenz through 6 years in antiretroviral-naïve HIV-1-infected patients.

Background: Study 903 is a phase 3 trial with a completed 144-week, double-blind phase comparing tenofovir DF (TDF) to stavudine (d4T) in combination with lamivudine (3TC) and efavirenz (EFV) and an ongoing additional 336-week open-label extension phase.

Method: Patients in Brazil, Argentina, and the Dominican Republic who completed the 144-week double-blind phase on TDF were eligible to roll over to the extension phase (weeks 144-480). Results from an interim week 288 analysis are presented.

Efficacy and safety of tenofovir DF vs stavudine in combination therapy in antiretroviral-naive patients: a 3-year randomized trial.

Context: Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (DF) is a once-daily nucleotide analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitor.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of tenofovir DF compared with stavudine in antiretroviral-naive patients.

Design, Setting, And Participants: A prospective, randomized, double-blind study conducted at 81 centers in the United States, South America, and Europe from June 9, 2000, to January 30, 2004.