Low-noise humidity controller for imaging water mediated processes in atomic force microscopy.

We demonstrate the construction of a novel low-noise continuous flow humidity controller and its integration with a commercial variable-temperature atomic force microscope fluid cell, allowing precise control of humidity and temperature at the sample during nanoscale measurements. Based on wet and dry gas mixing, the design allows a high mechanical stability to be achieved by means of an ultrasonic atomiser for the generation of water-saturated gas, improving upon previous bubbler-based architectures. Water content in the flow is measured both at the inflow and outflow of the fluid cell, enabling the monitoring of water condensation and icing, and allowing controlled variation of the sample temperature independently of the humidity.

Auricular electroacupuncture reduces frequency and severity of Raynaud attacks.

Background: Acupuncture has been shown to influence skin perfusion and the subjective cold perception threshold. Therefore, we hypothesized that auricular electroacupuncture (EA) might reduce symptoms in primary Raynaud's phenomenon (PRP).

Methods: Twenty-six patients with PRP received 6 cycles of auricular EA.

Correlation of infrared thermography and skin perfusion in Raynaud patients and in healthy controls.

Background: We aimed to investigate the correlation of infrared thermography (IT) with laser Doppler perfusion imager (LDPI) among patients with primary Raynaud's phenomenon and healthy controls.

Methods: Forty-seven individuals were included: we examined 25 patients with primary Raynaud's phenomenon and 22 age and gender matched healthy controls. IT of the volar surface of the subjects' left hands was performed to record skin temperature while skin perfusion of the same area was determined using LDPI.

Pantoprazole does not affect performance in traffic-related safety tests: a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, crossover study in healthy volunteers.

Unlabelled: OBJECTIVE AND STUDY PARTICIPANTS: The effects of pantoprazole, a potent inhibitor of gastric acid production, were evaluated in traffic-related performance tests in 18 healthy male and female volunteers, aged 18 to 60 years, in a randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover study.

Methods: Oral pantoprazole (40mg) or a placebo tablet was taken once a day for two periods of 5 days each, with a washout period of 7 to 14 days. Drug tolerability was assessed by vital signs, clinical laboratory parameters and volunteers' own subjective appraisal of their mental condition.

[Safety-relevant performance of patients on chronic opioid therapy].

Aim: Is there a difference in performance and psychomotor function between patients on chronic opioid therapy and healthy controls and which factors influence the performance of the patients?

Methods: A total of 80 patients and 243 healthy controls were investigated with computer-based tests concerning concentration, coordination, reaction time, vigilance, and perception.

Results: The patients' results were worse in the test for concentration and better in the test for coordination than the results of the healthy controls. The results in the tests for reaction time, vigilance, and perception did not significantly differ between the two groups.