1. |
- Haasen, C., et al.
(author)
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Cocaine use in Europe - a multi-centre study : Methodology and prevalence estimates
- 2004
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In: European Addiction Research. - 1022-6877 .- 1421-9891. ; 10:4, s. 139-146
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- An increase in the use of cocaine and crack in several parts of Europe has raised the question whether this trend is similar to that of the USA in the 1980s. However, research in the field of cocaine use in Europe has been only sporadic. Therefore, a European multi-centre and multi-modal project was designed to study specific aspects of cocaine and crack use in Europe, in order to develop guidelines for public health strategies. Data on prevalence rates were analysed for the general population and for specific subgroups. Despite large differences between countries in the prevalence of cocaine use in the general population, most countries show an increase in the last few years. The highest rate with a lifetime prevalence of 5.2% was found for the United Kingdom, although with a plateau effect around the year 2000. With regard to specific subgroups, three groups seem to show a higher prevalence than the general population: (1) youth, especially in the party scene; (2) socially marginalized groups, such as homeless and prostitutes or those found in open drug scenes; (3) opiate-dependent patients in maintenance treatment who additionally use cocaine. Specific strategies need to be developed to address problematic cocaine use in these subgroups.
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2. |
- Prinzleve, M., et al.
(author)
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Cocaine use in Europe - a multi-centre study : Patterns of use in different groups
- 2004
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In: European Addiction Research. - 1022-6877 .- 1421-9891. ; 10:4, s. 147-155
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- AIM: The study investigates patterns of cocaine powder and crack cocaine use of different groups in nine European cities. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS: Multi-centre cross-sectional study conducted in Barcelona, Budapest, Dublin, Hamburg, London, Paris, Rome, Vienna, and Zurich. Data were collected by structured face-to-face interviews. The sample comprises 1,855 cocaine users out of three subgroups: 632 cocaine users in addiction treatment, mainly maintenance treatment; 615 socially marginalized cocaine users not in treatment, and 608 socially integrated cocaine users not in treatment. MEASUREMENTS: Use of cocaine powder, crack cocaine and other substances in the last 30 days, routes of administration, and lifetime use of cocaine powder and crack cocaine. Findings: The marginalized group showed the highest intensity of cocaine use, the highest intensity of heroin use and of multiple substance use. 95% of the integrated group snorted cocaine powder, while in the two other groups, injecting was quite prevalent, but with huge differences between the cities. 96% of all participants had used at least one other substance in addition to cocaine in the last 30 days. CONCLUSIONS: The use of cocaine powder and crack cocaine varies widely between different groups and between cities. Nonetheless, multiple substance use is the predominating pattern of cocaine use, and the different routes of administration have to be taken into account.
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3. |
- Buck, A., et al.
(author)
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Shock-Front Injector for High-Quality Laser-Plasma Acceleration
- 2013
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In: Physical Review Letters. - : American Physical Society. - 0031-9007 .- 1079-7114. ; 110:18
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We report the generation of stable and tunable electron bunches with very low absolute energy spread (ΔE≈5 MeV) accelerated in laser wakefields via injection and trapping at a sharp downward density jump produced by a shock front in a supersonic gas flow. The peak of the highly stable and reproducible electron energy spectrum was tuned over more than 1 order of magnitude, containing a charge of 1–100 pC and a charge per energy interval of more than 10 pC/MeV. Laser-plasma electron acceleration with Ti:sapphire lasers using this novel injection mechanism provides high-quality electron bunches tailored for applications.
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4. |
- Blanchart, P., et al.
(author)
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Mechanism of traditional Bogolan dyeing technique with clay on cotton fabric
- 2010
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In: Applied Clay Science. - : Elsevier BV. - 0169-1317 .- 1872-9053. ; 50:4, s. 455-460
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Bogolan is a traditional dyeing technique deeply rooted in Mali It uses local clays from Niger River region and a leave extract from N galama trees (Anogeissus leiocarpa) The clay contains a significant amount of iron (hydr)oxides mainly akaganeite It reacts with N galama coating onto cotton to form black or brown colors UV/Vis and IR spectroscopy indicated very similar behavior of N galama leaves extract and carboxylic aromatic acids mainly ellagic or gallic acids which form dark colored complexes with iron Since iron (hydr) oxides are coated on clay mineral particles they contribute to the fixation of the Clay mineral particles and also cause the dark color X-ray diffraction of oriented tissue and SEM observations confirmed the presence of clay particles attached on the fiber surface.
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5. |
- Colpi, G. M., et al.
(author)
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European Academy of Andrology guideline Management of oligo-astheno-teratozoospermia
- 2018
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In: Andrology. - : Wiley. - 2047-2919. ; 6:4, s. 513-524
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Oligo-astheno-teratozoospermia is frequently reported in men from infertile couples. Its etiology remains, in the majority of cases, unknown with a variety of factors to contribute to its pathogenesis. The aim of this European Academy of Andrology guideline was to provide an overview of these factors and to discuss available management options. Materials and Methods: PubMed was searched for papers in English for articles with search terms: male infertility and oligo-astheno-teratozoospermia. For evidence-based recommendations, the GRADE system was applied. Issues related to urogenital infections/inflammations have not been included in this document as they will be covered by separate guidelines. Results: For men with oligo-astheno-teratozoospermia, the European Academy of Andrology recommends:. A general physical examination to assess signs of hypogonadism. A scrotal physical examination to assess (i) the testes and epididymes for volume and consistency, (ii) deferent ducts for total or partial absence, and (iii) occurrence of varicocoele. Performing two semen analyses, according to World Health Organization guidelines to define an oligo-astheno-teratozoospermia. An endocrine evaluation. A scrotal ultrasound as part of routine investigation. Karyotype analysis and assessment of Yq microdeletions in infertile men with a sperm concentration ≤5 × 106/mL. Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator gene evaluation in case of suspicion for incomplete congenital obstruction of the genital tract. Against quitting physical activity to improve the chance of achieving pregnancy. Against androgen replacement therapy to improve the chance of achieving pregnancy. Assisted reproduction techniques to improve the chance of achieving pregnancy, in case other treatment options are not available or not efficient. Androgen replacement therapy in patients with biochemical/clinical signs of hypogonadism, after completion of the fertility treatment. Conclusion: These guidelines can be applied in clinical work and indicate future research needs.
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6. |
- Bennett, Jennifer A., et al.
(author)
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A Distinctive Adnexal (Usually Paratubal) Neoplasm Often Associated with Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome and Characterized by STK11 Alterations (STK11 Adnexal Tumor) : A Report of 22 Cases
- 2021
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In: American Journal of Surgical Pathology. - 0147-5185. ; 45:8, s. 1061-1074
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We describe 22 examples of a novel, usually paratubal, adnexal tumor associated with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome in nearly 50% of cases that harbored STK11 alterations in all tested (n=21). The patients ranged from 17 to 66 years (median=39 y) and the tumors from 4.5 to 25.5 cm (median=11 cm). Most (n=18) were paratubal, with metastases noted in 11/22 (50%) and recurrences in 12/15 (80%). Morphologically, they were characterized by interanastomosing cords and trabeculae of predominantly epithelioid cells, set in a variably prominent myxoid to focally edematous stroma, that often merged to form tubular, cystic, cribriform, and microacinar formations, reminiscent of salivary gland-type tumors. The tumor cells were uniformly atypical, often with prominent nucleoli and a variable mitotic index (median=9/10 HPFs). The tumors were usually positive to a variable extent for epithelial (CAM5.2, AE1/AE3, cytokeratin 7), sex cord (calretinin, inhibin, WT1), and mesothelial (calretinin, D2-40) markers, as well as hormone receptors. PAX8, SF1, and GATA-3 were rarely positive, while claudin-4, FOXL2, and TTF-1 were consistently negative. All sequenced tumors (n=21) harbored alterations in STK11, often with a loss of heterozygosity event. There were no other recurrently mutated genes. Recurrent copy number alterations included loss of 1p and 11q, and gain of 1q, 15q, and 15p. Despite an extensive morphologic, immunohistochemical, and molecular evaluation, we are unable to determine with certainty the histogenesis of this unique tumor. Wolffian, sex cord stromal, epithelial, and mesothelial origins were considered. We propose the term STK11 adnexal tumor to describe this novel entity and emphasize the importance of genetic counseling in these patients as a significant number of neoplasms occur in association with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome.
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7. |
- Bergues, B., et al.
(author)
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Nonlinear interaction of 100-eV attosecond XUV-pulses with core electrons in Xenon
- 2018
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In: Optics InfoBase Conference Papers. - : Optica Publishing Group. - 9781557528209
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We demonstrate multiphoton ionization of inner-shell electrons in Xenon with 100-eV attosecond pulses. This was achieved with a novel XUV source based on high-harmonic generation in the gas phase driven with multi-TW few-cycle laser pulses.
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8. |
- Bergues, B., et al.
(author)
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Tabletop nonlinear optics in the 100-eV spectral region
- 2018
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In: Optica. - : Optical Society of America. - 2334-2536. ; 5:3, s. 237-242
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Nonlinear light-matter interactions in the extreme ultraviolet (XUV) are a prerequisite to perform XUV-pump/XUV-probe spectroscopy of core electrons. Such interactions are now routinely investigated at free-electron laser (FEL) facilities. Yet, electron dynamics are often too fast to be captured with the femtosecond resolution of state-of-the-art FELs. Attosecond pulses from laser-driven XUV-sources offer the necessary temporal resolution. However, intense attosecond pulses supporting nonlinear processes have only been available for photon energy below 50 eV, precluding XUV-pump/XUV-probe investigation of typical inner-shell processes. Here, we surpass this limitation by demonstrating two-photon absorption from inner electronic shells of xenon at photon energies around 93 eV and 115 eV. This advance opens the door for attosecond real-time observation of nonlinear electron dynamics deep inside atoms.
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9. |
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10. |
- Cox, Nicholas, et al.
(author)
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The S-1 split signal of photosystem II : a tyrosine-manganese coupled interaction
- 2009
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In: Biochimica et Biophysica Acta - Bioenergetics. - : Elsevier BV. - 0005-2728 .- 1879-2650. ; 1787:7, s. 882-889
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Detailed optical and EPR analyses of states induced in dark-adapted PS II membranes by cryogenic illumination permit characterization and quantification of all pigment derived donors and acceptors, as well as optically silent (in the visible, near infrared) species which are EPR active. Near complete turnover formation of Q(A)(-) is seen in all centers, but with variable efficiency, depending on the donor species. In minimally detergent-exposed PS II membranes, negligible (<5%) oxidation of chlorophyll or carotenoid centers occurs for illumination temperatures 5-20 K. An optically silent electron donor to P680(+) is observed with the same decay kinetics as the S-1 split signal. Cryogenic donors to P680(+) seen are: (i) transient (t(1/2)similar to 150 s) tyrosine related species, including 'split signals' (similar to 15% total centers), (ii) reduced cytochrome b(559) (similar to 30-50% centers), and (iii) an organic donor, possibly an amino acid side chain, (similar to 30% centers).
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