CITIUS: an infrared-extreme ultraviolet light source for fundamental and applied ultrafast science.

We present the main features of CITIUS, a new light source for ultrafast science, generating tunable, intense, femtosecond pulses in the spectral range from infrared to extreme ultraviolet (XUV). The XUV pulses (about 10(5)-10(8) photons/pulse in the range 14-80 eV) are produced by laser-induced high-order harmonic generation in gas. This radiation is monochromatized by a time-preserving monochromator, also allowing one to work with high-resolution bandwidth selection. The tunable IR-UV pulses (10(12)-10(15) photons/pulse in the range 0.4-5.6 eV) are generated by an optical parametric amplifier, which is driven by a fraction of the same laser pulse that generates high order harmonics. The IR-UV and XUV pulses follow different optical paths and are eventually recombined on the sample for pump-probe experiments. We also present the results of two pump-probe experiments: with the first one, we fully characterized the temporal duration of harmonic pulses in the time-preserving configuration; with the second one, we demonstrated the possibility of using CITIUS for selective investigation of the ultra-fast dynamics of different elements in a magnetic compound.

Thyrotoxic hypokalemic periodic paralysis case report and review of the literature.

A rare complication of hyperthyroidism consists of sudden diffuse muscle weakness associated with severe hypokalemia. The clinical presentation is similar in most respects to familial periodic paralysis; however, the therapies proven to be effective differ in the two syndromes. A case of thyrotoxic hypokalemic periodic paralysis is presented and the literature is reviewed.

Juvenile Paget disease: life-long features of a mildly affected young woman.

Unusually mild Juvenile Paget Disease (JPD) was extensively investigated in a mentally retarded 21-year-old white woman. Progressive bowing deformitity of her lower limbs began at age 1 1/2 years. Nontraumatic fractures of both femora and both tibias occurred between ages 9 and 14 years. During adulthood, cortical thickening, osteosclerosis, and bowing affected these bones. Serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was persistently elevated. We found her serum osteocalcin and urinary hydroxyproline and pyridinoline/deoxypyridinoline to also be increased. The iliac crest histology, at ages 14 and 21 years, showed wide cortices and enhanced skeletal remodeling yet the bone was exclusively lamellar. Features of classic Paget Bone Disease (PBD)--such as hypermultinucleated osteoclasts, peritrabecular fibrosis, and mosaic or woven bone--were absent. Electron microscopy revealed no cytoplasmic or nuclear inclusions. Her dermal fibroblasts in culture synthesized unremarkable levels of ALP with proper membrane topography and lipid anchoring; ALP released into the medium also appeared normal. Six months of synthetic human calcitonin therapy daily appeared to reduce here lower limb pain and warmth, but the radiographs, biochemical parameters of skeletal turnover, and bone scintigraphy were unaltered. Lamellar bone has been reported in JPD but accompanied by excessive amounts of woven bone. Our patient reveals that lamellar bone without features of PBD can characterize the skeletal histopathology of the especially rare case of mild JPD.

Potential side effects of timolol therapy in the treatment of glaucoma.

The literature concerning the clinical and pharmacologic studies of systemically administered timolol in 2233 patients was reviewed. Side effects reported were correlated with dosage levels and estimated plasma levels. Most adverse effects occurred with levels much higher than would be expected after the topical use of timolol to control glaucoma. The table of potential complications and adverse effects seen with the use of systemic timolol is meant to focus attention on expected and unexpected side effects. All could occur and should be looked for with the topical use of this drug. The goal of this paper is to define better what physicians should look for in evaluating the clinical safety of this drug and what can be realistically expected to be seen as the use of this drug becomes more widespread.