The ligand exchange mechanism of solvated lithium cations has been studied using DFT calculations (RB3LYP/6-311+G**). The water exchange mechanism on [Li(H(2)O)(4)](+) was found to be limiting associative (A) involving a five-coordinate intermediate, whereas ammonia exchange on [Li(NH(3))(4)](+) was found to follow an associative interchange (I(a)) mechanism. The suggested mechanisms are discussed in reference to available experimental and theoretical data.

By comparing the theoretically expected results of photon emission from a chaotic (thermal) field and those of an ordered (fully coherent) field with the actual experimental data, one finds ample indications for the hypothesis that 'biophotons' originate from a coherent field occurring within living tissues. A direct proof may be seen in the hyperbolic relaxation dynamics of spectral delayed luminescence under ergodic conditions. A possible mechanism has to be founded on Einstein's balance equation and, under stationary conditions, on energy conservation including a photochemical potential. It is shown that the considered equations deliver, besides the thermal equilibrium, a conditionally stable region far away from equilibrium, which can help to describe both 'biophoton emission' and biological regulation.

Background In October 2013, we implemented 'Influmeter', a web-based influenza-like illness (ILI) self-reporting system, to monitor ILI in the general population in a timely fashion, to provide data for estimations of the burden of influenza and to gain experience with online surveillance systems, in Denmark. After the season 2013/2014 we evaluated the system to decide on its future use. Methods Influmeter study participants provided personal details upon enrolment and reported symptoms weekly within predefined categories. We compared distribution of Influmeter participants with the Danish population, by sex, age, region, chronic diseases and educational level. We calculated the proportion of participants reporting symptoms of ILI weekly and the proportion of Influmeter ILI cases seeking medical assistance, using the Danish and the EU ILI case definitions. Further, we compared timing of increased ILI rates in Influmeter with existing Danish sentinel ILI surveillance using the Danish case definition. Results Compared with the Danish population, Influmeter had more females (p < 0.001) and persons with a higher education (p < 0.001), while the age group 0-24 was under-represented (p < 0.001). Influmeter ILI activity peaked 1 week before the exceeding of the sentinel epidemic threshold. Depending on ILI case definition 16-22% of ILI cases sought medical assistance. Conclusion Influmeter was useful in the timely monitoring of ILI activity in the population that did not seek medical assistance in relation to ILI. We recommend continuation of the system, targeted enrolment of the young and future analyses adjusted for uneven representation relative to the underlying population.

Solutions of LiClO(4) in solvent mixtures consisting of dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) and water, or DMSO and gamma-butyrolactone, were studied by (7)Li NMR spectroscopy (for complexation by cryptands in gamma-butyrolactone as a solvent, see: E. Pasgreta, R. Puchta, M. Galle, N. J. R. van Eikema Hommes, A. Zahl, R. van Eldik, J. Incl. Phen., 2007, 58, 81-88). Chemical shifts indicate that the Li(+) ion is coordinated by four DMSO molecules. In the binary solvent mixture of water and DMSO, no selective solvation is detected, thus indicating that on increasing the water content of the solvent mixture, DMSO is gradually displaced by water in the coordination sphere of Li(+). The ligand-exchange mechanism of Li(+) ions solvated by DMSO and water/DMSO mixtures was studied using DFT calculations. Ligand exchange on [Li(DMSO)(4)](+) was found to follow a limiting associative (A) mechanism. The displacement of coordinated H(2)O by DMSO in [Li(H(2)O)(4)](+) follows an associative interchange mechanism. The suggested mechanisms are discussed in reference to available experimental and theoretical data.

Background: Since the 1970s, MORA bioresonance therapy has globally been applied in the context of complementary medicine for various indications. In this regard, practitioners also report successful application in smoking cessation. The present study aims to verify these reports in a controlled study setting. Methods: In order to achieve the aforementioned objective, we subjected the bioresonance method to a prospective, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-group study involving 190 smokers. In both study groups (placebo n = 95; active bioresonance group; n = 95) the course of treatment and study conditions were standardized. Results: 1 week (77.2% vs. 54.8%), 2 weeks (62.4% vs. 34.4%), 1 month (51.1% vs. 28.6%), and 1 year (28.6% vs. 16.1%) after treatment, the success rate in the verum group differed significantly from the results in the placebo group. Also, the subjective health condition after treatment and subjective assessment of efficacy, polled after 1 week, were significantly more positive among participants in the active bioresonance therapy group than among those in the placebo group. Adverse side effects were not observed. Conclusion: According to the findings attained by this pilot study, bioresonance therapy is clinically effective in smoking cessation and does not show any adverse side effects.