In this report we will discuss properties of and models for nuclear transitions in muonic molecules formed via collisions of muonic atoms of hydrogen isotopes with light nuclei like $L\!i$ and $B\!e$. Their importance for nuclear astrophysics and nuclear physics at super low energies is emphasized.

We present a systematic study of the muonic molecules (p µ N2), (d µ Nz), and (t µ N2) where Nz are nuclei with charges Z = 1,3,4. Our calculations are based on a dual expansion scheme where, in a first step, we employ expansions into surface functions which are then, in a second step, expanded into hyperspherical harmonics. To ensure the correct asymptotic behaviour of the eigenpotentials, we amend the second step by an additive expansion into channel functions. The eigenpotentials obtained show the expected attraction for the (d µ t) system. For Z = 3,4, high-lying dips are found indicating resonance behaviour. At present, the radial equation is solved in extreme adiabatic approximation. First attempts are being made towards a solution in adiabatic approximation.

Idiosyncratic hepatotoxicity, although rare, is of major concern when one is treating patients with valproate (VPA). Several clinical criteria are associated with an increased risk of developing this complication, but more specific predictors are needed. It has been postulated that 4-en-VPA or one of its further metabolites may be responsible for the hepatic toxicity and that under certain conditions the metabolism of VPA is shifted to this product. We postulated that measurement of serum concentrations of 4-en-VPA or another metabolite might be a simple technique that would be predictive of risk for developing idiosyncratic hepatotoxicity. Because this complication is rare, we chose to analyze our data by a multiple linear regression model, exploring associations between VPA or three of its metabolites and clinical risk factors for hepatotoxicity. 4-en-VPA correlated with older age and absence of encephalopathy. 4-en-VPA was only seen in patients receiving polytherapy; all patients were also receiving CBZ. 2-en-VPA correlated with poor nutritional status. We conclude that routine measurement of serum 4-en-VPA is unlikely to be a useful predictor of risk for developing fatal hepatotoxicity. Serum concentrations of 4-en-VPA may not reflect presence or effects in the liver as it may be metabolized to further intermediates or be bound to tissue. Thus, serum levels of 4-en-VPA do not reflect its important role in the pathogenesis of hepatotoxicity. This metabolite was detected only in patients receiving polytherapy, a potent risk factor for developing this rare complication.