The water-soluble catalyst precursor [[(2,4,6-(3,5-(CF3)2C6H3)3-C6H2)-N═C(H)-(3-(9-anthryl)-2-O-C6H3)-κ(2)-N,O]Ni(CH3)(TPPTS)] (TPPTS = tri(sodiumphenylsulfonate)phosphine) polymerizes ethylene to aqueous dispersions of highly ordered nanoscale crystals (crystallinity χ(DSC) ≥ 90%) of strictly linear polyethylene (<0.7 methyl-branches/1000 carbon atoms, Mn = 4.2 × 10(5) g mol(-1)). SAXS in combination with cryo-TEM confirms this unusually high degree of order (χ(SAXS) = 82%) and shows the nanoparticles to possess a very thin amorphous layer on the crystalline lamella, just sufficient to accommodate a loop, but likely no entanglements. This ideal chain-folded structure is corroborated by annealing studies on the aqueous-dispersed nanoparticles, which show that the chain can move through the crystal as evidenced by lamella thickening without disturbing the crystalline order as concluded from an unaltered low thickness of the amorphous layers. These ideal chain-folded polyethylene nanocrystals arise from the crystallization in the confined environment of a nanoparticle and a deposition of the growing polymer chain on the crystal growth front as the chain is formed by the catalyst.
According to this study, chromocolonoscopy detects significantly more hyperplastic and, in particular, adenomatous lesions than standard white light colonoscopy or NBI.
Markers of advanced chronic liver disease but not of the severity of acute illness are correlated to ICU outcome in ventilated cirrhotic patients. The outcome of advanced cases (Child-Pugh score of 12 and above) is poor.
Pseudomembranous and obstructive Aspergillus tracheobronchitis (PMATB/OATB) are still considered to be refractory to therapy and to have a fatal outcome. To evaluate the optimal diagnostic strategy and to describe factors affecting the outcome of PMATB and OATB. Retrospective analysis of four new cases of PMATB and OATB combined with 16 previously reported cases over a 10-year period (1995-2004). Among the four new cases reported and the 16 published cases, four patients survived their infection. The mortality rate was significantly higher in the group of ventilated patients [94% (15 of 16 patients)] than in the group of non-ventilated patients [25% (1 of 4 patients), P < 0.05, Fisher's exact test]. In all 20 patients, diagnosis was established by bronchoscopy. Culture examination of mucous plugs was positive in 8 of 10, culture of the tracheobronchial aspirate was positive in 8 of 12, and bronchoalveolar lavage was diagnostic in 7 of 13 patients. All bronchoscopic techniques were complementary in improving the yield of bronchoscopy. However, microscopy of mucous plugs and/or necrotic material was the best diagnostic modality [positive in 94% (17 of 18 patients)]. Prognosis of PMATB and OATB remains poor. Microscopy of respiratory specimens is the most sensitive tool to confirm the diagnosis. The characteristic appearance of the disease makes it possible to start antifungal therapy immediately.
This pilot study suggests that midodrine is not as effective as albumin in preventing circulatory dysfunction after large-volume paracentesis in patients with cirrhosis and ascites.
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