The effect of the strain rate and draw temperature on the mechanical behavior of ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) and EVOH composites was analyzed. When EVOH is stretched at moderate strain rates, evidence of strain‐induced crystallization and recrystallization was observed. Higher strain rates produced less structural variation because the homogeneous flow of the chains and the crystalline perfection are restricted due to the rapid drawing. In reference to the drawing temperature, EVOH showed a diffusive yielding, and the mechanical parameters were reduced due to the softening of the crystalline region. For EVOH composites, the filler hinders the molecular mobility, causing an increase in the strength and restricting the plastic flow. However, the higher temperature, higher molecular mobility, and ductility are not so affected by the filler content. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 32: E287–E296, 2013; View this article online at http://wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/adv.21274

Ascaris lumbricoides is a common nematode infecting humans worldwide with increased prevalence in tropical and subtropical areas of less developed countries. Recently, it has been estimated that over one billion individuals are infected with ascariasis worldwide with 7% in USA. Although most of these cases are due to increasing immigration and travel outside America it is worth recognizing that prevalence of ascariasis is high in southeastern parts of USA due to their temperate climate. Infections of A. lumbricoides are largely asymptomatic, and hence a large population of people carrying this worm remains undetected for years until they develop some symptoms. Due to a large group of asymptomatic individuals with intestinal ascariasis, these worms are occasionally and unexpectedly identified during routine endoscopic procedures. Here, we present a case of an intestinal ascariasis found during routine colonoscopy in an African-American man from the Bronx with perianal itching. He denied any history of travel outside USA but reported frequent visits to South Carolina. This case illustrates the fact that ascariasis should be suspected even if immigration or travel outside USA is not involved. It should be suspected even in cases of travel within USA to the south east where endemic cases are reported.

Patient: Female, 60Final Diagnosis: Gastroesophageal carcinoma with rectal metastasisSymptoms: Bloating • constipation • weight lossMedication: —Clinical Procedure: Endoscopy • flexible sigmoidoscopy • lower endoscopic ultrasoundSpecialty: Gastroenterology and HepatologyObjective:Unusual clinical courseBackground:Gastroesophageal cancers, previously considered rare, are rapidly increasing worldwide. We present here a unique case of gastroesophageal carcinoma with metastasis to the rectum.Case Report:A 60-year-old female patient presented with constipation, bloating, and weight loss of 4-month duration. She had undergone sleeve gastrectomy 6 years before. Endoscopies performed revealed a friable-looking mucosa in the lower esophagus and a polypoid rectal mass. Histopathological examination from both the esophageal and rectal lesions revealed poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma cells. Immunohistochemistry stain from both specimens was positive for CK7 supporting the gastric site primary with metastasis to the rectum. Further evaluation also revealed metastasis to bone and malignant pleural effusion. Chemotherapy with palliative intent was initiated.Conclusions:Colorectal metastasis is commonly seen from cancers of the breast, stomach, melanoma, kidney, prostate, and ovaries. However, colorectal metastasis from gastroesophageal cancer has never been reported in the medical literature. Diagnosis relies on histopathologic examination and immunohistochemical staining of the tumor. Treatment depends on the tumor stage. Tumors with widespread metastatic disease are candidates for palliative chemotherapy.

No abstract

No abstract