By means of the evaluated results, the service was classified as satisfactory, achieving about 70 % of solvability. It was concluded that the PC implantation has contributed for the obtainment of positive clinical results. However, the analysis of data has demonstrated also some difficulties to evaluate the clinical results within health services.”
“The associations between dietary fat intakes and the risk of colorectal cancer have been examined in many epidemiological studies, but the results have remained inconsistent. This study aimed to examine the associations of total fat and fatty acid intakes with the

risk of colorectal cancer in Guangzhou, China. A case-control study was carried out between July 2010 and May 2012 in Guangzhou, China. Four hundred and RSL3 datasheet eighty-nine consecutively recruited colorectal cancer cases were frequency matched to 976 controls by age (5-year interval) and sex. A validated food frequency questionnaire was used to collect dietary check details information by face-to-face interviews. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The total fat intake was not related to the risk of colorectal cancer, with an OR (95% CI) of 0.95 (0.68-1.32) comparing the highest with the lowest quartiles. Intakes of saturated fat, monounsaturated

fat, and n-6 polyunsaturated fat were also not associated with the risk of colorectal cancer. However, a significant inverse association was found between total n-3 polyunsaturated fat, -linolenic acid, and long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fat consumption and the risk of colorectal cancer. The adjusted ORs of the highest versus the lowest quartile were 0.45 (95% CI=0.32-0.64, P-trend<0.01) for total n-3 polyunsaturated fat, 0.54 (95% CI=0.38-0.76, P-trend<0.01) for -linolenic acid, and 0.58 (95% CI=0.41-0.82, P-trend<0.01) for long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fat. This study suggested that total fat, saturated fat, monounsaturated fat, and n-6 polyunsaturated selleck fat intakes were not related to the risk of colorectal cancer. However, increased

consumption of n-3 polyunsaturated fat might reduce the risk. (C) 2013 Wolters Kluwer Health vertical bar Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.”
“Objective-To determine the seroprevalence of antibodies against Leptospira serovars among veterinarians and identify risk factors for seropositivity in veterinary care settings.

Design-Seroepidemiologic survey.

Study Population-Veterinarians attending the 2006 AVMA Annual Convention.

Procedures-Blood samples were collected from 511 veterinarians, and serum was harvested for a microcapsule agglutination test (MAT) to detect antibodies against 6 serovars of Leptospira. Aggregate data analysis was performed to determine the ratio of the odds of a given exposure (eg, types of animals treated or biosafety practices) in seropositive individuals to the odds in seronegative individuals.

Results-Evidence of previous leptospiral infection was detected in 2.

The objective of this study was to describe the characteristics and prognostic value of cough in IPF.

Methods:

Subjects with IPF were identified from an ongoing longitudinal database. Cough and other clinical variables were recorded prospectively. Logistic regression was used to determine predictors of cough and predictors of disease progression, defined as 10% decline in FVC, 15% decline in DLCO, lung transplantation or death within 6 months of clinic visit. The relationship of cough with time to death or lung transplantation was analysed using Cox proportional hazards analysis.

Results: Two hundred and forty-two subjects were included. Cough was reported in 84% of subjects. On multivariate analysis, cough was less likely in previous smokers (OR 0.07, 95% CI: 0.01-0.55,

P = 0.01), and more likely in subjects with exertional find more desaturation (OR 2.56, 95% CI: 1.15-5.72, P = 0.02) and lower FVC (OR 0.76, 95% CI: 0.60-0.96, P = 0.02). Cough predicted disease progression (OR 4.97, 95% CI: 1.25-19.80, P = 0.02) independent Ispinesib of disease severity, and may predict time to death or lung transplantation (HR 1.78, 95% CI: 0.94-3.35, P = 0.08).

Conclusions: Cough in IPF is more prevalent in never-smokers and patients with more advanced disease. Cough is an independent predictor of disease progression and may predict time to death or lung transplantation.”
“OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the histological changes of tracheal cartilage and epithelium caused by tracheal occlusion at different gestational ages in a fetal rat model.

METHODS: Rat fetuses were divided into two groups: a) External control, composed of non-operated rats, and b) Interventional group, composed of rats operated upon on gestational day 18.5 (term = 22 days), divided into triads: 1) Tracheal occlusion, 2) Internal control and 3) Sham (manipulated but not operated). Morphological

data for body weight, total lung weight and total lung weight/body weight ratio were collected and measured on gestational days 19.5, 20.5 and 21.5. Tracheal samples were histologically processed, and epithelial, chondral and total tracheal thicknesses were measured on each gestational day.

RESULTS: The tracheal occlusion group exhibited an increase in total lung weight/body weight ratio (p<0.001). Histologically, this group had a thicker epithelial thickness (p<0.05) and thinner chondral (p<0.05) and total tracheal thicknesses (p<0.001). Etomoxir manufacturer These differences were more prominent on gestational days 20.5 and 21.5.

CONCLUSION: Tracheal occlusion changed tracheal morphology, increased epithelial thickness and considerably decreased total tracheal thickness. These changes in the tracheal wall could explain the development of tracheomegaly, recently reported in some human fetuses subjected to tracheal occlusion.”
“Grape seed extract (GSE) was encapsulated in biocompatible poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) using the solution enhanced dispersion by supercritical fluids (SEDS) technique.

Understanding the mechanisms by which EBV induces cellular signal transduction pathways may MLN2238 ic50 facilitate development of new treatments for PTLD.”
“Graft copolymerization of different vinyl monomers onto chitosan (Cs) and its derivatives can alter their properties and consequently expands their potential applications. In this study, carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCs) was prepared and

characterized. Graft copolymerization of acrylic acid sodium salt (AAs) onto CMCs was accomplished by using ammonium persulphate (APS)-induced free radical polymerization in aqueous medium under nitrogen atmosphere. Occurrence of grafting was confirmed and the effects of [AAs], [APS], reaction time, and temperature on the extent of grafting were studied. The influence of grafting yield on the structure and dynamics

was also investigated by using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), two-dimensional wide-angle X-ray scattering (2D-WAXS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and dielectric spectroscopy. Preliminary study, using dielectric spectroscopy, was carried out to the CMCs-g-AAs copolymer with grafting percent similar to 2900%, as an example, in a wide range of temperature (from 299 to 473 K) and frequency (from 1 x 10(-2) to 1 x 10(5) Hz). One relaxation process with Selleckchem BEZ235 Arrhenius type was detected. This process has the characteristics of a secondary relaxation process related to local chain dynamics with activation energy of 53 +/-. 3 kJ/mol. (C) 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 118: 2134-2145, 2010″
“Study Design. Biomechanical investigation of primary and revised cement-augmented

pedicle screws in comparison with unaugmented screws.

Objective. To evaluate revision of cannulated pedicle screws and investigate cement-augmented and nonaugmented screws biomechanically, testing the torque of primary screws and axial pullout force of revised screws in cadaver vertebrae.

Summary of Background Data. Cement augmentation increases the pullout force and stability of pedicle screws in vertebrae with low bone mineral density, but surgeons are concerned about complications during revision.

Methods. Bone mineral density Selleckchem ATM/ATR inhibitor was measured using quantitative computed tomography (CT) in 23 osteoporotic thoracolumbar junction vertebrae from human cadavers. Cannulated pedicle screws, augmented with bone cement (on right) or unaugmented (left), were inserted into each vertebra. After CT control, extraction torque was measured and the pedicles were reinstrumented with larger-diameter screws. The right screws were augmented again, with another CT control, before pullout testing.

Results. Mean vertebral bone density was 52.6 mg/cm(3). No major screw malpositioning was observed on primary CTs. Cement leakage was observed anterolaterally and into the spinal canal. Mean maximal torque in augmented screws (1.2 Nm, SD: 0.

49; 95% CI, -0.86 to -0.11; versus inpatients SMD = -0.20; 95% CI, -0.43 to 0.03). Adverse effects included tachycardia and tremors.

Authors’ Conclusions: Bronchodilators do not improve oxygen

saturation, do not reduce hospital admission after outpatient treatment, do not shorten the duration of hospitalization, and do not reduce the time to resolution of illness at home. The small improvements in clinical scores for outpatients must be weighed against the costs FRAX597 and adverse effects of bronchodilators.”
“Purpose: Fall-related fracture is one of the most disabling features of idiopathic Parkinson’s disease (PD). A better understanding of the associated factors selleck products is needed to predict PD patients who will require treatment.

Methods: This prospective study enrolled 100 adult idiopathic PD patients. Stepwise logistic regressions were used to evaluate the relationships between clinical factors and

fall-related fracture.

Results: Falls occurred in 56 PD patients, including 32 with fall-related fractures. The rate of falls in the study period was 2.2 +/- 1.4 per 18 months. The percentage of osteoporosis was 34% (19/56) and 11% in PD patients with and without falls, respectively. Risk factors associated with fall-related fracture were sex, underlying knee osteoarthritis, mean Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale score, mean Morse fall scale,

mean Hoehn and Yahr stage, and exercise habit. By stepwise logistic regression, sex and mean Morse fall scale were independently associated with fall-related fracture. Females had an odds ratio of 3.8 compared to males and the cut-off value of the Morse fall scale for predicting fall-related fracture was 72.5 (sensitivity 72% and specificity 70%).

Discussion: Higher mean Morse fall scales (>72.5) and female sex are associated with higher risk of fallrelated fractures. Preventing falls in the high-risk PD group is an important safety issue and highly relevant for their quality of life. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“A 41-year-old woman, who had no thrombotic risk factors and past history except congenital SIS3 solubility dmso scoliosis, underwent central venous catheterization (CVC) before correction of the scoliosis. When internal jugular vein (IJV) catheterization using the anatomical landmark technique failed, CVC under ultrasound guidance was tried. As a consequence, thrombosis and hypoplasia of the right IJV were incidentally detected by ultrasonography. Central venous catheters were then successfully placed in other veins under ultrasound guidance. Also, after examinations to rule out the possibility of pulmonary embolism and to clarify the causes of the IJV thrombosis, the patient was found to have protein S deficiency.

The incidence of VAE has been reported to be as high as 82.6% during open craniectomy for craniosynostosis repair. On the other hand, two separate studies reported a much lower incidence of VAE (8% and 2%) during endoscopic strip craniectomy. As surgical advancements progress, minimally invasive neurosurgical procedures are increasing in the pediatric population with reported benefits of decreased blood loss and need for transfusion, shorter hospital stay, decreased cost, lower morbidity, and mortality. In addition, there is a heightened emphasis on achieving hemostasis, which has led to the use of products such as antifibrinolytics

and fibrin sealants. We present a case where a VAE causing significant hemodynamic instability (grade III) ensued immediately following aerosolized fibrin sealant application. Exploration of the potential source of VAE pointed to the high pressure and close proximity (between spray device and PI3K inhibitor tissue) during application of the sealant, likely forcing air into the vascular system.”
“This study describes the synthesis of amphiphilic ABC-triblock copolymers comprising a central pseudopoly(4-hydroxy-L-proline) segment and terminal hydrophilic poly(ethylene glycol)methyl ether as well as hydrophobic poly-(epsilon-caprolactone) blocks. Differential scanning calorimetry, H-NMR spectroscopy, and gel permeation chromatography are used to characterize the copolymers.

The thermal properties (T(g) and T(m)s) of the triblock copolymers depend on the composition of polymers. Larger amounts of epsilon-CL incorporated into the macromolecular backbone increased T(g) and T(m)s. Fluorescence spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and dynamic Fludarabine JAK/STAT inhibitor light scattering are utilized to investigate their micellar characteristics in the aqueous phase. Observations showed a higher click here critical micelle concentration with higher hydrophilic components in the copolymers. The micelle exhibited a core-shell-corona

and/or vesicle shape, and the average size was less than 300 nm. Drug entrapment efficiency and drug loading of micelles depending on the composition of block polymers are also described. (C) 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 115: 2556-2564, 2010″
“A demonstration of the principles of quantum key distribution (QKD) is performed using a single-photon source in a proof of concept test-bed over a distance of 2 km in standard telecommunications optical fiber. The single-photon source was an optically-pumped quantum dot in a microcavity emitting at a wavelength of 895 nm. Characterization of the QKD parameters was performed at a range of different optical excitation powers. An investigation of the effect of varying the optical excitation power of the quantum dot microcavity on the quantum bit error rate and cryptographic key exchange rate of the system are presented. c 2010 American Institute of Physics. [doi: 10.1063/1.3327427]“
“Prematurity is a risk factor for severe respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis.

Methods: This was an observational, cross-sectional study conducted on a sample of COPD outpatients. The following information was obtained: adherence to respiratory therapy (Morisky Medication Adherence Scale), age, gender, smoking status, COPD severity [Global Initiative for

Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) stage], lung function [post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)], treatment regimen for COPD, COPD medication costs per month paid by the patient and health-related quality of life (EuroQol 5-dimension questionnaire). A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the independent predictors of adherence. Results: Of the 170 participants (mean age 63.8 years, 41.8% male), 58.2% reported Selleck Nutlin-3a optimal adherence. Adherence to respiratory therapy was associated with age, current smoking status, number of respiratory drugs, number of daily respiratory drug doses and quality of life (p < 0.005). Adherence to respiratory therapy was not related to gender, GOLD stage, FEV1 or COPD medication costs. Conclusions: Adherence to COPD medication

regimens is poor. Less frequent dosing regimens could be an effective method to enhance adherence to respiratory therapy. Quality-of-life monitoring within clinical practice settings could facilitate improved medication adherence. Copyright (C) 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel”
“Aims OnabotulinumtoxinA significantly reduces urinary incontinence (UI) and improves bladder management in patients with neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO). We evaluated the impact of onabotulinumtoxinA on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in patients with UI due to NDO in a double-blind, Ion Channel Ligand Library placebo-controlled study. Methods Patients with UI due to NDO Veliparib in vitro (from multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injury) were randomized to intradetrusor placebo (n=92) or onabotulinumtoxinA 200U (n=92) or 300U (n=91). PROs included Incontinence Quality of Life (I-QOL) Questionnaire to assess health-related quality of life (HRQoL), the 16-item modified Overactive Bladder-Patient Satisfaction with Treatment

Questionnaire (OAB-PSTQ) to assess treatment satisfaction, and Patient Global Assessment to assess treatment goal achievement. Results Mean improvement in I-QOL total score at weeks 6 and 12 was significantly greater with both onabotulinumtoxinA 200U and 300U versus placebo (12.3 for 200U and 14.9 for 300U vs. placebo; P<0.001), and was clinically meaningful. For those patients who completed the OAB-PSTQ, improvement in satisfaction at weeks 6 and 12 was significantly greater for onabotulinumtoxinA versus placebo (P<0.001, all comparisons). At 6 weeks, greater proportions of onabotulinumtoxinA-treated patients than placebo reported being somewhat or very satisfied (200U, 77.5% and 300U, 67.8% vs. placebo, 39.5%), and significant progress toward or complete achievement of primary treatment goal (200U, 62.9% and 300U, 61.6% vs. placebo, 16.5%).

[doi: 10.1063/1.3658872]“
“Genetic heterogeneity and chemotherapy-resistant ‘stem cells’ represent two of the most pressing issues in devising new strategies for the treatment of advanced prostate cancer. Though curative strategies have long been present for men with localized disease, metastatic prostate cancer is currently incurable. Though substantial improvements in outcomes are now possible VE821 through the utilization of newly approved therapies, novel combinations are clearly needed. Herein we describe potentially synergistic interactions between bone stromal-targeted radiopharmaceuticals and other therapies for treatment of bone-metastatic prostate

cancer. Radiation has long been known

to synergize with cytotoxic chemotherapies and recent data also suggest the possibility of synergy when combining radiation and immune-based strategies. click here Combination therapies will be required to substantially improve survival for men with castrate-resistant metastatic prostate cancer and we hypothesize that bone-targeted radiopharmaceuticals will play an important role in this process. Asian Journal of Andrology (2011) 13, 366-368; doi:10.1038/aja.2011.23; published online 18 April 2011″
“To test the efficacy and safety of corticotropin-based immunotherapies in pediatric opsoclonus-myoclonus syndrome, 74 children received corticotropin alone or with intravenous immunoglobulin (groups 1 and 2, active controls); or both with rituximab (group 3) or cyclophosphamide (group 4); or with rituximab plus chemotherapy (group 5) or steroid sparers (group 6). There was 65% improvement in motor severity score across groups (P < .0001), but treatment combinations were more effective than corticotropin alone (P = .0009). Groups 3, 4, and 5 responded better than group 1; groups 3 and 5 responded better than group 2. The response frequency to corticotropin was higher than to prior corticosteroids (P < .0001). Fifty-five percent had

adverse events (corticosteroid www.selleckchem.com/products/ly2606368.html excess), more so with multiagents (P = .03); and 10% had serious adverse events. This study demonstrates greater efficacy of corticotropin-based multimodal therapy compared with conventional therapy, greater response to corticotropin than corticosteroid-based therapy, and overall tolerability.”
“Habitat fragmentation and land conversion by humans for agricultural purposes are constant threats to conservation of biodiversity in the Cerrado biome. These landscapes dominated by agricultural activities became dynamic mosaics, which are formed by different land uses. Thus, understanding how the properties of these mosaics affect species’ persistence is one urgent necessity. In this study, the landscape structure of the Cerrado in Goias State, Central Brazil, was quantified by the use of fragmentation indices, analysed at the class level.

The chelating resins show a higher adsorption capacity toward Cu(II). The conductivity method can be used

for determining the adsorption kinetics of the resins towards metal ions. The results www.selleckchem.com/products/epoxomicin-bu-4061t.html show that the adsorption rates towards Cu(II) are much higher than those towards other ions and pseudo second-order and intraparticle diffusion models can be applied to treat the adsorption amount-time data. (C) 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sici 117: 953-959, 2010″
“An analysis scheme is presented that allows for a quantitative description of the sensitivity of granular metal based strain sensors. The scheme draws on recent advances in the understanding of charge transport mechanisms in granular metals. How to deduct the relevant model parameters from temperature-dependent conductivity measurements is demonstrated by using recently published data for fcc-packed gold nanoparticle multilayers. Based on this model parameter set the intrinsic strain gauge factor is calculated as function of the intergrain coupling strength for different transport regimes. General trends for strain gauge factor optimization are identified. The absolute values

for the calculated gauge factor are in good correspondence with typical values obtained for metal-containing diamondlike carbon thin film strain sensors. (C) 2010 American Institute of Physics. [doi: 10.1063/1.3443437]“
“In the present work, quaternary chitosans as water-soluble compounds were prepared based on three-step process. Schiff bases were firstly synthesized CA4P by the reaction between the amino groups of chitosan with aliphatic aldehydes followed by a reduction Kinase Inhibitor Library mw with sodium borohydride (NaBH(4)) to form N-(alkyl) chitosans. N,N,N-(dimethyl alkyl) chitosans were then obtained by a reaction of chitosan containing N-butyl, N-pentyl, N-hexyl, N-heptyl, and N-octyl substituents with methyl iodide. The compounds were characterized using IR and NMR spectroscopy. Subsequent experiments were conducted to test their antimicrobial activities against

the most economic plant pathogenic bacteria of crown gall disease Agrobacterium tumefaciens, soft mold disease Erwinia carotovora, fungi of grey mold Botrytis cinerea, root rot disease Fusarium oxysporum, and damping off disease Pythium debaryanum. Quaternary chitosans enhanced the antibacterial activity and N,N,N-(dimethyl pentyl) chitosan was the most active one with Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of 750 and 1225 mg/L against A. tumefaciens and E. carotovora, respectively. All quaternized chitosans gave stronger antifungal activities than chitosan where N,N,N-(dimethyl pentyl) chitosan and N,N,N-(dimethyl octyl) chitosan were significantly the highest in mycelia] growth inhibiation against B. cinerea (EC(50) = 908 and 383 mg/L, respectively), F. oxysporum (EC(50) = 871 and 812 mg/L, respectively), and P. debaryanum (EC(50) = 624 and 440 mg/L, respectively). In addition, spore germination of B. cinerea and F.

Ultrasound scanning is of limited diagnostic value to diagnose congenital uterine malformations.

The implications of uterine anomalies are not an argument in the discussion whether to use misoprostol for termination of pregnancy in developing countries with scarce diagnostics tools.”
“A 66-year-old diabetic man presented with severe right thigh swelling Screening Library mw and pain together with acute renal failure. At autopsy, this was found to be due to disseminated high grade B cell lymphoma invading the psoas muscle

and multiple organs, including the kidneys. The unique presentation of this case emphasizes the need for increased awareness of the variety of ways in which lymphoma can manifest itself.”
“Infections during gestation, delivery and the postnatal period can jeopardise not only the mother, but also the child. Along with chromosomal abnormalities and immunological diseases, infection in early pregnancy represents ML323 ic50 the most important reason for abortion. During the second and third trimester, infections are the principal cause for preterm labour, premature membrane rupture, premature delivery and the resultant complications in the newborn child. Many pregnant women are very cautious about

taking antibiotics due to primarily potentially detrimental effects on the unborn child. However, there are no contraindications for antibiotic treatment during pregnancy in the event of a serious infectious disease of the mother.

In this review the indications and contraindications of the administration of antibiotics during pregnancy are being reviewed.

Penicillins are a first-line antibiotic treatment during pregnancy,

with the exception of cases in which there is a maternal allergy to penicillin. Cephalosporins are another first-line antibiotic used during pregnancy. In principle, more commonly used cephalosporins should be given priority. Owing to associated nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity, aminoglycosides should not be prescribed at any time during pregnancy. Systematic use of aminoglycosides should be considered solely in the event of life-threatening infections with gram-negative pathogens and/or treatment failure of recommended antibiotics during pregnancy. VX-680 The use of metronidazole is also permitted during pregnancy, provided the indications for its use have been strictly verified. Lincosamides should be used only if penicillins, cephalosporins and erythromycin have failed to eradicate infection. Sulfonamides, trimethoprim and cotrimoxazole are second-line agents for the use during pregnancy. Tetracyclines should not be administered to pregnant women after the fifth week of pregnancy, and are deemed contraindicated. As a precautionary measure, gyrase inhibitors are also contraindicated for pregnant women, children and young adolescents.

A triage has been Z-VAD-FMK cost proposed to select high-risk cases requiring admission and specific cause search. The prognosis of pericardial diseases is essentially determined by the cause. The most feared complication is constriction, the risk of which is higher in bacterial forms, intermediate for postpericardiotomy syndromes and systemic inflammatory diseases, low for viral and idiopathic cases. Chronic constriction has a definite surgical therapy, whereas transient cases should be recognized and may be reversible with empirical anti-inflammatory therapy.

Summary Contemporary management of pericardial

diseases is largely empirical, although first clinical trials BAY 73-4506 solubility dmso and new studies on diagnostic modalities and prognosis of pericardial diseases are bringing the contemporary management of pericardial diseases along a more evidence-based road. Integrated cardiovascular imaging is required for optimal management of the patient with suspected pericardial disease.”
“A series of non-crosslinked biobased polyesters were prepared from pentaerythritol and aliphatic dicarboxylic acids, including fatty acids grafted

as side-chains to the backbone of the polymer. The strategy utilized tends to create linear polymers by protecting two of the hydroxyl groups in pentaerythritol by esterification with fatty acids before the polymerization reaction. The solvent-free syntheses were performed under vacuum and catalyzed by the ion-exchange resin BKM120 Amberlyst 70. The maximum yield was around 98%. Pristine polyesters had average molecular weights of about 10(4) g/mol according to SEC-MALLS analysis. Melting temperatures and extent of crystallinity were determined by differential scanning calorimetry. By using relatively short fatty acids, such as lauric acid, soft materials were obtained with low crystallinity and a melting point below room temperature, whereas longer side-chains, such as behenic

acid, gave brittle polymers with higher melting temperatures and crystallinity. The use of a short chain dicarboxylic acid, such as succinic acid, resulted in closer side-chains and promoted higher crystallinity and melting temperatures. In order to improve the thermal properties of these materials, a series of copolyesters were designed by developing synthetic methods to approach a random- and a block-copolymerization. A wide range of properties was thus obtained according to the composition of these novel copolyesters. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.”
“Although infections, malignancies and heart failure are responsible for the majority of pleural effusions, there are many other causes and several uncommon but distinctive types of pleural fluid.