Kristallisation und schmelzverhalten von fraktionen verzweigten polyethylens, 1. Darstellung und charakterisierung der fraktionen

A branched polyethylene with broad molecular weight distribution was separated into a series of fractions by fractional precipitation from dilute solution. The fractions were characterized by viscometric and density measurements, IR-spectroscopy and calorimetry. The methyl group content and the density turned out as largely constant. Molecular weight effects show up in the melting behaviour. The main range of melting and the end of the melting curve shift to lower temperatures with decreasing molecular weight. Compared to the overall extension of the melting range these shifts are small. One has to conclude that polydispersity gives only a minor contribution to the broadening of the melting range, partial melting being mainly caused by the branches.     

Severe acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis in a pregnant woman

A 23-year-old woman was admitted to the Department of Dermatology 4 days postpartum with multiple disseminated pustules. A week earlier, she had received 500 mg of amoxicillin with 125 mg clavulanic acid for pharyngitis. After three doses, she noticed the first pustules appear on the chest and back, and the antibiotic treatment was discontinued. Three days later, during the 37th gestational week, she delivered her second child prematurely, but in generally good condition. After delivery, her skin lesions began to spread, and the patient developed fever up to 39 degrees C (102.2 degrees F). Her medical history was significant for similar pustular lesions at age five, diagnosed as a bacterial skin infection despite negative skin cultures. Antibiotics were introduced with no clinical improvement over several months. Her skin lesions resolved after discontinuation of antibiotics. No personal or family history of psoriasis was present. On admission, generalized pustules and flaccid blisters with pus on an erythematous background were present (Figure 1). The patient complained of burning of the skin lesions and fever (38.2 degrees C [100.8 degrees F]) but was otherwise in good condition. Laboratory tests revealed leukocytosis (15,000/mL) with granulocytosis (82%) and an extremely high C-reactive protein level (323.4 mg/L; normal range, 0-7 mg/L). Bacteriologic culture of the pus was negative. The histopathology revealed a subcorneal blister filled with neutrophils and a few epidermal cells. In the dermis, a scant perivascular inflammatory cell infiltrate was noted (Figure 2). Direct immunofluorescence revealed small amounts of IgM at the dermoepidermal junction. Because of the very diffuse distribution of pustules, two doses of hydrocortisone 200 mg IV b.i.d. for 2 days was administered, followed by prednisone 40 mg q.d. with rapid tapering. Rapid improvement of skin lesions was observed and the patient's skin practically cleared within 7 days. Corticosteroids were discontinued after 14 days.     

Objective audiometry in diagnosis of tinnitus

During last 3 years there have been 900 tinnitus patients treated at ENT Rehabilitation Center in Poznan. Everyone underwent a thorough laryngological and audiological examination. Diagnostic procedure comprised also neurological and endocrinological consultations with accessory blood tests. Wide group of audiological tests used for diagnosis was divided into objective (BERA, OAE, tympanometry, stapedius reflex) and subjective (pure tone audiometry, speech audiometry, suprathreshold audiometry) methods. Otological diagnostic in tinnitus patients is difficult due to its subjective character. That is why it is so important to have objective methods for its evaluation. In this paper authors present results of BERA tests and impedance conducted on group of 900 patients. Performed objective tests enabled to diagnose otosclerosis, chronic otitis media and pathology in cerebello-pontine angle in patients without any abnormalities on physical examination.     

Early form of toxoplasmosis with accompanying enlargement of lymph nodes

The paper describes a case of a 42-year-old female presented rapidly increasing enlargement of lymph nodes. Initially it was believed to be an effect of proliferous systemic changes. The diagnostic procedures did not confirm the initial diagnosis but they evoked a lot of stress of the patient as well as her psychic discomfort resulting from a number of biopsies. Serological tests carried out in the further course of the diagnostic procedure showed that the increased nodular reaction should be attributed to Toxoplasma gondii invasion, which was indicated by the presence of IgM and IgA antibodies and low avidity of IgG. The early administration of specific treatment with spiramycin led to the regression of the clinical symptoms and gradual normalization of the serological test. The case is worth attention for several reasons: 1. it indicates that it is necessary to consider T. gondii infection in basic clinical practice, which is frequently ignored, 2. it illustrates the effectiveness of early specific treatment, 3. it demonstrates the importance of well selected and properly interpreted microbiological tests.     

The Ratio of Anterior and Posterior Vertebral Heights Reinforces the Utility of DXA in Assessment of Vertebrae Strength

The objective of the study was to introduce a new parameter describing bone strength with greater precision than the widely used antero-posterior DXA (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry), which measures areal bone mineral density (aBMD). The adjusted areal bone mineral density (AaBMD) defined as the ratio between aBMD and h _a/h _p (h _a and h _p: anterior and posterior vertebral body heights measured on the lateral view, respectively) is proposed: AaBMD = aBMD/(h _a/h _p). The utility of AaBMD in prediction of bone strength was assessed by in vitro measurements of cadaver L3 vertebrae. The AaBMD of 31 vertebrae was correlated with the ultimate stress (P _max) and load (F _max) values obtained in mechanical tests. The correlations were compared to those obtained for aBMD and for volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) measured by computed tomography. The correlation of AaBMD to F _max adjusted for donor’s age was significantly higher than for aBMD and vBMD (r = 0.740, 0.658, and 0.609, respectively, p < 0.05). The differences between partial correlation coefficients for P _max to AaBMD, aBMD and vBMD relationships were smaller (r = 0.764, 0.720, and 0.732, respectively, p < 0.05), but also showed the superiority of AaBMD. Combining antero-posterior DXA aBMD and the lateral h _a/h _p ratio, measured, for example, by the Vertebral Fracture Assessment software of the new generation of DXA devices, seems to accurately predict the mechanical vertebral parameters related to bone strength. It is assumed that the proposed AaBMD parameter may be more predictive for fracture risk assessment, which requires further studies.     

Association of coeliac disease with primary biliary cirrhosis in Poland

OBJECTIVES: In western and northern but not southern Europe, the prevalence of coeliac disease among patients with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is higher than in the general population. We analysed the prevalence of coeliac disease among patients with PBC in Poland, a central European country. METHODS: In 115 patients with PBC, immunoglobulin A (IgA) antibodies against guinea-pig tissue transglutaminase (tTGA), monkey endomysium (EMA) and gliadin (AGA) were determined. In patients positive for tTGA and/or EMA, the DNA typing of HLA-DQB gene and small-bowel biopsy were performed. RESULTS: IgA EMA was found in one patient with PBC (0.9%, 95% CI 0-2.5%). tTGA was detected in seven patients (6%, 95% CI 1.8-10.3%). Small-bowel biopsy showed flat mucosa in one subject, who was EMA positive/tTGA negative/AGA negative, and normal histology in four tTGA-positive/EMA-negative patients. In the latter four patients, the positive tTGA result was caused by IgA reactivity to proteins other than transglutaminase. Prevalence of coeliac disease in our 115 patients with PBC was 0.9% (95% CI 0-1.9%). In one patient with silent coeliac disease presenting with the HLA-DQ2 allele, introduction of a gluten-free diet was followed by improvement in liver function tests, improvement in histology of the distal duodenum, and disappearance of EMA. CONCLUSIONS: Our results from Poland do not confirm a high prevalence of coeliac disease in PBC patients. Guinea-pig liver transglutaminase immunolinked assay cannot be used as a screening test for coeliac disease in PBC patients. A gluten-free diet may be helpful in restoration of liver function in patients with such an association.     

Submucosal lesions

Most of the submucosal lesions encountered on endoscopy are benign; however, the fact that some of them may be malignant considerably influences the attitude toward the whole group. This article reviews the current status of endosonography in the management of submucosal lesions and focuses on determining the risk of malignancy. The predictive value of various endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) features and their combinations and the capabilities and limitations of EUS-guided fine needle biopsy are discussed. Other issues addressed include differentiation between extraluminal compressions and true submucosal lesions, EUS-assisted endoscopic removal of submucosal lesions, and the potential role of catheter-based endosonography in the setting of submucosal lesions. Problems related to the surveillance of patients with submucosal lesions who are not candidates for surgical treatment are outlined. An overview of the recent changes in the pathologic classification of gastrointestinal mesenchymal tumors and their impact on the role of EUS in the management of submucosal lesions is given.     

Reimplantation, bone augmentation, and implantation procedures for impacted maxillary canines: a clinical report

Single tooth implant-supported restorations have become a common procedure for the restoration of missing teeth. This clinical report describes the treatment and long-term follow-up of 2 maxillary implant-supported crowns in the canine region placed after unsuccessful reimplantation and successful bone augmentation procedures. In spite of the complicated procedures presented, a good long-term clinical result was achieved.