Quantitative description of temperature induced self-aggregation thermograms determined by differential scanning calorimetry

A novel thermodynamic approach for the description of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) experiments on self-aggregating systems is derived and presented. The method is based on a mass action model where temperature dependence of aggregation numbers is considered. The validity of the model was confirmed by describing the aggregation behavior of poly(ethylene oxide)-poly(propylene oxide) block copolymers, which are well-known to exhibit a strong temperature dependence. The quantitative description of the thermograms could be performed without any discrepancy between calorimetric and van 't Hoff enthalpies, and moreover, the aggregation numbers obtained from the best fit of the DSC experiments are in good agreement with those obtained by light scattering experiments corroborating the assumptions done in the derivation of the new model

PANC Study (Pancreatitis: A National Cohort Study): national cohort study examining the first 30 days from presentation of acute pancreatitis in the UK

Abstract Background Acute pancreatitis is a common, yet complex, emergency surgical presentation. Multiple guidelines exist and management can vary significantly. The aim of this first UK, multicentre, prospective cohort study was to assess the variation in management of acute pancreatitis to guide resource planning and optimize treatment. Methods All patients aged greater than or equal to 18 years presenting with acute pancreatitis, as per the Atlanta criteria, from March to April 2021 were eligible for inclusion and followed up for 30 days. Anonymized data were uploaded to a secure electronic database in line with local governance approvals. Results A total of 113 hospitals contributed data on 2580 patients, with an equal sex distribution and a mean age of 57 years. The aetiology was gallstones in 50.6 per cent, with idiopathic the next most common (22.4 per cent). In addition to the 7.6 per cent with a diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis, 20.1 per cent of patients had a previous episode of acute pancreatitis. One in 20 patients were classed as having severe pancreatitis, as per the Atlanta criteria. The overall mortality rate was 2.3 per cent at 30 days, but rose to one in three in the severe group. Predictors of death included male sex, increased age, and frailty; previous acute pancreatitis and gallstones as aetiologies were protective. Smoking status and body mass index did not affect death. Conclusion Most patients presenting with acute pancreatitis have a mild, self-limiting disease. Rates of patients with idiopathic pancreatitis are high. Recurrent attacks of pancreatitis are common, but are likely to have reduced risk of death on subsequent admissions. </jats:sec