Semi-alicyclic polyimides as potential membrane oxygenators: Rheological implications on film processing, morphology and blood compatibility

Two polyimide structures were prepared from an alicyclic dianhydride and aromatic diamines, containing or lacking fluorine, and were tested as potential membrane oxygenators. First, the solution rheological properties were investigated to evaluate their effect on film processing by tape casting. Velocity and shear rates profiles were simulated to determine the shearing conditions during tape casting and transfer them in the flow curves. Proper films were obtained at a viscosity corresponding to a concentration in entangled regime, where pseudoplastic behavior is still noticed at shear rates beneath the blade. Theoretical predictions of gas permeability indicated a good oxygen (O2) exchange and carbon dioxide (CO2) removal through the studied polymers. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) scans revealed a morphology characterized by an intrinsic porosity. The pore size, uniformity and size distribution was affected by the structure of the diamine moiety. The interactions of blood with polyimide films indicated no prevalent adhesion of cells or plasma proteins. The results showed that the examined samples have adequate properties for potential membrane oxygenator applications

Psicologia e nutrição: predizendo a intenção comportamental de aderir a dietas de redução de peso entre obesos de baixa renda Psychology and nutrition: predicting behavioral intention to follow weight reduction diets among low-income obese patients

O presente estudo foi realizado entre 189 obesos de baixa renda atendidos por nutricionistas na rede pública de saúde de João Pessoa, Paraíba. Levantou as crenças positivas e negativas e os referentes mais expressivos sobre estes pacientes quanto ao comportamento de seguir uma dieta médica para redução de peso. Um instrumento de medida da intenção comportamental de efetivamente seguir tais dietas foi construído, o que permitiu verificar a ênfase do aspecto normativo geral e atitudinal nos obesos com renda de até um salário-mínimo sobre sua intenção comportamental. Isto pode indicar dois pontos eficazes a serem explorados em comunicações dirigidas a esta classe social em campanhas de saúde para redução de peso. Esta medição torna-se útil para ações preventivas de saúde; a obesidade é considerada uma epidemia mundial carente de controle imediato, aumentando em incidência principalmente nas classes mais baixas dos países em desenvolvimento.<br>The present study was accomplished with 189 low income obese attended by public health nutritionists of João Pessoa, Paraíba. We found out positive and negative beliefs plus the most expressive referees on these patients about the behavior of following a medical diet to reduce weight. This permitted to build a behavioral intention measurement instrument to check those who might really follow these diets. It was verified the emphasis on general normative and attitudinal aspects over obese who had up to one minimum-wage income. This may indicate two efficacious points to be explored on targeted communications to this social class during weight loss public health campaigns. This measurement can be turned into preventive health actions; obesity is considered worldwide as epidemics, in need of immediate control, growing in incidence mainly among lower ranks of the population of developing countries

Ibrutinib-associated invasive fungal diseases in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and non-Hodgkin lymphoma: An observational study

Background Invasive fungal diseases (IFD) are life-threatening infections most commonly diagnosed in acute leukaemia patients with prolonged neutropenia and are uncommonly diagnosed in patients with lymphoproliferative diseases. Objectives Following the initial report of aspergillosis diagnosed shortly after beginning ibrutinib for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, a survey was developed to seek additional cases of IFD during ibrutinib treatment. Methods Local and international physicians and groups were approached for relevant cases. Patients were included if they met the following criteria: diagnosis of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia/non-Hodgkin lymphoma; proven or probable IFD; and ibrutinib treatment on the date IFD were diagnosed. Clinical and laboratory data were captured using REDCap software. Result Thirty-five patients with IFD were reported from 22 centres in eight countries: 26 (74%) had chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. The median duration of ibrutinib treatment before the onset of IFD was 45 days (range 1-540). Aspergillus species were identified in 22 (63%) of the patients and Cryptococcus species in 9 (26%). Pulmonary involvement occurred in 69% of patients, cranial in 60% and disseminated disease in 60%. A definite diagnosis was made in 21 patients (69%), and the mortality rate was 69%. Data from Israel regarding ibrutinib treated patients were used to evaluate a prevalence of 2.4% IFD. Conclusions The prevalence of IFD among chronic lymphocytic leukaemia/non-Hodgkin lymphoma patients treated with ibrutinib appears to be higher than expected. These patients often present with unusual clinical features. Mortality from IFD in this study was high, indicating that additional studies are urgently needed to identify patients at risk for ibrutinib-associated IFD