46 research outputs found
Analysis of the Reaction Rate Coefficients for Slow Bimolecular Chemical Reactions
Simple bimolecular reactions are analyzed
within the framework of the Boltzmann equation in the initial stage of a
chemical reaction with the system far from chemical equilibrium. The
Chapman-Enskog methodology is applied to determine the coefficients of the
expansion of the distribution functions in terms of Sonine polynomials for
peculiar molecular velocities. The results are applied to the reaction
, and the influence of the non-Maxwellian
distribution and of the activation-energy dependent reactive cross sections
upon the forward and reverse reaction rate coefficients are discussed.Comment: 11 pages, 5 figures, to appear in vol.42 of the Brazilian Journal of
Physic
Long-term follow-up with Granulocyte and Monocyte Apheresis re-treatment in patients with chronically active inflammatory bowel disease
<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Patients with IBD and chronic inflammation refractory to conventional therapy often demonstrate higher risk of serious complications. Combinations of immunosuppression and biological treatment as well as surgical intervention are often used in this patient group. Hence, there is need for additional treatment options. In this observational study, focused on re-treatment and long-term results, Granulocyte/Monocyte Adsorption (GMA, Adacolumn<sup>®</sup>) treatment has been investigated to study efficacy, safety and quality of life in IBD-patients with chronic activity.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Fifteen patients with ulcerative colitis and 25 patients with Crohn's disease, both groups with chronically active inflammation refractory to conventional medication were included in this observational study. The patients received 5-10 GMA sessions, and the clinical activity was assessed at baseline, after each completed course, and at week 10 and 20 by disease activity index, endoscopy and quality of life evaluation. Relapsed patients were re-treated by GMA in this follow-up study up to 58 months.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Clinical response was seen in 85% and complete remission in 65% of the patients. Ten patients in the UC-group (66%) and 16 patients in the CD-group (64%) maintained clinical and endoscopic remission for an average of 14 months. Fourteen patients who relapsed after showing initial remission were re-treated with GMA and 13 (93%) went into a second remission. Following further relapses, all of seven patients were successfully re-treated for the third time, all of three patients for the fourth time and one for a fifth time.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>IBD-patients with chronic inflammation despite conventional therapy seem to benefit from GMA. Re-treatment of relapsing remission patients seems to be effective.</p