Thermodynamic Properties of Block Copolymer Electrolytes Containing Imidazolium and Lithium Salts

We report on the thermal properties, phase behavior, and thermodynamics of a series of polystyrene-block-poly(ethylene oxide) copolymers (SEO) mixed with the ionic species Li[N(SO_(2)CF_3)_2] (LiTFSI), imidazolium TFSI (ImTFSI), and an equimolar mixture of LiTFSI and ImTFSI (Mix). Differential scanning calorimetric scans reveal similar thermal behavior of SEO/LiTFSI and SEO/ImTFSI at the same salt concentrations. Phase behavior and thermodynamics were determined using a combination of small-angle X-ray scattering and birefringence. The thermodynamics of our mixtures can be mapped on to the theory of neat block copolymer phase behavior provided the Flory−Huggins interaction parameter, χ, between the blocks is replaced by an effective χ (χ_(eff)) that increases linearly with salt concentration. The phase behavior and the value of m, the slope of the χ_(eff) versus salt concentration data, were similar for SEO/LiTFSI, SEO/ImTFSI, and SEO/Mix blends. The theory developed by Wang [ J. Phys. Chem. B. 2008, 41, 16205] provides a basis for understanding the fundamental underpinnings of the measured value of m. We compare our experimental results with the predictions of this theory with no adjustable parameters

Treatment as required versus regular monthly treatment in the management of neovascular age-related macular degeneration: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: To investigate whether treatment as required ‘pro re nata’ (PRN) versus regular monthly treatment regimens lead to differences in outcomes in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). Regular monthly administration of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors is an established gold standard treatment, but this approach is costly. Replacement of monthly by PRN treatment can only be justified if there is no difference in patient relevant outcomes. Methods: Systematic review and meta-analysis. The intervention was PRN treatment and the comparator was monthly treatment with VEGF-inhibitors. Four bibliographic databases were searched for randomised controlled trials comparing both treatment regimens directly (head-to-head studies). The last literature search was conducted in December 2014. Risk of bias assessment was performed after the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Findings: We included 3 head-to-head studies (6 reports) involving more than 2000 patients. After 2 years, the weighted mean difference in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 1.9 (95% CI 0.5 to 3.3) ETDRS letters in favour of monthly treatment. Systemic adverse events were higher in PRN treated patients, but these differences were not statistically significant. After 2 years, the total number of intravitreal injections required by the patients in the PRN arms were 8.4 (95% CI 7.9 to 8.9) fewer than those having monthly treatment. The studies were considered to have a moderate risk of bias. Conclusions: PRN treatment resulted in minor but statistically significant decrease in mean BCVA which may not be clinically meaningful. There is a small increase in risk of systemic adverse events for PRN treated patients. Overall, the results indicate that an individualized treatment approach with anti-VEGF using visual acuity and OCT-guided re-treatment criteria may be appropriate for most patients with nAMD

allergic contact dermatitis caused by metals in blackboard chalk a case report

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contact vulvitis due to pseudowintera colorata in a topical herbal medicament

Sir, Besides traditional topical and systemic pharmacological treatments for the therapy of vulvovaginal yeast and bacterial infections, numerous over-the-counter medicaments containing natural substances (e.g. tea tree oil, echinacea, sodium caprylate, propolis) are marketed. Patients often prefer alternative medicine and selfprescribe herbal-based products. We report here an unusual case of acute vulvitis that occurred in a young patient after prolonged topical use of an antifungal herbal preparation

Vulvar lichen sclerosus: 11 women treated with tacrolimus 0.1% ointment.

Lichen sclerosus is a chronic relapsing disease, usually treated with ultra-potent corticosteroids. As immunological alterations are considered important aetiopathogenetic factors in lichen sclerosus, the new immunomodulating topical agents, such as tacrolimus and pimecrolimus, have been employed sporadically as alternative therapies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic effects of tacrolimus 0.1% ointment in lichen sclerosus in 11 patients unresponsive or poorly responsive to previous treatments. Tacrolimus 0.1% ointment was applied twice daily for 6 weeks, then tapered over a further 6 weeks. Symptoms and objective parameters were evaluated and quantified at the start, after 6 weeks, at the end of the topical treatment, and at follow-up visits. Improvement or remission of symptoms was observed in the patients who completed the study, while objective parameters were poorly influenced and often were not related to symptom behaviour. Topical tacrolimus can be considered an alternative treatment for lichen sclerosus

The pixel detector based tracklet reconstruction algorithm in ALICE

This note describes a method to reconstruct signals in the two silicon pixel detector layers compatible with tracks coming from the main interaction vertex, namely tracklets. The basic algorithm strategy and its performance are illustrated