The structural analyses by FTIR spectroscopy have indicated that the monomer has undergone the reorganization and the ring structure is retained during

the plasma polymerization. From the UV-vis absorption spectra, allowed direct transition (E-qd) and allowed indirect transition (E-qi) energy gaps were determined. The E-qd for PPPy, PPTMA, and PPPy-PPTMA bilayer films are found to be 3.30, 2.85, and 3.65 eV respectively. On the other hand, the E-qi for the same series are 2.25, 1.80, and 2.35 eV, respectively. From these results, it is seen that the energy gaps of the PPPy-PPTMA bilayer films have been increased compared with the PPPy and PPTMA films. (C) 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 121: 2361-2368, 2011″
“Purpose: To prospectively evaluate outcomes associated with use of a triple-lumen (TL) peripherally Selleck MLN4924 inserted central catheter (PICC) in the intensive care unit (ICU) setting.

Materials and Methods: Patients were prospectively enrolled in this HIPAA-compliant, institutional review board-approved study. Informed consent was obtained. All patients were in one Selleck Buparlisib hospital’s ICUs and needed intermediate-term central venous access requiring three

lumina. A 6-F tapered TL PICC was placed by a bedside nursing-based team with backup from the Interventional Radiology department. Placement complications, as well as long-term complications, were recorded. At catheter removal, ultrasonography

(US) of the veins containing the TL PICC was performed to detect occult venous thrombosis. Regardless of indication for removal, catheters were sent for culture to detect colonization.

Results: The study was stopped prematurely after 50 of a planned 167 patients were enrolled when a scheduled interim analysis detected a venous thrombosis rate that was considered Bucladesine unacceptably high by the study oversight committee (thrombosis was symptomatic in 20% of patients [10 of 50]). Venous thrombosis (symptomatic or asymptomatic) was detected in 26 of 45 patients (58%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 43%, 72%) examined with US. Documented catheter-related bloodstream infection did not occur (0%; 95% CI: 0%, 7%); colonization was detected in three of 29 catheter tips sent for culture (10%; 95% CI: 2%, 27%). Catheter malfunction and dislodgment occurred in one patient each.

Conclusion: The TL PICC design used in this study resulted in unacceptably high venous thrombosis rates. Even when used in a high-risk setting for infection (ie, the ICU), rates of clinically evident infection and colonization were absent and low, respectively.”
“Introduction and objectives: Multislice computed tomography is an excellent technique for the detection of significant coronary artery lesions. Our purpose was to assess whether computed tomography could replace routine invasive coronariography before valvular surgery.