Probing of chain conformations in conjugated polymer nanoparticles by electron spin resonance spectroscopy.

In the case of conjugated polymer chains usually considered as rigid or stiff, it is an open question how the individual chains adopt their conformation inside nanoparticles. Here, the conformation of such a rigid conjugated polymer chain is elucidated for the first time. For this purpose, electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy as a method allowing for a direct observation is established.

[Unresolved problems of undocumented migrants in Germany: an analysis of medical consultations in Berlin, Cologne and Bonn]. / Problemlagen von versteckt lebenden Migranten in Deutschland: Analyse der medizinischen Beratungsanlässe in Berlin, Bonn und Köln.

INTRODUCTION: Little is known about health related problems of undocumented migrants in Germany. Patterns for medical consultations and socio-demographic characteristics are only available in isolated reports. This article identifies and compares empirical data from non-governmental organisations (NGOs) who provide medical care for unregistered migrants. METHODS: Annual reports of 2006 and 2007 of the Malteser Migranten Medizin (Berlin, Cologne) and the MediNetz Bonn were selected for this document analysis. RESULTS: We identified similarities and differences in the socio-demographic background and patterns of medical consultations between the explored regions. The number of documented migrants without medical insurance increased during the observed period. DISCUSSION: The patterns of health-care utilisation for undocumented immigrants changed in the observed period which might be caused by the EU enlargement to the East. The heterogeneous quality of the annual reports and the lack of information about the use of alternative health-care facilities limit the results of this analysis.

Prospective randomized clinical study in general surgery comparing a new low molecular weight heparin with unfractionated heparin in the prevention of thrombosis.

A prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial was performed comparing the antithrombotic efficacy of the low molecular weight heparin LMWH 21-23, (Braun) with an unfractionated heparin in elective general surgical patients over an observation period of 7 postoperative days. A total of 230 patients were admitted: 103 (group I) received low molecular weight heparin and 100 (group II) low-dose unfractionated heparin treatment given subcutaneously. In group I 41 patients (46%) were operated on for malignant disease and in group II 54 patients (54%). Due to the large amount of great abdominal procedures the intra- and perioperative application of hydroxyethyl starch was allowed for volume substitution. None of the patients died due to fatal pulmonary embolism. In group I four patients revealed positive 125I-labeled fibrinogen uptake (3.9%); two patients belonged to the hydroxyethyl starch subgroup. In group II five patients displayed a positive fibrinogen uptake (5%); two belonged to the hydroxyethyl starch subgroup. The results of the hemostaseological investigations (e.g., prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, thrombin clotting time, fibrinogen, antithrombin III, protein C, plasminogen, alpha 2-antiplasmin, tissue-type plasminogen activator, plasminogen activator inhibitor) revealed no statistically significant differences between groups I and II or their subgroups, although a tendency to prolonged clotting times was observed. The antifactor Xa activity values, however, displayed a statistically significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.05). The antifactor Xa activity measured up to 0.16 U/ml for the low molecular weight heparin (group I) and 0.05 U/ml for the unfractionated heparin (group II) in the postoperative period.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Diagnosis and treatment of necrotizing enterocolitis. A retrospective evaluation of abdominal paracentesis and continuous postoperative lavage.

From 1980 to 1991, 70 preterm and 20 term infants suffering from necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) were treated at the University of Ulm hospitals. NEC was primarily suspected from clinical signs. The diagnosis was established by plain abdominal X-rays, infection markers and abdominal paracentesis. Indication for surgery resulted from paracentesis, from radiologically proven perforation, from ileus symptoms and from rapid clinical deterioration; 44 preterm and 7 term infants underwent surgery. Bowel resections were performed in 5 of the term and in 16 of the preterm infants. An enterostomy was fashioned in 33 cases. Total necrosis of the gut was apparent in 8 infants. A continuous peritoneal lavage was performed in 34 babies. One term and 18 preterm babies, all with a birth weight less than 1000 g, died. This results in a NEC-related overall mortality of 19%.

[Laparoscopic herniorrhaphy of inguinal hernia. Reinforcement of the transverse fascia with surgical mesh]. / Laparoskopischer Bruchpfortenverschluss der Leistenhernie. Verstärkung der Fascia transversalis mit Netz.

A basic principle of inguinal herniorrhaphy is the reconstruction of the transverse fascia. This laparoscopic technique described, consists in an augmentation of the transverse fascia by nonabsorbable mesh in pre-peritoneal position. Some aspects should be recommended for laparoscopic herniorrhaphy: The anatomic structures must be dissected exactly. The prosthetic mesh should be fixed to the fascia by multiple staples. With indirect inguinal hernias the mesh should encircle the spermatic cord.

[Osteochondral involvement in fibulotalar ligament ruptures]. / Osteochondrale Mitbeteiligung bei fibulotalaren Bandrupturen.

Whereas controversial opinions exist as to whether operative or conservative functional therapy should be done in patients with rupture of the ligaments of the upper ankle, operative therapy of the rupture with osteochondral fragments is accepted. We, therefore investigated 130 cases with radiological signs of ligamental rupture or rupture with osteochondral fragments we had operated on since 1980. In 37 per cent of these children we found intraoperatively an osteochondral fragment; one-third of these could not be seen on x-ray film. Our conclusion is that operative treatment is indicated in typical radiologic signs of rupture of the ligaments of the upper ankle in children.