Characterization of the modified and unmodified linear

low-density polyethylene material was performed with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and nuclear magnetic resonance. (C) 2009 Wiley, Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 113: 3125-3129, 2009″
“Objectives: The objectives of this study were to identify the causative microorganisms and factors associated with survival in patients with Fournier’s gangrene and to determine the accuracy of the Fournier’s gangrene severity index.

Materials and methods: We retrospectively evaluated 27 patients with Fournier’s gangrene who were treated and followed up at our hospital between January 2005 and December 2006. Biochemical, hematologic, learn more and bacteriologic study results at admission and at the final evaluation, etiologic and predisposing

factors at admission, physical examination findings, the timing and extent of surgical debridement, and antibiotic therapy used were all recorded.

Results: The admission laboratory parameters that were significantly correlated with outcome included urea, creatinine, sodium, and potassium; at the final evaluation, in addition to these parameters, hematocrit, albumin, and GSI-IX in vitro bicarbonate levels were also significantly associated with outcome. The mean Fournier’s gangrene severity index score (FGSIS) at admission for survivors was 5.04 + 2.49 compared with 13.6 + 4.61 for non-survivors. There was a strong correlation between the FGSIS and mortality (p < 0.0001). Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were the most commonly isolated microorganisms.

Conclusions: Patient metabolic status and predisposing factors are important in the prognosis of Fournier’s gangrene. Hence, we believe that the FGSIS should be used clinically to evaluate therapeutic options and assess results. (C) 2009 International Society for Infectious Diseases. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“This study evaluated phospholipids

(PLs) containing n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) for their specific inherent effects and effects due to a combination of the presence of glycerophosphate structure and n-3 PUFAs on cholesterol metabolism in rats. Rats were fed a diet of AIN-93G containing soybean oil (SO, 7%), SO (5.8%)+fish oil (1.2%), SO (5.2%)+soybean PLs (1.8%), SO (5.2%)+PLs containing n-3 PUFAs (1.8%), and SO (4.0%)+fish PP2 mw oil (1.2%)+soybean PLs (1.8%). Diets with PLs containing n-3 PUFAs, and soybean PLs in combination with fish oil, resulted in decreased serum and liver cholesterol levels through enhancement of fecal cholesterol excretion and suppression of liver sterol regulatory element binding protein-2 mRNA expression compared with the diet containing soybean oil alone. This study shows that soybean PLs with added triacylglycerol that included n-3 PUFAs have the same effects on cholesterol metabolism as PLs containing n-3 PUFAs, and that these could be of benefit to people.