Temperature effects on the viscosity and the wavelength-dependent refractive index of imidazolium-based ionic liquids with a phosphorus-containing anion.

A systematic study on the viscosity and refractive index of 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium based ionic liquids (alkyl = methyl, butyl and hexyl) combined with three phosphorus containing anions, i.e. dimethylphosphate, methyl methylphosphonate and methylphosphonate, is reported. Experimental measurements account for temperature effects, while the refractive index is determined at multiple wavelengths in the visible and near infrared region. Despite the structural similarity of these anions, significant differences in the physical properties of the resulting ILs are identified, along with the clear trend of viscosity increase - and refractive index decrease - with increasing alkyl chain length on the cation. Ab initio theoretical calculations are carried out to support and rationalise the observed behaviour.

Hepatic focal nodular hyperplasia: when a benign lesion becomes "malignant". Report of a case.

In a 34 year-old woman complaining of right upper quadrant pain and having mildly elevated total bilirubin, the imaging investigation revealed a liver lesion with characteristics of focal nodular hyperplasia, measuring 3.8 cm, at the confluence of the hepatic veins. The mass was obstructing the left and middle hepatic veins and nearly obstructing the right hepatic vein. Dilation of the splenic vein with development of retropancreatic varices, splenomegaly and free abdominal fluid were also present. The patient underwent an uncomplicated left hemihepatectomy. Patients postoperative total bilirubin was normalized. Tomographic imaging three months after the liver resection revealed resolution of all the Budd-Chiari radiographic signs. This is a report of a case where a hepatic focal nodular hyperplasia, despite its benign nature, required extensive and urgent surgical intervention due to its location and potential dangers secondary to the development of portal hypertension.

Use of everolimus in de novo renal recipients: initial experience in the Greek population.

Although everolimus has proven to be as clinically efficacious as mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), there are reports that proliferation signal inhibitors are associated with poor tolerability. This study reported the experience of a Greek transplant center using either everolimus or MMF in de novo renal transplant recipients. In this retrospective study, a cohort of 40 patients who received everolimus after renal transplant was matched for 10 descriptive parameters with a cohort of another 40 patients who received MMF. The primary endpoint was renal function measured by creatinine and its clearance as well as wound dehiscence and opportunistic infections. The mean creatinine clearance at month 3 was 61.03 +/- 16.99 mL/min versus 60.99 +/- 8.03 for living related recipients on everolimus versus MMF, respectively. The mean creatinine clearance at month 3 was 71.24 +/- 12.61 and 62.61 +/- 20.24 mL/min for cadaveric recipients on everolimus versus MMF, respectively. In addition, the incidence of wound dehiscence was 33.34% versus 3.92% and the incidence of cytomegalovirus infection, 8.33% versus 17.64% for the same two groups, respectively.

Mizolastine in the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinoconjunctivitis: a European clinical experience with 5408 patients managed in daily practice (PANEOS SAR Study).

BACKGROUND: Mizolastine, a potent H1 antihistamine with additional antiallergic properties, is marketed for the treatment of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and urticaria. The objective was to investigate the safety and effectiveness of mizolastine under conditions of daily practice in patients with seasonal allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (SAR). METHODS: In an open multicenter study, mizolastine 10 mg daily was administered for 14 days during the pollen season. Nasal and ocular symptoms, time to onset of symptom relief, and effect of the drug on diurnal alertness were evaluated. Safety was evaluated on the basis of self-reported adverse events (AE). RESULTS: A total of 5408 patients (36+/-14 years of age, females=57%) with a history of SAR for 8+/-9 years were treated for a mean of 17.1+/-5.0 days. SAR symptoms improved in 93% and decreased by at least 50% in 86% of patients; 78% reported improvement after the first drug intake and 51% from the first hour. Sixty-nine percent considered mizolastine more effective than other antihistamines taken previously. The incidence of AE was low (3.8%). CONCLUSION: The high responder rate, the rapid onset of action, and the low incidence of AE observed in this large multicenter study confirm the previously reported beneficial efficacy and safety of mizolastine in the management of SAR.