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Four different metal–organic framework powders (UiO-66, UiO-66-NH2, UiO-67, and HKUST-1) were shaped into tablets. The effect of the applied pressure on porous properties, mechanical resistance and tablet bulk density is reported. We observe a linear relationship between densification and tensile strength for all four studied MOFs, with the slope being MOF-dependent. We also report conditions for improving significantly the volumetric uptake. Finally, we evaluated our tablets' stability over time in the presence of moisture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article provides a comprehensive review of the nature of catalytic sites in MOFs. In the last decade, a number of striking studies have reported outstanding catalytic activities of MOFs. In all cases, the authors were intrigued as it was unexpected from the ideal structure. We demonstrate here that (surface) defects are at the origin of the catalytic activities for the reported examples. The vacancy of ligands or linkers systematically generates (surface) terminations which can possibly show Lewis and/or Brønsted acido-basic features. The engineering of catalytic sites at the nodes by the creation of defects (on purpose) appears today as a rational approach for the design of active MOFs. Similarly to zeolite post-treatments, post-modifications of MOFs by linker or metal cation exchange appear to be methods of choice. Despite the mild acidity of defective MOFs, we can account for very active MOFs in a number of catalytic applications which show higher performances than zeolites or benchmark catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inhaled nitric oxide (NO) has been reported to promote selective pulmonary vasodilation and better arterial oxygenation in cases of adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) with pulmonary hypertension (PHT). However, the clinical relevance of these changes and their effects on outcome remain to be proven, since long-term inhalation carries a potential risk of toxicity. We used NO to treat a patient who developed postpneumonectomy ARDS with severe PHT and right ventricular failure. NO resulted in better oxygenation and markedly improved hemodynamic status. As the underlying disease progressively worsened the patient became fully dependent on NO for hemodynamic support, and he died after 24 days of effective supportive therapy with inhaled NO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the emergence of rapid extubation protocols following cardiac surgery, providing adequate analgesia in the early postoperative period is important. This prospective randomised double-blind study investigated the benefits of pre-operative intrathecal administration of low dose morphine in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Postoperative analgesia, pulmonary function, stress response and postoperative recovery profile were assessed. Thirty patients were allocated into two groups, receiving either 500 μg of morphine intrathecally prior to anaesthesia and intravenous patient-controlled analgesia with morphine postoperatively following tracheal extubation, or only postoperative intravenous patient-controlled analgesia. In the intrathecal group, the total consumption of intravenous morphine following surgery was significantly reduced by 40% and patients reported lower pain scores at rest, during the first 24 h following extubation. Peak expiratory flow rate was greater and postoperative catecholamine release was significantly lower. Patients in the control group had a higher incidence of reduced respiratory rate following extubation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present investigation was to determine in patients with idiopathic haemochromatosis whether diabetes is of the primary type or secondary to pancreatic injury due to iron deposition. For this purpose, plasma glucagon concentrations were determined following arginine infusion or an oral glucose load in eight patients with diabetes and idiopathic haemochromatosis. The enhanced glucagon response to arginine and the nonsuppressibility of glucagon secretion by oral glucose found in these patients were similar to the results found in the same tests performed in our previous series of patients with 'idiopathic' diabetes and at variance with those reported by others in patients with chronic pancreatitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 18 insulin-dependent diabetics (6 without retinopathy, 6 with proliferative retinopathy and 6 with proliferative retinopathy treated by hypophysectomy) matched for age and duration of diabetes, in vitro haemostasis was studied using ADP induced platelet aggregation, ristocetin induced platelet aggregation which allows von Willebrand factor (VIII VWF) assay, and determination of antihemophilic factor procoagulant activity (VIII AHF). Using gel filtration-isolated platelets, the ADP induced hyperaggregation previously reported in diabetics with severe retinopathy untreated by hypophysectomy appeared to be related to a platelet and not a plasma factor; the normal results of thrombin induced aggregation suggests that the presumed abnormal platelet factor is related to the platelet plasma membrane. High level of plasma VIII VWF was observed in diabetics with proliferative retinopathy while the VIII AHF level was within normal limits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fourteen patients with normal preoperative renal function underwent aortocoronary bypass graft using cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) with pulsatile (P; n = 7) or non pulsatile (NP; n = 7) perfusion. In the two groups prebypass values of plasma renin activity (PRA) and urine β-microglobulin (β-M) were within normal limits. PRA increased significantly during CPB and the first 6 h after CPB only in the non-pulsatile group. In both groups, the urine β-M level increased significantly during and after CPB; however, there was no significant difference in urine β-M levels between the two groups. Also, the amount of β-M excreted in urines per unit of time increased significantly in both groups during and after CPB; there was no significant difference between the two groups. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article discusses cutaneous porphyria in adults. Since 1951 authors have been able to make quite a thorough study of seventeen cases of a bullous affection of the skin which fits in with the porphyria group. The age of patients at the onset of their illness was between 39 and 66 with a marked predominance in the male. Histologically, cutaneous porphyria appears quite characteristic. Authors biopsies, which have all been carried out on bullae from the palms and fingers, have revealed changes so similar that it is possible to pick out a number of common features.

We report a patient with multiple myeloma who suffered from hyperammonemia after a second stem cell autograft. This syndrome is not well known but is associated with a high mortality rate. Considering the possibility of this diagnosis in patients developing confusion and neurological degradation with respiratory alkalosis after intensive chemotherapy, could allow earlier treatment and perhaps improved survival. Possible mechanisms and potential therapies are discussed. With rapid recognition and treatment of the syndrome, the patient fully recovered. One and a half years later, she is still alive and well, on interferon for persisting myeloma. Bone Marrow Transplantation (2000) 26, 343–345. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reports on a case of Staphylococcus aureus endocarditis that occurred in a burn patient during treatment with the antibiotic linezolid, despite full in vitro sensitivity. Inhibitory activity of linezolid against a broad range of gram-positive bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA); Concern about the bacteriostatic property of linezolid, especially against Staphylococcus spp.