Self-Immolative System for Disclosure of Reactive Electrophilic Alkylating Agents: Understanding the Role of the Reporter Group.

The development of stable, efficient chemoselective self-immolative systems, for use in applications such as sensors, requires the optimization of the reactivity and degradation characteristics of the self-immolative unit. In this paper, we describe the effect that the structure of the reporter group has upon the self-immolative efficacy of a prototype system designed for the disclosure of electrophilic alkylating agents. The amine of the reporter group (a nitroaniline unit) was a constituent part of a carbamate that functioned as the self-immolative unit.

Prevalence and clinical significance of pleural microbubbles in computed tomography of thoracic empyema.

Aim: To determine the prevalence and clinical significance of pleural microbubbles in thoracic empyema.

Materials And Methods: The charts of 71 consecutive patients with empyema were retrospectively reviewed for relevant demographic, laboratory, microbiological, therapeutic and outcome data. Computed tomography (CT) images were reviewed for various signs of empyema as well as pleural microbubbles.

Timing of chest tube removal after coronary artery bypass surgery.

Aim: Assessing the impact of chest tube removal timing following a coronary artery bypass grafting surgery on the clinical outcome.

Methods: Eighty-three consecutive patients were randomly assigned to either have the chest tube removed 24 hours (Group A) or 48 hours (Group B) postoperatively. Chest tubes were removed on the condition that drainage was less than 100 cc for the last 8 hours.

Should we give prophylactic renal-dose dopamine after coronary artery bypass surgery?

Objective: A prospective double-blind randomized study undertaken to assess the effect of postoperative prophylactic "renal-dose" dopamine on post-coronary artery bypass grafting surgery's clinical outcome.

Methods: Eighty-five consecutive patients undergoing CABG operation were randomized to receive either 3-5 microg/kg/min dopamine (group D, n = 41) or saline as placebo (group P, n = 45) for 48 postoperative hours. Clinical outcome parameters were collected for four postoperative days.

[Accidental severance of a venous catheter: diagnostic and therapeutic approach].

The most common invasive procedure performed in hospitals is the insertion of a vascular access device. This procedure has the rare complication of catheter emboli. Accidental cutting of a peripheral catheter, the use of duplex ultrasound to locate the cut and the extraction of the catheter through a venesection is described.