Vascular syndromes in liver cirrhosis.

Liver cirrhosis is associated with multiple vascular syndromes affecting almost all body systems. Many of these syndromes are directly related to impaired liver function and sometimes reversible after liver transplantation while others arise secondary to portal hypertension and ascites. Altered expression of angiogenic and vasoactive compounds (most importantly nitric oxide), endothelial dysfunction, dysregulated neurohormonal control, and systemic inflammatory state play differential roles in mediating homeostatic instability and abnormal vasogenic response.

Contribution of a new generation field-emission scanning electron microscope in the understanding of a 2099 Al-Li alloy.

Aluminum-lithium alloys are widespread in the aerospace industry. The new 2099 and 2199 alloys provide improved properties, but their microstructure and texture are not well known. This article describes how state-of-the-art field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) can contribute to the characterization of the 2099 aluminum-lithium alloy and metallic alloys in general.

Successful treatment of chylous ascites secondary to sarcoidosis with methotrexate.

A 39-year-old African American woman with sarcoidosis developed chylous ascites. Computed tomography (CT) scan showed extensive thoracic, mesenteric, and retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy. Initial therapy with corticosteroids was unsuccessful in managing ascites and she needed frequent large-volume paracentesis for symptomatic relief.