The use of self-interaction chromatography in stable formulation and crystallization of proteins.

This paper reviews the basic principles of the recently developed self-interaction chromatography (SIC) technique with regard to protein solution stability and protein crystallization. It gives experimental protocols for both normal-scale and micro-scale SIC experiments and reviews recent developments and current applications of this novel technique in the biopharmaceutical area. This paper aims to be a benchmark in the further proliferation of this highly effective and fast technology for the rational design of stable aqueous formulations of therapeutic proteins and the determination of solution conditions favoring protein crystallization.

Surviving severe acute respiratory distress syndrome: utility of open-lung biopsy and large doses of dexamethasone.

The etiology of acute respiratory distress syndrome is wide and mortality is extremely high. We describe a patient dying from severe acute respiratory distress syndrome who had a tremendous recovery after receiving dexamethasone (1 g daily). This patient required positive end-expiratory pressure (up to 18 mm/Hg) and fractional inspiratory oxygen (up to 100%).

The incidence of infectious complications of central venous catheters at the subclavian, internal jugular, and femoral sites in an intensive care unit population.

Objective: The objective was to assess the risk of central venous catheter infection with respect to the site of insertion in an intensive care unit population. The subclavian, internal jugular, and femoral sites were studied.

Design: An epidemiologic, prospective, observational study.

Length-normalized pulse photoplethysmography: a noninvasive method to measure blood hemoglobin.

To determine whether blood hemoglobin concentration ([Hb]) could be measured noninvasively as the ratio of pulsatile changes in attenuation (absorbance plus scatter) of light (D) across a body part to changes in light path length (l), we measured transmission of near-infrared light (905 +/- 10 nm) through a finger, using a modified pulse oximeter, and simultaneously monitored fingertip diameter, using a sonomicrometer. In 25 subjects with [Hb] ranging from 3.1 to 18.