Changing the management of refractory ventricular fibrillation: The consideration of earlier utilization of dual sequential defibrillation.

Dual Sequential Defibrillation (DSD) has shown promise in the management of refractory ventricular fibrillation (RVF). In the recent past, there have been a number of reports on the topic with varying results. Some studies have concluded that DSD provides no benefit over standard defibrillation therapy of RVF in terms of survival and neurological outcome.

Outdoor solar UVA dose assessment with EBT2 radiochromic film using spectrophotometer and densitometer measurements.

Direct measurements of solar ultraviolet radiations (UVRs) have an important role in the protection of humans against UVR hazard. This work presents simple technique based on the application of EBT2 GAFCHROMIC(®) film for direct solar UVA dose assessment. It demonstrates the effects of different parts of the solar spectrum (UVB, visible and infrared) on performed UVA field measurements and presents the measurement uncertainty budget.

Shape memory behavior of novel (L-lactide-glycolide-trimethylene carbonate) terpolymers.

Bioresorbable new terpolymers of L-lactide, glycolide, and trimethylene carbonate with different compositions were synthesized via ring-opening polymerization reaction of the cyclic monomers using low-toxicity zirconium(IV) acetylacetonate as initiator. The thermal and mechanical properties were investigated by means of thermogravimetry, differential scanning calorimetry, stress-strain measurements, and dynamical mechanical analysis. The glass transition temperature of the terpolymers changes with composition from 12 to 42 degrees C in a predictable manner.

Application of the lithium and magnesium initiators for the synthesis of glycolide, lactide, and epsilon-caprolactone copolymers biocompatible with brain tissue.

The subject of this work is new method of the synthesis of biodegradable copolymers compatible with brain tissue. Copolymerization of glycolide with lactide was conducted in solution or in bulk in the presence of LiBu, LiAcac, MgBu(2), Mg(acac)(2) as initiators. In all cases, copolymers with molecular weight of 20000-40000 were obtained, which enables to use them as drug carriers.