Universality class of interacting directed single- and double-strand homopolymers.

This work examines a field theory for directed homopolymers in a good solvent. The field theory is based on a lattice model for single- and double-strand polymers with length variables, direction-dependent pairing energy and interactions. As for the less explicit O(n)-symmetric model, there is a close relation to the conventional one-component branched polymer and the associated Lee-Yang problem.

Cranial nerve involvement in patients with immune-mediated neuropathy: An observational blink reflex study.

Objective: This study aimed to assess cranial nerve involvement in a large adult cohort of patients with immune-mediated neuropathy undergoing immunoglobulin treatment by measuring blink reflex R1 latency prolongation in correlation with clinical findings and nerve conduction studies.

Methods: 104 patients underwent blink reflex examination and ulnar nerve conduction studies and were assessed by the Inflammatory Neuropathy Cause and Treatment disability score, the revised Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis functional rating scale (ALSFRS-R) and focused clinical examination.

Results: Prolonged R1 latencies were identified in 23 of 104 patients (22.

[Outpatient medical specialist care (ASV): A multiperspective study on status quo, challenges and perspectives].

Background: In 2012, the so-called ambulatory medical specialist care (ASV) was implemented in accordance with para. 116b of Book V of the German Social Code (SGB V), enabling physicians in outpatient practices and hospitals to treat patients with rare diseases or complex courses of disease in a uniform framework. The implementation, however, is slow.

Analysis of routine blood parameters in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and evaluation of a possible correlation with disease progression-a multicenter study.

Objective: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) pathogenesis is still unclear, its course is considerably variable, and prognosis is hard to determine. Despite much research, there is still a lack of easily accessible markers predicting prognosis. We investigated routine blood parameters in ALS patients regarding correlations with disease severity, progression rate, and survival.