It was verified that the systems containing the synthesized products presented shear-thinning behavior even in the absence of salt. In addition, increasing the temperature and salt concentration enhanced the hydrophobic character of the poly(propylene oxide) segment and reduced the hydration of the poly(ethylene oxide) segment; this favored the adequate packing needed to form long, wormlike micelles and resulted in pronounced shear thinning. The formation of a complex micelle

structure probably occurred in the systems above the critical micellar temperature of the original copolymer because check details under this condition the molecules presented three alternate hydrophobic segments that had to dive into the micelle structure. The formation of long, wormlike micelles was also evidenced by the Maxwellian behavior observed in rheological oscillatory measurements. (C) 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl

Polym Sci 116: 3047-3055, 2010″
“Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) or Devic’s disease typically involves the optic nerves and the spinal cord and is most often relapsing. The pathogenesis is one Saracatinib of an acute inflammatory process targeting astrocytes and resulting in demyelination, as well as axonal injury. In a high proportion of recognized cases of NMO, there is a highly specific autoantibody (NMO-IgG), which is directed to the common central nervous system water channel, aquaporin-4. NMO attacks usually result in severe residual visual impairment or myelopathy. Despite the publication of selleck chemicals llc new diagnostic criteria for NMO, uncertainty at the time of the index event as to whether the attack is due to multiple sclerosis or NMO can cause therapeutic hesitancy. Nevertheless, whenever a reasonable degree of suspicion exists, therapies directed to limiting acute injury and to preventing subsequent further injury mediated by humoral mechanisms should be instituted immediately. Investigations can then be completed and the therapeutic direction confirmed.

For an

acute attack, high-dose methylprednisolone and plasma exchange (generally given sequentially) are most useful.

For the prevention of further attacks, selective or nonselective immunosuppressive therapy directed to humoral mechanisms is preferred. Agents recommended are oral azathioprine or mycophenolate mofetil with or without low-dose prednisolone or rituximab. Therapy should be planned to continue for up to 5 years in all patients, including those with a single attack who are at high risk of further relapse.

Regrettably, there are no controlled trials for the treatment of either the classic manifestations of NMO or the so-called limited manifestations known as NMO spectrum disorders.