e., average Selleckchem Duvelisib molecular weight), manual versus high shear mixing, a range of cellulose concentrations, and the effects of controlled amounts of lignin and a hemicellulose. The rheology implies that a gel phase develops at higher degrees of polymerization, higher concentration, and at lower temperatures. The first article focused primarily on shear rheology of cellulose in [Bmim]Cl with a high shear preparation technique, one degree of polymerization, a narrow range of cellulose concentrations, and temperature. The third article focuses on

elongational rheology of cellulose in [Bmim]Cl. (C) 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 111: 1019-1027, 2009″
“Study Design. Retrospective radiographic analysis of lumbar spine range of motion (ROM) after monosegmental fusion and posterior dynamic stabilization at the level L4-L5.

Objective. Comparison of segmental ROM at the index level and the cranial and caudal adjacent levels and of global lumbar spine ROM after monosegmental fusion and posterior dynamic stabilization.

Summary of Background Data. The postulated advantage of nonfusion technology compared with fusion is based on the assumption that preservation of motion at the treated segment reduces the incidence of

adjacent segment effects. Therefore, it is imperative to provide evidence that dynamic stabilization devices avoid hypermobility at the adjacent segments because this might substantiate a protective effect on the adjacent segments.

Methods. Twenty-six patients with low back pain and claudication due to degenerative Roscovitine purchase instability at the

BAY 57-1293 in vivo level L4-L5 with concomitant spinal stenosis were treated either with decompression and Dynesys (n = 11) or with decompression and fusion (n = 15). All patients underwent flexion/extension radiographs before surgery and at latest follow-up. ROM was assessed at the index level (L4-L5), the cranial/caudal adjacent levels (L3-L4/L5-S1), and at the lumbar spine from L2 to S1.

Results. There was a significant reduction of the global ROM of the lumbar spine (L2-S1) and the segmental ROM at the index level (L4-L5) in the fusion group, whereas adjacent level ROM did not change significantly. In the Dynesys group, no significant changes of global lumbar spine ROM (L2-S1) and segmental ROM (index level and cranial/caudal adjacent levels) were seen.

Conclusion. This study shows that neither monosegmental instrumented fusion nor monosegmental posterior dynamic stabilization with Dynesys alter the ROM of the cranial and caudal adjacent levels. Consequently, monosegmental posterior dynamic stabilization with Dynesys has no effect with regard to adjacent segment mobility compared with monosegmental fusion.”
“Purpose: The literature pertaining to restraint of children for procedures and administration of medication continues to indicate this is a widespread phenomenon and that nurses caring for children often fail to consider effects of this.

4 MPa) whereas DM 5% (104.6 MPa) and DM 10% (114.7 MPa) least. However, DM 60% gave no coherent tablets,

whereas tablet tensile strengths beta-catenin pathway for DM 5% and DM 10% were comparable to Starch 1500 (R). Also, Heckel profiles were similar to Starch 1500 (R). For sieved fractions (180-250 and 90-125 mu m) of DM 25% and DM 40% originating from the very same batch, YPs were alike, indicating minor effects of particle size. These facts indicate that DM is important for the compaction behavior, and batch-to-batch variability should also be considered. Therefore, pectins of low degree of methoxylation may have a potential as direct compression excipients.”
“It was investigated how the HAp and SiO(2)

nanoadditives introduced into the material of fibers made from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) affects the structure, sorption, and strength properties of those JQ-EZ-05 molecular weight fibers. The conditions of the fibers’ production were selected with the aim of obtaining the nanocomposite PVA fibers which would be soluble in water and in body fluids. These fibers are intended to be used for the production of a biocomposite with another biodegradable polymer. The determination was made of the effect of two different deformations applied at the fiber production stage on the structure and properties of the fibers. Using the WAXS method, the supramolecular structure of the fibers was determined. Nanocomposite PVA fibers obtained in this work have an oriented crystalline structure with a rather low level of crystallinity, reaching 40%, and a relatively high orientation index of crystallites: this website 0.48-0.54. (C) 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 120: 1234-1244, 2011″
“Economic analysis and assessment of net clinical benefit often requires estimation of absolute risk difference (ARD) for binary outcomes (e.g. survival, response, disease progression) given baseline epidemiological risk

in a jurisdiction of interest and trial evidence of treatment effects. Typically, the assumption is made that relative treatment effects are constant across baseline risk, in which case relative risk (RR) or odds ratios (OR) could be applied to estimate ARD. The objective of this article is to establish whether such use of RR or OR allows consistent estimates of ARD.

ARD is calculated from alternative framing of effects (e.g. mortality vs survival) applying standard methods for translating evidence with RR and OR. For RR, the RR is applied to baseline risk in the jurisdiction to estimate treatment risk; for OR, the baseline risk is converted to odds, the OR applied and the resulting treatment odds converted back to risk.

ARD is shown to be consistently estimated with OR but changes with framing of effects using RR wherever there is a treatment effect and epidemiological risk differs from trial risk.

Fourier transform infrared and

energy dispersive spectrometer were used to identify the structure of HSO-MFAPP. For the HSO-MFAPP/polypropylene (PP) composites, the flame retardant effect was evaluated by the limiting oxygen index and UL-94 testing, the compatibility was observed with scanning electron microscope, and the thermal stability was studied by thermogravimetric analysis. The results showed that the microencapsulation of ammonium polyphosphate (APP) with HSO-MF was prepared by in situ polymerization, and the flame retardant properties and water resistance of the PP/HSO-MFAPP/pentaerythritol (PER) composites Selleckchem PX-478 were much better than the ones of the PP/APP/PER composites. Moreover, the compatibility of HSO-MFAPP with PP was better than that of unmodified APP. (C) 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012″
“The Ras superfamily comprises many guanine nucleotide-binding proteins (G proteins) that are essential to intracellular signal transduction. The guanine nucleotide-dependent intrinsic flexibility patterns of five G proteins were investigated in atomic detail through Molecular Dynamics simulations of the GDP- and GTP-bound states (S-GDP and S-GTP, respectively). PD-1/PD-L1 Inhibitor 3 manufacturer For all the considered systems, the intrinsic flexibility of S-GDP was higher than that of S-GTP, suggesting that Guanine Exchange Factor (GEF) recognition and nucleotide

switch require higher amplitude motions than effector recognition or GTP hydrolysis. Functional mode, dynamic domain, and interaction energy correlation

analyses highlighted significant differences in the dynamics of small G proteins and G alpha proteins, especially in the inactive state. Indeed, S-GDP of G alpha(t), is characterized by a more extensive energy coupling between nucleotide binding site and distal regions involved in GEF recognition compared to small G proteins, which attenuates in the active state. Moreover, mechanically distinct domains implicated in nucleotide switch could be detected in the presence of GDP but not in the presence of GTP. Finally, in small G proteins, functional modes are more detectable in the inactive state than in the active one and involve changes in solvent PLX-4720 price exposure of two highly conserved amino acids in switches I and II involved in GEF recognition. The average solvent exposure of these amino acids correlates in turn with the rate of GDP release, suggesting for them either direct or indirect roles in the process of nucleotide switch. Collectively, nucleotide binding changes the information flow through the conserved Ras-like domain, where GDP enhances the flexibility of mechanically distinct portions involved in nucleotide switch, and favors long distance allosteric communication (in G alpha proteins), compared to GTP.”
“A classic paradigm in radiation biology asserts that all radiation effects on cells, tissues and organisms are due to the direct action of radiation on living tissue.

The deformed microstructure around the indent was examined by 3D Raman and cathodoluminescence measurements. Further, a cross section extracted from the center of the indent was studied by transmission electron microscopy. The results show that the symmetry of the residual stress field on the surface depends not on the geometry of the indent but on the deformation mechanism of the crystal. The 3D Raman measurements allow calculating the volume of high-dislocation density in the vicinity of the indent.

(C) 2009 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3224891]“
“Background: Patients perceive different symptoms of heart failure decompensation. It is not known whether AZ 628 in vitro the nature of the worst symptom relates to hemodynamic profile, response to therapy, or improvement in clinical trials.

Methods and Results: Patients in the Evaluation Study of Congestive Heart Failure and Pulmonary Artery Catheterization Effectiveness trial were hospitalized with advanced heart failure, ejection fraction <= 30%, and at least 1 sign and 1 symptom of elevated filling pressures. Visual analog scales (VAS) for symptoms were completed by 371 patients, who selected their worst symptom as difficulty breathing, fatigue, abdominal

Selleck Torin 1 discomfort, or body swelling and also scored breathing and global condition at baseline and discharge. The dominant symptom identified was difficulty breathing by 193(52%) patients, fatigue by 118(32%), and abdominal discomfort and swelling each by 30 (8%) patients, combined as right-sided congestion for analysis. Clinical and hemodynamic assessments were not different between groups except that right-sided congestion was associated with more hepatomegaly, ascites, third heart sounds, and jugular venous distention. This group also had greater reduction in jugular venous distention and trend toward higher

blood urea nitrogen after therapy. By discharge, average improvements in worst symptom and global score were 28 points and 24 points. For those with >= 10 points in improvement in worst symptom, 84% also improved global assessment >= 10 points. Initial fatigue was associated with less improvement (P = .002) during and check details after hospitalization, but improvements in symptom scores were sustained when re-measured during 6 months after discharge.

Conclusion: In most patients hospitalized with clinical congestion, therapy will improve symptoms regardless of the worst symptom perceived, with more evidence of baseline fluid retention and reduction during therapy for worst symptoms of abdominal discomfort or edema. Improvement in trials should be similar when tracking worst symptom, dyspnea, or global assessment. (J Cardiac Fail 2012;18:524-533)”
“Fluvastatin showed anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) activity in vitro, through the inhibition of geranylgeranylation of cellular proteins, and a synergistic effect with interferon (IFN)-alpha.

1% v/wt), stored under MAP)) and MER2 [(EDTA, oregano oil (0.3% v/wt), stored under MAP)]. Quality evaluation of product stored under APR-246 mouse above packaging conditions and treated with EDTA and oregano oil was conducted using microbiological, chemical and sensory analyses. Based on mesophilic total viable counts (TVC) a microbiological shelf-life extension of 7, 9, 15 or >15 days was obtained for M, ME, MER1 or MER2 liver samples, respectively, compared to the control’s (A) shelf-life of 3 days. Air-packaged liver samples showed higher pH values

in the first 8 days of storage compared to M, ME, MER1 and MER2 samples, with the latter showing a significant decrease at the end of the storage period. Interestingly, the presence of the oregano oil in MER1 and MER2 liver resulted in a lower production of TBA compared to all other samples. Based on sensory analysis, MER1 and MER2 extended the shelf-life of chicken liver by 14-15

days, while treatments M and ME by 7 and 9 days, respectively. Our results support the hypothesis that the shelf-life of chicken liver meat may substantially be extended GNS-1480 cell line (by almost 3 times the usual product’s shelf-life using a natural antimicrobial combination (EDTA, oregano oil and MAP). (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“PURPOSE: A universal loss of von Willebrand factor (vWF) high-molecular-weight multimers (HMWM) has been demonstrated in continuous-flow left ventricular assist device (HeartMate II) recipients. However, no reliable clinical or laboratory predictors for an increased bleeding tendency in this patient population have been identified. This study evaluated the ability of a new automated latex particle-enhanced immunoturbidimetric vWF activity assay (ALPEIVA) to predict non-surgical

bleeding risk in HeartMate II recipients.

METHODS: CH5424802 Protein Tyrosine Kinase inhibitor As part of a prospective multicenter trial, pre-surgical, 7-day, and 30-day post-implantation blood samples were collected from 24 patients. ALPEIVA-assessed vWF activities were compared among patients with and without non-surgical bleeding complications after HeartMate II implantation. Additional laboratory testing included factor VIII activity (FVIII:C), vWF antigen (vWFAg), vWF ristocetin cofactor activity (vWF:RCo), and vWF multimer analysis.

RESULTS: All 24 patients had HMWM losses after HeartMate II implantation. Five patients (20%) developed non-surgical bleeding complications between 14 days and 6 months after HeartMate II implantation. Among various laboratory variables, only mean ALPEIVA/vWFAg ratios (referred to as the “”bleeding ratio”") were significantly lower in patients with clinically relevant bleeding (mean, 0.70 +/- 0.06) compared with patients without bleeding (mean, 0.78 +/- 0.09; p = 0.02) when measured at 30 days.

The intraoperative blood loss was significantly less in the MIS-PLF group (181 ml) when compared to the open-PLF group (453 ml). The postoperative bleeding on day 1 selleck kinase inhibitor was also less in the MIS-PLF group (210 ml) when compared to the open-PLF group (406 ml). The ODI and RMQ scores rapidly decreased during the initial postoperative 2 weeks in the MIS-PLF group, and consistently maintained lower values than those in the open-PLF group at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively. The fusion rate was statistically equivalent between the two groups (98 vs. 100%), and no major complications occurred.

The MIS-PLF utilizing a percutaneous pedicle screw system is

less invasive compared to conventional open-PLF. The reduction in postoperative pain led to an increase in activity of daily living (ADL), demonstrating rapid improvement of several functional parameters. This superiority in the MIS-PLF group was maintained until 2 years postoperatively, suggesting that less invasive PLF offers better mid-term results in terms of reducing low back pain and improving patients’ functional capacity of daily living. The MIS-PLF utilizing percutaneous pedicle screw fixation serves as an alternative technique, eliminating the need

for conventional open approach.”
“The King Vision laryngoscope is selleck chemicals llc a newly developed video laryngoscope. We conducted a simulation study to evaluate the efficacy of the King Vision in novice personnel.

Thirty-one registered nurses with no previous experience with tracheal intubation were enrolled. Participants made 6 consecutive attempts

at intubation of the manikin’s trachea with a Macintosh laryngoscope (MAC) and the King Vision with channeled blade (KVC) and non-channeled blade (KVNC) in a randomized cross-over fashion. The Grading Scale of Intubation Difficulty (GSID) was rated on a 5-point scale.

Overall median (range) intubation times (sec) were 16.9 (8.0-60.0) with the MAC, 20.5 (7.2-60.0) with the KVC, and 60.0 (11.0-60.0) with the KVNC. The KVNC required significantly longer intubation time compared with the MAC or the KVC (p < 0.001). Success rate with the KVNC was 47.3 %, which was significantly inferior to that with the MAC (91.4 %) or KVC (86.6 %). Median GSID was 2 (range 1-5) with the KVC and 3 (1-4) with the MAC, which were both significantly lower than the 4 (2-5) with the AZD9291 research buy KVNC (p < 0.001). Esophageal intubation with the MAC occurred in 18 of 186 attempts, whereas no incidents of esophageal intubation occurred with the KVC or KVNC.

The KVC facilitated intubation by novice personnel without incidence of esophageal intubation. However, intubation times, success rates, and GSID scores were similar to the values obtained with the MAC. These findings suggest that the KVC, but not the KVNC, could be used as an alternative device for intubation by novice personnel.”
“Trypsin was immobilized on polymeric carriers with low critical solution temperature (LCST).

Changes to the quality of maize may avoid up to 1,000,000 VDA inhibitor transmissions of HIV annually. Am J Clin Nutr 2010; 92: 154-60.”
“We have performed spin-transfer torque switching experiments

with a large number of trials (up to 10(7) switching events) on nanoscale MgO magnetic tunnel junctions in order to test the validity and the limits of the thermal activation model for spin-torque-assisted switching. Three different methods derived from the model (“”read disturb rate,”" “” switching voltage versus pulse duration,”" and “” switching voltage distribution”" measurements) are used to determine the thermal stability factor and the intrinsic switching voltage. The results obtained from the first two methods agree well with each other as well as with values obtained from quasistatic

measurements, if we use only the data for which the voltage is smaller than approximately 0.8 of the intrinsic switching voltage. This agreement also shows that, in our samples, in the low voltage region, the influence from other factors contributing to the switching (such as current-induced heating and field-like torque) is negligible. The third method (switching voltage distribution measurements) yields incorrect values for the time-scales (< 1 mu s) at which the experiments are performed. Macrospin simulations confirm our findings that the model must be applied only in the low voltage see more limit, and that in certain devices this limit can extend up to about 0.9 of the intrinsic switching voltage. [doi:10.1063/1.3562136]“
“Two structurally and chemically different polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane Acadesine PI3K/Akt/mTOR inhibitor (POSS) molecules with different solubility parameters, dodecaphenyl POSS and trisilanolphenyl POSS, were melt-blended with polyphenylsulfone (PPSU), and the effects on the material processing, rheology, and thermomechanical properties were investigated. Process monitoring and capillary rheometry revealed enhancements in the processing melt flow

and a reduction in the nanocomposite viscosity with only a small addition of POSS. The magnitude and concentration dependence of rheological modification were shown to depend on POSS structure. Although small increases in the tensile modulus were observed, reductions in the tensile elongation properties were observed at high POSS loading levels. Analysis of the nanocomposite fracture behavior and surface morphology provided evidence for the surface phase segregation of both types of POSS, but the extent of segregation was related to the POSS structure. The degree of interfacial adhesion in the POSS/polymer composites and the resultant rheological behavior were related to the POSS composition and predicted solubility parameters.

Little is known about these “”frontal”" behaviors in the earliest phase of the illness. Comparisons between participants in the Predict-HD study (745 “”expansion-positive”" and 163 “”expansion-negative”" control subjects) on the Frontal System Behavior Scale looked for evidence of frontal behaviors, including apathy, disinhibition, and executive dysfunction. The authors were also able to compare participant and companion reporting of these frontal behaviors as a possible indication of awareness of behaviors. Expansion-positive individuals reported significantly more of these frontal behaviors than expansion-negative peers. Self- and companion-reported frontal

behaviors were related to other Huntington’s disease markers. Expansion-positive participants closest to Huntington’s disease diagnosis showed greater discrepancies with companions on ratings of frontal behaviors. Even though most are more than 10 years from Huntington’s VX-661 chemical structure disease diagnosis, mild frontal behaviors were present in this pre-diagnosed BAY 57-1293 price sample, which might make these behaviors useful as markers for Huntington’s

disease onset. Participant/companion discrepancies, especially closest to Huntington’s disease diagnosis, might suggest early lack of awareness in these individuals. (The Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences 2010; 22: 196-207)”
“In addition to providing effective treatment for non-melanoma skin cancers or their precursors, photodynamic therapy (PDT) has also attracted considerable attention for its use on aesthetic dermatology. In a first consensus publication the mechanisms of action of its photorejuvenation effects and recent studies were presented; in this paper treatment protocols for the different anatomical regions exposed to chronic sun damage like face, neck, decollete and the back of the hands are given and suitable procedures for pre- and after-care are discussed.”
“The

concept of burnout remains enigmatic since it is only determined by behavioral characteristics. Moreover, the differential diagnosis with depression and chronic fatigue syndrome is difficult. EEG-related variables in 13 patients diagnosed with burnout syndrome were compared with 13 healthy learn more comparison subjects in order to explore the existence of neurobiological markers for burnout. Burnout patients showed reduced P300 amplitude, a lower alpha peak frequency and reduced beta power. These EEG-related differences in burnout patients differ from those described in the literature in depression and chronic fatigue patients. Our preliminary findings suggest that burnout might be considered as a separate clinical syndrome. (The Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences 2010; 22: 208-217)”
“Disklike molecules were introduced as chiral dopants to induce a pitch gradient in the polymer stabilized cholesteric liquid crystals films.

Publication bias was assessed using Egger test.

TABULATION, p38 MAPK signaling INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS: Seventeen studies met inclusion criteria for this review. Among women found to have endometrial polyps, the prevalence of premalignant or malignant polyps was 5.42% (214 of 3,946) in postmenopausal women compared with 1.7% (68 of 3,997) in reproductive-aged women (relative risk 3.86; 95% CI 2.92-5.11). The prevalence of endometrial neoplasia within polyps in women with symptomatic bleeding was 4.15% (195 of 4,697) compared

with 2.16% (85 of 3,941) for those without bleeding (relative risk 1.97; 95% CI 1.24-3.14). Among symptomatic postmenopausal women with endometrial polyps, 4.47% (88 of 1,968) had a malignant polyp in comparison to 1.51% (25 of 1,654) asymptomatic postmenopausal women selleck (relative risk 3.36; 95% CI 1.45-7.80).

CONCLUSION: Based on data from observational studies, both symptomatic vaginal bleeding and postmenopausal status in women with endometrial polyps are associated with an increased risk of endometrial malignancy. (Obstet Gynecol 2010;116:1197-1205)”
“The safety and feasibility of administering S-1 adjuvant chemotherapy for gastric cancer has not been fully evaluated in elderly patients.

This retrospective study selected patients who underwent curative D2 surgery for gastric

cancer, were diagnosed with stage II or III disease, and received adjuvant S-1 at our institution. Patients were categorized into two groups; non-elderly patients (age < 70 years: group A) and elderly patients (age a parts per thousand yen70 years: group B). The toxicity and S-1 continuation rates in the two groups were compared.

A total of 75 patients were evaluated in the study. There were no grade 4 toxicities.

The incidences of grade 3 hematological and non-hematological toxicities were < 5% in both groups, and the differences were not significant. The continuation rate at 6 months was 69% in group A and 70% in group B, and this difference was also not significant.

These Selleckchem DZNeP results suggest that S-1 adjuvant chemotherapy for gastric cancer is safe and feasible, regardless of the age of the patient; especially for elderly patients who could be candidates for clinical trials.”
“Minocycline, a tetracycline antibiotic, has shown anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and neuroprotective effects in many models of cerebral ischemia and neurodegenerative disease. Its high penetration of the blood-brain barrier, good safety profile, and delayed therapeutic window make it an ideal candidate for use in stroke. In animal models, minocycline reduced infarct size and improved neurologic outcome when administered acutely, with similar neuroprotective benefits seen following delayed administration. To date, two early phase clinical trials have shown minocycline to be safe and potentially effective in acute ischemic stroke, alone or in combination with tissue plasminogen activator.

6 J/kg/K for 5 T field change in the temperature range of 110-190 K. This nearly constant magnetocaloric effect over a broad temperature span is highly suitable for Ericsson-cycle magnetic refrigeration. (C) 2011 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3556716]“
“In this work, porous lamellar chitosan-alginate membranes were developed without the use of freeze-drying methods or other vacuum-based approaches. The effects of two different surfactants, Tween https://www.selleckchem.com/products/oligomycin-a.html 80 and Pluronic F68, on the properties of the membranes were evaluated, aiming at the production of stable consistent foams with improved polysaccharide dispersion. The membranes prepared with Tween 80 had

a tensile strength around 1.5 MPa, elongation at break of 2.1% and liquid uptake from 590 to 1370% in distinct solutions, increasing their thickness in up to 3.9 times when immersed in water. The membranes obtained with Pluronic F68 had a tensile strength of 1.0 MPa, elongation at break of 2.0% and liquid uptake from 774 to 1380%, showing an increase in thickness around 3.2 times after exposure to water. The antimicrobial properties of both membranes were also Ilomastat evaluated,

showing that despite being porous, the membranes can provide some protection against bacterial permeation. Therefore, membranes produced with Tween 80 and Pluronic F68 were considered to have high potential for use in the production of wound dressings and scaffolds for tissue engineering. (C) 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 122: 624-631, 2011″
“Ab-initio calculations are used to determine the parameters that determine magnonic band structure of

PdnFem multilayers (n = 2, m <= 8). We obtain the layer-resolved buy OSI-906 magnetization, the exchange coupling, and the magnetic anisotropy of the Pd-Fe structures. The Fe moment is 3.0 mu(B) close to the Pd layers and 2.2 mu(B) in the middle of the Fe layers. An intriguing but not usually considered aspect is that the elemental Pd is nonmagnetic, similar to Cu spacer layers in other multilayer systems. This leads to a pre-asymptotic ferromagnetic coupling through the Pd (about 40 mJ/m(2)). Furthermore, the Pd acquires a small moment due to spin polarization by neighboring Fe atoms, which translates into magnetic anisotropy. The anisotropies are large, in the range typical for L1(0) structures, which is beneficial for high-frequency applications. (C) 2011 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3556763]“
“Systemic sclerosis (SSc) pregnant women show a high frequency of premature births and occurrence of renal crisis. Some evidences showed the role of L-arginine in the prevention and treatment of preeclampsia. Here, we report our experience on the effect of L-arginine treatment in four consecutive SSc pregnant women. Two patients, who have planned the pregnancy, were treated with oral L-arginine; both delivered healthy babies without any prenatal complications.