The bi-allelic Ncol polymorphism within the TNF locus is a genomic marker for patients with increased TNF-alpha response and poor prognosis in severe sepsis. The amount of TNF released in situations of severe infection and sepsis appears to be influenced genetically. TNFB2 homozygous individuals displaying increased circulating TNF plasma concentrations combined with high mortality rate may be included in future studies testing anti-TNF strategies in severe sepsis.

Endoscopic polypectomy is a safe and effective method of treating large colorectal polyps.

The absorption spectrum of the van der Waals molecule KAr has been recorded between 12 870 and 13 040 cm−1 by means of high-resolution laser excitation spectroscopy in a supersonic jet expansion. About 1600 molecular absorption lines could successfully be assigned to the rovibrational structure of the electronic transition A 2Π←X 2Σ+ of 39KAr. In addition, a few absorption lines due to the isotopomer 41KAr have been detected. Spectroscopic parameters have been obtained for vibrational levels 0...3 of X 2Σ+ and 6...11 of A 2Π. Additional experimental information was provided by observing the spectral distribution of the fluorescence. The interatomic potentials of the X 2Σ+ and the A 2Π states have been derived from the experimental data by means of a fully quantum-mechanical approach using suitable analytical functions. Our final results for equilibrium distance Re and well-depth De are 5.404(5) Å and 40.1(6) cm−1 for X 2Σ+, 3.37(3) Å and 405(15) cm−1 for A 2Π1/2, and 3.34(3) Å and 427(15) cm−1 for A 2Π3/2. In addition, we could deduce qualitative information on the B 2Σ+ interaction potential from our experimental data yielding Re=7.10 Å and De=23 cm−1 as preliminary values.