bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self-reproducing micelles coupled to a secondary catalyst
Authors: Post Elias A. J. , Bissette Andrew J. , Fletcher Stephen P.
Published: July 2018

We report a physical autocatalytic system where micelles self-reproduceviaa copper-catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition in a biphasic reaction mixture.
Unusual binding-site-specific photophysical properties of a benzothiazole-based optical probe in amyloid beta fibrils
Authors: Arul Murugan N. , Zaleśny Robert , Ågren Hans
Published: July 2018

Varying electronic structure of BTA-3 probe in different binding sites in amyloid fibrils is the key mechanism behind its site-specific photophysical properties.
Noble gas hydrides in the triplet state: HNgCCO+(Ng = He, Ne, Ar, Kr, and Xe)
Authors: Ghosh Ayan , Gupta Arijit , Gupta Rishabh , Ghanty Tapan K.
Published: July 2018

Existence of noble gas-inserted ketenyl cations, HNgCCO+(Ng = He, Ne, Ar, Kr, and Xe) species, with a triplet electronic ground state is predicted throughab initiocalculations.
Aluminum dihydride complexes and their unexpected application in atomic layer deposition of titanium carbonitride films
Authors: Blakeney Kyle J. , Martin Philip D. , Winter Charles H.
Published: July 2018

Aluminum dihydride complexes containing amido-amine ligands were synthesized and evaluated as potential reducing precursors for thermal atomic layer deposition (ALD).
Geoff Cloke at 65: a pioneer in organometallic chemistry
Authors: Arnold Polly L. , Green Jennifer C. , Green Malcolm L. H. , Kilpatrick Alexander F. R. , Layfield Richard A. , Love Jason B. , O'Hare Dermot , Turner John F. C.
Published: July 2018

We are delighted to present this collection of articles to celebrate the work of Geoff Cloke on the occasion of his 65th birthday.
Natural killer cells’ immune response requires a minimal nanoscale distribution of activating antigens
Authors: Keydar Yossi , Le Saux Guillaume , Pandey Ashish , Avishay Edri , Bar-Hanin Netanel , Esti Toledo , Bhingardive Viraj , Hadad Uzi , Porgador Angel , Schvartzman Mark
Published: July 2018

Minimal spatial arrangement of activating ligands needed for NK cell immune stimulation was revealed using a molecular-scale nanofabricated biochip.
Transient and flexible polymer memristors utilizing full-solution processed polymer nanocomposites
Authors: Zhou Zhe , Mao Huiwu , Wang Xiangjing , Sun Tao , Chang Qing , Chen Yingying , Xiu Fei , Liu Zhengdong , Liu Juqing , Huang Wei
Published: July 2018

A transient and flexible polymer memristor was fabricated.
The radical acylarylation of N-arylacrylamides with aliphatic aldehydes using the photolysis of hypervalent iodine(iii) reagents
Authors: Sakamoto Ryu , Hirama Naomichi , Maruoka Keiji
Published: July 2018

Aradical acylarylation of N-arylacrylamides with aliphatic aldehydes using a combination of hypervalent iodine(iii) reagents and UV light is reported.
Thermally stable and coking resistant CoMo alloy-based catalysts as fuel electrodes for solid oxide electrochemical cells
Authors: Li Meng , Hua Bin , Zeng Yimin , Shalchi Amirkhiz Babak , Luo Jing-Li
Published: July 2018

Here we report the synthesis of a novel CoMo nanoalloy with controlled structure and composition and in addition, we successfully prevent their agglomerations by constructing a mosaic-like matrix layer to help anchor these nanoparticles.
Towards zero bias photoelectrochemical water splitting: onset potential improvement on a Mg:GaN modified-Ta3N5 photoanode
Authors: Nurlaela Ela , Sasaki Yutaka , Nakabayashi Mamiko , Shibata Naoya , Yamada Taro , Domen Kazunari
Published: July 2018

A remarkable onset potential shift has been demonstrated on Ta3N5 modified with a Mg:GaN layer. The Mg-doped GaN band positions facilitate more efficient electron/hole transfer to/from Ta3N5, inducing a negative onset potential shift to 0 vs. RHE.
High-k dielectric percolative nanocomposites based on multiwalled carbon nanotubes and polyvinyl chloride
Authors: Francis Elizabeth , Ko Hyun U , Kim Jung Woong , Kim Hyun Chan , Kalarikkal Nandakumar , Varughese K. , Kim Jaehwan , Thomas Sabu
Published: July 2018

This work reports high-k dielectric nanocomposites made with multi-walled carbon nanotubes/polyvinyl chloride (MWCNTs/PVC) using a common solution casting technique.
LTBP2 is secreted from lung myofibroblasts and is a potential biomarker for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Enomoto Yasunori , Matsushima Sayomi , Shibata Kiyoshi , Aoshima Yoichiro , Yagi Haruna , Meguro Shiori , Kawasaki Hideya , Kosugi Isao , Fujisawa Tomoyuki , Enomoto Noriyuki , Inui Naoki , Nakamura Yutaro , Suda Takafumi , Iwashita Toshihide
Published: July 2018

Although differentiation of lung fibroblasts into α-smooth muscle actin (αSMA)-positive myofibroblasts is important in the progression of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), few biomarkers reflecting the fibrotic process have been discovered. We performed microarray analyses between FACS-sorted steady-state fibroblasts (lineage (CD45, TER-119, CD324, CD31, LYVE-1, and CD146)-negative and PDGFRα-positive cells) from untreated mouse lungs and myofibroblasts (lineage-negative, Sca-1-negative, and CD49e-positive cells) from bleomycin-treated mouse lungs. Amongst several genes up-regulated in the FACS-sorted myofibroblasts, we focussed on Ltbp2, the gene encoding latent transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) binding protein-2 (LTBP2), because of the signal similarity to Acta2, which encodes αSMA, in the clustering analysis. The up-regulation was reproduced at the mRNA and protein levels in human lung myofibroblasts induced by TGF-β1. LTBP2 staining in IPF lungs was broadly positive in the fibrotic interstitium, mainly as an extracellular matrix (ECM) protein; however, some of the αSMA-positive myofibroblasts were also stained. Serum LTBP2 concentrations, evaluated using ELISA, in IPF patients were significantly higher than those in healthy volunteers (mean: 21.4 compared with 12.4 ng/ml) and showed a negative correlation with % predicted forced vital capacity (r = −0.369). The Cox hazard model demonstrated that serum LTBP2 could predict the prognosis of IPF patients (hazard ratio for death by respiratory events: 1.040, 95% confidence interval: 1.026–1.054), which was validated using the bootstrap method with 1000-fold replication. LTBP2 is a potential prognostic blood biomarker that may reflect the level of differentiation of lung fibroblasts into myofibroblasts in IPF.
Carbon and carbon isotope mass balance in the Neoproterozoic Earth system
Authors: Shields Graham A.
Published: July 2018

The Neoproterozoic Earth system was significantly different from the modern world, as evidenced by extraordinary carbon isotope fluctuations that defy conventional explanation. Because Earth's carbon and oxygen budgets must be balanced on very long time scales (>105 years), such prolonged excursions can best be explained by invoking a vast pool of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in the world's oceans and its remineralisation by surplus oxidant after pyrite burial. The episodic waxing and waning of a DOM reservoir helps to explain the occurrence and timing of extreme climate events during the Neoproterozoic Era. Ecological dominance by eukaryotes, such as animals and algae, arose from a series of opportunistic radiations of aerobic life forms during periods of net DOM remineralisation and oxygenation.
Enhancement approach for liver lesion diagnosis using unenhanced CT images
Authors: Balagourouchetty Lakshmipriya , Pragatheeswaran Jayanthi K. , Pottakkat Biju , Govindarajalou Ramkumar
Published: July 2018

Hepatocellular carcinoma, the primary liver cancer and other liver‐related pathologies are diagnosed with the help of contrast enhanced computed tomography (CECT) images. The CECT imaging technology is claimed to be an invasive technique, as the intravenous contrast agent injected prior to computed tomography (CT) acquisition is harmful and is not advised for patients with pre‐existing diabetes and kidney disorders. This study presents a novel enhancement technique for the diagnosis of liver lesions from unenhanced CT images by means of fuzzy histogram equalisation in the non‐sub‐sampled contourlet transform domain followed by decorrelation stretching. The enhanced images obtained in this study substantiate that the proposed method improves the diagnostic value from the unenhanced CT images thereby providing an alternate painless solution for CT acquisition for the subset of patients mentioned above. Another major highlight of this work is the characterisation of lesions from the enhanced output for five different classes of pathology. The obtained results presented in this study demonstrate the potency of the proposed enhancement technique in achieving an appreciable performance in lesion characterisation. The images used for this research study have been obtained from Jawaharlal Institute of Medical Education and Research Puducherry, India.
Support vector machine approach to fall recognition based on simplified expression of human skeleton action and fast detection of start key frame using torso angle
Authors: Min Weidong , Yao Leiyue , Lin Zhenrong , Liu Li
Published: July 2018

Falls sustained by subjects can have severe consequences, especially for elderly persons living alone. A fall detection method for indoor environments based on the Kinect sensor and analysis of three‐dimensional skeleton joints information is proposed. Compared with state‐of‐the‐art methods, the authors’ method provides two major improvements. First, possible fall activity is quantified and represented by a one‐dimensional float array with only 32 items, followed by fall recognition using a support vector machine (SVM). Unlike typical deep learning methods, the input parameters of their method are dramatically reduced. Hence, videos are trained and recognised by an SVM with a low time cost. Second, the torso angle is imported to detect the start key frame of a possible fall, which is much more efficient than using a sliding window. Their approach is evaluated on the telecommunication systems team (TST) fall detection dataset v2. The results show that their approach achieves an accuracy of 92.05%, better than other typical methods. According to the characters of machine learning, when more samples are imported, their method is expected to achieve a higher accuracy and stronger capability of fall‐like discrimination. It can be used in real‐time video surveillance because of its time efficiency and robustness.
Robust and dynamic transactive energy system using Tsypkin–Polyak theorem
Authors: Rayati Mohammad , Amirzadeh Goghari Sanaz , Nasiri Gheidari Zahra , Ranjbar Ali Mohammad
Published: July 2018

In this study, a robust and dynamic transactive energy system in smart grid (SG) environment is proposed based on the Tsypkin–Polyak theorem. A key factor of the proposed system is to consider the uncertainties in electrical grid parameters. Moreover, oligopolistic behaviours of agents, i.e. demands and generating units, are considered in the modelling. It is proved that selfish agents offer their true cost parameters in the proposed transactive energy system. Therefore, optimal power flow (OPF) of the electrical grid is obtained in the proposed transactive energy system. In addition, real‐time locational marginal prices (LMPs) are also presented for demand‐side management (DSM). Hence, all levels of demands side can interact and communicate with generation side through real‐time LMPs. This characteristic is known as interoperability of transactive energy systems. However, in addition to all benefits of the proposed system, it has adverse impacts on the stability of the electrical grid. Here, to solve this challenge, a hierarchical and robust control system is proposed by using the Tsypkin–Polyak theorem to control stability and OPF simultaneously. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed system is validated by implementing it on a test electrical grid.
Mapping the 13CO/C18O abundance ratio in the massive star-forming region G29.96−0.02
Authors: Paron S. , Areal M. B. , Ortega M. E.
Published: July 2018

Aims. Estimating molecular abundances ratios from directly measuring the emission of the molecules toward a variety of interstellar environments is indeed very useful to advance our understanding of the chemical evolution of the Galaxy, and hence of the physical processes related to the chemistry. It is necessary to increase the sample of molecular clouds, located at different distances, in which the behavior of molecular abundance ratios, such as the 13CO/C18O ratio, is studied in detail.

Methods. We selected the well-studied high-mass star-forming region G29.96−0.02, located at a distance of about 6.2 kpc, which is an ideal laboratory to perform this type of study. To study the 13CO/C18O abundance ratio (X13∕18) toward this region, we used 12CO J = 3–2 data obtained from the CO High-Resolution Survey, 13CO and C18O J = 3–2 data from the 13CO/C18O (J = 3–2) Heterodyne Inner Milky Way Plane Survey, and 13CO and C18O J = 2–1 data retrieved from the CDS database that were observed with the IRAM 30 m telescope. The distribution of column densities and X13∕18 throughout the extension of the analyzed molecular cloud was studied based on local thermal equilibrium (LTE) and non-LTE methods.

Results. Values of X13∕18 between 1.5 and 10.5, with an average of about 5, were found throughout the studied region, showing that in addition to the dependency of X13∕18 and the galactocentric distance, the local physical conditions may strongly affect this abundance ratio. We found that correlating the X13∕18 map with the location of the ionized gas and dark clouds allows us to suggest in which regions the far-UV radiation stalls in dense gaseous components, and in which regions it escapes and selectively photodissociates the C18O isotope. The non-LTE analysis shows that the molecular gas has very different physical conditions, not only spatially throughout the cloud, but also along the line of sight. This type of study may represent a tool for indirectly estimating (from molecular line observations) the degree of photodissociation in molecular clouds, which is indeed useful to study the chemistry in the interstellar medium.
„Kritische Diskussion sollte mehr gefördert werden!“– Eine qualitative Auswertung der Lehrevaluation von Medizinstudierenden zur komplementärmedizinischen Lehre
Authors: Valentini Jan , Glassen Katharina , Eicher Christiane , Washington-Dorando Phoebe , Weinschenk Stefan , Musselmann Berthold , Steinhaeuser Jost , Joos Stefanie
Published: July 2018

Hintergrund In der deutschen Approbationsordnung für Ärzte sind Inhalte aus den Bereichen der Naturheilverfahren und Komplementärmedizin im Querschnittsbereich 12 „Rehabilitation, physikalische Medizin, Naturheilverfahren“ (QB12) curricular verankert. Diese werden an der Universität Heidelberg als Pflicht- und Prüfungsfach in Form von Vorlesungen und Praktika in Kleingruppen unterrichtet. In der vorliegenden Studie wurde die Evaluation von Medizinstudierenden im Bereich der Komplementärmedizin ausgewertet mit dem Ziel, Haltung, Lernbedürfnisse und Interessen von Studierenden in diesem Bereich zu explorieren.

Methoden Die Lehrveranstaltungen wurden von Beginn an im Rahmen der fakultätseigenen Lehrevaluation wissenschaftlich begleitet. Die Freitexte der Evaluationen zwischen dem Wintersemester 2011/2012 und dem Sommersemester 2013 wurden gesammelt und mittels qualitativer Inhaltsanalyse nach Mayring ausgewertet.

Ergebnisse Die Freitexte wurden in 3 deduktive Hauptkategorien (Haltung, Lernbedürfnisse und Interessen) und in weitere Subkategorien unterteilt. Als zentrales Thema fällt die Polarisierung unter den Medizinstudierenden im Hinblick auf Komplementärmedizin auf, die von regem Widerstand bis zu großer Begeisterung reicht. Auffällig häufig waren Kommentare, die erkennen ließen, dass Studierende eine hohe Erwartungshaltung in dem Sinne zeigen, dass sie von einem komplementärmedizinischen Thema oder einer Methode überzeugt werden wollen. Dies war insbesondere bei Lehrinhalten zu nicht medikamentösen Verfahren zu erkennen.

Diskussion Aus den Ergebnissen geht hervor, dass die theoretische Vermittlung komplementärmedizinischer Lehrinhalte kombiniert mit praktischen Erfahrungen „am eigenen Leib“ zur kritischen Reflexion und zur Entwicklung einer ganzheitlichen, patientenorientierten Haltung unter Medizinstudierenden beitragen kann. Diese Ergebnisse können als Grundlage für die Planung, Implementierung und Umsetzung komplementärmedizinischer Lehre an anderen universitären Standorten dienen.
Mechanische Schwingungstherapie in der Orthopädischen Rehabilitation
Authors: Grote Vincent , Böttcher Elke , Zahirovic Seada , Moser Maximilian , Puff Henry
Published: July 2018

Fragestellung Klinische Anwendungen von mechanischen Schwingungstherapien werden widersprüchlich diskutiert. Orthopädische Krankheitsbilder, wie Endoprothesen, gelten als Kontraindikation.

Material und Methoden Im Rahmen einer 3-wöchigen stationären Rehabilitation wurden 109 orthopädischen PatientInnen (61,4±8 Jahre) stratifiziert einer Versuchsgruppe zugeteilt: Schwingungstherapieliege (Tiktaalik), Überwassermassage (Hydrojet) und Scheinbehandlung (Placebo). Auswirkungen auf medizinische Ergebnisqualität und Herzfrequenzvariabilität wurden geprüft.

Ergebnisse Bei einer Therapiedauer von 12 Min lagen die selbst wählbaren Schwingungsfrequenzen der Therapieliege zwischen 11 und 15 Hz im Brustbereich (Vibrationsschwingung) und 3 bis sieben Hz im Beckenbereich (Lateralschwingung). 2 PatientInnen mussten die Schwingungstherapie vorzeitig abbrechen (Kopfschmerz, Schwindel). Als Folge der Mobilisierung durch die Rehabilitationsmaßnahmen kam es zu einer Zunahme der sympathikotonen Aktivierung. Es konnten Verbesserungen in Schmerzempfinden (VAS) und motorischer Funktion (Beweglichkeit, Muskelkraft) festgestellt werden. Eine Interaktion des Rehabilitationsverlauf mit den Versuchsgruppen wurde unmittelbar zu den Therapieeinheiten beobachtet: Die Beweglichkeit, Muskelkraft und Wachheit nahm in der Tiktaalik-Gruppe stärker zu. Dabei zeichnete sich mechanische Schwingungstherapie insbesondere durch eine stärkere parasympathische Aktivierung aus - es kam in der Nachruhephase zu einer signifikant stärkeren Entspannung.

Diskussion und Schlussfolgerung Die Studienergebnisse zeigen, dass eine mechanische Schwingungsbehandlung im Liegen eine Erweiterung des bestehenden Therapieangebots in der orthopädischen Rehabilitation darstellt.
Medikationspläne bei Krankenhausaufnahme – eine multizentrische Analyse unter Nutzung von Routinedaten einer gesetzlichen Krankenversicherung
Authors: Wilke Dominik , Schiek Susanne , Knoth Holger , Bertsche Thilo
Published: July 2018

Einleitung Veränderungen der Arzneimitteltherapie an intersektoralen Schnittstellen können zu klinisch relevanten arzneimittelbezogenen Problemen führen. Ziel dieser Studie war ein Vergleich der Kontinuität in der Arzneimittelverordnung von Patienten mit und ohne Medikationsplan (MP) bei Krankenhausaufnahme.

Methoden Nach Erhalt des Ethikvotums wurden in 6 Krankenhäusern in Sachsen von November 2011 bis Januar 2012 konsekutiv Patienten einer gesetzlichen Krankenversicherung (GKV) nach schriftlicher Einwilligung aufgenommen. Für Patienten mit und ohne MP bei Krankenhausaufnahme wurden diese Daten ausgewertet: (1) die am Tag der Krankenhausaufnahme vom Krankenhausarzt verordneten Arzneimittel aus der Patientenkurve, (2) die Arzneimittel des Krankenhausentlassungsbriefes. Diesen Daten wurden patientenbezogene ambulante Arzneimittelverordnungsdaten einer GKV für den Zeitraum 6 Monate vor und nach der stationären Therapie zugeordnet (Datenlinkage).

Ergebnisse Bei 173 (62 %) der 279 Studienteilnehmer lag ein MP bei Krankenhausaufnahme vor. Patienten mit MP hatten ein statistisch signifikant höheres Lebensalter, eine höhere Anzahl an Arzneimitteln und Diagnosen und wurden bei diesem Krankenhausaufenthalt seltener als Notfallbehandlung aufgenommen. Bei Krankenhausaufnahme weitergeführt wurden 53 % der Arzneimittel bei Patienten mit mitgebrachtem MP und 40 % bei Patienten ohne MP (p < 0,001). Bei Krankenhausentlassung wurden 66 % bzw. 64 % der Medikation fortgesetzt (n. s.). Am häufigsten wurde der mitgebrachte MP vom Hausarzt erstellt (38 %) und in 12 % vom Patienten selbst.

Diskussion Noch vor der gesetzlich vorgesehenen Einführung des MP besaßen bei Krankenhausaufnahme fast zwei Drittel der Patienten einen MP. Dieser war allerdings in vielen Fällen vom Patienten selbst erstellt worden. Das Vorliegen eines MP kann einen Einfluss auf die Kontinuität der Arzneimittelverordnung im Krankenhaus nehmen, jedoch nicht auf die Weiterverordnung bei Krankenhausentlassung.
Traumatisches Makulaforamen
Authors: Fiorentzis Miltiadis , Seitz Berthold , Viestenz Arne
Published: July 2018

Das traumatische Makulaforamen (TMF) ist eine seltene Komplikation nach Kontusionsverletzung oder offenem Bulbustrauma und kann zu permanentem Visusverlust führen. Der Pathomechanismus des TMF unterscheidet sich von demjenigen des idiopathischen Makulaforamens (IMF). Eine plötzliche Kompression und Expansion des Bulbus führt zu Glaskörpertraktionen, die in einem TMF resultieren können. Der finale Visus hängt vom Schweregrad der Disruption der Photorezeptoren und der retinalen Pigmentepithelzellen ab. Das posttraumatische Vorgehen wird kontrovers diskutiert. Ein spontaner Verschluss und ein konservatives Vorgehen sind bei jungen Patienten mit kleineren Defekten und gutem Visus ohne Anhebung des posterioren Glaskörpers abzuwägen. In diesen Fällen empfiehlt sich das Abwarten über Monate. Bei fehlender Adhäsion an den Rändern des Loches und begleitenden Pathologien des Pigmentepithels ist die Wahrscheinlichkeit einer spontanen Heilung gering. In diesem Fall kann eine Pars-plana-Vitrektomie mit Entfernung des Glaskörpers und der epiretinalen Membranen zur Wiederherstellung der Anatomie und zu einem Visusanstieg führen. Der Erfolg einer operativen Intervention ist multifaktoriell und ist mit der Erfahrung des Operateurs sowie mit den Charakteristika des Traumas assoziiert.
Sport- und physiotherapeutische Maßnahmen zur Behandlung der chronischen Graft-versus-Host-Krankheit
Authors: Kühl Rea , Meier Sebastian , Baeurle Melanie , Wolff Daniel , Greinix Hildegard , Lawitschka Anita , Halter Jörg , Bertz Hartmut , Hilgendorf Inken
Published: July 2018

Hintergrund Patienten mit chronischer Graft-versus-Host-Krankheit (cGvHD) nach allogener hämatopoetischer Stammzelltransplantation (alloSZT) leiden oft langfristig an reduzierter Leistungsfähigkeit und Bewegungseinschränkungen.

Methoden Durch die Arbeitsgruppe des German-Austrian-Swiss GvHD-Konsortium wurde in Kooperation mit Physiotherapeuten, Sportwissenschaftlern, Pädiatern, Pneumologen und Rehabilitationsmedizinern ein Konsens zur Bewegungstherapie der GvHD erarbeitet.

Ergebnisse Trotz regelmäßiger Anwendung physio- und sporttherapeutischer Maßnahmen in der Supportivtherapie der cGvHD, ist die Datenlage limitiert. Um die Qualität der Behandlung von cGvHD-Patienten durch die Etablierung einheitlicher Standards zu verbessern, wurde ein Konsens erarbeitet.

Diskussion und Schlussfolgerung Die Verbesserung der Leistungsfähigkeit und Lebensqualität von cGvHD-Patienten erfordert eine kontinuierliche Therapie und die Validierung der Konsensusempfehlungen.
Behandlungsmöglichkeiten bei Nichtanlagen der lateralen Inzisivi – eine Literaturübersicht
Authors: Feldner Josef , Jäger Karin
Published: July 2018

In der Kieferorthopädie ist man häufig mit Patienten mit Agenesien konfrontiert. Der obere seitliche Schneidezahn ist der am zweithäufigsten fehlende Zahn. Es gibt 3 Therapieoptionen, um den fehlenden Schneidezahn zu ersetzen. Dazu gehört der Lückenschluss mit Ersatz des seitlichen Schneidzahnes durch den Eckzahn und die Lückenöffnung mit implantat- oder zahngetragener Versorgung. Zahlreiche Faktoren wie bspw. die Malokklusion, das Ausmaß des Crowdings, das Profil, die Lachlinie und die Form und Farbe der Eckzähne, spielen eine entscheidende Rolle bei der Therapieentscheidung. Der vorliegende Artikel beschäftigt sich mit den Vorteilen und Nachteilen von kieferorthopädischem Lückenschluss und der Lückenöffnung.
Selective Substitution of POCl3 with Organometallic Reagents: Synthesis of Phosphinates and Phosphonates
Authors: Verbelen Bram , Dehaen Wim , Binnemans Koen
Published: July 2018

The selectivity of the substitution reaction of phosphoryl chloride with organometallic reagents was investigated using NMR spectroscopy. This led to the discovery that the selectivity of the substitution reaction can be tuned by choosing a proper organometallic reagent. A phosphinate could be obtained by using a Grignard reagent whereas an organozinc reagent provided a phosphonate. Based on these results, one-pot synthetic methods for the preparation of phosphinates and phosphonates using commercially available starting materials were developed. Both methods allow the synthesis of a broad range of either phosphinate or phosphonate derivatives in a straightforward and general procedure. Moreover, using these one-pot procedures, mixed systems substituted with different alkyl/aryl groups can be prepared.
Feasibility of Navigable Percutaneous Disk Decompressor (L'DISQ-C) for Cervical Disk Herniation
Authors: Hong Youngki , Yoo Seunghan , Kim Nack , Kim Yushin , Sohn Sangho , Yoon Sung-Young , Lee Sangheon
Published: July 2018

Objective To assess the procedural efficacy and safety of a Navigable Percutaneous Disk Decompressor (L'DISQ-C) for cervical disk herniation.

Methods We performed intradiskal decompression on cervical spine specimens from five human cadavers using the L'DISQ-C under C-arm fluoroscopic guidance. We evaluated our success for positioning the navigable wand tip into the target region and recorded temperature variation at various distances from the wand tip in the cervical nucleus pulposus. The histologic effect of plasma decompression was examined microscopically using harvested tissues adjacent to the procedure site.

Results We successfully navigated the tip of the L'DISQ-C into the target region of the posterior cervical disks on the first insertion attempt in all C3–C4 to C6–C7 disks and in 50% of the C2–C3 and C7–T1 disks. The average temperature elevations within the nucleus pulposus ranged from 4.14 ± 0.08°C to 12.17 ± 0.76°C at various distances from the wand tip with or without saline infusion. A histologic examination showed only minor denaturation at the marginal border of the procedure tract.

Conclusion We effectively navigated the L'DISQ-C wand tip into the posterior target region of six cadaveric cervical disks and performed percutaneous resection of the target disk tissues without significant thermal or structural damage to adjacent tissues.
Outcome Predictors of the Transforaminal Endoscopic Spine System Technique for Single-level Lumbar Disk Herniation
Authors: Wu Jinchun , Yu Bin , He Bin , Liu Gang , Ju Jidong , Zhu Jianguang
Published: July 2018

Background Endoscopic spine surgery has become increasingly popular. However, no study has researched the predictive factors for different outcomes. This study is the first to evaluate the outcome predictors of the transforaminal endoscopic spine system (TESSYS) technique for lumbar disk herniation (LDH).

Methods We performed a prospective study of 80 patients meeting the inclusion criteria who underwent TESSYS for LDH. Clinical outcomes were assessed by the visual analog scale (VAS), the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and the modified MacNab criteria. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate the outcome predictors.

Results There were 36 men and 44 women with a mean age of 48.76 ± 15.60 years (range: 24–78 years). The mean follow-up time was 25.15 ± 9.76 months (range: 12–48 months). The VAS and ODI scores at the last follow-up were significantly improved (p < 0.001). Based on the modified MacNab criteria, the global outcomes were excellent in 34 patients (42.5%), good in 26 patients (32.5%), fair in 11 patients (13.75%), and poor in 9 patients (11.25%). The percentage of symptomatic improvement was 88.75%, and the success rate (excellent or good) was 75%. In the univariate and multivariate analyses, LDH with older age (odds ratio [OR]: 6.621; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.632–20.846; p = 0.019), high-intensity zone (HIZ) (OR: 8.152; 95% CI, 0.827–4.380; p = 0.003), and larger disk herniation (OR: 6.819; 95% CI, 0.113–4.825; p = 0.017) were the most significant negative outcome predictors.

Conclusions TESSYS is an effective method to treat LDH. Older age, the existence of an HIZ, and a large disk herniation were the most important predictors for a worse outcome.
Primary Malignant Melanoma in the Pineal Region: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Kaech Denis , Woodtli Martin , Wendel Christopher
Published: July 2018

Background Primary pineal malignant melanoma is a rare type of primary central nervous system melanoma with only 19 cases reported in the literature.

Case Report We present a case of a 53-year-old man with primary melanoma of the pineal region. He presented to the emergency department with gait unsteadiness and ataxia. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a 22 × 17 × 22-mm mass in the pineal region. On MRI the tumor was hyperintense in T1, isointense in T2, and on T1-weighted images with gadolinium enhancement it appeared homogeneously hyperintense with hypointense spots. Our patient underwent subtotal tumor resection as well as radiotherapy. The 52-week MRI control showed no recurrence of the lesion.

After 62 weeks he developed gait ataxia and headaches and was admitted to the emergency department. Computed tomography revealed tumor bleeding and obstructive hydrocephalus.

An external ventricular drain was placed, but the bleeding progressed, and 7 days after admission, MRI showed bleeding in the thalamus and mesencephalon. With a dismal prognosis, therapy was discontinued. He died 65 weeks after diagnosis.

Methods We reviewed the available literature (PubMed) with 19 published cases of primary pineal malignant melanoma and evaluated the common symptoms at presentation, histopathologic features, radiologic findings, therapeutic regimens, and time of survival to provide the most up-to-date treatment.

Results The median age of patients with primary pineal malignant melanoma is 52 years (female-to-male ratio: 10:10 years); a common first sign is chronic hydrocephalus. On MRI the lesion presents hyperintense in T1 and hypo- to isointense in T2. Biopsy or resection and histopathologic analysis are the key to diagnosis. Common histopathologic features are melanic pigment (n = 19/20), positive Human Melanoma Black (HMB-45) marker (n = 13/20), positive S100 protein reactivity (n = 11/20), as well as positive Melan-A (n = 9/20). The median survival was > 56.5 weeks in patients treated with resection and radiation.

Conclusion Reconsidering the reported cases surgical treatment followed by radiation increases the length of survival.
Minimally Invasive Resection of Deep-seated High-grade Gliomas Using Tubular Retractors and Exoscopic Visualization
Authors: Iyer Rajiv , Chaichana Kaisorn
Published: July 2018

Background and Study Aims/Objective Deep-seated high-grade gliomas (HGGs) represent a unique surgical challenge because they reside deep to critical cortical and subcortical structures and infiltrate functional areas of the brain. Therefore, accessing and resecting these tumors can often be challenging and associated with significant morbidity. We describe the use of minimally invasive approaches to access deep-seated HGGs to achieve extensive resections while minimizing surgical morbidity.

Materials and Methods All patients who underwent resection of a deep-seated intraparenchymal HGG with the use of a tubular retractor with exoscopic visualization from January 2016 to May 2017 were identified prospectively at a single institution. Variables evaluated included tumor location, pre- and postoperative neurologic function, extent of resection, and length of hospital stay.

Results Overall, 14 patients underwent resection of an HGG (11 glioblastomas, 3 anaplastic astrocytomas) with a tubular retractor under exoscopic visualization. Seven tumors (50%) involved the thalamus, three (21%) the motor corticospinal tract, two (14%) the inferior frontal occipital fasciculus, one (7%) each the basal ganglia and optic pathway. The median preoperative Karnofsky Performance Score (KPS) was 70 (interquartile range: 55–80), where the major presenting symptom was motor weakness in seven (50%). The average plus or minus the standard error of the mean percentage resection was 97.0 ± 1.2%. The median hospital stay was 4 days (range: 2–7). At 1 month postoperatively, median postoperative KPS (within 30 days) was 87 (range: 77–90), where eight (57%) were improved, five (36%) were stable, and one (7%) was worse postoperatively.

Conclusions Deep-seated HGGs can be accessed, visualized, and resected using tubular retractors and exoscopic visualization with minimal morbidity.
In vivo Characteristics of Thaw Siphon Cryoprecipitate Compared to Other Factor VIII Preparations
Authors: Toolis F , McKay G , Prowse C V
Published: July 2018

5 severe haemophiliacs were infused with cryoprecipitate prepared by the continuous thaw-siphon technique, with cryoprecipitate prepared by overnight thawing and with intermediate-purity factor VIII concentrate. All 3 preparations gave a similar mean half-life for coagulant factor VIII of approximately 10 hours. The immediate recovery of this activity was similar for the 2 cryoprecipitates, but higher for the purified concentrate.
Inactivation of Human Factor VIII by Granulocyte Proteases
Authors: Váradi Katalin , Marossy Katalin , Asbóth G , Elödi P , Elödi Susan
Published: July 2018

The effect of human granulocyte proteases and related pancreatic enzymes on the procoagulant (VIII:C) and the von Willebrand (VIIIR:WF) activities of factor VIII was investigated. VIII:C appeared to be several hundred times more sensitive towards granulocyte enzymes than VIIIR: WF. The elastase-like protease (ELP) decreased both activities of factor VIII more effectively than the chymotrypsin-like enzyme (CLP). ELP increased co-operatively the inactivating effect of CLP. In the presence of a CLP-ELP mixture in a ratio of 3:1, the rate of inactivation of VIII:C was seven times as high as that with CLP alone.

Factor VIII was more resistant towards the damaging effect of pancreatic enzymes. The rate of inactivation of VIII: C was about a thousand times and that of VIIIR:WF about a hundred times lower than those measured with the related granulocyte enzymes of the same proteolytic activity. The sensitivity of VIII: C towards proteolysis was not as pronounced with pancreatic enzymes as with granulocyte proteases.

Our data suggest that, even though CLP and ELP are called "-like" enzymes, the specificity of granulocyte proteases is not identical with that of the pancreatic enzymes. The extreme sensitivity of VIII: C for granulocyte proteases may bring about blood coagulation disorders in certain pathological conditions.
Relationship of ADP-Induced Fibrinogen Binding to Platelet Shape Change and Aggregation Elucidated by Use of Colchicine and Cytochalasin B
Authors: Peerschke Ellinor I , Zucker Marjorie B
Published: July 2018

ADP causes human, aspirin-treated, gel-filtered platelets to change from their native discoid shape to spiny spheres with pseudopods, bind 125I-labeled fibrinogen, and aggregate if shaken with sufficient fibrinogen. After destruction of the added ADP with the enzyme apyrase, the platelets revert to a disc shape and lose much of their bound fibrinogen. Colchicine (208 μM or 83 μg/ml) added to ADP-treated platelets before apyrase prevented restoration of the discoid shape but not the loss of bound fibrinogen. It did not inhibit ADP-induced shape change, aggregation, or fibrinogen binding. Cytochalasin B (0.02–0.2 μM or 0.01–0.10 μg/ml) prevented ADP-induced shape change but not ADP-induced fibrinogen binding or aggregation. Thus, these findings support earlier studies with thrombasthenic and EDTA-treated platelets and with normal platelets at low pH, or in the presence of EDTA to indicate that fibrinogen binding is associated with aggregability but not with platelet shape.
The Determination of the Heparin Neutralising Capacity of Protamine Using Acridine Orange Fluorescence
Authors: Edwards Haydn E , Navaratnam Suppiah , Allen John C , Phillips Glyn O
Published: July 2018

A new method to estimate the heparin neutralising capacity of protamine has been investigated. The technique has been applied to two commercial heparin preparations tested against the W.H.O. 1st International Reference preparation of protamine.

The technique is based on the fluorescence of acridine orange dye and the selective binding of heparin with protamine. A titration procedure has been devised and the two variations of the assay are compared and evaluated. The titration is rapid, accurate and convenient.
Different Assessment of Plasmin with Different Substrates
Authors: Lämmle B , Duckert F , Bondeli Ch , Hänni L ,   with the technical assistance of
Published: July 2018

The alteration of human and porcine plasmin and the influence of EACA and AMCHA on their activity were investigated. Solutions of both plasmins undergo storage induced alteration, which is best recorded by Chromozym PL, whereas the other chromogenic substrates, S-2251 and S-2302, and casein are less sensitive, and the fibrin plate inadequate. Plasmin amidolytic and fibrinolytic activity is maximally enhanced at 7.6 × 10–3 M EACA and 6.4 × 10–4 M AMCHA, and decay through storage is reversed. The caseinolytic activity seems slightly inhibited at the same EACA and AMCHA concentrations.

Our results show:

1. The quotient: plasmin activity towards Chromozym PL/Activity towards S-2251 is a useful indicator of "plasmin quality". The quotient decreases markedly upon storage of plasmin solutions.

2. Plasmin stability is improved in the presence of AMCHA.

3. It is valueless to add EACA or AMCHA to inhibit plasmin in amidolytic assays since the chosen concentration enhances the amidolytic activity of already formed plasmin.
Anticoagulant and Antithrombotic Action of Novel Specific Inhibitors of Thrombin
Authors: Hauptmann J , Kaiser B , Markwardt F , Nowak G
Published: July 2018

A series of new specific inhibitors of thrombin, cyclic amides of Nα-arylsulfonyl-amidinophenylalanine, was studied for anticoagulant action in vitro and in vivo. The inhibitors showed strong anticoagulant effects in vitro. The time course of the anticoagulant effect of the inhibitors in rabbits and rats was monitored using plasma thrombin time determinations. In rats, the inhibitors prevented the formation of experimental venous thrombi and of thrombin-induced microthrombosis. The new derivatives of benz-amidine presented may be useful as immediately acting anticoagulants.
The Optical Detection of Platelets in Plasma
Authors: McCabe Vincent J , Clarke Noel
Published: July 2018

The attenuation of a light beam by a suspension of platelets in plasma was examined theoretically and experiments were performed to confirm this analysis. Interfering and modifying inputs were identified and their effects quantified. Recommendations for instrument design are made which minimise the effects of spurious inputs and enable platelet concentration in plasma to be estimated by simple optical methods. The most important recommendations are: (i) the use of light in the range 850–1000 nm so that water may be used instead of isologous platelet-free plasma as a blank and (ii) the emphasis on the need for the calibration of the system and the necessity for re-calibration if the optical system is disturbed or adjusted.
Thromboxane Generation in Patients with Essential Hypertension or Cerebrovascular Disease and Effect of Oral Aspirin
Authors: Matsumoto M , Nukada T , Uyama O , Yoneda S , Imaizumi M , Miyamoto T , Kayama N
Published: July 2018

The ability of platelets to synthesize thromboxane B2 (TxB2) from arachidonic acid (AA) or prostaglandin H2 (PGH2) was studied in 26 control subjects, 40 patients with essential hypertension, 20 patients with cerebrovascular disease (CVD) not taking aspirin and 11 patients with CVD taking aspirin. The activity of platelets to form TxB2 from AA or PGH2 was measured using 1 — 14C arachidonic acid or 1—14C PGH2 as a substrate. There was no significant difference in TxB2 generation from AA or PGH2 among the platelets collected from the control subjects, hypertensive patients and CVD patients not taking aspirin.

In CVD patients taking aspirin, marked suppression was observed in TxB2 synthesis from AA, but no suppression in TxB2 synthesis from PGH2. At least 750 mg aspirin per day were required for nearly complete suppression of TxB2 generation from AA.
Some Immunofluorescent Observations on Factor VIII/von Willebrand Factor in Dogs
Authors: Potter Elizabeth V , Shaughnessy Martha A , Green David
Published: July 2018

Factor VIII/von Willebrand factor (vWF) was sought by immunofluorescence in or on canine platelets and blood vessels. None was found on normal canine platelets and little was present in normal canine arteries, veins and capillaries compared with normal human blood vessels. However, free granules of vWF were scattered in platelet-rich canine plasma and occasional granules appeared on small clumps of platelets when ristocetin or collagen was added to the plasma. When the same platelets were suspended in human plasma and ristocetin or collagen was added, more clumps were formed and more vWF (human) was associated with these clumps. When thrombin was added to canine platelets in either canine or human serum, more solid, small clumps of platelets were formed and stained with the anti-vWF sera. When thrombin was added to canine platelets in either canine or human plasma, a single large clot was formed which stained brightly for vWF.
In Vitro Inhibition of Platelet Aggregation by Bile Salts
Authors: Baele G , Beke R , Barbier F
Published: July 2018

In a series of in vitro experiments, the influence of bile salts on platelet aggregation by ADP or by collagen and on serotonin-14C release by collagen, was studied.

Sodium salts of the following bile acids showed a clear inhibitory effect: glycochenodeoxycholic acid, taurochenodeoxycholic acid, glycocholic acid, taurocholic acid and cholic acid. Lowering the pH of the platelet-rich plasma resulted in decreased platelet aggregation by ADP and by collagen. Bile salts further enhanced the inhibitory effect of pH change. In contrast the sodium salt of chenodeoxycholic acid was the sole aggregation inducing bile salt we studied. Relating the above studies to the clinical situation of upper gastroduodenal mucosal haemorrhage, we suggest that biliary reflux as well as the acidic environment may contribute to a poor haemostatic response by impaired platelet aggregation in the upper gastrointestinal tract of otherwise normal human subjects.
A Comparison of the in Vitro and in Vivo Thrombogenic Activity of Factor IX Concentrates Using Stasis (Wessler) and Non-Stasis Rabbit Models
Authors: Prowse C V , Williams A E
Published: July 2018

The thrombogenic effects of selected factor IX concentrates were evaluated in two rabbit models; the Wessler stasis model and a novel non-stasis model. Concentrates active in either the NAPTT or TGt50
in vitro tests of potential thrombogenicity, or both, caused thrombus formation in the Wessler technique and activation of the coagulation system in the non-stasis model. A concentrate with low activity in both in vitro tests did not have thrombogenic effects in vivo, at the chosen dose. Results in the non-stasis model suggested that the thrombogenic effects of factor IX concentrates may occur by at least two mechanisms. A concentrate prepared from platelet-rich plasma and a pyrogenic concentrate were also tested and found to have no thrombogenic effect in vivo.

These studies justify the use of the NAPTT and TGt50
in vitro tests for the screening of factor IX concentrates prior to clinical use.
Fibrin Assembly: A Comparison of Electron Microscopic and Light Scattering Results
Authors: Hantgan Roy , Fowler Walter , Erickson Harold , Hermans Jan
Published: July 2018

To test the validity of a proposed two step fibrin assembly mechanism and directly visualize the molecular species present at various stages of fibrin formation, we have carried out an electron microscopic investigation. Assembly conditions duplicated those of a recent light scattering study and specimens were prepared at different time points with the use of a negative staining technique recently employed to visualize the trinodular structure of fibrinogen. Under near-physiological buffer conditions, protofibrils structurally similar to those postulated by Ferry have been found at early stages of fibrin assembly. In parallel with the light scattering results, a dramatic increase in fiber diameter was found in specimens prepared during the postulated lateral association stage of gelation. Light scattering and electron microscopic results both showed that high ionic strength reduces the rate and extent of fiber formation. Reptilase cleavage is shown to result in typical cross striated fibrin.
Monitoring of Oral Anticoagulation by an Amidolytic Factor X Assay
Authors: Lämmle B , Bounameaux H , Marbet G A , Eichlisberger R , Duckert F
Published: July 2018

The validity of the amidolytic Factor X assay for the control of long term oral anticoagulation (OA) was investigated in 42 patients randomized into 2 groups; PT group (anticoagulant dosage according to PT) and F. X group (anticoagulant dosage based on F. X). An independent expert's dosage according to F. X served for analysis in the former group. In the F. X group the F. X based dosage was considered valid only when not differing by more than 15% from the expert's PT based dosage.

Confirming the good correlation between PT and F. X the study further demonstrates that the changes from one control to the next one, ΔPT and ΔF. X, too, are significantly correlated (r = 0.58, p & 0.001, n = 217). In over one third of the periods the dosage proposals based on PT and F. X were identical and differed by more than 15% in only 12/217 instances.

Our results justify a large trial on the control of OA by the amidolytic F. X assay.
Studies on the Activation Mechanism of Fibrinolytic Enzyme System in Plasma by Human Pancreatic Elastase
Authors: Toki N , Takasugi S , Ishizu K , Sato H , Sumi H
Published: July 2018

In the present study, the activation mechanism of fibrinolytic enzyme system in plasma by human pancreatic elastase was investigated. It was confirmed that human pancreatic elastase not only converted the co-existing plasminogen to low molecular weight-plasminogen which could be easily activated by the activator, but also inhibited α2-macroglobulin and α2-plasmin inhibitor which are antiactivators or fast reacting antiplasmins, and consequently, induced the activation of the fibrinolytic enzyme system in plasma.
Low Molecular Weight Trypsin-Plasmin Inhibitors Isolated from Papain Treated Urinary Trypsin Inhibitor
Authors: Sumi H , Toki N , Takasugi S , Maehara S , Maruyama M , Akazawa K , Matsuo O , Mihara H
Published: July 2018

Papain treatment of human urinary trypsin inhibitor (UTI67; mol. wt. 43,000 by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, specific activity 1,897 U/mg protein) produced four new protease inhibitors, which were highly purified by gel chromatography on Sephadex G-100 and isoelectric focusing. The purified inhibitors (UTI26, UTI9-I, UTI9-II, and UTI9-III) were shown to be homogeneous by polyacrylamide disc gel electrophoresis, and had apparent molecular weights of 26,000, 9,000, 9,000, and 9,800, respectively, by sodium dodecyl sulfate gel electrophoresis. During enzymatic degradation of UTI67, the amino acid compositions changed to more basic, and the isoelectric point increased from pH 2.0 (UTI67) to pHs 4.4, 5.2, 6.6, and 8.3 (UTI26, UTI9-I, UTI9-II, and UTI9-III), respectively. Both the parent and degraded inhibitors had anti-plasmin activity as well as antitrypsin and anti-chymotrypsin activities. Much higher anti-plasmin/anti-trypsin and anti-plasmin/anti-chymotrypsin activities were observed in the degraded inhibitors than in the parent UTI67. They competitively inhibited human plasmin with Ki values of 1.13 X 10-7 - 2.12 X 10-6 M (H-D-Val-Leu-Lys-pNA substrate). The reactions were very fast and the active site of the inhibitors to plasmin was thought to be different from that to trypsin or chymotrypsin.