bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Representation of Multidecadal Sahel Rainfall Variability in 20th Century Reanalyses
Authors: Berntell Ellen , Zhang Qiong , Chafik Léon , Körnich Heiner
Published: July 2018

Summer rainfall in the Sahel region has exhibited strong multidecadal variability during the 20th century causing dramatic human and socio-economic impacts. Studies have suggested that the variability is linked to the Atlantic multidecadal variability; a spatially persistent pattern of warm/cold sea surface temperatures in the North Atlantic. In the last few years, several promising century-long reanalysis datasets have been made available, opening up for further studies into the dynamics inducing the observed low-frequency rainfall variability in Sahel. We find that although three of the 20th century ECMWF reanalyses show clear multidecadal rainfall variability with extended wet and dry periods, the timing of the multidecadal variability in two of these reanalyses is found to exhibit almost anti-phase features for a large part of the 20th century when compared to observations. The best representation of the multidecadal rainfall variability is found in the ECMWF reanalysis that, unlike the other reanalyses (including NOAA’s 20th century), do not assimilate any observations and may well be a critical reason for this mismatch, as discussed herein. This reanalysis, namely ERA-20CM, is thus recommended for future studies on the dynamics driving the multidecadal rainfall variability in Sahel and its linkages to the low-frequency North Atlantic oceanic temperatures.
Stable symmetry-protected 3D embedded solitons in Bose–Einstein condensates
Authors: Delgado V. , Muñoz Mateo A.
Published: July 2018

Embedded solitons are rare self-localized nonlinear structures that, counterintuitively, survive inside a continuous background of resonant states. While this topic has been widely studied in nonlinear optics, it has received almost no attention in the field of Bose–Einstein condensation. In this work, we consider experimentally realizable Bose–Einstein condensates loaded in one-dimensional optical lattices and demonstrate that they support continuous families of stable three-dimensional (3D) embedded solitons. These solitons can exist inside the resonant continuous Bloch bands because they are protected by symmetry. The analysis of the Bogoliubov excitation spectrum as well as the long-term evolution after random perturbations proves the robustness of these nonlinear structures against any weak perturbation. This may open up a way for the experimental realization of stable 3D matter-wave embedded solitons as well as for monitoring the gap-soliton to embedded-soliton transition.
Preparation of Macrometallocycle and Selective Sensor for Copper Ion
Authors: Liu Yingjie , Zhao Zhixiang , Liu Qingxiang
Published: July 2018

Two bis-imidazolium salts 1,8-bis[2’-(N-R-imidazoliumyl)acetylamino]naphthalene chloride (L1H4·Cl2: R = Et; L2H4·Cl2: R = nBu), as well as their four NHC metal complexes [L1H2Ag]Cl (1), [L1Ni] (2), [L2Ni] (3) and [L1H2Hg(HgCl4)] (4) have been synthesized. In each of the cationic moieties of complexes 1 or 4, there is a groove-like 14-membered macrometallocycle, and each macrometallocycle is consisted of one biscarbene ligand L1H2and one metal ion (silver(I) ion for 1 and mercury(II) ion for 4). Three 6-membered cycles are contained in each molecule of complexes 2 or 3. Additionally, the selective recognition of macrometallocycle 1 for Cu2+was studied with the methods of fluorescence and ultraviolet spectroscopy,1H NMR titrations, MS and IR spectra. The experimental results display macrometallocycle 1 can discriminate Cu2+from other cations effectively.
Automated flow cytometric identification of disease-specific cells by the ECLIPSE algorithm
Authors: Folcarelli Rita , van Staveren Selma , Bouman Roel , Hilvering Bart , Tinnevelt Gerjen H. , Postma Geert , van den Brink Oscar F. , Buydens Lutgarde M. C. , Vrisekoop Nienke , Koenderman Leo , Jansen Jeroen J.
Published: July 2018

Multicolor Flow Cytometry (MFC)-based gating allows the selection of cellular (pheno)types based on their unique marker expression. Current manual gating practice is highly subjective and may remove relevant information to preclude discovery of cell populations with specific co-expression of multiple markers. Only multivariate approaches can extract such aspects of cell variability from multi-dimensional MFC data. We describe the novel method ECLIPSE (Elimination of Cells Lying in Patterns Similar to Endogeneity) to identify and characterize aberrant cells present in individuals out of homeostasis. ECLIPSE combines dimensionality reduction by Simultaneous Component Analysis with Kernel Density Estimates. A Difference between Densities (DbD) is used to eliminate cells in responder samples that overlap in marker expression with cells of controls. Thereby, subsequent data analyses focus on the immune response-specific cells, leading to more informative and focused models. To prove the power of ECLIPSE, we applied the method to study two distinct datasets: the in vivo neutrophil response induced by systemic endotoxin challenge and in studying the heterogeneous immune-response of asthmatics. ECLIPSE described the well-characterized common response in the LPS challenge insightfully, while identifying slight differences between responders. Also, ECLIPSE enabled characterization of the immune response associated to asthma, where the co-expressions between all markers were used to stratify patients according to disease-specific cell profiles.
Discrimination of histopathologic types of childhood peripheral neuroblastic tumors based on clinical and biological factors
Authors: Yang Shen , Cai Siyu , Ma Xiaoli , Zeng Qi , Qin Hong , Han Wei , Peng Xiaoxia , Wang Huanmin
Published: July 2018

The aim of this study was to discriminate the children malignant peripheral neuroblastic tumors (PNTs) from those with benign histotype ganglioneuroma (GN) based on clinical and biological characteristics in all PNTs. Four hundred and seventy-six patients were included in this study, containing 345 patients for model development and 131 patients for external validation. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to select potentially useful characteristics for discrimination of histopathology. External validation was performed for model evaluation. Compared with the main characteristics of GN (85/345, 24.6%), those of malignant PNTs (260/345, 75.4%) showed significant differences. Multivariate analysis was performed to further find the characteristics linked to histopathology. The results indicated that for the patients younger than 49 months, the primary site of adrenal and thoracic, the level of serum neuron-specific enolase (NSE) > 33 ng/mL, and tumor encasing blood vessels were the extremely important discrimination factors of malignant PNTs. The area under the receiver-operating-characteristic of the discrimination model was 0.96. The accuracy rate, sensitivity and specificity were 93.4%, 96.3% and 83.8%, respectively. Meanwhile, the accuracy rate of the external validation from the 131 patients was 97.0%. Overall, histopathologic type of childhood malignant PNTs can be discriminated based on age, primary site, NSE level and the relationship between primary tumor and blood vessels.
A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial to Explore Cognitive and Emotional Effects of Probiotics in Fibromyalgia
Authors: Roman Pablo , Estévez Angeles F. , Miras Alonso , Sánchez-Labraca Nuria , Cañadas Fernando , Vivas Ana B. , Cardona Diana
Published: July 2018

It has recently been found that microbes in the gut may regulate brain processes through the gut microbiota–brain axis, which modulates affection, motivation and higher cognitive functions. According to this finding, the use of probiotics may be a potential treatment to improve physical, psychological and cognitive status in clinical populations with altered microbiota balance such as those with fibromyalgia (FMS). Thus, the aim of the present pilot study with a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised design was to test whether a multispecies probiotic may improve cognition, emotional symptoms and functional state in a sample of patients diagnosed with FMS. Pain, impact of FMS, quality of life, anxiety and depressive symptoms were measured during the pre- and post-intervention phases; participants also completed two computerised cognitive tasks to assess impulsive choice and decision-making. Finally, urinary cortisol concentration was determined. To our knowledge, this is the first study that explore the effect of a multispecies probiotic in FMS patients. Our results indicated that probiotics improved impulsivity and decision-making in these patients. However, more research is needed to further explore the potential effects of probiotics on other cognitive functions affected in FMS as well as in other clinical populations.
Enhanced photocatalytic conversion and selectivity of nitrate reduction to nitrogen over AgCl/TiO2 nanotubes
Authors: Geng Zhi , Chen Zhiting , Li Zhaoyang , Qi Xin , Yang Xia , Fan Wei , Guo Yingna , Zhang Leilei , Huo Mingxin
Published: July 2018

AgCl/TiO2 nanotubes were synthesized and the mechanism of enhanced denitrification and selectivity to N2 was revealed.
Synthesis, characterization and third-order nonlinear optical properties of a dodecaruthenium organometallic dendrimer with a zinc(ii) tetraphenylporphyrin core
Authors: Merhi Areej , Grelaud Guillaume , Morshedi Mahbod , Abid Seyfallah , Green Katy A. , Barlow Adam , Groizard Thomas , Kahlal Samia , Halet Jean-François , Ngo Hoang Minh , Ledoux Isabelle , Cifuentes Marie P. , Humphrey Mark G. , Paul Frédéric , Paul-Roth Christine O.
Published: July 2018

Cubic NLO properties have been determined for two porphyrin-based polymetallic star-shaped architectures.
Selenium-enriched yeast inhibited β-amyloid production and modulated autophagy in a triple transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Song Guo-Li , Chen Chen , Wu Qiu-Yan , Zhang Zhong-Hao , Zheng Rui , Chen Yao , Jia Shi-Zheng , Ni Jia-Zuan
Published: July 2018

Se-yeast reduced the burden of Aβ accumulation by both decreased the generation and inhibited the initiation of autophagy pathway, enhanced autophagic clearance of Aβ in the brains of AD mice.
Vanadocene dichloride inhibits cell proliferation by targeting Aurora B
Authors: Ting Tzu-Chia , Chang Meng-Ya , Hsu Tzu-Yen , Wang Wen-Pin , Hsieh Yi-Jen , Chang Chih-Jui
Published: July 2018

Vanadocene dichloride induces chromosome misalignment by inhibiting Aurora B activity.
Disentangling size effects and spectral inhomogeneity in carbon nanodots by ultrafast dynamical hole-burning
Authors: Sciortino Alice , Gazzetto Michela , Buscarino Gianpiero , Popescu Radian , Schneider Reinhard , Giammona Gaetano , Gerthsen Dagmar , Rohwer Egmont J. , Mauro Nicolò , Feurer Thomas , Cannizzo Andrea , Messina Fabrizio
Published: July 2018

Femtosecond hole burning reveals the electronic structure and explains the fluorescence tunability of carbon dot.
Assembly of thiacalix[4]arene-supported high-nuclearity Cd24 cluster with enhanced photocatalytic activity
Authors: Shi Cheng , Zhang Min , Hang Xinxin , Bi Yanfeng , Huang Liangliang , Zhou Kun , Xu Zhenhe , Zheng Zhiping
Published: July 2018

A high-nuclearity Cd24 cluster built from Cd4-thiacalix[4]arene SBUs and in situ generated peroxyphosphate PO53− exhibited significant photocatalytic water splitting activity in absence of a co-catalyst.
Open-air spray plasma deposited UV-absorbing nanocomposite coatings
Authors: Ding Yichuan , Dong Siming , Hilt Florian , Dauskardt Reinhold H.
Published: July 2018

Mechanically robust UV-absorbing nanocomposite coatings with good nanoparticle uniformity and dispersity were deposited using a versatile dual-source deposition method.
Bicontinuous and cellular structure design of PVDF membranes by using binary solvents for the membrane distillation process
Authors: Wang Ziyi , Tang Yuanyuan , Li Baoan
Published: July 2018

The membrane with bicontinuous structure rather than cellular structure was identified as the potential structure for MD processes with much higher tensile strength, narrower pore size distribution, higher MD flux and more excellent long-term performance.
Intra- and intermolecular interaction of anthracene moieties in 7,8-disilabicyclo[3.3.0]octadienyl-bridged bisanthracenes
Authors: Tokoro Yuichiro , Ohtsuka Nobuhiko , Fukuzawa Shin-ichi , Oyama Toshiyuki
Published: July 2018

V-shaped 9-anthrylarylsilane dimers prepared through ruthenium-catalyzed C–H cleavage showed excimer emission and bathochromic shifts by promoted contact of π-orbitals.
Correction: Global diabatic potential energy surfaces for the BeH2+ system and dynamics studies on the Be+(2P) + H2(X1Σg+) → BeH+(X1Σ+) + H(2S) reaction
Authors: Yang Zijiang , Yuan Jiuchuang , Wang Shufen , Chen Maodu
Published: July 2018

Correction for ‘Global diabatic potential energy surfaces for the BeH2+ system and dynamics studies on the Be+(2P) + H2(X1Σg+) → BeH+(X1Σ+) + H(2S) reaction’ by Zijiang Yang et al., RSC Adv., 2018, 8, 22823–22834.
Enhancement of triplet-sensitized upconversion in rigid polymers via singlet exciton sink approach
Authors: Raišys Steponas , Juršėnas Saulius , Simon Yoan C. , Weder Christoph , Kazlauskas Karolis
Published: July 2018

Quenching of emitter singlets by the sensitizer limits the efficiency of sensitized upconversion, unless an emissive exciton sink is employed.
Dipolar exchange quantum logic gate with polar molecules
Authors: Ni Kang-Kuen , Rosenband Till , Grimes David D.
Published: July 2018

Proposed molecular quantum gate takes advantage of internal coherence and resonant electric dipolar interaction with high fidelity and optical scalability.
Anoxic ecosystems and early eukaryotes
Authors: Porter Susannah M. , Agić Heda , Riedman Leigh Anne
Published: July 2018

Through much of the Proterozoic Eon (2.5–0.54 billion years ago, Ga), oceans were dominantly anoxic. It is often assumed that this put a brake on early eukaryote diversification because eukaryotes lived only in oxygenated habitats, which were restricted to surface waters and benthic environments near cyanobacterial mats. Studies of extant microbial eukaryotes show, however, that they are diverse and abundant in anoxic (including sulfidic) environments, often through partnerships with endo- and ectosymbiotic bacteria and archaea. Though the last common ancestor of extant eukaryotes was capable of aerobic respiration, we propose that at least some, and perhaps many, early eukaryotes were adapted to anoxic settings, and outline a way to test this with the microfossil and redox-proxy record in Proterozoic shales. This hypothesis might explain the mismatch between the record of eukaryotic body fossils, which extends back to >1.6 Ga, and the record of sterane biomarkers, which become diverse and abundant only after 659 Ma, as modern eukaryotes adapted to anoxic habitats do not make sterols (sterane precursors). In addition, an anoxic habitat might make sense for several long-ranging (>800 million years) and globally widespread eukaryotic taxa, which disappear in the late Neoproterozoic around the time oxic environments are thought to have become more widespread.
Research progress on space charge measurement and space charge characteristics of nanodielectrics
Authors: Wang Ya‐Ni , Wang Ya‐Lin , Wu Jian‐Dong , Yin Yi
Published: July 2018

Since the proposal of the notion of nanodielectric, the space charge characteristics of nanodielectrics have been widely investigated. With the addition of nanoparticles, some nanodielectrics exhibit smaller space charge accumulation amount during the polarisation, and also faster charge decay during the depolarisation, which is believed to be related to the interfacial layer between the nanoparticle and the base material. In this study, the space charge measurement methods, theoretical models, and experimental results are reviewed in detail. Space charge measurement methods have been greatly improved after more than 20 years development. The nature of the interfacial layer between the nanoparticle and the base material has been investigated in detail, and based on that, several models are proposed to explain some electrical experimental results of nanodielectrics. Furthermore, the parameters of nanoparticle (such as the type, size, amount, shape, and the surface modification), the experimental conditions, and the base material properties can strongly affect the space charge characteristics of nanodielectrics. This study will provide useful research results and conclusions for researchers, and may also be an overview for recent study and an outlook for future investigation on space charge characteristics of nanodielectrics.
Hierarchical parameter estimation of GRN based on topological analysis
Authors: Zhang Wei , Zhang Feng , Zhang Jianming , Wang Ning
Published: July 2018

Reverse engineering of gene regulatory network (GRN) is an important and challenging task in systems biology. Existing parameter estimation approaches that compute model parameters with the same importance are usually computationally expensive or infeasible, especially in dealing with complex biological networks.In order to improve the efficiency of computational modeling, the paper applies a hierarchical estimation methodology in computational modeling of GRN based on topological analysis. This paper divides nodes in a network into various priority levels using the graph‐based measure and genetic algorithm. The nodes in the first level, that correspond to root strongly connected components(SCC) in the digraph of GRN, are given top priority in parameter estimation. The estimated parameters of vertices in the previous priority level ARE used to infer the parameters for nodes in the next priority level. The proposed hierarchical estimation methodology obtains lower error indexes while consuming less computational resources compared with single estimation methodology. Experimental outcomes with insilico networks and a realistic network show that gene networks are decomposed into no more than four levels, which is consistent with the properties of inherent modularity for GRN. In addition, the proposed hierarchical parameter estimation achieves a balance between computational efficiency and accuracy.
Core–shell‐type polymer–lipid nanoparticles for the transdermal delivery of daidzein
Authors: Wusiman Zaitongguli , Sun Liang , Zuo Tiantian , Yin Yunzhi , Yang Xiaoming , Shen Qi
Published: July 2018

Daidzein (DZ) is an ideal Chinese herb for treating cardiocerebrovascular disease. Despite its poor water solubility and limited application, DZ was successfully loaded, along with penetration enhancer azone, onto core–shell‐type polymer–lipid nanoparticles through a two‐step preparation method. The mean particle diameter, encapsulation efficiency, and drug‐loading rate of DZ–polymer‐azone–lipid nanoparticles (D‐P‐Azone‐LNs) were 77.59 ± 2.26 nm, 79.91% ± 1.46%, and 1.50% ± 0.02%, respectively. In skin penetration experiment, the cumulative amount of DZ from D‐P‐Azone‐LN reached 14.91 μg·cm−2 at 72 h. This amount was 1.44 and 6.01 times higher than those of DZ–polymer–lipid nanoparticles (D‐P‐LNs) and DZ solution, respectively. Confocal laser scanning microscopy was used to conduct a qualitative analysis. In vivo study, D‐P‐Azone‐LN achieved better skin retention than those of D‐P‐LN and DZ. Furthermore, no significant irritation was observed in the skin irritation experiment. These results suggested that the core–shell polymer–lipid nanoparticles, which combined the properties of polymer and lipid nanoparticles, can offer a useful formulation for enhancing the skin permeation of drug for transdermal delivery.
Densities, infrared band strengths, and optical constants of solid methanol
Authors: Luna Ramón , Molpeceres Germán , Ortigoso Juan , Satorre Miguel Angel , Domingo Manuel , Maté Belén
Published: July 2018

Contact. The increasing capabilities of space missions like the James Webb Space Telescope or ground-based observatories like the European Extremely Large Telescope demand high quality laboratory data of species in astrophysical conditions for the interpretation of their findings.

Aims. We provide new physical and spectroscopic data of solid methanol that will help to identify this species in astronomical environments.

Methods. Ices were grown by vapour deposition in high vacuum chambers. Densities were measured via a cryogenic quartz crystal microbalance and laser interferometry. Absorbance infrared spectra of methanol ices of different thickness were recorded to obtain optical constants using an iterative minimization procedure. Infrared band strengths were determined from infrared spectra and ice densities.

Results. Solid methanol densities measured at eight temperatures vary between 0.64 g cm−3 at 20 K and 0.84 g cm−3 at 130 K. The visible refractive index at 633 nm grows from 1.26 to 1.35 in that temperature range. New infrared optical constants and band strengths are given from 650 to 5000 cm−1 (15.4–2.0 μm) at the same eight temperatures. The study was made on ices directly grown at the indicated temperatures, and amorphous and crystalline phases have been recognized. Our optical constants differ from those previously reported in the literature for an ice grown at 10 K and subsequently warmed. The disagreement is due to different ice morphologies. The new infrared band strengths agree with previous literature data when the correct densities are considered.
Gap difference in navigated TKA: a measure of the imbalanced flexion-extension gap
Authors: Chia Zi-Yang , Pang Hee-Nee , Tan Mann-Hong , Yeo Seng-Jin
Published: July 2018

Introduction: The success of Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) hinges on balanced flexion-extension gaps. This paper aims to evaluate the correlation between imbalanced gaps and clinical outcomes, and hence help quantify the imbalanced gap in navigation-assisted total knee arthroplasty.

Methods: We studied 195 knees with an average follow-up of two years. Flexion-extension gaps were obtained from computer calculation upon cementation of implants in both flexion (90°) and extension. The gap difference (GD) was defined as the measured difference between the gaps in flexion and extension.

Results: At 2 years after surgery, the mean ROM in the balanced group, with GD less than or equal to 2 mm, was 115.1° ± 16.6° and the mean ROM in the imbalanced group was 116.7° ± 12.1°. This was not statistically significant withp-value 0.589. Balanced flexion-extension gaps also did not show significant difference in terms of mechanical alignment, with 0.29 ± 0.89 in the balanced group at 2 years, and 0.65 ± 1.51 in the imbalanced group withp-value 0.123. Balanced gaps however, were associated with improved outcomes in terms of physical functioning, bodily pain, social functioning, Oxford and Knee scores at 6 months and improved social functioning scores at 2 years.

Conclusions: Computer navigation is a useful tool for assessing the gap balance in TKA. Balanced flexion-extension gaps, with gap differences of less than or equal to 2 mm, is associated with improved clinical outcomes at 6 months.
Tai-Chi und moderates aerobes Training vermindern die Symptome von Fibromyalgie-Patienten
Authors: Ammer K.
Published: July 2018

Referat zur Arbeit von Wang C, Schmid CH, Fielding RA, Harvey WF, Kieran F Reid KF, Price LL, Driban JB, Kalish R, Rones R, McAlindon T. Effect of tai chi versus aerobic exercise for fibromyalgia: comparative effectiveness randomized controlled trial. BMJ 2018; 360: k851
Messung der muskulären Beanspruchung mithilfe der Oberflächen-Elektromyographie bei verschiedenen PC Eingabegeräten – Vorstellung des Studiendesigns der Pilotstudie
Authors: Nisser Maria , Derlien Steffen , Smolenski Ulrich , Best Norman
Published: July 2018

Fragestellung Trotz ergonomischer Arbeitsmittel sind berufsbedingte muskuloskeletale Erkrankungen die häufigste Ursache für Arbeitsunfähigkeit. Anhand des Oberflächen-EMGs kann muskuläre Beanspruchung über Amplitudenwerte ermittelt werden. Um einen Teil der Arbeitsausfälle zu verhindern, stellt sich die Frage, ob sich die muskuläre Beanspruchung bei der Nutzung verschiedener PC-Eingabegeräte voneinander unterscheidet?

Material und Methodik Es werden unterschiedliche PC-Eingabegeräte getestet, mit denen Probanden verschiedene Textverarbeitungsaufgaben ausführen müssen. Die Amplitude des OEMGs wird am M. extensor digitorum und am M. trapezius descendens gemessen. Zudem werden die Winkelgrade des Handgelenks von Supination und Extension über einen Goniometer erfasst.

Zielstellung Es soll überprüft werden, ob ergonomische PC-Mäuse gegenüber gewöhnlichen PC Eingabegeräten geringere muskuläre Beanspruchung verursachen. Zudem soll durch den Einbezug der Sitzhaltung sowie der Handgelenksposition eine Einteilung der Arbeitsbeanspruchung vorgenommen werden.
Nichtanlage unterer Prämolaren: Lückenschluss von distal mit konventioneller Klasse II Mechanik – Zwei Fallberichte
Authors: Schepp Niko
Published: July 2018

Zwei Fallberichte beschreiben den asymmetrischen Lückenschluss durch Mesialisation der unteren Prämolaren mit konventioneller Klasse-II-Mechanik bei Patienten mit Nichtanlagen der zweiten unteren Prämolaren. Die Fälle zeigen, dass gute Patientenmitarbeit aufwändige Behandlungstechniken ersetzen kann.
Piezocisionen mit simultanen Augmentationen zur Unterstützung der Engstandauflösung in der Unterkieferfront – Fallbericht
Authors: Harrer-Bantleon Elisabeth , Jakse Norbert , Bantleon Hans-Peter
Published: July 2018

Anhand von 2 Patientenfällen wird die erfolgreiche chirurgische Unterstützung der kieferorthopädischen Engstandauflösung mittels Piezocisionen und simultaner Augmentationen demonstriert. Dabei sollen die interradikulären Osteotomien die Engstandauflösung erleichtern bzw. beschleunigen und die Augmentationen das Risiko von Rezessionen reduzieren. Trotz einer Ausgangssituation mit sehr schmalem Alveolarfortsatz und ausgeprägter kieferorthopädischer Protrusionsbewegung konnte in beiden Fällen nach Abschluss der Behandlung sowohl klinisch als auch radiologisch im Bereich der Unterkieferfront eine stabile parodontale Situation ohne Zeichen für Rezessionsbildung festgestellt werden.
Selective application of fully covered biliary stents and narrow-diameter esophageal stents for proximal esophageal indications
Authors: Pang Maoyin , Bartel Michael , Clayton Donnesha , Brahmbhatt Bhaumik , Woodward Timothy
Published: July 2018

Background Proximal esophageal stents are poorly tolerated and have a high risk of complications. We report our experience using fully covered, biliary, self-expandable metal stents (B-SEMS) and narrow-diameter, esophageal, self-expandable metal stents (NDE-SEMS) for this group of patients.

Methods 24 patients underwent placement of B-SEMS or NDE-SEMS for proximal esophageal lesions between 1 January 2011 and 31 July 2016. The outcomes included improvement of dysphagia, healing of fistulas, and adverse events.

Results 10 patients received B-SEMS and 14 had NDE-SEMS. Median follow-up time was 11.5 months (range 0.5 – 62 months). In both cohorts, stents were left in place for a mean of 6 weeks. The dysphagia score decreased in 7 (70 %) and 10 (71.4 %) patients, and fistulas resolved in 3/5 (60.0 %) and 5/8 (62.5 %) patients with B-SEMS and NDE-SEMS, respectively. Stent migration occurred in three patients (30.0 %) with B-SEMS and five patients (35.7 %) with NDE-SEMS.

Conclusions Both stents were well tolerated and resulted in overall improvement of dysphagia in 70.8 % of patients. B-SEMS appeared to be more favorable for cervical esophageal lesions with narrower diameters, while NDE-SEMS may be better for more distal lesions.
Die Stimulation von Vorläuferzellen des Gefäßendothels zeigt keinen zum Laufbandtraining zusätzlichen Effekt auf die 6-Minuten Gehstrecke
Authors: Ammer K.
Published: July 2018

Referat zur Arbeit von McDermott MM, Ferrucci L, Tian L, Guralnik JM, Lloyd-Jones D, Kibbe MR, Polonsky TS, Domanchuk K, Stein JH, Zhao L, Taylor D, Skelly C, Pearce W, Perlman H, McCarthy W, Li L, Gao Y, Sufit R, Bloomfield CL, Criqui MH. Effect of Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor With or Without Supervised Exercise on Walking Performance in Patients With Peripheral Artery Disease. The PROPEL Randomized Clinical Trial JAMA 2017; 318(21): 2089–2098
Large In-mask Motion during Frameless Radiosurgery of a Brain Metastasis
Authors: Furtak Jacek , Harat Maciej
Published: July 2018

Frameless radiosurgery is now a common alternative to traditional in-frame treatment. Several dosimetric studies have reported small in-mask positioning inaccuracies during frameless radiosurgery. We present a case of an uncommonly large deviation in in-mask motion detected offline in a patient undergoing linear accelerator–based frameless radiosurgery. Our case illustrates how the use of a thermoplastic mask can lead to unacceptable setup errors for passive image-guided radiosurgery. The case underlines the need for correct patient preparation, adequate time between mask molding and computed tomography, and routine intrafraction imaging. Image-guided positioning is recommended to achieve clinically acceptable setup accuracy (< 1 mm) for stereotactic radiosurgery.
Intraoperative Ultrasound Appearance of a Pancreatic Cerebral Metastasis: A Case Report
Authors: Barzaghi Lina , Capitanio Jody , Cavalli Andrea , Panni Pietro , Snider Silvia , Mortini Pietro , Donofrio Carmine
Published: July 2018

Background Brain metastases (BMs) derived from pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAC) have an extremely low incidence (0.1–0.4%) and are usually associated with a very poor prognosis. The treatment strategy is palliative and includes conventional radiotherapy, stereotactic radiosurgery, chemotherapy, and surgical resection.

Case Description A 39-year-old man with a history of PAC developed a systemic tumor relapse with intracranial progression. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) documented a right rolandic, cortical, and cystic lesion with leptomeningeal intrasulcular extension. The intraoperative ultrasound (iUS) depicted a hyperechogenic area surrounding the anechogenic cystic lesion and allowed us to obtain gross total resection of the tumor.

Conclusions To the best of our knowledge, we describe for the first time the iUS aspect of a pancreatic BM. In this case the use of iUS allowed us to increase the extent of resection and surgical safety, thus reducing the risk of new postoperative neurologic deficits.
A Straightforward Access to Trifluoromethylated Spirobipyrazolines through a Double (3+2)-Cycloaddition of Fluorinated Nitrile Imines with Alkoxyallenes
Authors: Jasiński Marcin , Utecht Greta , Mlostoń Grzegorz
Published: July 2018

Formal double (3+2)-cycloaddition of in situ generated tri­fluoroacetonitrile imines with alkoxyallenes proceeds in a highly regio- and diastereoselective manner to afford anti-configured spirobipyrazolines as the exclusive 2:1 adducts. Initial stepwise addition of the title electron-deficient 1,3-dipoles onto cumulenic reaction partner is pos­tulated to explain the observed reaction pathway.
Postoperative Reduction of Intraventricular Hemorrhage Volume: Single- Versus Dual-Catheter Drainage
Authors: Hussain Syed , Raza Asif , Asif Hafiz , Ahmad Usman , Ashraf Naveed , Shahid Saman
Published: July 2018

Background/Aims The use of single/dual external ventricular drains (EVD) for reducing intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) is under investigation. A randomized controlled trial was conducted to compare postoperative reduction of IVH volume using single- and dual-catheter drainage in spontaneous IVH patients. We investigated factors that may influence an effective hematoma volume reduction by EVDs.

Materials and Methods The average cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage volumes were analyzed. Computed tomography (CT) scans were performed on admission, 24 hours and 48 hours after EVD placement, and then on days 5 and 8. Patient group 1 was treated with a single EVD; patient group 2 was treated with bilateral EVDs. The IVH volume was calculated in all ventricles. A multivariate analysis was conducted to investigate variables that can influence the extent of hematoma volume reduction with a bilateral EVD. Regression followed by a Pearson correlation was performed to observe the strength of association of cofounders with the IVH volume reduction.

Results The percentage of IVH volume change was found to be significantly higher in the dual-catheter group compared with the single-catheter group (p = 0.0034) after 5 days of EVD. The mean reduction in IVH volume was 17.36 (mL) in patients ≤ 45 years of age and 20.50 (mL) in patients > 45 years. The multivariate analysis suggested the following significant predictors for IVH volume reduction: age of the patient (p = 0.011) and longer duration (days) of EVD (p = 0.028). The age of the patient had a weak positive association and duration of EVD had a positive association with the IVH volume reduction.

Conclusion Intraventricular drainage via bilateral EVDs may provide a better draining of blood-mixed CSF because it led to faster clot clearance. It is suggested that a longer duration of bilateral EVDs may lead to a greater reduction in IVH volume. Older patients may experience a greater IVH volume reduction by EVD because the volume of CSF increases with cerebral atrophy.
Continuous Minor Bleeding from Tumor Surface in Patients with Craniopharyngiomas: Case Series of Nonobstructive Hydrocephalus
Authors: Shoji Takuhiro , Ogawa Yoshikazu , Watanabe Mika , Fujimura Miki , Tominaga Teiji , Kawaguchi Tomohiro
Published: July 2018

Nonobstructive hydrocephalus in patients with craniopharyngiomas is uncommon. We describe our surgical series of 25 consecutive patients with craniopharyngioma who presented with hydrocephalus. Obstructive hydrocephalus was evident in most cases, and nonobstructive hydrocephalus was revealed in three cases. Even after improvement of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pathway obstruction by tumor removal, 10 patients (40%) required CSF diversion. Preoperative imaging study revealed thin intraventricular hemorrhage or superficial siderosis in five cases, and CSF examination revealed hemosiderin-laden phagocytes in one case. These findings indicate continuous bleeding into the CSF that might be associated with CSF malabsorption. We also describe a representative case of craniopharyngioma associated with nonobstructive hydrocephalus due to continuous minor bleeding from the tumor surface in a 62-year-old man with a complaint of disorientation and a decline in daily living activity.

Our study demonstrated that minor bleeding into the CSF is a possible mechanism of the development of nonobstructive hydrocephalus in patients with craniopharyngiomas.
Interaction of Plasmin with Tranexamic Acid and α2 Plasmin Inhibitor in the Plasma and Clot
Authors: Takada Akikazu , Ito Takeshi , Takada Yumiko
Published: July 2018

Interaction of urokinase (UK) activated plasmin with tranexamic acid and α2 plasmin inhibitor (α2PI) was studied by using a chromogenic substrate (S-2251) and immunoelectrophoresis. Plasma was activated by UK (P+U) in the presence of tranexamic acid (P+U + t) or in the presence of thrombin (P+U+thr) and thrombin plus tranexamic acid (P+U+thr+t). These mixtures were incubated for 10, 20, and 30 min at 37°C, then an aliquot of each mixture was added to S-2251, and incubated for 3 or 10 min at 37°C. Hydrolysis of S-2251 after 3 min incubation was significant in the presence of tranexamic acid or clot formation, thus the presence of tranexamic acid or clot formation enhancing the UK activation of plasminogen in both plasma and clot. Hydrolysis of S-2251 after 10 min incubation was higher in the presence of tranexamic acid than in its absence or clot formation without tranexamic acid. Tranexamic acid seems to be more effective in enhancement of activation of plasminogen by UK than clot formation. Plasmin formed by UK was coexistent with α2PI in the plasma in contrast to a purified system in which α2PI formed a complex with plasmin instantaneously. In an even purified system, clot formation and the presence of tranexamic acid protected plasmin from its inactivation by α2PI to some extent.
Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation
Authors: Spero Joel A , Lewis Jessica H , Hasiba Ute
Published: July 2018

An analysis was made of 346 cases of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) diagnosed by utilizing a combination of laboratory tests which reflect the pathophysiology of the syndrome. The goals of the study were three fold: 1) to compare our clinical disease categories with those of other investigators, 2) to re-evaluate the diagnostic tests and, 3) most importantly, to report the results of tests infrequently performed when evaluating DIC. The patients fell into the following groups: 1) infection – 26%, 2) malignancy – 24%, 3) surgery and trauma – 19%, 4) liver disease – 8%, 5) miscellaneous – 23%. Of the diagnostic tests, those for fibrin split products (FSP), fibrin monomer and antithrombin III were the most valuable. Of the clotting proteins, factors II, V, VII and X were the most frequently decreased. The factor VIII: C levels were in conflict with the prevailing dogma. Factor VIII :C levels were decreased in only 9% of patients studied and, in fact, were increased in the majority of cases. Factor VIIIR: Ag and F VIIIR: vW were elevated in 80% of the patients evaluated. An overall mortality of 68% further confirms the dismal prognosis previously associated with DIC.
Reduced Platelet Aggregation in Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome
Authors: Kaplan Bernard S , Fong Jack S C
Published: July 2018

Platelet aggregation was studied in three patients during the course of the hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS) when the platelet count was below 100,000/mm3 and after the platelet count had normalized. Platelet aggregation was examined in response to epinephrine, adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and collagen. Aggregation did not occur in response to epinephrine when the patients were thrombocytopenic but normal tracings were obtained when the platelet counts had returned to normal. In contrast, platelet-rich plasma from normal subjects diluted with platelet-poor plasma from patients to comparable platelet counts, showed normal aggregation responses. This study demonstrates that platelet aggregation is reduced in the early phase of the HUS.
An Attempt at Predicting Postoperative Deep Vein Thrombosis by Preoperative Coagulation Studies in Patients Undergoing Total Hip Replacement
Authors: Nilsen Dennis W T , Jeremic Miladin , Weisert Odd K
Published: July 2018

Preoperative levels of fibrinogen, factors V, VII, VIII and antithrombin III were measured in 25 consecutive patients undergoing total hip replacement. Deep vein thrombosis (D.V.T.) was detected by fibrinogen-uptake test in 60% of the patients. The preoperative fibrinogen level was significantly higher (p < 0.05), and serum antithrombin III was markedly lower (p ≦ 0.1) in patients with postoperative D.V.T. The quotient of fibrinogen to serum antithrombin III was significantly higher (p < 0.01) in patients with D.V.T. This quotient may serve as an additional parameter to other clinical and laboratory tests in prediction of postoperative D.V.T. following hip surgery.
Labelling of Blood Platelets with Stable Tracers
Authors: Principe D Del , Cesareo R , Tallarida B M , Ciancarelli M G , Ricci M , Mancuso G
Published: July 2018

Half-time values of platelets labelled with stable rubidium are compared to those of platelets labelled with Cr51. Platelets labelled with stable rubidium are assayed by a very simple version of the X-Ray fluorescence equipment. The mean quantity of rubidium incorporated by the cells is of about some µg Rb per ml blood.

The in vitro half-time of human Rb labelled platelets stored at 22° C is 41.2 ± 3h compared with the value 44.8 ± 3h for platelets labelled with Cr51, as deduced by six experiments. The in vivo half-time of rabbit platelets labelled with stable rubidium is 22 ± 3h compared with the value 18 ± 3h of platelets labelled with Cr51; ten experiments were carried out.
Inhibitors of Fibrinolysis in Amniotic Fluid
Authors: Walker J E , Campbell D M , Ogston D
Published: July 2018

Amniotic fluid inhibited the fibrinolytic, amidolytic and esterolytic activity of urokinase. Kinetic studies with AGLMe demonstrated non-competitive inhibition. A major part of the inhibitory activity could be separated from α1-antitrypsin by ion-exchange chromatography on DEAE-Sephadex A-50. Plasminogen activator prepared from porcine heart was not inhibited by amniotic fluid. Amniotic fluid also inhibited the caseinolytic and amidolytic activities of plasmin.
Coagulation Abnormalities in Dogs with Neoplastic Disease
Authors: Madewell Bruce R , Feldman Bernard F , O’Neill Sharron
Published: July 2018

Conventional laboratory methods were used to screen untreated tumor-bearing dogs for hemostatic abnormalities. Excluded from study were dogs with clinical evidence of bleeding. The primary site for neoplastic disease in 100 dogs studied included hemolymphatic system, skin, bone, thyroid gland, oropharynx, mammary gland, and nasal cavity.

Eighty-three percent of the dogs had one or more abnormal coagulation tests. Thrombocytopenia occurred in 36 dogs and 3 had thrombocytosis. Twenty-five dogs had hypofibrinogenemia, and 25 had hyperfibrinogenemia. There were 32 dogs with prolongation of the activated partial thromboplastin time, 10 dogs with shortened prothrombin time, and 6 dogs with prolongation of the thrombin time. Sixteen dogs had positive protamine sulfate (paracoagulation) reaction, and 8% had increased plasma fibrin degradation products. The euglobulin lysis time was accelerated in 24% of the dogs, and 15% had schistocytes on blood film.

These data indicate that the majority of dogs with advanced neoplasms are likely to have abnormal coagulation tests.
The Increase of the Electrophoretic Mobility of Platelets after Laparotomy
Authors: Yamazaki Hiroh , Tsukui Ryoko , Motomiya Takeshi , Jung Stephanie May , Sonoda Minoru , Watanabe Chifuyu , Ogino Masahiro , Miyagawa Noboru
Published: July 2018

A fully automatic instrument for the determination of electrophoretic mobility of colloidal particles was applied to human platelets. A significant increase in platelet electrophoretic mobility was observed one day after a laparotomy. This suggests that a selective consumption of platelets with smaller surface negative charge may occur during postoperative hemostatic plug formation or under surgical stress. In addition, the difference in electrophoretic mobility observed between males and females suggests an effect of estrogen on platelets.
Malondialdehyde Formation in Rat Platelet-Rich Plasma
Authors: Livio M , Rajtar G , Merino J , Gaetano G de
Published: July 2018

The type of inhibition and the relative potency of aspirin and indomethacin on rat platelet malondialdehyde (MDA) formation were investigated in an in vitro system. Both drugs inhibited the production of MDA after platelet stimulation with either thrombin (10 or 25 NIH u/ml) or sodium arachidonate (0.5–2.25 mM).

Inhibition by both drugs was concentration-dependent, was partially removed when platelet-rich plasma was diluted with platelet-poor plasma, was much stronger when either drug was preincubated with platelets for 10 minutes than for 1 minute and was apparently competitive when analysed by Dixon plots (1/V versus inhibitor concentrations).

It is suggested that both aspirin and indomethacin may inhibit in vitro cyclo-oxygenase activity in citrated platelet-rich plasma by a similar, if not identical, partially reversible mechanism, not involving – in a first step – covalent binding of either drug to enzyme.

A scheme of the interaction of both drugs with cyclo-oxygenase is presented which also takes into account the irreversible acetylation of the enzyme occurring after longer incubation times with aspirin.
A Simple Method for Estimation of Lipoxygenase and Cyclo-Oxygenase Pathways in Human Platelets - the Use of Thiobarbituric Acid Reaction
Authors: Takayama Hiroshi , Okuma Minoru , Uchino Haruto
Published: July 2018

To develop a simple method for estimation of platelet lipoxygenase (PLO) and cyclo-oxygenase (PCO) pathways, the arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism of human platelet was investigated under various experimental conditions by the use of the thiobarbituric acid (TBA) reaction and a radioisotope technique. A TBA-reactive substance different from malondialdehyde (MDA) via PCO pathway was detected and shown to be derived from the PLO pathway. Since the optimal pH and time course of its formation were different from those of MDA formation via PCO pathway, PLO and PCO pathways were estimated by quantitating the TBA-reactive substances produced by the incubation of AA either with aspirin-treated platelets or with untreated ones, respectively, each under optimal conditions. Normal values expressed in terms of nmol MDA/108 platelets were 1.17±0.34 (M±SD, n = 31) and 0.79±0.15 (n = 31) for PLO and PCO pathways, respectively.
Blood Platelets Cause Retraction of Collagen Gel
Authors: Jeleńska M , Kopeć M
Published: July 2018

Human blood platelets cause the collagen gel retraction (CGR) with concomitant exclusion of fluid. CGR is positively related to the number of incorporated platelets and inversely to collagen concentration. Disruption of platelets, EDTA and cytochalasin B inhibit CGR. Platelets from patients with Glanzmann's thrombasthenia are active in CGR. The similarities and differences of CGR and fibrin retraction are discussed.
Inhibition of Thrombin-Induced Secretion from Platelets by Chlortetracycline and Its Analogs
Authors: Mürer E H , Siojo E
Published: July 2018

Chlortetracycline (CTC) (1.0 mM) blocks platelet secretion after a few seconds preincubation. The amount needed for inhibition can be reduced relative to time of preincubation. 50% inhibition is obtained with 20 ¼M CTC after 1 hr incubation. 50 ¼M CTC causes much greater inhibition, especially after short time incubation. The level of metabolic ATP is decreased about 60% with both 20 and 50 ¼M CTC. Two tetracycline analogs, anhydrotetracycline and demeclocycline (DMC), have different solubility properties in nonionic medium, but inhibit secretion at the same concentration, with little effect on the metabolic ATP level. The results suggest that CTC and its analogs do not inhibit platelet function by acting as metabolic inhibitors. While CTC causes increased leakage of cytoplasmic content at the concentrations where secretion is blocked more than 90%, DMC doses not cause leakage even at much higher concentration, so that there seems to be no connection between the induction of leakage (i.e. the membrane-active properties) and the inhibitory effect of the drugs.
A Comparison of Acylated Streptokinase-Plasminogen Complex and Streptokinase in Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Prowse C V , Hornsey V , Ruckley C V , Boulton F E
Published: July 2018

The in vivo effects on the fibrinolytic and coagulation system of infusing acylated streptokinase-plasminogen complex (BRL 26921; 5, 7 and 12 mg) or streptokinase (250,000 u) were determined in healthy male volunteers. While this dose of streptokinase resulted in depletion of plasminogen and antiplasmin, and in some cases of fibrinogen and coagulation factors V and VIII, the equivalent 7 mg dose of BRL 26921 had little effect on these parameters. 12 mg BRL 26921 had some systemic effects on the fibrinolytic system. For initial clinical studies a dose of 10 mg BRL 26921 would seem appropriate.

Both drugs induced an anamnestic rise in streptokinase antibody, whereas no change in liver function tests were observed. A delayed mild febrile reaction was observed in some subjects following infusion of streptokinase or BRL 26921. Clinical, laboratory, and subjective monitoring revealed no other adverse effects with either drug.