Anterior Spinal Artery Syndrome Due to Fibrocartilaginous Embolism-Case Report and Treatment Options

Acute occlusion of the anterior spinal artery and subsequent spinal ischemic infarction leads to anterior spinal artery syndrome characterized by back pain and bilateral flaccid paresis with loss of protopathic sensibility. As a rare cause fibrocartilaginous embolism has been described and is associated with sports or unusual strain.Following gymnastic exercise the day before symptom-onset, a 11 years old girl presented with neck pain, paresis of arms and legs, and impaired deep tendon reflexes. She was unable to lift her arms, grasp, stand, walk and had urinary incontinence. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a longitudinal T2 hyperintense signal in the anterior spinal cord from C3 to C6 with accompanying bilateral diffusion restriction involving gray matter bilaterally at the level of C4 and C5 and unilaterally at the level of C3/4. The adjacent annulus fibrosus of the intervertebral disc showed a fissure without disc protrusion. Treatment with prednisolone and enoxaparin was started within 12 hours of symptom-onset and continued over 6 days and 8 weeks, respectively. After 2 months, her motor function gradually improved, spinal imaging showed persistent T2 signal hyperintense defects at the level of C4/5. After 5 months, there was only slight impairment affecting elevation and abduction of the right arm.Following physical exercise, the patient suffered from acute anterior spinal cord ischemia with imaging findings in line with a presumed fibrocartilaginous embolism. Unlike most cases, our patient showed almost complete recovery following treatment with prednisolone and enoxaparin. We speculate that the positive outcome is related to rapid treatment initiation.

Surface functional groups and degree of carbonization of selected chars from different processes and feedstock

The knowledge of the structural and chemical properties of biochars is decisive for their application as technical products. For this reason, methods for the characterization of biochars that are generally applicable and allow quality control are highly desired. Several methods that have shown potential in other studies were used to investigate two activated carbons and seven biochars from different processes and feedstock. The chars were chosen to cover a wide range of chemical composition and structural properties as a hardness test for the analytical methods used in this study. Specific problems connected with the pretreatment of samples and drawbacks of some methods for some types of chars could be identified in an integrated consideration of the results from different methods. None of the spectroscopic methods was found to be suitable for the quality control of all types of chars. The most valuable results were obtained by chemical analysis that, however, required the complete determination of the main elements, including that of oxygen, and of inorganic components for adequate results. The combination of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and FT-IR spectroscopy allows a rough characterization of surface functional groups, but cannot discriminate aliphatic and aromatic OH groups. FT-IR might be a suitable method for the quality control of biochars made at lower temperature. The results of Raman spectroscopy did not well correlate with the amount of sp2 hybridized carbon determined by XPS. A better correlation of XPS data was found with the electrical polarization determined by the method of spectral induced polarization that was used for the first time in conjunction with extensive analytical characterization.

Multistep Sulfur Leaching for the Development of a Highly Efficient and Stable NiSx/Ni(OH)2/NiOOH Electrocatalyst for Anion Exchange Membrane Water Electrolysis

Nickel (poly)sulfides have been widely studied as anodic catalysts for alkaline water electrolysis owing to their diverse morphologies, high catalytic activities in the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), and low cost. To utilize low-cost and high-efficiency polysulfides with industry-relevant cycling stability, we develop a Ni-rich NiS_x/Ni(OH)₂/NiOOH catalyst derived from NiS₂/Ni₃S₄ nanocubes. Ni-rich NiS_x/Ni(OH)₂/NiOOH shows improved OER catalytic activity (η = 374 mV@50 mA cm^-2) and stability (0.1% voltage increase) after 65 h of a galvanostatic test at 10 mA cm^-2 compared with commercial Ni/NiO and hydrothermally synthesized Ni(OH)₂ (both show η > 460 mV@50 mA cm^-2 along with 4.40 and 1.92% voltage increase, respectively). A water-splitting electrolyzer based on Pt/C||AF1-HNN8-50||NiS_x/Ni(OH)₂/NiOOH exhibits a current density of 1800 mA cm^-2 at 2.0 V and 500 h high-rate stability at 1000 mA cm^-2 with negligible attenuation of only 0.12 mV h^-1. This work provides an understanding of truly stable species, intrinsic active phases of Ni polysulfides, their high-rate stability in a real cell, and sheds light on the development of stable chalcogenide-based anodic electrocatalysts for anion exchange membrane water electrolysis (AEMWE).

Formic Acid as H2 Storage System: Hydrogenation of CO2 and Decomposition of Formic Acid by Solid Molecular Phosphine Catalysts

The synthesis and decomposition of formic acid (FA) in aqueous triethylamine (NEt3) with solid molecular phosphine catalysts is demonstrated. Ru-catalyst based on the polymeric analog of 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane presented the highest...

Migration Kinetics of Surface Ions in Oxygen-Deficient Perovskite During Topotactic Transitions

Oxygen diffusivity and surface exchange kinetics underpin the ionic, electronic, and catalytic functionalities of complex multivalent oxides. Towards understanding and controlling the kinetics of oxygen transport in emerging technologies, it is highly desirable to reveal the underlying lattice dynamics and ionic activities related to oxygen variation. In this study, the evolution of oxygen content is identified in real-time during the progress of a topotactic phase transition in La_0.7 Sr_0.3 MnO_3-δ epitaxial thin films, both at the surface and throughout the bulk. Using polarized neutron reflectometry, a quantitative depth profile of the oxygen content gradient is achieved, which, alongside atomic-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy, uniquely reveals the formation of a novel structural phase near the surface. Surface-sensitive X-ray spectroscopies further confirm a significant change of the electronic structure accompanying the transition. The anisotropic features of this novel phase enable a distinct oxygen diffusion pathway in contrast to conventional observation of oxygen motion at moderate temperatures. The results provide insights furthering the design of solid oxygen ion conductors within the framework of topotactic phase transitions.

Effect of exercise training on vascular function and endothelial repair in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: results from the OptimEx trial

Background

Exercise training improves peak oxygen uptake (VO2) in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), but the underlying mechanisms are unknown. In other cardiovascular diseases, exercise training improves vascular function and increases levels of circulating endothelium-repairing cells. We aimed to investigate the effects of moderate continuous training (MCT) and high intensity interval training (HIIT) on vascular function and cellular endothelial repair in HFpEF.

Methods

This was a prespecified subanalysis of the Optimizing Exercise Training in Prevention and Treatment of Diastolic Heart Failure randomized trial. HFpEF patients (n=180) were randomized to HIIT, MCT or attention control. At baseline and after 12 weeks, we measured peak VO2, fingertip arterial tonometry (n=109), brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (n=59), aortic pulse wave velocity (n=94), and flow cytometry (n=136) for endothelial progenitor cells (CD45dimCD34+VEGFR2+) and angiogenic T cells (CD3+CD31+CD184+). Changes in these parameters were compared between groups using linear mixed models. Parameters were correlated using Spearman's rho.

Results

At 3 months, we did not observe significant differences between HIIT, MCT and control group regarding changes in vascular function throughout the vascular tree (fingertip arterial tonometry, brachial artery flow-mediated dilation and central arterial stiffness, Table 1) or levels of circulating endothelium-repairing cells (endothelial progenitor cells and angiogenic T cells, Table 1). Results were similar at 12 months and when restricting analysis to patients with at least 70% adherence to training sessions. Patients with higher peak VO2 at baseline had lower numbers of circulating endothelial progenitor cells (rho=−0.22, p=0.011).

Conclusions

In patients with HFpEF, exercise training did not change vascular function or levels of endothelium-repairing cells. Thus, improved vascular function likely does not contribute to the change in peak VO2 after training. These findings are in contrast with the benefits of exercise on vascular function in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction and coronary artery disease.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – EU funding. Main funding source(s): EU Framework Programme 7 Table 1

Nickel Structures as a Template Strategy to Create Shaped Iridium Electrocatalysts for Electrochemical Water Splitting

Low-cost, highly active, and highly stable catalysts are desired for the generation of hydrogen and oxygen using water electrolyzers. To enhance the kinetics of the oxygen evolution reaction in an acidic medium, it is of paramount importance to redesign iridium electrocatalysts into novel structures with organized morphology and high surface area. Here, we report on the designing of a well-defined and highly active hollow nanoframe based on iridium. The synthesis strategy was to control the shape of nickel nanostructures on which iridium nanoparticles will grow. After the growth of iridium on the surface, the next step was to etch the nickel core to form the NiIr hollow nanoframe. The etching procedure was found to be significant in controlling the hydroxide species on the iridium surface and by that affecting the performance. The catalytic performance of the NiIr hollow nanoframe was studied for oxygen evolution reaction and shows 29 times increased iridium mass activity compared to commercially available iridium-based catalysts. Our study provides novel insights to control the fabrication of iridium-shaped catalysts using 3d transition metal as a template and via a facile etching step to steer the formation of hydroxide species on the surface. These findings shall aid the community to finally create stable iridium alloys for polymer electrolyte membrane water electrolyzers, and the strategy is also useful for many other electrochemical devices such as batteries, fuel cells, sensors, and solar organic cells.

Phosphate-assisted efficient oxygen evolution over finely dispersed cobalt particles supported on graphene

Finely dispersed cobalt particles supported on graphene activated by phosphate boosting highly efficient and stable oxygen evolution.

Correction: Tantalum(v) 1,3-propanediolate β-diketonate solution as a precursor to sol–gel derived, metal oxide thin films

Correction for ‘Tantalum(v) 1,3-propanediolate β-diketonate solution as a precursor to sol–gel derived, metal oxide thin films’ by Christopher Beale et al., RSC Adv., 2020, 10, 13737–13748, DOI: 10.1039/D0RA02558E.

Tantalum(v) 1,3-propanediolate β-diketonate solution as a precursor to sol–gel derived, metal oxide thin films

Tantalum oxide is ubiquitous in everyday life, from capacitors in electronics to ion conductors for electrochromic windows and electrochemical storage devices. Investigations into sol–gel deposition of tantalum oxide, and its sister niobium oxide, has accelerated since the 1980s and continues to this day. The aim of this study is to synthesize a near UV sensitive, air stable, and low toxicity tantalum sol–gel precursor solution for metal oxide thin films – these attributes promise to reduce manufacturing costs and allow for facile mass production. By utilizing 1D and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance, this study shows that by removing ethanol from the precursor solution at a relatively low temperature and pressure, decomposition of the photosensitive complex can be minimized while obtaining a precursor solution with sufficient stability for storage and processing in the atmosphere. The solution described herein is further modified for inkjet printing, where multiple material characterization techniques demonstrate that the solution can be utilized in low temperature, photochemical solution deposition of tantalum oxide, which is likely amorphous. Tested substrates include amorphous silica, crystalline silicon wafer, and gold/titanium/PET foil. The hope is that these results may spark future investigations into electronic, optical, and biomedical device fabrication with tantalum oxide, and potentially niobium oxide, based films using the proposed synthesis method.

Synthesis of tantalum(v) 1,3-propanediolate β-diketonate solution and use in photochemical solution deposition to form tantalum oxide films.

Active matrix metalloproteinase-8 and periodontal bacteria-interlink between periodontitis and inflammatory bowel disease?

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was the investigation of concentration and prevalence of selected periodontal pathogenic bacteria and concentration of active matrix metalloproteinase-8 (aMMP-8) within a group of patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and to compare the results with a group of healthy control subjects (HC).

METHODS

Fifty-nine IBD patients with Crohn`s disease (CD, n = 30) or ulcerative colitis (UC, n = 29) and 59 HC were included in this cross-sectional study. Based on periodontal probing depth (PD) and clinical attachment level (CAL), periodontitis was classified as healthy/mild, moderate, or severe. aMMP-8 was analyzed from gingival crevicular fluid using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Eleven selected periodontal pathogenic bacteria were analyzed in subgingival plaque samples using polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

IBD patients showed higher CAL (P < 0.01), more severe periodontitis (P = 0.04), gingival bleeding (P < 0.01) and aMMP-8 concentration (P < 0.01) than HC. Only in CD, increasing severity of periodontitis was associated with an increase in aMMP-8 concentration (P = 0.02). The prevalences of Eubacterium nodatum and Eikenella corrodens were significantly lower in IBD compared to HC (P = 0.01). Additionally, the prevalence of Eikenella corrodens was significantly higher in CD compared to the UC group (P = 0.04). Further statistically significant differences in selected bacteria between IBD and HC or CD and UC groups could not be found (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The results reveal changes in host immune response of IBD patients in terms of aMMP-8. Only in CD increasing aMMP-8 was associated with severity of periodontal disease. The role of periodontal pathogenic bacteria in the interrelationship between IBD and periodontitis remains unclear.

Direct Synthesis of Methyl Formate from CO2 With Phosphine-Based Polymer-Bound Ru Catalysts

Methyl formate was produced in one pot through the hydrogenation of CO₂ to formic acid/formate followed by an esterification step. The route offers the possibility to integrate renewable energy into the fossil-based chemical value chain. In this work, a phosphine-polymer-anchored Ru complex was shown to be an efficient solid catalyst for the direct hydrogenation of CO₂ to methyl formate. The 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane-like polymer presented the highest activity with a turnover number (TON) of up to 3401 at 160 °C. The reaction parameters were systemically investigated to optimize the reaction towards the formation of methyl formate. This catalyst could be reused seven times without a significant decrease in activity. Evolution of the catalytic Ru center during the reaction was revealed, and a possible reaction mechanism was proposed.

Superior activity and selectivity of heterogenized cobalt catalysts for hydrogenation of nitroarenes

The development of improved catalysts based on Co nanoparticles supported on ordered mesoporous carbon CMK-3 for the highly selective hydrogenation of nitroarenes is described.

Hydrogenation of CO2 to Formate over Ruthenium Immobilized on Solid Molecular Phosphines

Formic acid is a promising hydrogen storage medium and can be produced by catalytic hydrogenation of CO₂ . Molecular ruthenium complexes immobilized on phosphine polymers have been found to exhibit excellent productivity and selectivity in the catalytic hydrogenation of CO₂ under mild conditions. The polymeric analog of 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane exhibited the highest activity and turnover numbers up to 13 170 were obtained in a single run. This catalyst was already active at 40 °C and with a catalyst loading of only 0.0006 mol %. Recycling experiments revealed a loss of activity after the first run, followed by a gradual decrease during the subsequent runs. This is attributed to a change in the catalytically active complex during the hydrogenation reaction. High selectivity towards formate and low leaching were maintained in the absence of CO formation. Based on the catalyst characterization, a mechanism for the CO₂ hydrogenation is proposed.

Radiation exposure of patients during 68Ga-DOTATOC PET/CT examinations

Aim: Investigation of the biodistribution and calculation of dosimetry of Ga-68-DOTATOCfor patients imaged in the routine clinical setting for diagnosis or exclusion of neuroendocrine tumours. Patients, methods: Dynamic PET/CT-imaging (Biograph 16) was performed over 20 min in 14 patients (8 men, 6 women) after injection of (112 ± 22) MBq 68Ga-DOTATOC followed by whole body 3D-acquisition (8 bed positions, 3 or 4 min each) 30 min p.i. and 120 min p.i. Urinary tracer elimination was measured and blood activity was derived non-invasively from the blood pool of the heart. The relevant organs for dosimetry were spleen, kidneys, liver, adrenals, urinary bladder and pituitary gland. Dosimetry was performed using OLINDA/ EXM 1.0 software and specific organ uptake was expressed as standardized uptake values (SUVs). Results: Rapid physiological uptake of the radiotracer could be demonstrated in liver, spleen and kidneys, adrenals and pituitary gland (mean SUVs were 6, 20, 16, 10, and 4, respectively). Radiotracer elimination was exclusively via urine (16% of injected dose within 2h); no redistribution could be observed. The spleen and the kidneys received the highest radiation exposure (0.24 mSv/MBq, 0.22 mSv/MBq resp.), mean effective dose yielded 0.023 mSv/MBq. Conclusion: 68Ga-DOTATOC is used extensively for diagnosis of somatostatin receptor positive tumours because it has several advantages over the 111In-labelled ligand. The derived dosimetric values are lower than first approximations from the biological data of OctreoScan. The use of CT for transmission correction of the PET data delivers radiation exposure up to 1 mSv (low dose).

Wirkung von Milch und Diättränken mit und ohne HCO3 –-Ionen auf den intraluminalen pH-Wert im Labmagen und den systemischen Säuren-Basen-Status beim Kalb

Problemstellung: Bei Kälbern wird nach Zufuhrvon Diättränken mit Bikarbonat-Ionen eine besonders ausgeprägte Alkalisierung der Labmageningesta erwartet. Nachfolgend könnten die an saure pH-Werte gebundene abomasale Verdauung sowie unspezifische Infektabwehr beeinträchtigt sein. Material und Methode: Bei acht klinisch gesunden Kälbern wurde operativ eine Plastkanüle in den Labmagen eingesetzt. Danach erhielten die Tiere über sieben bisneun Tage als Nahrung alternierend 1) Kuhmilch, 2) bikarbonatfreie oder 3) bikarbonathaltige Diättränke. Außerdem wurde 4) das Gemisch aus gleichen Teilen bikarbo- nathaltige Diättränke und Milch verabreicht. In den über die Kanüle entnommenen Labmageningesta bestimmten wir dieWertefür pH, Fläche unter der pH-Wert-Kurve (AUC) und [SID3]. Weiterhin wurde vergleichend im arteriellen und venösen Blut der systemische Säuren-Basen-Status anhand traditioneller Hen- derson-Hasselbalch-Parameter sowie der Stewart-Variablen ermittelt. Ergebnisse: Die Fütterung von Milch bewirkte beiden Kälbern einen Anstieg des Labmagen-pH von Nüchternbefunden mit 2,00 ± 0,44 auf Werte bis 4,70 ± 0,41 über zwei Stunden. Die AUC-Werte bis vier Stunden postprandial betrugen 898 ± 87 (= 100%). Die in Milch zubereitete bikarbonatfreie Diättränke führte zur signifikant basischeren Auslenkung desabomasalen pH mit Werten bis 5,35 ± 0,31 sowieAUC = 1084 ± 89 (= 121%). Die mit Wasser hergestellte bikarbonathaltige Diättränke allein und ebenso ihr Gemisch mit Milch verursachten dentransient stärksten Anstieg des Labmagen-pH für 1,5 bzw. 0,5 Stunden auf Werte bis 6,59 ± 0,28 bzw. 6,22 ± 0,12. Die AUC- Werte unterschieden sich mit 1119 ± 45 (= 125%) und 1126 ± 44 (= 125%) signifikant von den Befunden nach Milchtränke, jedoch nichtvon den Resultaten nach Gabe der bikarbonatfreien Diättränke. Systemisch bewirkten die Fütterungen zum Zeitpunkt zwei Stunden postprandial eine im arteriellen und venösen Blut gleichermaßen nachweisbare geringe, teilweise signifikante basische Reaktion, wie ↑ pH, ↑ [HCO3 –, ↑ [BE], ↑ [SID3] und ↓ [Atot] bei unveränderten Werten für PCO2. Die postprandial im Blut der Kälber festgestellte “basische Flut” war nach Gabe der bikarbonathaltigen Diättränken relativ am deutlichsten ausgeprägt. Schlussfolgerung: Im Vergleich zur üblichen Milchfütterung verursachte die in Milch zubereitete bikarbonatfreie Diättränke postprandial signifikant stärkere basische Auslenkungen des Labmagen-pH. Mit Wasser hergestellte bikarbonathaltige Elektrolyttränken führten kurzfristig (≤ 2 h) zu noch stärkerem Anstieg des Labmagen-pH. Die AUC der pH-Wert-Kurve bisvierStunden postprandial (= zeitabhängige “Wirksamkeit”) differierte jedoch nicht signifikant von der nach Gabe der bikarbonatfreien Diättränken.

Stewart-Variablen des Säuren-Basen-Status bei Kälbern

Gegenstand und Ziel: Bisher wird das Stewart-Modell des Säuren-Basen- Status in der klinischen Veterinärmedizin kaum genutzt. Eine Ursache dafür ist der Mangel an Kenntnissen über anerkannte Referenzbereiche der Stewart-Variablen [strong ion difference = SID] und [Acid total = Atot] bei den verschiedenen Tierarten. Außerdem ist bisher wenig über den Einfluss wichtiger Erkrankungen auf die Stewart-Parameter bekannt. Material und Methode: Bei 17 Kälbern (Alter: 1–28 d) wurden statistisch begründete Referenzdaten für Serum-[SID3, 4] und -[Atot- Pro/-Alb] ermittelt. Außerdem wurde retrospektiv der Einfluss von Kälberdiarrhö auf die Stewart-Variablen im Experiment (39 Kälber; Alter: 5,3 ± 2,5 d) und in der klinischen Praxis (36 Kälber; Alter: 8,7 ± 5,0 d) untersucht. Ergebnisse: Gesunde Kälber besitzen in der ersten Lebenswoche mit der Serum-[SID3/4] von etwa 51/48 mmol/l um 2–3 mmol/l signifikant höhere Werte als ältere Tiere. Infolge des postnatalen Anstiegs der Serumalbuminkonzentration erhöhen sich die Serum-[Atot-Alb] von etwa 15 mmol/l (1. Tag) auf Werte von 22 mmol/l (28. Tag). Aus den Stewart-Variablen PvCO2, Serum-[SID4] und -[Atot-Pro] ließ sich der BlutpH mit der Differenz von 0,063 ± 0,0336 gegenüber den gemessenen Werten vorhersagen. Spontan auftretender Durchfall senkt bei Kälbern die Serum-[SID3, 4] auf etwa 40 mmol/l (überlebende Tiere) oder ante mortem auf noch niedrigere Werte. Schlussfolgerung: Die metabolische Azidose durchfallkranker Kälber ist nach dem Stewart-Modell auf die Imbalancen der starken Elektrolyte Na+ und Cl– (SID3↓), die Anhäufung von Blut-Laktat– (SID4↓) sowie die Dehydratation (Atot↑) zurückzuführen. Eine erfolgreiche Therapie der Azidose muss die erniedrigten Serum-[SID] anheben und durch Flüssigkeitszufuhr die Euhydratation mit physiologischer Serum-[Atot] herbeiführen. Klinische Relevanz: In oralen und parenteralen Rehydratationslösungen lassen sich die Werte für [SID] und [Atot] leicht ermitteln und zur prospektiven Wirksamkeitsbeurteilung der Lösungen gegen die Azidose bei durchfallkranken Kälbern nutzen.

Carbon nanotube containing polyacrylonitrile materials for the oxygen evolution reaction

Composite materials of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and CNT are efficient metal-free catalysts for OER reaching a minimum overpotential of 368 mV.

Multivalency of PEG-thiol ligands affects the stability of NIR-absorbing hollow gold nanospheres and gold nanorods

In this work the effect of multivalency on the stability of NIR-absorbing HAuNSs and AuNRs functionalized by mono-, bi- and tridentate polyethyleneglycol (PEG) thiol ligands is reported.

Influence of central nervous system-acting drugs on results of cognitive testing in geriatric inpatients

INTRODUCTION

Growing evidence shows a high correlation between extensive use of central nervous system-acting drugs (CNSADs) in elderly patients and adverse drug reactions (ADRs) such as falls, fractures, and mortality.

RESEARCH QUESTION

Are results of cognitive testing with the Mini Mental Status Examination (MMSE) influenced by use of CNSADs?

SETTING

Geriatric inpatient service for acute, subacute, and rehabilitation care.

METHODS

Secondary combined analysis of two prospective, single-center study cohorts (PROPSYC, 2011 and AGE OUT, 2012) with identical procedure for the MMSE at a tertiary hospital.

RESULTS

Overall, 395 patients were included, 144 male (M) and 251 female (F). Mean age was 80.0 ± 8.4 years (M 76.7 ± 9.1, F 81.9 ± 7.3, p = 0.0000). Mean MMSE points were 22.9 ± 4.8 (M 23.2 ± 4.6, F 22.6 ± 5.0, p = 0.211). In total, 258 patients (65.3 %) used drugs with potential adverse cognitive properties. Analgesics with central activity were given to 117 of 395 patients (29.6 %). Low-potency opioids (tramadol hydrochloride, tilidine) were identified in 60 patients and high-potency opioids in 57 patients. Antidepressants were used in 66 patients, benzodiazepines in 26, and hypnotics in 11, while 38 patients received other CNSADs. We only found significant correlations with the results of cognitive testing for sedatives (diazepam and oxazepam, Pearson's r - 0.79, p = 0.05), but not for lorazepam.

CONCLUSION

Our analysis shows an influence of sedatives (diazepam and oxazepam, but not lorazepam) on cognitive testing with the MMSE in users of CNSADs.

Measurement of pion, kaon and proton production in proton-proton collisions at [Formula: see text] TeV

The measurement of primary [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] production at mid-rapidity ([Formula: see text] 0.5) in proton-proton collisions at [Formula: see text][Formula: see text] 7 TeV performed with a large ion collider experiment at the large hadron collider (LHC) is reported. Particle identification is performed using the specific ionisation energy-loss and time-of-flight information, the ring-imaging Cherenkov technique and the kink-topology identification of weak decays of charged kaons. Transverse momentum spectra are measured from 0.1 up to 3 GeV/[Formula: see text] for pions, from 0.2 up to 6 GeV/[Formula: see text] for kaons and from 0.3 up to 6 GeV/[Formula: see text] for protons. The measured spectra and particle ratios are compared with quantum chromodynamics-inspired models, tuned to reproduce also the earlier measurements performed at the LHC. Furthermore, the integrated particle yields and ratios as well as the average transverse momenta are compared with results at lower collision energies.

Production of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] in proton-proton collisions at [Formula: see text] 7 TeV

The production of the strange and double-strange baryon resonances ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]) has been measured at mid-rapidity ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text]) in proton-proton collisions at [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] 7 TeV with the ALICE detector at the LHC. Transverse momentum spectra for inelastic collisions are compared to QCD-inspired models, which in general underpredict the data. A search for the [Formula: see text] pentaquark, decaying in the [Formula: see text] channel, has been carried out but no evidence is seen.

[From Geomorphological Research in the Canton of Aargau to European Military Pathologies. Entangling Anthropological Discourses of Crisis through the Army, 1860-1900]

Military statistics and medical research were closely related over the 19th century. The army not only made use of these new forms of knowledge, but also provided an important institutional setting through the military medicine, which was of crucial importance to medical research in the 19th century. Besides that, Swiss military also played a crucial role in new geographical and geological research, resulting in a series of new mapping projects. This article looks on the ways, in which military context gained influence on scientific research practices in the second half of the 19th century, by analyzing the case of Heinrich Bircher's work on military recruiting statistics and the endemic goiter. New mapping projects and statistical practices were linked, transforming big parts of the country into pathological spaces. Coming from this point, the article discusses in how far the military context lead to politicizing medical discourses and, furthermore, linked them to discourses of an anthropological crisis, common in many European countries.

Exclusive J/ψ photoproduction off protons in ultraperipheral p-Pb collisions at √(s(NN))=5.02 TeV

We present the first measurement at the LHC of exclusive J/ψ photoproduction off protons, in ultraperipheral proton-lead collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02  TeV. Events are selected with a dimuon pair produced either in the rapidity interval, in the laboratory frame, 2.5<y<4 (p-Pb) or -3.6<y<-2.6 (Pb-p), and no other particles observed in the ALICE acceptance. The measured cross sections σ(γ+p→J/ψ+p) are 33.2±2.2(stat)±3.2(syst)±0.7(theor)  nb in p-Pb and 284±36(stat)_{-32}^{+27}(syst)±26(theor)  nb in Pb-p collisions. We measure this process up to about 700 GeV in the γp center of mass, which is a factor of two larger than the highest energy studied at HERA. The data are consistent with a power law dependence of the J/ψ photoproduction cross section in γp energies from about 20 to 700 GeV, or equivalently, from Bjorken x scaling variable between ∼2×10^{-2} and ∼2×10^{-5}, thus indicating no significant change in the gluon density behavior of the proton between HERA and LHC energies.

Measurement of prompt D-meson production in p-Pb collisions at √(s(NN))=5.02 TeV

The p_{T}-differential production cross sections of the prompt charmed mesons D^{0}, D^{+}, D^{*+}, and D_{s}^{+} and their charge conjugate in the rapidity interval -0.96<y_{cms}<0.04 were measured in p-Pb collisions at a center-of-mass energy sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02  TeV with the ALICE detector at the LHC. The nuclear modification factor R_{pPb}, quantifying the D-meson yield in p-Pb collisions relative to the yield in pp collisions scaled by the number of binary nucleon-nucleon collisions, is compatible within the 15%-20% uncertainties with unity in the transverse momentum interval 1<p_{T}<24  GeV/c. No significant difference among the R_{pPb} of the four D-meson species is observed. The results are described within uncertainties by theoretical calculations that include initial-state effects. The measurement adds experimental evidence that the modification of the momentum spectrum of D mesons observed in Pb-Pb collisions with respect to pp collisions is due to strong final-state effects induced by hot partonic matter.

Measurement of quarkonium production at forward rapidity in [Formula: see text] collisions at [Formula: see text]TeV

The inclusive production cross sections at forward rapidity of [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text](1S) and [Formula: see text](2S) are measured in [Formula: see text] collisions at [Formula: see text] with the ALICE detector at the LHC. The analysis is based on a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 1.35 pb[Formula: see text]. Quarkonia are reconstructed in the dimuon-decay channel and the signal yields are evaluated by fitting the [Formula: see text] invariant mass distributions. The differential production cross sections are measured as a function of the transverse momentum [Formula: see text] and rapidity [Formula: see text], over the ranges [Formula: see text] GeV/c for [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] GeV/c for all other resonances and for [Formula: see text]. The measured cross sections integrated over [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], and assuming unpolarized quarkonia, are: [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text]b, [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text]b, [Formula: see text] nb and [Formula: see text] nb, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second one is systematic. The results are compared to measurements performed by other LHC experiments and to theoretical models.

Dosimetric measurements of (68)Ga-high affinity DOTATATE: twins in spirit - part III

PURPOSE

68Ga-labelled compounds are increasingly used for somatostatin-receptor scintigraphy because of their favourable biokinetic properties, a higher tumour-to-background contrast and higher diagnostic accuracy compared to the gamma-emitting tracer 111In-DTPA-octreotide. Recently, we have introduced the new tracer 68Ga-DOTA-3-iodo-Tyr3-Thr8-octreotide (68Ga-HA-DOTATATE). The present study demonstrates the biodistribution and radiation dosimetry of this tracer in humans.

PATIENTS, METHODS

Seven men were enrolled in this analysis. Every patient underwent a 20 min dynamic PET scan after intravenous injection of about 114 ± 9 MBq of 68Ga-HA-DOTATATE. This was followed by two whole-body scans at 30 min p. i. and 120 min p. i. Blood radioactivity concentration was determined non-invasively from a ROI drawn over the aorta. Urine was collected until the time of the last scan. Liver, spleen, kidneys and urinary bladder wall were included in the dosimetric estimation that was carried out with the software package OLINDA 1.0.

RESULTS

Physiological 68Ga-HA-DOTATATE uptake was observed in the pituitary gland, thyroid, salivary glands, liver, spleen, kidneys, urinary bladder, adrenals and intestine. Organs with the highest absorbed dose were spleen (0.26 ± 0.11 mSv/MBq), kidneys (0.14 ± 0.03 mSv/MBq) and liver (0.12 ± 0.02 mSv/MBq).The estimated effective dose was 0.024 ± 0.001 mSv/MBq.

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrates biokinetics and radiation exposure of the 68Ga-labelled tracer HA-DOTATATE to be comparable to other 68Ga-labelled SSR analogues in clinical use.

Untersuchungen über die Kinetik der Spaltung von Di- und Tripeptiden

Für eine Gruppe von Di- und Tripeptiden wurden die Geschwindigkeitskonstanten sowie die Arrhenius schen Aktivierungsenergien und Aktionskonstanten der sauren Hydrolyse der einzelnen Peptidbindungen gemessen. Zeitgesetz und Abstufungen der Aktivierungsenergien lassen sich nur unter bestimmten Annahmen über die Solvatation der Reaktionsteilnehmer auf der Grundlage des Ingold- Benderschen Mechanismus interpretieren. Aktionskonstante und Aktivierungsenergien weisen einen symbaten Gang auf.

1H-NMR-Spektren von 2- und 3-Aminothiophenen

Die chemischen Verschiebungen der Thiophenprotonen werden von der Art des Aminsubstituenten (Dialkylamino-, Pyrrolidino-, Piperidino- usw.) stark beeinflußt. Diese Verschiebungseffekte können auf sterische Hinderung zwischen dem Thiophenring und den α-ständigen Methylengruppen des Amins zurückgeführt werden, wodurch die Wechselwirkung des freien Elektronenpaares des Stickstoffs mit dem π-Elektronengerüst des Thiophens beeinflußt wird. Durch HMO-Modellrechnungen wird gezeigt, daß die π-Elektronendichten in den einzelnen Positionen des Thiophenringes unterschiedlich stark vom C -N-Austauschintegral abhängen. Die Rechenergebnisse befinden sich in Übereinstimmung mit der Substituenten-Abhängigkeit der chemischen Verschiebungen der Thiophenprotonen.

Ressecção de cisto e abscesso renais por laparoscopia em um cão

Cistos renais podem formar-se em qualquer parte do néfron e dos ductos coletores. Alguns são hereditários, originando-se durante a organogênese, e outros se desenvolvem no tecido renal normal, depois que os rins estão completamente formados. No presente relato, descreve-se a ressecção de cisto e abscesso renais, por cirurgia laparoscópica em um cão. Para o acesso, foram utilizados três portais, dois de 10mm de diâmetro e um de 5mm, dispostos na parede abdominal lateral direita e, num segundo momento, na parede abdominal lateral esquerda. Conclui-se, portanto, que a técnica laparoscópica com três portais permite a realização de ressecção de cisto e abscesso renais em cães, sem a ocorrência de recidivas em curto prazo.

K(S)0 and Λ production in Pb-Pb collisions at √(s(NN))=2.76 TeV

The ALICE measurement of K(S)(0) and Λ production at midrapidity in Pb-Pb collisions at √(s(NN))=2.76 TeV is presented. The transverse momentum (p(T)) spectra are shown for several collision centrality intervals and in the p(T) range from 0.4 GeV/c (0.6 GeV/c for Λ) to 12 GeV/c. The p(T) dependence of the Λ/K(S)(0) ratios exhibits maxima in the vicinity of 3 GeV/c, and the positions of the maxima shift towards higher p(T) with increasing collision centrality. The magnitude of these maxima increases by almost a factor of three between most peripheral and most central Pb-Pb collisions. This baryon excess at intermediate p(T) is not observed in pp interactions at √s=0.9 TeV and at √s=7 TeV. Qualitatively, the baryon enhancement in heavy-ion collisions is expected from radial flow. However, the measured p(T) spectra above 2 GeV/c progressively decouple from hydrodynamical-model calculations. For higher values of p(T), models that incorporate the influence of the medium on the fragmentation and hadronization processes describe qualitatively the p(T) dependence of the Λ/K(S)(0) ratio.

Dietary habits and metabolic control in adolescents and young adults with phenylketonuria: self-imposed protein restriction may be harmful

BACKGROUND

In untreated patients, phenylketonuria (PKU) results in severe encephalopathy with mental retardation. A protein-restricted diet is recommended which can be relaxed in adolescence/adulthood.

METHODS

We contacted all 72 adult/adolescent PKU patients who had been treated in our center during early childhood. Some still regularly attended our outpatient clinics, while others were lost for follow-up, giving 51 patients in our study. We asked all patients to complete a dietary protocol as well as a questionnaire on quality of life. Blood and urine were analyzed and body impedance plethysmography and cerebral MRI were performed.

RESULTS

42 % of the patients followed protein restriction supplemented with amino acid mixtures (AAM), others had a vegan diet with (8 %) or without (14 %) AAM; 36 % said they were eating normally and did not need any AAM. However, based on dietary protocols and blood urea levels, protein intake was restricted in this patient group. None of the patients examined had serious nutritional deficits. Phenylalanine levels were higher in patients not taking AAM. MRI of the brain was not different from those following protein restriction and taking AAM. The lesions score and mood correlated best with the cumulative phenylalanine values during the first 10 years of life.

CONCLUSION

In summary, 50 % of adult/adolescent patients from our center did not take AAM at the start of our survey although they unknowingly followed self-imposed protein restriction. They had no overt nutritional deficits; however, long-term brain function may be compromised. Our study emphasizes the need for specialized metabolic care in PKU during adulthood.