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To clarify the mechanism for the endothelin-1 (ET-1)-induced release of catecholamines from the adrenal gland, we examined the effects of removal of extracellular Ca2+, blockers of L-, N-, P- and Q-types of voltage-operated Ca2+ channels (VOCC) such as nifedipine (L-type), ω-conotoxin GVIA (N-type), ω-agatoxin IVA (P-type) and ω-conotoxin MVIIC (Q-type) and blockers of voltage-independent Ca2+ entry channel such as SK&F 96365 and LOE 908 on release of catecholamines, the cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i), and 45Ca2+ uptake in cultured bovine adrenal chromaffin cells. ET-1 but not ET-3 induced increases in release of catecholamines, [Ca2+]i, and 45Ca2+ uptake. The responses to ET-1 were abolished by the antagonist for ETA receptors, BQ-123, but not by the antagonist for ETB receptors, BQ-788, and they were abolished by removal of extracellular Ca2+. The increases were only partially inhibited (to about 65% of control) by nifedipine but unaffected by any of the ω-toxins. The nifedipine-resistant increase was inhibited by SK&F 96365 (to about 40%) and abolished by LOE 908 alone. These results indicate that ET-1 augments the release of catecholamines from adrenal chromaffin cells through ETA receptors, by activating two types of Ca2+ entry channels in addition to L-type VOCC: one (nonselective cation channel-1; NSCC-1) is sensitive to LOE 908 but resistant to SK&F 96365, whereas the other (NSCC-2) is sensitive to both LOE 908 and SK&F 96365. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forensic pathologists often encounter cases of acute subdural hematoma (SDH) due to trauma, whereas those attributable to endogenous causes are rare. Here, we report a case of the latter type in a 42-year-old man who was found dead at home after several months of fever and malaise. Postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) and autopsy were undertaken to clarify the cause of death. PMCT images revealed a fatal SDH and a localized hyper-density area in the right parietal lobe; macroscopic and microscopic examinations revealed SDH due to rupture of a mycotic aneurysm (MA) associated with meningitis. The PMCT images also indicated thickening and calcification of the mitral valve, while autopsy demonstrated infective endocarditis (IE). In addition, PMCT demonstrated a low-density area in the spleen, which was shown to be a splenic abscess at autopsy. PMCT also demonstrated tooth cavities. Based on the findings of autopsy, the cause of death was considered to be SDH due to rupture of the MA resulting from meningitis with IE and splenic abscess. Although PMCT was unable to clarify the significance of any individual feature, a retrospective review of the PMCT images might have suggested IE, bacteremia, or ruptured MA leading to SDH. This case suggests that, instead of interpreting individual features demonstrated on PMCT images, integrated interpretation of overall PMCT findings might provide clues for identifying causes of death, despite the fact that PMCT lacks diagnostic accuracy for infectious diseases such as IE and meningitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid detection and quantification of toxic substances and alcohol in biological specimens stand as imperative tasks, particularly in instances of unnatural demise and poisoning incidents. In this study, we developed a high-throughput simultaneous method for analyzing cyanide, azide, and ethanol in whole blood. This methodology involves a simple manual pretreatment step, entailing the sequential addition of an internal standard, ascorbic acid, and phosphoric acid to whole blood samples (within 1 min), followed by headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis (within 14 min). The method exhibits high linearity (correlation coefficients, > 0.9996), sensitivities of ng/mL-level detection, and satisfactory precision (relative standard deviation of less than 5.8% for cyanide, 8.8% for azide, and 2.9% for ethanol) and trueness (relative error within 7.3% for cyanide, 17% for azide, and 6.9% for ethanol). The proposed method, which does not require complex analytical techniques and possesses several advantages such as rapidity, simplicity, and high sensitivity and selectivity, is expected to contribute to the practical routine analysis in forensic and toxicological fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To verify the reliability of the volumes automatically segmented using a new artificial intelligence (AI)-based application and evaluate changes in the brain and CSF volume with healthy aging. Methods: The intracranial spaces were automatically segmented in the 21 brain subregions and 5 CSF subregions using the AI-based application on the 3D T1-weighted images in healthy volunteers aged > 20 years. Additionally, the automatically segmented volumes of the total ventricles and subarachnoid spaces were compared with the manually segmented volumes of those extracted from 3D T2-weighted images using the intra-class correlation and Bland–Altman analysis. Results: In this study, 133 healthy volunteers aged 21–92 years were included. The mean intra-class correlations between the automatically and manually segmented volumes of the total ventricles and subarachnoid spaces were 0.986 and 0.882, respectively. The increase in the CSF volume was estimated to be approximately 30 mL (2%) per decade from 265 mL (18.7%) in the 20s to 488 mL (33.7%) in ages above 80 years; however, the increase in the volume of total ventricles was approximately 20 mL (< 2%) until the 60s and increased in ages above 60 years. Conclusions: This study confirmed the reliability of the CSF volumes using the AI-based auto-segmentation application. The intracranial CSF volume increased linearly because of the brain volume reduction with aging; however, the ventricular volume did not change until the age of 60 years and above and then gradually increased. This finding could help elucidate the pathogenesis of chronic hydrocephalus in adults. Key Points: • The brain and CSF spaces were automatically segmented using an artificial intelligence-based application. • The total subarachnoid spaces increased linearly with aging, whereas the total ventricle volume was around 20 mL (< 2%) until the 60s and increased in ages above 60 years. • The cortical gray matter gradually decreases with aging, whereas the subcortical gray matter maintains its volume, and the cerebral white matter increases slightly until the 40s and begins to decrease from the 50s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Middle cerebral artery (MCA) dissection is rare, and various clinical presentations, including hemorrhage, ischemia, or comorbidities, and the changes in imaging findings over time hinder treatment decisions. The European Stroke Organization guidelines exclude MCA dissection. Few cases have been reported with no review of the relevant literature. Therefore, we reviewed the relevant literature and our own experience with non-traumatic MCA dissection cases to determine appropriate treatment strategies. At our institution and affiliated institutions, we encountered six cases of MCA dissection—five with infarction and one with hemorrhage. Two patients underwent revascularization, and one underwent an aneurysmectomy. We reviewed English and Japanese articles in PubMed and Medical Journal Web and summarized the results based on the relationships among age, sex, location, the presence of an aneurysm, the presence of angiography, history, treatment, and mode of onset. The clinical course, changes in imaging, treatment strategies, and prognosis were discussed. Eighty cases were included in the review. Cerebral aneurysms were more common distal to the M2 area (p = 0.00) and were correlated with hemorrhage (p < 0.001). Most hemorrhagic cases with aneurysms were treated surgically, while ischemic cases were treated with antithrombotic agents, and both had a similar neurological prognosis. There were some cases of rebleeding after antithrombotic therapy, especially in older adults. Surgical treatment is recommended in cases of hemorrhage and confirmed aneurysms, particularly for lesions distal to the M2 area. Patients with aneurysm-associated ischemia should be followed up, and antithrombotic treatment should be considered with particular care in older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is a devastating neurological condition. Endovascular coiling or surgical clipping have equivocal success rates, but relatively little is known regarding the health economics and complications of these procedures at the population level. We aimed to analyze the complication profiles and healthcare resource utilization (HRCU) associated with the treatment of aSAH in the USA. We performed a retrospective analysis utilizing the IBM MarketScan database between 2008 and 2015. Primary outcomes included economic analysis stratified by post-operative complication; determination of the effect of several factors on total cost by multivariable regression; and analysis of the incidence, timing, and associated HCRU of aSAH-related post-operative complications. Of the 2374 patients meeting inclusion criteria for economic analysis, 1783 (75.1%) patients had at least one of the ten complications. The most common complications included hydrocephalus (43.8%), transient cerebral ischemia (including vasospasm) (30.6%), ischemic stroke (29.1%), syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH)/hyposmolarity/hyponatremia (22.1%), and seizures (14.9%). Patients who experienced complications had higher median 90-day total costs [$161,127 (Q1 to Q3, $101,411 to $257,662)] than those who did not [$97,376 (Q1 to Q3, $55,692 to $147,447)]. Length of stay was longest for those with pulmonary embolism and pneumonia (27 days) and shortest for those with SIADH/hyposmolarity/hyponatremia (16 days). Brain compression/herniation had the highest mortality rate (19.5%). In total, 14.6% of all patients experienced a readmission within 30 days. In conclusion, patients with aSAH have high post-operative complication rates and costs. Development of novel interventions to reduce complications and improve outcomes is crucial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a pandemic disease which predominantly affects the respiratory system with high critical care mortality and morbidity, yet it also causes multiple organs dysfunction in affected patients. There is a strong evidence that it increases the susceptibility of cerebrovascular strokes in such patients. Besides this prothrombotic complication, arterial dissection can be one of its mechanisms increasing the risks of stroke. Case presentation: Herein, we report a case of spontaneous isolated subclavian artery dissection in a COVID-19 patient. Sixty-one-year-old female presented with spontaneous isolated subclavian artery dissection without any traumatic events nor history of connective tissue disorders. She had left upper limb ischemia followed by cerebellar, thalamic and occipital infarctions. Whether this patient's subclavian artery dissection was triggered by exaggerated inflammatory response or arteriopathy secondary to COVID-19 remains speculative. Conclusions: Nonetheless, arterial dissection can be one of its complications, it is essential for treating physicians to be attentive for the diversity of COVID-19 clinical manifestations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a ubiquitous non-protein amino acid widely distributed in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Recently, it is gaining momentum to treat several human diseases. It is synthesized from glutamate, by glutamate decarboxylase a key enzyme in GABA shunt pathway and has been considered as one of the important bioactive compounds produced in response to several environmental stresses. GABA works as a signalling molecule that plays crucial role in biological organisms under adverse conditions. So far, the metabolism of GABA is extensively studied in plants and other eukaryotes, although in cyanobacteria GABA is less studied than in other prokaryotes. Hence the present review highlights the metabolic pathways of GABA production in cyanobacteria particularly the possible ways (via modifying the exogenous growth conditions and regulating gene expression) to enhance the endogenous GABA pool and its extraction in cost effective way to meet the rising demand due to its diverse physiological functions on human health. Alternatively, we discuss the effects of various environmental stresses in augmenting intracellular production in algal cells. Besides this, the review also emphasizes on different commercial applications of this compound in various industrial sectors such as pharmaceutical industry, food, beverages and dairy industry, bioplastics and biofuel production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cyanobacteria, can be found in many different terrestrial or aquatic habitats that are sometimes unbearable for many other organisms. Biosynthesis of mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) enables growth in such environments due to their UV screening and antioxidant activity. MAAs are water-soluble bioactive molecules with vast biotechnological potentials due to their UV screening properties and antioxidant activities. In the present study, the occurrence of MAAs in the cyanobacterium Leptolyngbya sp. (Gomont) Anagnostidis and Komárek was assessed by HPLC–PDA ESI–MS analysis. The combination of UV and MS data values revealed the occurrence of nine different MAAs, including; palythine (1), palythenic acid (2), euhalothece-362 (3), palythene (4), usujirene (5), palythine serine (6), asterina-330 (7), palythinol (8), and palythine-threonine (9). As well, some different in vitro antioxidant assays such as ABTS, FRAP, and RP were applied to evaluate the antioxidant properties of the MAA-enriched extract. The results indicate a significant and dose-dependent antioxidant activity of the MAA-enriched extract (54% ABTS scavenging activity at the dose of 2 mg mL−1 extract) in this cyanobacterium which was comparable with those of ascorbic acid (81% antioxidation rate at 2 mg mL−1 of ascorbic acid). All these observations suggest that Leptolyngbya sp. may act as a new, promising source of MAA compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High salinity, nutrient deficiency, heavy metals, desiccation, temperature fluctuations, and ultraviolet radiations are major abiotic stress factors considered inhospitable to algal growth and development in natural and artificial environments. All these stressful conditions cause effects on algal physiology and thus biochemical functioning. For instance, long-term exposure to hyper/hypo salinity conditions inhibits cell differentiation and reduces growth. Photosynthesis is completely blocked in algae's dehydrated state, resulting in photoinhibition or photodamage. The limitation of nutrients in aquatic environments inhibits primary production via regulating phytoplankton community development and structure. Hence, in response to these stressful conditions, algae develop plenty of cellular, physiological, and morphological defences to survive and thrive. The conserved and generalized defence responses in algae include the production of secondary metabolites, desaturation of membrane lipids, activation of reactive species scavengers, and accumulation of compatible solutes. Moreover, a well-coordinated and timely response to such stresses involves signal perception and transduction mainly via phytohormones that could sustain algae growth under abiotic stress conditions. In addition, the combination of abiotic stresses and plant hormones could further elevate the biosynthesis of metabolites and enhance the ability of algae to tolerate abiotic stresses. This review aims to present different kinds of stressful conditions confronted by algae and their physiological and biochemical responses, the role of phytohormones in combatting these conditions, and, last, the future transgenic approaches for improving abiotic stress tolerance in algae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a rare case of a focally dissected and ruptured atherosclerotic left subclavian artery leading to haemothorax. A man in his 50 s who suffered from hypertension and gout was found dead in bed unexpectedly. Postmortem examination showed a focally dissected and ruptured atherosclerotic left subclavian artery with relatively disease-free aorta and major branches. Although theoretically possible, focal atherosclerosis of left subclavian artery compounded by hypertension causing focal dissection and rupture is not previously reported in literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cerebral hyperperfusion syndrome (CHS) is a serious complication following carotid artery stenting (CAS). Staged angioplasty (AP) could potentially prevent CHS and hyperperfusion phenomenon (HPP) after revascularization. However, methods for measuring the effects of staged AP on cerebral hemodynamic reserve have not been established. Here, we evaluated whether indocyanine green kinetics and near-infrared spectroscopy (ICG-NIRS) with hypocapnia induced by hyperventilation can detect the effects of staged AP on hemodynamic reserve to prevent CHS after CAS. Participants comprised 44 patients at high risk of CHS, whose ipsilateral cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR) was impaired on preoperative single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). Patients were divided into a staged AP group (n=13) and a regular CAS group (n=31). In the staged AP group, stenting was performed 3 weeks after staged AP. In the regular CAS group, 16 cases (52%) showed HPP, and five (16%) presented with CHS after CAS, while no HPP or CHS occurred in the staged AP group (p=0.001). Changes in blood flow index (BFI) and time to peak (TTP) ratio during hypocapnia calculated from ICG-NIRS indicated a significant linear relationship with preprocedural CVR on SPECT (r=−0.710, 0.632, respectively; p<0.0001 each). BFI and TTP ratios during hypocapnia were significantly improved after staged AP (p<0.001 each). Furthermore, significant linear correlations were observed between BFI and TTP ratio during hypocapnia and postoperative asymmetry index AI (r=0.405, −0.475, respectively; p<0.01 each). Hypocapnia induced by hyperventilation under ICG-NIRS appears useful for detecting the effects of staged AP on hemodynamic reserve in patients at high risk of CHS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have recently shown that in addition to L-type voltage-operated Ca2+ channel (VOC), endothelin-1 (ET-1) stimulation opens two types of Ca2+-permeable nonselective cation channels [designated nonselective cation channel-1 (NSCC-1) and NSCC-2]. However, in this Ca2+ entry, the involvement of store-operated Ca2+ channel (SOCC), which is suggested to exist in chromaffin cells, was unclear. Those NSCCs as well as SOCC can be pharmacologically discriminated using Ca2+ channel blockers such as SK&F 96365 and LOE 908. To clarify whether SOCC should actually exist and play a role in Ca2+ entry in chromaffin cells stimulated with ET-1, we examined the effects of removal of extracellular Ca2+, thapsigargin (TG, an inhibitor of endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase), LOE 908 and SK&F 96365 on cytosolic free Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i) in cultured bovine adrenal chromaffin cells. After the cells were exposed to Ca2+-free medium followed by exposure to TG to deplete Ca2+ from the intracellular Ca2+ store, restoration of extracellular Ca2+ caused a gradual increase in [Ca2+]i (to about 200% of control). The increase was unaffected by LOE 908, but completely abolished by SK&F 96365. In the Ca2+-free medium, no increase in [Ca2+]i by ET-1 was observed, but the subsequent restoration of extracellular Ca2+ induced a rapid increase in [Ca2+]i {to the same level of [Ca2+]i as that evoked by ET-1 in the normal medium (1.0 mM Ca2+)}. Since SK&F 96365 is also a blocker of SOCC, these results indicate that in bovine adrenal chromaffin cells, Ca2+ entry through SOCC (Ca2+ influx through the capacitative Ca2+ entry system) occurs but is comparably weak, and that it virtually does not work on the stimulation of ET-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIP) consist of a molecular recognition technology with applicability in different areas, including forensic chemistry. Among the forensic applications, the use of MIP in biological fluid analysis has gained prominence. Biological fluids are complex samples that generally require a pre-treatment to eliminate interfering agents to improve the results of the analyses. In this review, we address the development of this molecular imprinting technology over the years, highlighting the forensic applications of molecularly imprinted polymers in biological sample preparation for analysis of stimulant drugs such as cocaine, amphetamines, and nicotine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Illegal use of synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) is a serious problem worldwide. Legal regulation of SCs requires fundamental analytical studies regarding the differentiation of potential structural isomers. Accumulation of SC metabolic profiles is also essential for forensic investigation because SCs are immediately metabolized after intake. Thus, we investigated the in vitro metabolism of N-adamantyl-1-(tetrahydropyran-4-ylmethyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide isomers (ATHs) using human liver microsomes (HLMs). Moreover, we validated the applicability of the isomeric differentiation by investigation of N-adamantyl-1-(4-fluorobenzyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide isomers (AFUs). Methods: Metabolites were collected at designated time points during the incubation period with HLMs for up to 180 min. The structures of the metabolites were annotated on the basis of mass spectroscopic evidence obtained by liquid chromatography–ion trap–time of flight mass spectrometry. Results: The secondary stage mass (MS2) spectra obtained from the protonated molecules revealed a clear difference in both ATHs and their major metabolites because of the stability of the adamantyl (AD) cation. In HLMs, ATHs were quickly metabolized, and hydroxylation of the AD ring was deduced as the major metabolic pathway. The major metabolites of ATH 1 and ATH 2 after 180 min showed dihydroxylation and monohydroxylation of the AD ring. The AFUs showed analytical and metabolic profiles similar to those of the ATHs described above. Conclusions: We characterized the metabolism of ATHs for the first time and discriminated between the two isomers by mass spectrometric analysis of either the parent compounds or their major metabolites. Our investigation of AFUs also demonstrated a useful method for distinguishing between AD isomers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we developed and validated a CE-TOF-MS method for the quantification of glyphosate (N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine) and its major degradation product aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA) in different samples including beer, media from toxicological analysis with Daphnia magna, and sorption experiments. Using a background electrolyte (BGE) of very low pH, where glyphosate is still negatively charged but many matrix components become neutral or protonated, a very high separation selectivity was reached. The presence of inorganic salts in the sample was advantageous with regard to preconcentration via transient isotachophoresis. The advantages of our new method are the following: no derivatization is needed, high separation selectivity and thus matrix tolerance, speed of analysis, limits of detection suitable for many applications in food and environmental science, negligible disturbance by metal chelation. LODs for glyphosate were < 5 μg/L for both aqueous and beer samples, the linear range in aqueous samples was 5–3000 μg/L, for beer samples 10–3000 μg/L. For AMPA, LODs were 3.3 and 30.6 μg/L, and the linear range 10–3000 μg/L and 50–3000 μg/L, for aqueous and beer samples, respectively. Recoveries in beer samples for glyphosate were 94.3–110.7% and for AMPA 80.2–100.4%. We analyzed 12 German and 2 Danish beer samples. Quantification of glyphosate and AMPA was possible using isotopically labeled standards without enrichment, purification, or dilution, only degassing and filtration were required for sample preparation. Finally, we demonstrate the applicability of the method for other strong acids, relevant in food and environmental sciences such as N-acetyl glyphosate, N-acetyl AMPA (present in some glyphosate resistant crop), trifluoroacetic acid, 2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid, glufosinate and its degradation product 3-(methylphosphinico)propionic acid, oxamic acid, and others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resveratrol is found in numerous plant-based foods and beverages and is known to have an impact on the cardiovascular system. The aim of this study was to investigate the vasorelaxant effect of resveratrol and its underlying mechanisms by employing an aortic ring assay model. Resveratrol caused relaxation of aortic rings that had been precontracted with phenylephrine in the presence of endothelium or with potassium chloride in endothelium-intact aortic rings. The vasorelaxant effect was decreased in the absence of an endothelium. The mechanisms underlying the vasorelaxant effect of resveratrol were determined through the addition of antagonists. In the presence of the endothelium, indomethacin (a nonselective cyclooxygenase inhibitor), methylene blue (cyclic guanosine monophosphate lowering agent), 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ, selective soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor), Nω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, nitric oxide synthase inhibitor), tetraethylammonium (TEA, nonselective calcium activator potassium channel blocker), 4-aminopyridine (4-AP, voltage-dependent K+ channel blocker), barium chloride (BaCl2, inwardly rectifying K+ channel blocker), glibenclamide (non-specific ATP-sensitive K+ channel blocker) and propranolol (β-adrenergic receptor blocker) led to a significant reduction in the vasorelaxation effect induced by resveratrol. Resveratrol was also found to reduce Ca2+ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum and block calcium channels. In conclusion, resveratrol targets multiple signalling pathways for exerting its vasorelaxant effects in the rat aortic ring model in both the presence and absence of endothelium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To evaluate complex CSF movements and shear stress in patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) on four-dimensional (4D) flow MRI.Methods: Three-dimensional velocities and volumes of the reciprocating CSF movements through 12 ROIs from the foramen of Monro to the upper cervical spine were measured in 41 patients with iNPH, 23 patients with co-occurrence of iNPH and Alzheimer's disease (AD), and 9 age-matched controls, using 4D flow imaging and application. Stroke volume, reversed-flow rate, and shear stress were automatically calculated. Relationships between flow-related parameters and morphological measurements were also assessed.Results: Stroke volumes, reversed-flow rates, and shear stress at the cerebral aqueduct were significantly higher in patients with iNPH than in controls. Patients with pure iNPH had significantly higher shear stress at the ventral aspect of the cerebral aqueduct than those with co-occurrence of iNPH and AD. The stroke volume at the upper end of the cerebral aqueduct had the strongest association with the anteroposterior diameter of the lower end of the cerebral aqueduct (r = 0.52). The stroke volume at the foramen of Monro had significant associations with the indices specific to iNPH. The shear stress at the dorsal aspect of the cerebral aqueduct had the strongest association with the diameter of the foramen of Magendie (r = 0.52).Conclusions: Stroke volumes, reversed-flow rates, and shear stress through the cerebral aqueduct on 4D flow MRI are useful parameters for iNPH diagnosis. These findings can aid in elucidating the mechanism of ventricular enlargement in iNPH.Key Points: • The CSF stroke volume and bimodal shear stress at the cerebral aqueduct were considerably higher in patients with iNPH. • The patients with pure iNPH had significantly higher shear stress at the ventral aspect of the cerebral aqueduct than those with co-occurrence of iNPH and AD. • The shear stress at the cerebral aqueduct was significantly associated with the diameter of the foramen of Magendie. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: A sensitive method was developed for the simultaneous determination of midazolam and propofol in human plasma samples via modified quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS) extraction for their analysis by gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (GC–MS/MS). Methods: Detailed optimization and validation experiments were conducted; plasma quality control samples spiked with two drugs and two internal standards (ISs) were extracted using the QuEChERS technique and determined by GC–MS/MS. The present method was applied to the measurements in an actual clinical case. Results: The regression equations for midazolam and propofol in plasma displayed good linearity (r > 0.9978) from 10 to 1000 ng/mL with a limit of quantification of 10 ng/mL. The intra- and interday precisions for both drugs were not greater than 8.6%. The accuracies of quantitation ranged from 98 to 110%. The extraction efficiencies of midazolam and propofol for plasma were 93 to 117%. The method was successfully applied to the analyses of plasma midazolam and propofol concentrations in a brain-injured patient subjected to hypothermia, which validated the present methodology. Conclusions: In this study, the authors have successfully established the detailed procedure for GC–MS/MS analysis of midazolam and propofol in human plasma. The sensitivity and specificity of the present method for the drugs were almost comparable to those by the standard liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. To their knowledge, this is the first report for analysis of midazolam/propofol by GC–MS/MS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Parma Functional Urban Area, hydro-geo-ecology was investigated through an interdisciplinary approach, with emphasis on the shallow aquifer system. The study pointed out that domestic wells and fontanili are both fed by shallow groundwater affected by PCE and nitrate contamination, upgradient of the rural area located north of Parma City. Moreover, Folsomia candida tests suggested the possibility that other types of contaminants (not analysed in this study) can affect the shallow groundwater. Nowadays, PCE concentrations in the city centre are slightly higher than the limit set by law. Moreover, PCE aerobic biodegradation can be due to the local microbial community and then an effective natural attenuation can be expected along the groundwater flow pathway. These results suggest a very low risk for human health, linked to the groundwater consumption in the rural area north of Parma City. Conversely, no forecasts can be made at present about the possible impact of low PCE concentrations on the aquatic ecosystem observed at the fontanili. Concerning nitrate contamination, the higher concentrations detected in some wells and fontanili suggest a high risk for both human health and aquatic ecosystems. In a wider context, thanks to the interdisciplinary approach that combines successfully well-established investigation methods, the present study allows a better knowledge of the hydro-geo-ecological behaviour of groundwater-dependent ecosystems. At the same time, through purpose-designed experimental investigations and simulation models, this approach could be used as a sort of guideline useful in studying such complex environmental systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: One of the ongoing research subjects for forensic analysts is differentiating halogen positional isomers of newly-emerging synthetic cannabinoids. The purpose of this study is to elucidate liquid chromatographic and mass spectrometric conditions applicable to the differentiation of such derivatives.Methods: High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (QqQ-MS) and linear ion trap time-of-flight mass spectrometry (IT-TOF-MS) using electrospray ionization (ESI) in its positive ion mode were utilized to analyze six model compounds, FUB-JWH-018 and five positional isomers having structures of 1- or 2-naphthoyl-substituted 1H-indole-3-carboxylates with N-substituted positional isomeric fluorobenzyl groups (2-fluorobenzyl, 3-fluorobenzyl, and 4-fluorobenzyl).Results: The chromatographic separation of the six isomers was successfully achieved by HPLC using a pentafluorophenylpropyl-bonded reversed-phase adsorbent. The positive ESI-QqQ-MS could discriminate fluorobenzyl isomers having a same naphthoyl structure via the relative abundance of the two product ions in the collision-induced dissociation reaction. ESI-IT-TOF-MS in its positive ion mode successfully distinguished three ring positional isomers in both naphthoyl scaffolds on the basis of the differences in the abundance of oxomethylium ion attributed to C16H11FNO+ (m/z 252).Conclusions: The use of ESI-QqQ-MS and ESI-IT-TOF-MS in its positive ion mode coupled with LC using a pentafluorophenylpropyl-bonded silica column is applicable to MS-aided differentiation and the chromatographic separation of FUB-JWH-018 positional isomers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Positional isomer differentiation is crucial for forensic analysis. The aim of this study was to differentiate AB-FUBINACA positional isomers using liquid chromatography (LC)-electrospray ionization (ESI)-linear ion trap mass spectrometry (LIT-MS) and LC-ESI-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (QqQ-MS).Methods: AB-FUBINACA, its two fluorine positional isomers on the phenyl ring, and three methyl positional isomers in the carboxamide side chain were analyzed by LC-ESI-LIT-MS and LC-ESI-QqQ-MS.Results: Four of the positional isomers, excluding AB-FUBINACA and its 3-fluorobenzyl isomer, were chromatographically separated on an ODS column in isocratic mode. ESI-LIT-MS could discriminate only three isomers, i.e., the 2-fluorobenzyl isomer, the N-(1-amino-2-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl) isomer, and the N-(1-amino-1-oxobutan-2-yl)-N-methyl isomer, based on their characteristic product ions observed at the MS3 stage in negative mode. ESI-QqQ-MS differentiated all six isomers in terms of the relative abundances of the product ions that contained the isomeric moieties involved in collision-induced dissociation reactions. The six isomers were more clearly and significantly differentiated upon comparison of the logarithmic values of the product ion abundance ratios as a function of collision energy.Conclusions: The present LC-MS methodologies were useful for the differentiation of a series of AB-FUBINACA positional isomers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have demonstrated that 3′-hydroxy-5,6,7,4′-tetramethoxyflavone (TMF) content in Orthosiphon stamineus fractions correlate with its vasorelaxation activity. Even with the availability of previous studies, there is still very little information on the vasorelaxation effect of TMF, and few scientific studies have been carried out. Therefore, the present study was designed to investigate the vasorelaxation activity and mechanism of action of the TMF. The vasorelaxation activity and the underlying mechanisms of TMF were evaluated on thoracic aortic rings isolated from Sprague Dawley rats. TMF caused the relaxation of aortic rings with endothelium pre-contracted with phenylephrine. However, the vasorelaxant effect of TMF was significantly decreased in PE-primed endothelium-denuded and potassium chloride-primed endothelium-intact aortic rings. In the presence of Nω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester, methylene blue, 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one, indomethacin, tetraethylammonium, 4-aminopyridine, barium chloride, atropine and propranolol, the relaxation stimulated by TMF was significantly reduced. TMF was also found to reduce Ca2+ release from sarcoplasmic reticulum (via IP3R) and block calcium channels (VOCC). The present study demonstrates the vasorelaxant effect of TMF involves NO/sGC/cGMP and prostacyclin pathways, calcium and potassium channels and muscarinic and beta-adrenergic receptors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We present a single-centre experience of procedural complications suffered by patients undergoing endovascular treatment for a ruptured saccular intracranial aneurysm at Tampere University Hospital, Finland, between 2000 and 2014.Method: From 2000 to 2014, we treated 1,253 patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage, 491 of whom received endovascular treatment. Clinical data were collected retrospectively from the hospital’s aneurysm database. A procedural complication was defined as having occurred whenever there was a documented new event in the patient’s medical records or a note of a technical complication written by an interventionist after endovascular treatment. Procedural complications could be with or without clinical symptoms.Results: Nearly 40% (491/1253) of the patients were treated with the endovascular method. Procedural complications occurred in 11.4% (56/491) of cases. The morbidity rate was 4.5% (22/491) and the mortality rate was 0.2% (1/491). Of the 56 complications, ischaemic complications occurred in 52% (29/56), haemorrhagic complications occurred in 27% (15/56) and technical complications occurred in 21% (12/56) of cases. In 61% (34/56) of the cases, the procedural complication did not cause any clinical symptoms.Conclusions: The total risk for procedural complications leading to postoperative disability or death at our institute was 4.7%. The complication frequency is in accordance with previous reports. Endovascular treatment of ruptured intracranial aneurysms is a safe treatment method when patient selection is carefully performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since its introduction in 1974, the herbicide glyphosate has experienced a tremendous increase in use, with about one million tons used annually today. This review focuses on sensors and electromigration separation techniques as alternatives to chromatographic methods for the analysis of glyphosate and its metabolite aminomethyl phosphonic acid. Even with the large number of studies published, glyphosate analysis remains challenging. With its polar and depending on pH even ionic functional groups lacking a chromophore, it is difficult to analyze with chromatographic techniques. Its analysis is mostly achieved after derivatization. Its purification from food and environmental samples inevitably results incoextraction of ionic matrix components, with a further impact on analysis derivatization. Its purification from food and environmental samples inevitably results in coextraction of ionic matrix components, with a further impact on analysis and also derivatization reactions. Its ability to form chelates with metal cations is another obstacle for precise quantification. Lastly, the low limits of detection required by legislation have to be met. These challenges preclude glyphosate from being analyzed together with many other pesticides in common multiresidue (chromatographic) methods. For better monitoring of glyphosate in environmental and food samples, further fast and robust methods are required. In this review, analytical methods are summarized and discussed from the perspective of biosensors and various formats of electromigration separation techniques, including modes such as capillary electrophoresis and micellar electrokinetic chromatography, combined with various detection techniques. These methods are critically discussed with regard to matrix tolerance, limits of detection reached, and selectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute subclavian artery dissection (SAD) is a rare entity which is usually associated with several vascular abnormalities and traumatic events. Spontaneous SAD remains exceptional and often affects the left artery. We report the autopsy case of a 29-year-old female who died suddenly following a spontaneous dissection of the right subclavian artery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We aimed to assess the impact of metal artifact reduction software (MARs) on image quality of gemstone spectral imaging (GSI) dual-energy (DE) cerebral CT angiography (CTA) after intracranial aneurysm clipping. Methods: This retrospective study was approved by the institutional review board, which waived patient written consent. From January 2013 to September 2016, single source DE cerebral CTA were performed in 45 patients (mean age: 60 ± 9 years, male 9) after intracranial aneurysm clipping and reconstructed with and without MARs. Signal-to-noise (SNR), contrast-to-noise (CNR), and relative CNR (rCNR) ratios were calculated from attenuation values measured in the internal carotid artery (ICA) and middle cerebral artery (MCA). Volume of clip and artifacts and relative clip blurring reduction (rCBR) ratios were also measured at each energy level with/without MARs. Variables were compared between GSI and GSI-MARs using the paired Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results: MARs significantly reduced metal artifacts at all energy levels but 130 and 140 keV, regardless of clips' location and number. The optimal rCBR was obtained at 110 and 80 keV, respectively, on GSI and GSI-MARs images, with up to 96% rCNR increase on GSI-MARs images. The best compromise between metal artifact reduction and rCNR was obtained at 70-75 and 65-70 keV for GSI and GSI-MARs images, respectively, with up to 15% rCBR and rCNR increase on GSI-MARs images. Conclusion: MARs significantly reduces metal artifacts on DE cerebral CTA after intracranial aneurysm clipping regardless of clips' location and number. It may be used to reduce radiation dose while increasing CNR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A poor repeatability of migration times caused by the fluctuations of electroosmotic flow (EOF) is an inherent weakness of capillary electrophoresis. Most researchers endeavor to prevent this problem using relative migration times or various capillary coatings which are expensive and not easy in comparison. Herein, we present an original approach to this problem: we apply a model sample designed to induce significant EOF instability, in order to critically compare ten capillary types with different physicochemical characteristics. Moreover, we accompany capillary modification with the evaluation of various criteria of peak identification: migration time, migration times ratio, and electrophoretic mobility. Our results show a great effectiveness of a dynamic coating in the stabilization of migration times, with the average RSD(%) value reduced from 3.5% (bare silica capillary) down to 0.5%. The good outcomes were also obtained for the surfactant-modified silica and amine capillaries. For the capillaries exhibiting significant instability of EOF, electrophoretic mobility turned out to be a more universal and reliable criterion of peak identification than relative migration time. It can be explained by an intrinsic dependency of migration times ratio on EOF change, which should always be considered during the selection of an internal standard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A survey of electrophoresis methods for the determination of pesticides from different classes in environmental materials and food products is presented. The main sample preparation procedures, the cleaning of extracts, and the use of various versions of capillary electrophoresis are considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Intracranial infectious aneurysm (IIA) accounts for less than 5 % of all intracranial aneurysms. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of endovascular treatment for IIA. Methods: During a 14-year period, 15 patients (age range, 2-68 years; mean, 42.8 years) with 17 aneurysms were diagnosed with IIA and treated via an endovascular route at our institution. The IIA diagnosis was based on clinical and laboratory findings of infection, echocardiography results, and digital subtraction angiography that were collected retrospectively. All patients were clinically and radiologically followed. The modified Rankin scale was used to evaluate clinical outcome. Results: Among 15 patients, 12 presented with ruptured aneurysms (7 intraparenchymal hematoma, 4 subarachnoid hemorrhage, 1 subdural hematoma), 2 with cerebral infarcts, and 1 with pansinusitis and epidural abscess. All but one aneurysm were distally located in intracranial circulation, 14 were in anterior, and the remaining 3 were in posterior circulation. The final diagnosis was based on aneurysm morphology, location, and clinical laboratory findings. Endovascular treatment was scheduled initially for all IIAs; 13 of 17 IIAs underwent endovascular parent vessel occlusion, 3 underwent spontaneous parent vessel occlusion while waiting for intervention, and the remaining patient was treated by intrasaccular coil occlusion. There were no instances of perioperative neurological complications. Late clinical and radiological outcomes included absence of endovascular treatment related to mortality and aneurysm recurrence. Conclusion: Endovascular treatment may be performed safely at the time of diagnosis for at least symptomatic IIAs under the protective effect of antibiotic treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this review we introduce the advantages and limitations of electromigrative separation techniques in forensic toxicology. We thus present a summary of illustrative studies and our own experience in the field together with established methods from the German Federal Criminal Police Office rather than a complete survey. We focus on the analytical aspects of analytes' physicochemical characteristics (e.g. polarity, stereoisomers) and analytical challenges including matrix tolerance, separation from compounds present in large excess, sample volumes, and orthogonality. For these aspects we want to reveal the specific advantages over more traditional methods. Both detailed studies and profiling and screening studies are taken into account. Care was taken to nearly exclusively document well-validated methods outstanding for the analytical challenge discussed. Special attention was paid to aspects exclusive to electromigrative separation techniques, including the use of the mobility axis, the potential for on-site instrumentation, and the capillary format for immunoassays. The review concludes with an introductory guide to method development for different separation modes, presenting typical buffer systems as starting points for different analyte classes. The objective of this review is to provide an orientation for users in separation science considering using capillary electrophoresis in their laboratory in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Chondroid chordoma (CC) is a rare but commonest subtype of chordoma with little reported clinical information. The present study summarizes and updates present knowledge of CC. Methods: Literature search for demographic data and clinical appearance of cranial CCs except for those entirely confined to the sinonasal region. Results: A total of 48 English language papers published from 1968-2013 were retrieved describing 132 CCs as skull base tumors. The male-to-female ratio was 1:1. The mean age at diagnosis was 43 years, predisposing to the third to fifth decades of life. The clival (34 %) and spheno-occipital (29 %) regions were the most frequent sites of origin followed by the sellar (12 %) and sphenoid (5 %) regions. Intratumoral calcification and bony erosion were identified as the characteristic neuroimaging findings. Surgical resection by the transcranial, transsphenoidal, transnasal, transpharyngeal, or transpalatal route with or without adjuvant radiotherapy was the main treatment option. The initial treatment outcome was satisfactory in 82 % of cases with considerably better prognosis compared with typical chordomas. Conclusion: CC is a distinct entity to be discriminated from the typical type of chordoma. There are no distinguishing features on magnetic resonance imaging between CC and typical chordoma. Intratumoral calcification and concurrent bony erosion on neuroimaging should suggest the possibility of CC. Extensive surgical resection and adjuvant radiotherapy can achieve satisfactory outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anion exchange liquid chromatography (LC) with inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used for simultaneous determination of glyphosate and glufosinate (phosphonic and amino acid group-containing herbicides; PAAHs) and their hydrolysis products, aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA) and 3-methylphosphinicoacetic acid (MPPA), in biological samples. The target compounds were separated using an anion exchange resin column and gradient elution with sodium carbonate and sodium hydroxide system. The chromatographic eluates were passed through a membrane suppressor system and monitored by phosphorus-specific detection at m/ z 31. PAAHs and their hydrolysis products were baseline separated from each other within 40 min of elution time, and phosphoric acid did not interfere with detection. The detection limits in serum samples were 0.1-0.7 µg/ml; those in urine samples, 0.2-1.6 µg/ml for the four compounds. The spiked recoveries for the four compounds were over 91 % in serum and urine samples. The detection of the compounds was not subject to interference from sample matrix components. The present method would be useful for toxicological analysis of PAAHs and their products in actual forensic practice. To our knowledge, this is the first trial to establish an LC-ICP-MS method for analysis of PAAHs and their products in biological samples . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Unplanned re-exploration of the craniotomy after surgical treatment of unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) is sometimes required, but the underlying causes and rates of these procedures are seldom reported. This study retrospectively analyzed the causes of such re-explorations to identify methods for decreasing their necessity. Method: From January 2000 to December 2011, 1,720 patients with a total of 1,938 UIAs underwent surgical treatment at our institution. From this cohort, 26 patients (1.5 %) with 38 UIAs required re-exploration. Clinical data, aneurysm characteristics, treatment methods, and the incidence and causes of re-exploration of the craniotomy were analyzed for these 26 patients. Results: Several causes of re-exploration were identified: compromised distal blood flow (eight patients, 0.47 %), hemorrhagic venous infarction (four patients, 0.23 %), brain retraction injury (three patients, 0.17 %), newly identified aneurysms (three patients, 0.17 %), bleeding from an incompletely clipped aneurysm (two patients, 0.12 %), epidural hematoma (two patients, 0.12 %), failed aneurysm clipping (two patients, 0.12 %) and other causes (two patients, 0.12 %). Annual re-exploration incidence rates ranged from 0 to 3.1 %. Annual incidence rates gradually decreased following the introduction of several intraoperative monitoring systems. Conclusions: Precise surgical planning and careful operative techniques can reduce the incidence of unplanned re-exploration of the craniotomy. The introduction of various intraoperative monitoring systems can also contribute to a reduction in this incidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Carotid artery stenting (CAS) is generally performed via a transfemoral approach. A transbrachial approach is usually chosen as an alternative when CAS via a transfemoral approach is difficult. At our institutions, a transcervical approach is chosen when the previous two approach routes are not available. We reviewed CAS cases treated via the transcervical route in our 1,067 CAS series to investigate the safety, feasibility, and frequency of this procedure as an approach route of CAS. Methods: We performed 1,067 CAS procedures in 1,067 consecutive cases between December 2002 and June 2011. Initially, a transfemoral route was chosen, and secondarily a transbrachial route, the last choice was a transcervical route. A transbrachial approach was chosen in 96 (9.0 %) cases and a transcervical approach in ten (0.9 %). We reviewed the characteristics and outcomes of CAS performed via a transcervical approach. Results: CAS was successfully performed on all ten transcervical-approach patients. Eight procedures were performed under local anesthesia and two under general anesthesia. Perioperative morbidity and mortality were both 0 %. The modified Rankin scale (mRS) showed no deterioration at 3 months except for one case whose mRS became five because of an embolic stroke after aortic valve replacement. Conclusions: CAS via a transcervical approach was safe and feasible, and its frequency chosen as an approach route was 0.9 %. This procedure can be an alternative to transfemoral or transbrachial approaches when CAS via either of these approaches is too difficult. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Subclavian artery dissection is usually associated with coexisting aortic disease. Isolated and spontaneous acute subclavian artery dissection is uncommon and rarely reported. In addition, no case of left subclavian artery dissection during pregnancy and early puerperium has been described. We report the autopsy case of a 24-year-old female who died suddenly 3 days after delivery due to a spontaneous left subclavian artery dissection with rupture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nifedipine is unstable under light and decomposes to a stable nitroso analog, nitrosonifedipine (NO-NIF). The ability of NO-NIF to block calcium channels is quite weak compared with that of nifedipine. Recently, we have demonstrated that NO-NIF reacts with unsaturated fatty acid leading to generate NO-NIF radical, which acquires radical scavenging activity. However, the effects of NO-NIF on the pathogenesis related with oxidative stress, such as atherosclerosis and hypertension, are unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of NO-NIF on angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced vascular remodeling. Ang II-induced thickening and fibrosis of aorta were inhibited by NO-NIF in mice. NO-NIF decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the aorta and urinary 8-hydroxy-20-deoxyguanosine. Ang II-stimulated mRNA expressions of p22, CD68, F4/80, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and collagen I in the aorta were inhibited by NO-NIF. Moreover, NO-NIF inhibited Ang II-induced cell migration and proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). NO-NIF reduced Ang II-induced ROS to the control level detected by dihydroethidium staining and lucigenin chemiluminescence assay in VSMCs. NO-NIF suppressed phosphorylations of Akt and epidermal growth factor receptor induced by Ang II. However, NO-NIF had no effects on intracellular Ca increase and protein kinase C-δ phosphorylation induced by Ang II in VSMCs. The electron paramagnetic resonance spectra indicated the continuous generation of NO-NIF radical of reaction with cultured VSMCs. These findings suggest that NO-NIF improves Ang II-induced vascular remodeling via the attenuation of oxidative stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infectious intracranial aneurysms (IIA) are rare but a considerable source of morbidity and mortality as a result of rupture. Most patients with these lesions have considerable medical comorbidities, making endovascular approaches a crucial modality in their treatment armamentarium. Contributing our own case, we performed a comprehensive review of the literature to illustrate overall results and outcomes for patients with IIA treated with endovascular approaches. Incorporating our own case, we found 65 patients harboring 72 IIA across 31 reports. Fifty-one were treated via parent artery occlusion (71 %), 17 via direct aneurysm embolization (24 %), two via stent-coiling (3 %), and two with stent monotherapy (3 %). Twenty-nine IIAs were treated with n-butylcyanoacrylate (NBCA) (40 %), 25 with coils (35 %), seven with Onyx or ethylene vinyl alcohol (10 %), five with detachable balloons (7 %), four with stents (6 %), and one with autologous clot (1 %). One case of incomplete aneurysm occlusion and two cases of recanalization were reported. Six symptomatic periprocedural ischemic events were reported (9 %), with only three resulting in permanent sequelae (5 %). No infectious complications were reported. Incorporating the natural history of the disease, 28 patients were neurologically intact (43 %), while seven had died at the time of follow-up (11 %). Endovascular treatment of ruptured, symptomatic, or enlarging IIA is an excellent treatment modality with high occlusion rates and low procedure-related complication rates. Distal IIA are more often treated with parent artery occlusion, in our hands, preferentially with Onyx, while proximal lesions may be treated with direct stent-coiling or even flow-diverting stent monotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Capillary electromigration techniques are often considered ideal methods for enantioseparations due to their high separation selectivity and flexibility. Thus, numerous methods employing a chiral selector as pseudostationary phase in a background electrolyte have been developed and applied for the chiral analysis of drugs in bulk ware, pharmaceutical formulations and biological matrices. Furthermore, electromigration techniques have been combined with spectroscopic methods such as nuclear magnetic resonance in order to understand the complexation of analytes by chiral selectors. The present review focuses on recent developments and applications of chiral electromigration techniques in pharmaceutical and biomedical analysis including examples illustrating analyte-selector complex formation or mechanistic studies which have been published between January 2009 and July 2011. Selector-mediated chiral separations clearly dominate while no applications of capillary electrochromatography to pharmaceutical or biomedical analysis have been reported during this period of time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between invasive brain tissue oxygen pressure (PbrO2) and noninvasive regional transcranial oxygen saturation (rSO2) in 22 stable patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) during a 16 h period. This was a prospective, observational study carried out in the Neurocritical Care Unit of a level 1 trauma center in a teaching hospital. A total of 41,809 paired records for neuromonitoring variables were analyzed and compared. A direct and independent correlation between rSO2 and PbrO2 was confirmed through adjusted [ β coefficient and (95% confidence interval, CI) = 0.36 (0.35–0.37)] and logistic [PbrO2 ≥15 mmHg, as a dependent variable; adjusted odds ratio (AOR) and (95% CI) = 1.11 (1.10–1.12)] regression analyses. A receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve demonstrated that rSO2 had low accuracy for detecting moderate (PbrO2 ≤15 mmHg) intracerebral hypoxia [area under curve (AUC) = 0.62], with the likelihood ratio for a positive test (LR+) = 1.2 for an optimal cutoff of rSO2 ≤70%. In contrast, the ROC analysis showed that rSO2 was moderately accurate for detecting severe (PbrO2 ≤12 mmHg) intracerebral hypoxemia (AUC = 0.82; LR+ = 5.3) for an optimal cutoff of rSO2 ≤60%. In patients with severe TBI, PbrO2 and rSO2 were directly and significantly related. Severe intracerebral hypoxia was better detected by rSO2 than was moderate intracerebral hypoxia. However, the diagnostic accuracy of rSO2 was limited, and this measure should not be considered a substitute for routine PbrO2 monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intracranial infectious aneurysms, or mycotic aneurysms, are rare infectious cerebrovascular lesions which arise through microbial infection of the cerebral arterial wall. Due to the rarity of these lesions, the variability in their clinical presentations, and the lack of population-based epidemiological data, there is no widely accepted management methodology. We undertook a comprehensive literature search using the OVID gateway of the MEDLINE database (1950–2009) using the following keywords (singly and in combination): “infectious,” “mycotic,” “cerebral aneurysm,” and “intracranial aneurysm.” We identified 27 published clinical series describing a total of 287 patients in the English literature that presented demographic and clinical data regarding presentation, treatment, and outcome of patients with mycotic aneurysms. We then synthesized the available data into a combined cohort to more closely estimate the true demographic and clinical characteristics of this disease. We follow by presenting a comprehensive review of mycotic aneurysms, highlighting current treatment paradigms. The literature supports the administration of antibiotics in conjunction with surgical or endovascular intervention depending on the character and location of the aneurysm, as well as the clinical status of the patient. Mycotic aneurysms comprise an important subtype of potentially life-threatening cerebrovascular lesions, and further prospective studies are warranted to define outcome following both conservative and surgical or endovascular treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An increasing number of intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) are amenable to endovascular treatment with Onyx-18. We reviewed our experience with the endovascular management of tentorial dural arteriovenous fistulas (TDAVFs) treated transarterially and transvenously. Clinical records for 19 consecutive patients (three women, 16 men) with TDAVFs treated endovascularly between 2005 and 2008 were reviewed to determine their presenting symptoms, angiographic features, endovascular treatments, and clinical outcomes. Most patients (78.9%) presented with intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). All patients had high-risk angiographic features such as leptomeningeal venous varix. Transarterial embolization was performed in 19 patients. Transvenous embolization was additionally performed in two patients and caused one death. At the time of the last follow-up evaluation, 16 (84.2%) patients had good or excellent outcomes (modified Rankin score, 0 or 1) and one (5.3%) was deceased. Six patients had a residual fistula and were treated with gamma knife radiosurgery. The overall morbidity and mortality rate was 10.5%. High-risk TDAVFs can be successfully managed with good outcomes. When anatomic features can be accessed endovascularly, endovascular treatment is indicated. Patients with residual filling of the DAVF should be considered for adjuvant therapy, including further radiosurgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Objects  Infectious intracranial aneurysms present a treatment challenge in the pediatric population. Current endovascular strategies and tools have been developed, which make treatment of infectious intracranial aneurysms with liquid embolics safe and effective. This study reviews the use of the liquid embolic Onyx in the treatment of infectious intracranial aneurysms in the pediatric population. Materials and methods  We used an endovascular approach to treat ruptured infectious intracranial aneurysms. We embolized the aneurysms with either Onyx alone or in combination with platinum coils. Conclusion  Endovascular therapy with liquid embolics (Onyx) has been shown to be a safe and effectual treatment option in the case of pediatric infectious intracranial aneurysms. The combination of endovascular modalities can also be used to tailor the therapeutic goal of exclusion of infectious aneurysms with good results. Further studies are needed to assess the long-term effectiveness of this approach to pediatric infectious intracranial aneurysms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the applicability of laser-induced incandescence (LII) as a measurement technique for primary soot particle sizes at elevated pressure. A high-pressure burner was constructed that provides stable, laminar, sooting, premixed ethylene/air flames at 1–10 bar. An LII model was set up that includes different heat-conduction sub-models and used an accommodation coefficient of 0.25 for all pressures studied. Based on this model experimental time-resolved LII signals recorded at different positions in the flame were evaluated with respect to the mean particle diameter of a log-normal particle-size distribution. The resulting primary particle sizes were compared to results from TEM images of soot samples that were collected thermophoretically from the high-pressure flame. The LII results are in good agreement with the mean primary particle sizes of a log-normal particle-size distribution obtained from the TEM-data for all pressures, if the LII signals are evaluated with the heat-conduction model of Fuchs combined with an aggregate sub-model that describes the reduced heat conduction of aggregated primary soot particles. The model, called LIISim, is available online via a web interface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Introduction  Infectious intracranial aneurysms in infantile period are very rare, and there is no report of infectious intracranial aneurysm in preterm infant Case report  A 43-day-old female infant, delivered at 29 weeks of gestation, presented with massive intracranial hemorrhage. Eighteen days after diagnoses of necrotizing enterocolitis, sepsis, and meningitis, the baby became lethargic with rigid left limbs. Imaging studies revealed a large hematoma in the right temporoparietal region and adjacent lateral ventricle. During removal of fresh hematoma, an actively bleeding nodular mass, contiguous with the distal middle cerebral artery branch, was found and excised from the parent vessel. Pathologic examination revealed a ruptured infectious intracranial aneurysm. After surgery, her neurologic status improved and she was doing well at 12 months’ follow-up with mild spastic hemiparesis. Conclusion  To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of infectious intracranial aneurysm in the preterm infant, which was successfully treated with hematoma evacuation and resection of the aneurysm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents abstracts of medical research. They include "Usefulness of dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging study for carotid atherosclerotic plaque," "Comparison of MRA source image and IVUS finding of fibrous cap of carotid plaque," and "SWI increased vessel contrast and intraarterial low signal: early MR findings of hyperacute ischemic stroke."