Incidence of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis after administration of gadoteric acid in patients on renal replacement treatment

PurposeNephrogenic system fibrosis (NSF) is a rare complication detected in patients with renal insufficiency exposed to gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs). The aim of our study is to evaluate the prevalence of NSF in a cohort of patients on renal replacement treatment who underwent GBCA-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).MethodWe retrospectively reviewed all the charts of kidney transplant (KT) recipients, patients on hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) who received a uniform protocol for contrast material enhanced-MRI with gadoteric acid at our center from January 2004 to December 2017.ResultsThree-hundred forty-four patients (44.1% on HD, 11.3% on PD and 44.4% KT recipients) underwent 551 gadoteric acid-enhanced MRI.The median age of the patients was 58 years (IQR, 45–70 years) and 65.1% were men. Sixty-three patients (18.3%) had skin punch biopsy after integumentary assessment performed by a dermatologist. No cases of NSF were detected after a median follow-up of 4.5 years (IQR, 1.9–8.2 years). During this period of observation, 116 (33.7%) patients died and 11 (3.1%) were lost at follow-up.ConclusionsNone of the patients exposed to gadoteric acid developed NSF. Our results, in line with more recent studies, suggest that the use of gadoteric acid, a macrocyclic GBCA, appears safe even in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients receiving dialysis.     

Intra-voxel incoherent motion MRI in rodent model of diethylnitrosamine-induced liver fibrosis

Rationale and Objectives

To compare the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and the perfusion fraction measured by intra-voxel incoherent motion (IVIM) Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) with liver fibrosis degrees in a rodent model.

Materials and Methods

All experiments received approval from our institutional animal care and use committee. Liver fibrosis was induced in 13 rats by oral gavage with diethylnitrosamine; 4 untreated rats with normal livers were used as controls. Diffusion Weighted MRI was performed and 8 gradient factors (0, 50, 100, 150, 200, 300, 400 and 500 s/mm²) were acquired. The values of ADC, true diffusion coefficient D and perfusion fraction f were measured based on Li Bihan’s method. The percentage of liver fibrosis was assessed via quantitative analysis of Masson trichrome staining using an average of 30 fields per section. The MRI measurements were compared to the histological fibrotic grade to evaluate the correlation between them.

Results

ADC contained the contribution of diffusion and perfusion. The ADC and f values decreased significantly with the increasing fibrosis level (correlation coefficient: ADC: ρ = − 0.781, p < 0.001; f: ρ = − 0.720, p = 0.001); but D was poorly correlated with fibrosis level (ρ = − 0.502, p = 0.040).

Conclusion

The hepatic ADC and the perfusion fraction f were significantly correlated with the liver fibrosis level; however, D was not. This might suggest that hepatic perfusion is altered during the progression of hepatic fibrosis.     

A model for the evaluation of systemic risk in stock markets

Systemic risk refers to the possibility of a collapse of an entire financial system or market, differing from the risk associated with any particular individual or a group pertaining to the system, which may include banks, government, brokers, and creditors. After the 2008 financial crisis, a significant amount of effort has been directed to the study of systemic risk and its consequences around the world. Although it is very difficult to predict when people begin to lose confidence in a financial system, it is possible to model the relationships among the stock markets of different countries and perform a Monte Carlo-type analysis to study the contagion effect. Because some larger and stronger markets influence smaller ones, a model inspired by a catalytic chemical model is proposed. In chemical reactions, reagents with higher concentrations tend to favor their conversion to products. In order to modulate the conversion process, catalyzers may be used. In this work, a mathematical modeling is proposed with bases on the catalytic chemical reaction model. More specifically, the Hang Seng and Dow Jones indices are assumed to dominate Ibovespa (the Brazilian Stock Market index), such that the indices of strong markets are taken as being analogous to the concentrations of the reagents and the indices of smaller markets as concentrations of products. The role of the catalyst is to model the degree of influence of one index on another. The actual data used to fit the model parameter consisted of the Hang Seng index, Dow Jones index, and Ibovespa, since 1993. “What if” analyses were carried out considering some intervention policies.     

Using Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced 3-T MRI for the differentiation of infiltrative hepatocellular carcinoma and focal confluent fibrosis in liver cirrhosis

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to determine significant imaging features to differentiate between infiltrative hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and confluent fibrosis (CF) in liver cirrhosis using Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced 3-T magnetic resonance imaging.

Material and methods

Nineteen infiltrative HCCs and eight CFs were included. We evaluated the difference in imaging findings and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) between the two entities. We compared T2-weighted image (WI) and hepatobiliary phase (HBP) in terms of the clarity of the lesion outer margin.

Results

Seventeen infiltrative HCCs showed lobulated margin, while focal CFs showed either straight (n = 3) or irregular margins (n = 5) (P = .001). All infiltrative HCCs had intact or bulging contours, and all focal CFs showed capsular retraction (P = .001). Fourteen infiltrative HCCs and two focal CFs showed arterial enhancement (P = .035). The ADC of infiltrative HCCs was significantly lower than that of CFs (P = .001). Satellite nodules were noted in 10 infiltrative HCCs. In terms of outer margin clarity, infiltrative HCCs showed a more distinct margin on HBP than on T2-WI (P = .005), while these two sequences were not significantly different in focal CFs (P = 1.000).

Conclusion

HBP improved the imaging characteristics of infiltrative HCC, allowing it to be distinguished from focal CF. Infiltrative HCC showed lower ADC values than focal CF. Lobular configuration, contour bulging, enhancement pattern, associated satellite nodules and portal vein thrombosis were still found to be highly suggestive MR findings for infiltrative HCC.     

高强度聚焦超声治疗子宫肌瘤中水囊耦合的影响评估*

水囊作为一种特殊的辅助器件在高强度聚焦超声治疗子宫肌瘤的过程中发挥着重要作用,但它同时也会让声通道变得更加复杂,对超声治疗效率和超声引导影像均造成负面影响。基于实际临床场景,利用k-Wave声学仿真软件建立高强度聚焦超声辐照靶组织及其超声引导过程的仿真模型,在有无水囊两个场景下,对治疗效率和监控影像质量进行定量评估。结果表明,加入水囊后,声波的聚焦性变差,焦域处的最高温度降低;通过分析超声图像的分辨率、对比度、对比噪声以及背景信噪比,发现加入水囊后超声图像的质量降低。建立的数值仿真模型能够初步评估水囊对治疗效率和监控影像质量的影响,可作为一种评估体系用于优化水囊参数,如水囊材料、厚度、形状、内部溶液成分等,为下一步实验探索对治疗效率和影像质量影响最小的水囊耦合方式提供评估手段。     

Magnetic fluctuations in coupled inequivalent Hubbard layers as a model for

We investigate, within the fluctuation-exchange approximation, a correlated-electron model for represented by two inequivalent Hubbard layers coupled by an interlayer hopping . An energy offset is introduced in order to produce a different charge carrier concentration in the two layers. We compare several single-particle and magnetic excitations, namely, the single particle scattering rate, the spectral function and the spin lattice as well as spin-spin relaxation times in the two layers as a function of . We show that the induced interlayer magnetic coupling produces a tendency to “equalization” of the magnetic properties in the two layers whereby antiferromagnetic fluctuations are suppressed in the less doped layer and enhanced in the heavily doped one.The strong antiferromagnetic bilayer coupling causes the charge carriers in the plane with larger doping concentration to behave similar to those of the underdoped layer, they are coupled to. This effect grows for decreasing temperature. For high temperatures or if both layers are optimally or overdoped, i.e. when the antiferromagnetic correlation length becomes of the order or smaller than one lattice site the charge carrier and magnetic dynamics of the two layers is disconnected and the equalization effect disappears. These results are in good agreement with NMR experiments on by Stern et al. [Phys. Rev B 51, 15478 (1995)]. We also compare the results with calculations on bilayer systems with equivalent layers as models for the constituent compounds and . Received: 28 August 1998     

Evidence for a possible role of 3‐hydroxyanthranilic acid as an antioxidant

The reactions of 3‐hydroxyanthranilic acid (3‐OHAA) with N₃^?, NO₂^?, NO^?, CCl₃O₂^? , and OH^? radicals were examined using a pulse radiolysis technique mainly at pH 7. The bimolecular electron transfer from secondary one‐electron oxidants results in the formation of anilino radical (λ_max ? 380 nm). The rate constant for the reaction of N₃^? radical with 3‐OHAA at pH 7 was found to be 6.3 × 10⁹ dm³ mol^?1 s^?1. It was observed that the 3‐OHAA reacts with oxygen centered radicals. The repair rate constant for the electron transfer reaction from 3‐OHAA to guanosine radical and chlorpromazine cation radical was also examined using a pulse radiolysis technique. Kinetic studies indicate that 3‐OHAA may act as an antioxidant to repair free‐radical damage to above mentioned biologically important compounds. The rate constants of electron transfer from the 3‐OHAA to the guanosine and chlorpromazine radicals were determined. The one‐electron reduction potential for 3‐OHAA radical was found to be 0.53 ± 0.06 V versus NHE. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Applications for ion implantation as a surface treatment process in production engineering

The special advantages offered by ion implantation for the treatment of metal components without inducing distortion or softening due to temperature rise are being examined in a number of industrial trials. Some examples of current evaluations are discussed covering manufacturing tools, dies and similar items. The types of potential application are broadly grouped into categories defined by cutting and drilling, corrosion and extrusion operations. The mechanisms for improved wear performance as a result of high dose gaseous ion implantation into tool steels and cemented tungsten carbide are briefly discussed.     

Quadrupolar glass as a model for charge carrier transport in nonpolar organic materials

Monte Carlo simulation of the charge carrier transport in disordered nonpolar organic materials has been carried out. As a suitable model we considered the model of quadrupolar glass. A general formula for the temperature and field dependence of the mobility was suggested. A comparison with experimental data has been carried out.     

Quantifying hepatic fibrosis using a biexponential model of diffusion weighted imaging in ex vivo liver specimens

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the non-Gaussian behavior of diffusion related signal decay of the ex vivo murine liver tissues from a dietary model of hepatic fibrosis. To this end, a biexponential formalism was used to model high b-value diffusion imaging (up to 3500 s/mm²), the findings of which were correlated with liver histopathology and compared to a simple monoexponential model. The presence of a major, fast diffusing component and a minor, slow diffusing component was demonstrated. With increasing hepatic fibrosis, the fractional contribution of the fast diffusing component decreased, as did the diffusion coefficient of the fast diffusing component. Strong correlation between the degrees of liver fibrosis and a two-predictor regression model incorporating parameters of the biexponential model was found. Using Akaike's Information Criterion analyses, the biexponential model resulted in an improved fit of the high b-value diffusion data when compared to the monoexponential model.     

Evaluation of nuclear quadrupole interactions as a source of magnetic anisotropy in the radical pair model of the avian magnetic compass

One of the principal proposed biophysical mechanisms put forward to explain the avian magnetic compass sense centres around magnetically sensitive chemistry. Based on a large number of in vitro studies of the effects of applied magnetic fields on the yields and rates of chemical reactions it has been suggested that the anisotropic magnetic interactions in spin-correlated radical pairs could be the source of the directional information that allows migratory birds to use the Earth's magnetic field as a navigational aid. Here numerical quantum mechanical simulations are employed to explore the possibility that the hitherto neglected nuclear quadrupole interaction may provide directional information in a radical pair magnetoreceptor. It is concluded that although nuclear quadrupole interactions could fulfil this function, they are unlikely to influence significantly the reaction yield anisotropy in the flavin-tryptophan radical pair that has been proposed as the in vivo magnetoreceptor.     

Methodology of physical mesomechanics as a basis for model construction in computer-aided design of materials

Conclusions The basic theses concerning the methodology of physical mesomechanics considered in this review show that a deformable solid can be represented as a microlevel system of self-consistent deformation structural elements of different scales. The law of scale invariance allows us to describe the behavior of very different materials under different loading conditions based on the element base for the scale levels of a deformable solid. The motion of volume structural elements of the deformation is described by the equations of mechanics (mesolevel and macrolevel), accommodation processes within the SEDs and on their boundaries — dislocation theory (microlevel). We have formulated an algorithm for construction of models for such multilevel systems which can be used in computer-aided design of materials. Examples of the classification of different structural materials have been presented based on the proposed algorithm.This work was done with the support of the Russian Foundation for Basic Research, Project No. 9301-16498.Institute of Physics of Strength and Materials Science, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Translated from Izvestiya Vysshikh Uchebnykh Zavedenii, Fizika, No. 11, pp. 6–25, November, 1995.     

Bit-number cumulants as a correlation measure of self-generated oscillations in a semiconductor model for low-temperature impurity breakdown

A semiconductor model for self-generated, coupled oscillations in the regime of lowtemperature impurity breakdown is used to show that the bit-number cumulants of the invariant density of a dynamic system represent a measure for internal correlations between certain subsystems of this system. The bit-number cumulants appear to be an appropriate measure for linear as well as for nonlinear correlations.     

Investigating the possible use of a tetra (hydroxyphenyl) porphyrin as a fluorescence probe for the supramolecular detection of phospholipids

The present work explores the interest of using the 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(3-hydroxyphenyl)-21H,23H-porphine (m-THPP), a commercially available porphyrin, as a polarity probe for the detection of phospholipids. Feasibility of the process was first tested by direct fluorimetry and it was established that emission enhancement in the presence of lipids was maximum for a methanol content of 15% (v/v), a neutral pH (6-8) and a probe concentration of 2×10⁻⁷ M in the working solution. Detection with m-THPP in these conditions presents higher response factor but shorter linear range than diphenylhexatriene (DPH), the reference dye for the supramolecular detection of lipids. Insights on the mechanism of m-THPP-lipid association demonstrated that, at high lipid concentrations, porphyrin is associated to lipid assemblies in monomer form and located in the interior of bilayer; in low lipid content, porphyrin aggregates coexist with the monomer. Finally it was assessed that the method can be successfully coupled with micro-bore liquid chromatography.     

Tube reactors as a novel ultrasonication system for trouble-free treatment of sludges

The performance of a novel low-maintenance tube reactor for ultrasonic treatment of sludge has been evaluated. The effects of sonication on the release of soluble chemical oxygen demand (sCOD) and anaerobic digestibility of raw and digested sewage sludge as well as agricultural sludge were studied. Results suggest that solubilization and digestibility is dependent on both type of sludge and the energy input. Digested and raw sludge showed high degree of solubilization, however, methane production was only increased for digested sludge. Agricultural sludge was not significantly affected by ultrasonic treatment neither concerning sCOD release nor methane production. The configuration of the ultrasonic system (serial vs. parallel operation) did not show a significant difference in both sCOD release and methane production. However, parallel operation tends to perform better for digested sludge, while serial operation tends to perform better for raw sludge. The strongest effect was observed for the treatment of digested sludge by increasing the methane production by more than 60%, although with a very intensive energy input of more than 5,000 kJ per kg total solids. Hence, tube reactors seem to be an attractive alternative to sonotrode-based systems achieving similar performance at low maintenance with great potential especially for digested sludge.     

Study of many-nucleon correlations in32S as a model for fragment shell effects in fission

The formation and break-up of substructures is studied in³²S as a calculable microscopic model for analogous long-range many-nucleon correlations in the fission of actinides. The calculations are performed for alpha-cluster wave functions with Volkov and Brink-Boeker interaction allowing forα,¹²C,¹⁶O and²⁰Ne clustering. It turns out that the correlated motion of large magic numbers of nucleons in two groups (¹⁶O+¹⁶O) is energetically favorable already at relatively small deformations. In the second minimum the¹⁶O+¹⁶O substructure occurs with high probability (about 80%). In analogy to these results the “pre-formation” of fragments and “fragment shell” effects occuring in the fission of actinides are explained in terms of probability statements for the formation of the corresponding heavy clusters in the many-body wave function.     

Periodic Filtering as a subgrid-scale model for LES of laminar separation bubble flows

Laminar separation bubbles develop over many blades and airfoils at moderate angles of attack and Reynolds numbers ranging from 10⁴ to 10⁵. More accurate simulation tools are necessary to enable higher fidelity design optimisation for these airfoils and blades as well as to test flow control schemes. Following previous investigators, an equivalent problem is formulated by imposing suitable boundary conditions for flow over a flat plate which allows to use a high accuracy spectral solver. Large eddy simulation (LES) of such a flow were performed at drastically reduced resolution to assess the accuracy of several LES modelling approaches: the explicit dynamic Smagorinsky model, implicit LES, and the truncated Navier–Stokes approach (TNS). To mimic dissipation that occurs in implicit LES, the solution on a coarse mesh is filtered at every time step and two different filter strengths are used. In the TNS approach, the solution is filtered periodically, every few hundred time steps. The performance of each approach is evaluated against benchmark direct numerical simulation (DNS) data focusing on pressure and skin friction distributions, which are critical to airfoil designers. TNS results confirm that periodic filtering can act as an apt substitute for explicit subgrid-scale models, whereas filtering at every time step demonstrates the dependence of implicit LES on details of numerics.     

Anti-PrP<Superscript>C</Superscript> monoclonal antibody infusion as a novel treatment for cognitive deficits in an alzheimer's disease model mouse

Background  

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is the most common of the conformational neurodegenerative disorders characterized by the conversion of a normal biological protein into a β-sheet-rich pathological isoform. In AD the normal soluble Aβ (sAβ) forms oligomers and fibrils which assemble into neuritic plaques. The most toxic form of Aβ is thought to be oligomeric. A recent study reveals the cellular prion protein, PrP^C, to be a receptor for Aβ oligomers. Aβ oligomers suppress LTP signal in murine hippocampal slices but activity remains when pretreated with the PrP monoclonal anti-PrP antibody, 6D11. We hypothesized that targeting of PrP^C to prevent Aβ oligomer-related cognitive deficits is a potentially novel therapeutic approach. APP/PS1 transgenic mice aged 8 months were intraperitoneally (i.p.) injected with 1 mg 6D11 for 5 days/week for 2 weeks. Two wild-type control groups were given either the same 6D11 injections or vehicle solution. Additional groups of APP/PS1 transgenic mice were given either i.p. injections of vehicle solution or the same dose of mouse IgG over the same period. The mice were then subjected to cognitive behavioral testing using a radial arm maze, over a period of 10 days. At the conclusion of behavioral testing, animals were sacrificed and brain tissue was analyzed biochemically or immunohistochemically for the levels of amyloid plaques, PrP^C, synaptophysin, Aβ40/42 and Aβ oligomers.