Central and peripheral nervous system immune-mediated demyelinating disease after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate clinical and diagnostic features of central and peripheral immune-mediated demyelinating disease (CPID) in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (aHSCT) recipients. BACKGROUND: CPID refers to the late-onset, immune-mediated neurological complications following aHSCT, when other frequent differential diagnoses have been ruled out, and when symptoms and signs of systemic GvHD manifestations are absent. METHODS: Case records at the University of Tuebingen, between 2001 and 2015, were screened to identify patients with CPID after aHSCT. RESULTS: Seven patients who developed CPID after aHSCT were identified. The average time interval from aHSCT until onset of CPID was 2.6 (±2.8) years (mean±SD). The most prevalent manifestations of CPID were optic neuritis and/or myelitis and polyneuropathy. Cerebrospinal fluid analyses involved elevated protein concentration and lymphocytic pleocytosis, while oligoclonal bands in CSF, but not in serum, were detected in 28% of cases. Aquaporin-4-antibodies were consistently absent. MRI studies showed features suggestive of demyelination processes, with cerebral and/or spinal cord white-matter involvement, and features compatible with cerebral vasculitis. Corticosteroids, Immunoglobulins, Cyclophosphamide, Rituximab and Interferon beta-1a showed marginal treatment responses, whereas plasma exchange resulted in marked clinical improvement in two treated patients. A chronic disease-course with persisting neurological deficits was prevalent. CONCLUSIONS: CPID may comprise a rare complication of aHSCT, which manifests as optic neuritis and/or myelitis and is accompanied by sensorimotor polyneuropathy. A concomitant systemic manifestation of GvHD is not mandatory for CPID diagnosis. Usually, CPID exhibits a chronic, persisting disease course. Thus, clinical awareness is required, as early diagnosis and aggressive treatment may be prognostically advantageous.

First use of flat-panel computed tomography during cochlear implant surgery : Perspectives for the use of advanced therapies in cochlear implantation.

BACKGROUND: Cochlear implantation in routine cases with normal anatomy is commonly performed without intraoperative image guidance. Revision cochlear implantation as well as surgery in malformations require not only a precise understanding of the underlying complex anatomy, but surgeons need to transform two-dimensional computed tomography (2D CT) scans into the surgical field and use this information for intraoperative surgical navigation. So far, information about the exact position of the electrode during insertion cannot be provided to the surgeon. Here, we present our first operative experience with cochlear implant surgery supported by intraoperative Dyna-CT technology, providing the surgeon with detailed views of the electrode location. METHODS: To prove the feasibility of the procedure, two cases of cochlear implantation were performed with intraoperative application of cone-beam CT acquired by a C-arm Dyna-CT system (Artis Zeego, Siemens Healthcare, Erlangen, Germany). Image reconstruction was performed intraoperatively in order to assess the correct positioning of the electrodes. RESULTS: Intraoperative Dyna-CT enabled clear visualization of the surgical anatomy and intracochlear electrode position. Dyna-CT technology can be applied with acceptable additional time requirements without adding too much complexity to the surgical procedure. CONCLUSION: Intraoperative data acquisition by Dyna-CT represents a suitable option for online surgical navigation during cochlear implant surgery. This imaging technology will push further advances in cochlear implant surgery and lateral skull base surgery, particularly if linked to intraoperative navigation.

Zoomed EPI DWI of Acute Spinal Ischemia Using a Parallel Transmission System.

PURPOSE: A new method for diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) using independent parallel transmission technique resulting in zoomed DWI was applied in four patients suffering from acute spinal cord ischemia. METHODS: Four patients with clinical symptoms of acute spinal cord ischemia were examined on a 3 T MR-system equipped with a two-channel transmit array. Scans included T2-weighted turbo spin echo, conventional DWI, and zoomed DWI. Image evaluation was performed with regard to overall image quality, anatomic delineation of the spinal cord, and the level of confidence to establish the diagnosis of spinal cord ischemia. RESULTS: Through spatially selective excitation, zoomed DWI allows for acquisition of high-resolution images with reduced scan time due to a reduced field of view in phase-encoding direction, resulting in zoomed images. In all cases the ischemia was demonstrated in conventional DWI as well as zoomed DWI. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to conventional DWI, zoomed DWI enables a faster image acquisition and allowed a more detailed analysis of the spinal lesion which may be critical to attribute the lesion to a particular vessel territory.

Feasibility of Noninvasive Diagnosis and Treatment Planning in a Case Series with Carotid-Cavernous Fistula using High-Resolution Time-Resolved MR-Angiography with Stochastic Trajectories (TWIST) and Extended Parallel Acquisition Technique (ePAT 6) at 3 T.

PURPOSE: The evaluation of carotid-cavernous fistulas (CCFs) and the intracranial vasculature has been predominantly carried out using conventional digital subtraction angiography (DSA). Recent developments in time-resolved magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) provide the opportunity to assess both multiple arterial and venous phases with high temporal and spatial resolution. Here, we investigated the feasibility of this technique to functionally assess CCF prior to intervention. METHODS: Six consecutive patients with clinical symptoms of a CCF were scheduled for clinically indicated MRA and underwent a protocol that comprised conventional imaging sequences and high resolution time-resolved MRA with interleaved stochastic trajectories (TWIST). The location of the fistulous communication, the flow pattern, and venous drainage were determined by time-resolved MRA and compared with DSA which was available in five out of six patients. RESULTS: Typical morphological findings (including enlargement of the superior ophthalmic vein, exophthalmos) were found in all cases in both conventional MRI and time-resolved MRA source data. The temporal resolution of time-resolved MRA enabled a good separation of the early filling of the cavernous sinus during the arterial phase. Direct fistulous communication was assessed in three patients with good correlation to DSA, whereas indirect CCF could not definitely be visualized. The time-resolved MRA provided information about the flow pattern and the venous drainage of the fistula in all patients, which is essential for therapy planning. CONCLUSION: Time-resolved MRA provides important morphological and functional information in patients with CCF. Although DSA remains the gold standard for diagnosis and exact classification of fistulas, time-resolved MRA can provide the relevant hemodynamic information to plan interventional treatment as a one-step procedure with a focused diagnostic workup.

Pilot-scale anaerobic submerged membrane bioreactor (AnSMBR) treating municipal wastewater: the fouling phenomenon and long-term operation.

An anaerobic submerged membrane bioreactor (AnSMBR) on pilot-scale treating a mixture composed of municipal wastewater and glucose under mesophilic temperature conditions was operated for 206 days. The performance of the AnSMBR was evaluated at different fluxes, biomass concentrations and gas sparging velocities (GSV). GSV was used to control fouling. In addition, the AnSMBR was operated in cycles that included relaxation and backwashing phases. The increase in the transmembrane pressure (fouling rate) was measured under different operational conditions and was used to evaluate the stability of the process. The fouling rate could be controlled for a long period of time at a flux of 7 l m(-2) h(-1) with a GSV of 62 m/h and an average biomass concentration of 14.8 g TSS/L. The membrane was physically cleaned after 156 days of operation. The cleaning efficiency was almost 100% indicating that no irreversible fouling was developed inside the pores of the membrane. The COD removal efficiency was close to 90%. As in anaerobic processes, nutrients were not exposed to degradation and almost no pathogens were found in the effluent, hence the effluent could be used for irrigation in agriculture.

[Total hip arthroplasty with shortening subtrochanteric osteotomy and custom-made prosthesis in Crowe type IV developmental dysplasia]. / Versorgung der hohen Hüftluxation (Crowe-IV-Hüfte) mit einer zementfreien Individualendoprothese und z-förmiger subtrochantärer Femurverkürzung.

AIM: Total hip arthroplasty in patients with a Crowe type IV developmental dysplasia is a technically demanding procedure with a higher complication rate compared to a standard total hip replacement. Specific anatomic features and the necessity of a femoral shortening osteotomy are the reasons for more complications. In this retrospective study we intended to find out whether the use of a custom-made stem based on a CT scan will lead to a better outcome including a lower complication rate. MATERIAL UND METHOD: From 2003 to 2010 we implanted a cementless CTX® individual stem in combination with a subtrochanteric Z-shaped shortening osteotomy in 25 patients with a high hip dislocation, four of them were men (one bilateral) and 16 women (four bilateral). Mean age of the patients was 44.6 years. In all cases the cup was implanted at the level of the anatomic hip centre. Patients were followed with a clinical and radiographic assessment. The morphology of the femur was analysed by CT scans. RESULTS: The average amount of femoral shortening was 3.4 cm (max. 4.2/min. 2.6 cm). Lengthening of the leg was achieved with an average of 3.8 cm (max. 4.4/min. 3.2 cm). The remaining leg length discrepancy was 0.8 cm (max. 1.2/min. 0.4 cm). In none of the cases did an intraoperative fracture of the femur occur, either in the proximal or in the distal part of the femur. Enlargement of the intramedullary canal was not necessary in any case. The planned depth of the prosthesis could be achieved in all patients. We did not observe any problems with wound healing in our patients. The average Harris hip score was 90 (83 up to 100). Additional cerclage wires are not necessary with this technique when the osteotomy is well adapted. After complete healing the osteotomy can just be noticed by a certain hypertrophy of the cortical bone. In our cases we had a complication rate of 16 %, significantly lower in comparison to literature values. CONCLUSIONS: Total hip arthroplasty in type IV developmental dysplasia with a custom-made stem based on a CT scan is a procedure that respects the special anatomic features preoperatively und is able to correct the deformity with the individually manufactured prosthesis. High femoral anteversion is corrected at the level of the neck of the stem. There is no necessity for a derotation at the level of the osteotomy. The osteotomy is stabilised by the Z-shape and through a perfect intramedullary fit of the stem. The anatomic shape of the subtrochanteric region is perfectly suitable to perform a femoral shortening.

[Electromagnetic fields of mobile telephone systems--thresholds, effects and risks for cochlear implant patients and healthy people]. / Elektromagnetische Felder des Mobilfunks--Grenzwerte, Effekte und Risiken für CI-Träger und Gesunde.

Every day life is detectably affected by manifold natural sources of electromagnetic fields (EMF), e. g. infrared radiation, light and the terrestrial magnetic field. However, there is still uncertainty about the consequences or hazards of artificial EMF, which emerge from mobile phone or wireless network (wireless local area network [WLAN]) services, for instance. Following recommendations of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) the German Commission on Radiation Protection (SSK) defined corresponding thresholds for high frequency electromagnetic fields (HF-EMF) in 2003. By observing those thresholds HF-EMF is thought to be innocent so far. However, there is still controversial discussion about induction of cancer or neurovegetative symptoms due to inconsistent study results. Patients with cochlea implants are of particular interest within the speciality of otorhinolaryngology due to specific hazards, which arise during mobile telephone use from the distance between brain and inductive metal implants (electrode) on the one hand and the electronic system of the cochlear implant and the source of HF-EMF on the other hand. Besides many studies about the impact of HF-EMF on common welfare, there are only very few surveys (n = 6) covering the effects on patients with cochlear implants. The purpose of this paper is to overview sources, thresholds and subsequently harmful or harmless effects of HFEMF. Due to the current state of knowledge about the impact of mobile phone use on health, we assume, that HF-EMF are harmless both for healthy people and patients with cochlea implants, provided that legal thresholds are observed.

Thermophilic anaerobic digestion in compact systems: investigations by modern microbiological techniques and mathematical simulation.

Thermophilic anaerobic digestion in compact systems can be an economical and ecological reasonable decentralised process technique, especially for rural areas. Thermophilic process conditions are important for a sufficient removal of pathogens. The high energy demand, however, can make such systems unfavourable in terms of energy costs. This is the case when low concentrated wastewater is treated or the system is operated at low ambient temperatures. In this paper we present experimental results of a compact thermophilic anaerobic system obtained with fluorescent in situ hybridisation (FISH) analysis and mathematical simulation. The system was operated with faecal sludge for a period of 135 days and with a model substrate consisting of forage and cellulose for a period of 60 days. The change in the microbial community due to the two different substrates treated could be well observed by the FISH analysis. The Anaerobic Digestion Model no. 1 (ADM1) was used to evaluate system performance at different temperature conditions. The model was extended to contribute to decreased methanogenic activity at lower temperatures and was used to calculate energy production. A model was developed to calculate the major parts of energy consumed by the digester itself at different temperature conditions. It was demonstrated by the simulation study that a reduction of the process temperature can lead to higher net energy yield. The simulation study additionally showed that the effect of temperature on the energy yield is higher when a substrate is treated with high protein content.

Development of an empirical mathematical model for describing and optimizing the hygiene potential of a thermophilic anaerobic bioreactor treating faeces.

Poor sanitation and insufficient disposal of sewage and faeces are primarily responsible for water associated health problems in developing countries. Domestic sewage and faeces are prevalently discharged into surface waters which are used by the inhabitants as a source for drinking water. This paper presents a decentralized anaerobic process technique for handling of such domestic organic waste. Such an efficient and compact system for treating faeces and food waste may be of great benefit for developing countries. Besides a stable biogas production for energy generation, the reduction of bacterial pathogens is of particular importance. In our research we investigated the removal capacity of the reactor concerning pathogens, which has been operated under thermophilic conditions. Faecal coliforms and intestinal enterococci have been detected as indicator organisms for bacterial pathogens. By the multiple regression analysis technique an empirical mathematical model has been developed. The model shows a high correlation between removal efficiency and both, hydraulic retention time (HRT) and temperature. By this model an optimized HRT for defined bacterial pathogens effluent standards can be easily calculated. Thus, hygiene potential can be evaluated along with economic aspects. In this paper not only results for describing the hygiene potential of a thermophilic anaerobic bioreactor are presented, but also an exemplary method to draw the right conclusions out of biological tests with the aid of mathematical tools.

Pathological long-bone fractures in residents with cerebral palsy in a long-term care facility in South Africa.

A high incidence of long-bone fractures has been observed in children and young adults with quadriplegic cerebral palsy in residential care. This study aimed to determine factors that contribute to these fractures and to institute preventive treatment. Twenty individuals (12 males, eight females) of a cohort of 88 residents with spastic quadriplegia in residential care in Gauteng, South Africa who had sustained fractures were compared with a random sample of age-matched control participants (10 males, 10 females) from the same facility. Participants ranged in age from 6 to 29 years (median 17.5 years). The majority of fractures were in the upper extremities. There was radiological and biochemical evidence of rickets and osteomalacia in both groups. However, the severity of the disease was more pronounced in the group with fractures. There was a significant relation (p=0.002) between the number of fractures and the use of anticonvulsant therapy (ACT). Three months of vitamin D administration (calciferol 5000 iu/day) resulted in a marked clinical improvement. There were no fractures during this period in either group. In addition, the mean serum calcium (Ca) and phosphate (Pi) levels increased (Ca from 2.17 to 2.35 mmol/L and Pi from 1.13 to 1.66 mmol/L) and mean total alkaline phosphatase level decreased (from 1123 to 423 U/L). We concluded that vitamin D deficiency was the major factor contributing to the occurrence of fractures in this population. Unless sunlight exposure can be guaranteed, vitamin D supplementation should be considered for children and adults in residential care, especially if they are on ACT, even in areas with year-round sunshine.

Specific treatment of autoimmunity with recombinant invariant chains in which CLIP is replaced by self-epitopes.

The invariant chain (Ii) binds to newly synthesized MHC class II molecules with the CLIP region of Ii occupying the peptide-binding groove. Here we demonstrate that recombinant Ii proteins with the CLIP region replaced by antigenic self-epitopes are highly efficient in activating and silencing specific T cells in vitro and in vivo. The Ii proteins require endogenous processing by antigen-presenting cells for efficient T cell activation. An Ii protein encompassing the epitope myelin basic protein amino acids 84-96 (Ii-MBP84-96) induced the model autoimmune disease experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) with a higher severity and earlier onset than the peptide. When applied in a tolerogenic manner, Ii-MBP84-96 abolished antigen-specific T cell proliferation and suppressed peptide-induced EAE more effectively than peptide alone. Importantly, i.v. administration of Ii proteins after EAE induction completely abrogated the disease, whereas peptides only marginally suppressed disease symptoms. Ii fusion proteins are thus more efficient than peptide in modulating CD4(+) T cell-mediated autoimmunity, documenting their superior qualities for therapeutic antigen delivery in vivo.

Aerobic thermophilic treatment of sewage sludge contaminated with 4-nonylphenol.

4-Nonylphenol (4-NP) occurs in sewage sludge as a result of the breakdown of detergents which contains nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs). 4-NP is of environmental concern because of its toxicity to biological systems. The present paper reports results of aerobic treatment under thermophilic conditions of sewage sludge artificially contaminated with 4-NP. Experiments were carried out using three parallel laboratory-scale batch reactors operating with blank, 50 and 100 mg/l of 4-NP concentration. For the two studied concentrations up to 66% 4-NP reduction was achieved at a specific air flow rate of 16 l/(l.h) and a thermophilic temperature of 60 degrees C, within 10 days of operation. The presence of 4-NP has minor effect on the rate of sludge oxidation and the nitrogen and phosphorous content in the sludge.

[Individual cement-free total hip endoprosthesis in a patient with a rare form of dwarfism (Fuhrmann syndrome)]. / Individuelle zementfreie Hüft-TEP bei einer Patientin mit einer besonderen Form des Minderwuchses (Fuhrmann-Syndrom).

We present a single case study of a 47-year-old female patient with a rare form of primary dysostotic dwarfism. This syndrome was first described by Fuhrmann in 1972. Seven years ago, this patient underwent bilateral cementless total hip arthroplasties for severe osteoarthritis about her hips. Custom-made components were used. While achondroplastic patients present with wide femoral medullary canals, it is clinically relevant that Fuhrmann Syndrome features narrow femoral medullary canals. This complicating anatomical factor in Fuhrmann syndrome as well as the increased anteversion angles were overcome by the use of CAD stems. We conclude that the custom-made stems, although in our case measuring half the size of the smallest commercially available design, have proved to be durable and able to withstand physiological loads at follow-up period of 72 months.

Arthroscopic labrum refixation for post-traumatic anterior shoulder instability: suture anchor versus transglenoid fixation technique.

SUMMARY: The aim of this retrospective study was to compare recurrence rates following transglenoid labrum refixation or fixation using the suture anchor (FASTak, Arthrex, Naples, FL) technique. Additionally, parameters that apparently influence the rate of redislocation were investigated. There were 163 patients with post-traumatic anterior shoulder instability treated with an arthroscopic labrum refixation; 108 patients (66.3%) were stabilized with the transglenoid suture technique (group I) and 55 patients (33. 7%) with the suture anchor (FASTak) technique (group II). The average follow-up was 4.5 years (range, 2.0 to 7.9 years) in group I and 3.2 years (range, 2.0 to 5.0 years) in group II. The Rowe score increased from a preoperative average of 35.0 points in group I and 35.4 points in group II to a postoperative average of 68.3 points in group I and 84.6 points in group II (P <.01). There was recurrence in 35 patients (32.4%) in group I and 9 patients (16.4%) in group II (P <.05). All incidents of redislocation occurred during the first 21 postoperative months; 58.4% of the patients (n = 63) in group I and 16.4% of the patients in group II (n = 9) had to reduce their sporting activity (P <.001). Independent of the type of surgery, there was a significant correlation of the postoperative rate of redislocation and age (P <.001), number of preoperative dislocations (P <.01), and degree of labrum lesion (P <.001). No correlation with the rate of redislocation was shown for gender, handedness, dislocation-operation interval, degree of Hill-Sachs lesion, or number of transglenoid sutures or anchors. Concerning post-traumatic anterior shoulder instability, the arthroscopic labrum reconstruction with the suture anchor (FASTak) technique was superior to the transglenoid technique but has not yet achieved the level of success obtained by open surgery. With fewer than 5 preoperative redislocations after a first traumatic shoulder dislocation, the arthroscopic treatment is recommended. In cases of more frequent preoperative dislocations, open surgery in combination with a capsular shift should be performed.

Thermal hydrolysis (TDH) as a pretreatment method for the digestion of organic waste.

The recycling concept under consideration is based on the process of Thermal Hydrolysis (TDH) followed by an anaerobic digestion. By increasing pressure and temperature the organic part of the waste is split up in a first step into short-chain fragments that are biologically well suited for microorganisms. The following fermentation runs much faster and more complete than in conventional digestion processes and the biogas yield is increased. Left is just a small amount of a solid residue that can be easily dewatered and utilized as surrogate fuel for incineration or as compost additive. The thermal hydrolysis process allows a complete energy recovery from organic waste. During the total procedure more energy sources are produced than are needed for running the plant. The procedure is especially suited for wet organic waste and biosolids that are difficult to compost, such as food scraps, biological waste from compact residential areas and sewage sludge. As a complete disinfection is granted due to the process temperatures the procedure is also suited for carcasses.

Persistent cerebellar deterioration in a patient with lobar pneumonia under lithium, carbamazepine, and trifluperidol treatment.

We report on a patient with schizoaffective disorder who was on combination therapy of lithium, carbamazepine, and the neuroleptic trifluperidol. He experienced a lobar pneumonia and developed an acute and persistent cerebellar deterioration which was most likely due to lithium toxicity, while the serum lithium level was within the therapeutic range. The combination of lithium, carbamazepine, and neuroleptics is common, and is generally considered to be safe. The reported case suggests that this regimen might increase the risk of intoxication with potentially disabling side-effects.

Experimental assessment of bio-reduction of di-2-thylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) under aerobic thermophilic conditions.

The reduction of organic contaminants in sewage sludge is of great importance for a further sludge disposal or agricultural utilization. Laboratory scale batch experiments were performed to assess the potential use of the aerobic thermophilic treatment technique to reduce the concentration of difficult to degrade organic chemicals. Di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) was chosen as a model representative of these chemicals. The effect of the sludge temperature and aeration rate on the reduction of DEHP concentration as well as on the reduction of the organic dry solid (oDS) was investigated. With a specific air flow rate of 16 m3/m3.h and a thermophilic temperature of 63 degrees C it was possible to achieve up to 70% reduction of the DEHP concentration and 61% of oDS within 96 hours. The maximum degradation of the oDS matter occurred within the first 24 hours of operation whereby only little oDS was degraded afterward. During the experiments the reactor content was routinely monitored for pH, COD, along with the ammonia nitrogen and orthophosphate concentrations.