Surgical challenges of giant parathyroid adenomas weighing 10 g or more.

PURPOSE: An average parathyroid adenoma (PA) weighs < 1 g. This study aimed to characterise giant PAs ≥ 10 g (GPAs) to facilitate surgical management of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). METHODS: All patients with a GPA confirmed on histology were recruited from the Monash University Endocrine Surgery Unit database. Clinical and demographic data were collected and compared to a group of non-GPA patients. RESULTS: A total of 14 GPAs were identified between 2007 and 2018 out of 863 patients (1.6%) with a single PA excised for PHPT. The GPA patients were compared to a control group of 849 non-GPA patients in the same period with similar mean age (62 ± 16 vs 63 ± 14, P = 0.66) and gender distribution (64% vs 75% female, P = 0.35). Pre-operative calcium (Ca) and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels were significantly higher in GPA patients (P < 0.001). A higher percentage of GPA patients (79%) had concordant localisation studies (ultrasound and sestamibi) than control patients (59%), (P = 0.13), but they were significantly less likely to undergo MIP (55% vs 82%, P = 0.02). The median GPA weighed 12.5 g (IQR 10.5-24.3). Median serum Ca normalised by day 1 post-operatively, while PTH remained elevated. Both serum Ca and PTH levels were in the normal range at 3 months. All GPA lesions were benign on histopathology. CONCLUSION: GPAs are rare and display severe clinical and biochemical abnormalities. Despite their large size, concordant pre-operative imaging was not always achieved, and a few patients were suitable for MIP.

Efficiency of Ferritin bio-nanomaterial in reducing the pollutants level of water in the underground corridors of metro rail using GIS.

The underground developments are likely to deteriorate the water quality, which causes damage to the structure. The pollutant levels largely affect the aquifer properties and alter the characteristics of the water quality. Ferritin nanoparticle usage proves to be an effective technology for reducing the pollutant level of the salts, which are likely to affect the underground structure. The observation wells are selected around the underground Metro Rail Corridor, and the secondary observation wells are selected around the corridors. Ferritin is a common iron storage protein as a powder used in the selected wells identified in the path of underground metro rail corridors. Water sampling was done to assess the water quality in the laboratory. The water quality index plots for the two phases (1995-2008) and (2009-2014) using GIS explains the water quality scenario before and after the Ferritin treatment. The Ferritin treatment in water was very effective in reducing the pollutants level of Fluoride and sulphate salts which is likely to bring damage to the structure.

Thermal kinetic analysis of mustard biomass with equiatomic iron-nickel catalyst and its predictive modeling.

Mustard waste briquettes are commercially used as a fuel for power production in boilers, whereas the thermal kinetics of the biomass plays a vital role in deciding the process parameters. The pyrolysis process converts biomass to value-added products such as biochar, bio-oil, and hydrocarbon gases based on the heating rates and temperature. To enhance the pyrolytic activity of mustard biomass, magnetically separable and reusable FeNi alloy catalyst is investigated. The thermo-conversion properties are studied under variable heating rates with 2 and 10% FeNi particles prepared through a facile chemical reduction technique. Thermal kinetics is computed using Flynn-Wall-Ozawa (FOW) and Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose (KAS) methods. The activation energies calculated using FOW and KAS methods increase with FeNi addition in mustard while the calorific value decreases. The FeNi alloy particles with the spike-like morphology provide better metal-biomass binding resulting in higher activation energy and facilitates the easy decomposition of lignin. The 10% FeNi -mustard shows uniform conversion independent of heating rates, suitable for magnetically recoverable catalytic pyrolysis. Response surface methodology analysis predicts optimum conversion for 10% FeNi added mustard and less significance for the heating rates in concurrence with the experiments. Artificial neural network utilized to predict and validate mass loss for mustard biomass exhibits best fit for the three neural hidden layer and one output layered topology.

Association between imaging response and survival following neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with resectable colorectal liver metastases: A cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The association between the imaging response (structural or metabolic) to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (neoCT) before colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM) and survival is unclear. METHOD: A total of 201 patients underwent their first CRLM resection. A total of 94 (47%) patients were treated with neoCT. A multivariable, Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was performed to compare overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) between response groups. RESULTS: Multivariable regression analysis of the CT/MRI (n = 94) group showed no difference in survival (OS and PFS) in patients who had stable disease/partial response (SD/PR) or complete response (CR) versus patients who had progressive disease (PD) (OS: HR, 0.36 (95% CI: 0.11-1.19) p = .094, HR, 0.78 (95% CI: 0.13-4.50) p = .780, respectively), (PFS: HR, 0.70 (95% CI: 0.36-1.35) p = .284, HR, 0.51 (0.18-1.45) p = .203, respectively). In the FDG-PET group (n = 60) there was no difference in the hazard of death for patients with SD/PR or CR versus patients with PD for OS or PFS except for the PFS in the small CR subgroup (OS: HR, 0.75 (95% CI: 0.11-4.88) p = .759, HR, 1.21 (95% CI: 0.15-9.43) p = .857), (PFS: HR, 0.34% (95% CI: 0.09-1.22), p = .097, HR, 0.17 (95% CI: 0.04-0.62) p = .008, respectively). CONCLUSION: There was no convincing evidence of association between imaging response to neoCT and survival following CRLM resection.

Characteristics of a Diverse Cohort of Stroke Patients with SARS-CoV-2 and Outcome by Sex.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is associated with stroke. The role of sex on stroke outcome has not been investigated. To objective of this paper is to describe the characteristics of a diverse cohort of acute stroke patients with COVID-19 disease and determine the role of sex on outcome. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of patients with acute stroke and SARS-CoV-2 infection admitted between March 15 to May 15, 2020 to one of the six participating comprehensive stroke centers. Baseline characteristics, stroke subtype, workup, treatment and outcome are presented as total number and percentage or median and interquartile range. Outcome at discharge was determined by the modified Rankin Scale Score (mRS). Variables and outcomes were compared for males and females using univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: The study included 83 patients, 47% of which were Black, 28% Hispanics/Latinos, and 16% whites. Median age was 64 years. Approximately 89% had at least one preexisting vascular risk factor (VRF). The most common complications were respiratory failure (59%) and septic shock (34%). Compared with females, a higher proportion of males experienced severe SARS-CoV-2 symptoms requiring ICU hospitalization (73% vs. 49%; p = 0.04). When divided by stroke subtype, there were 77% ischemic, 19% intracerebral hemorrhage and 3% subarachnoid hemorrhage. The most common ischemic stroke etiologies were cryptogenic (39%) and cardioembolic (27%). Compared with females, males had higher mortality (38% vs. 13%; p = 0.02) and were less likely to be discharged home (12% vs. 33%; p = 0.04). After adjustment for age, race/ethnicity, and number of VRFs, mRS was higher in males than in females (OR = 1.47, 95% CI = 1.03-2.09). CONCLUSION: In this cohort of SARS-CoV-2 stroke patients, most had clinical evidence of coronavirus infection on admission and preexisting VRFs. Severe in-hospital complications and worse outcomes after ischemic strokes were higher in males, than females.

Systematic literature review on novel corona virus SARS-CoV-2: a threat to human era.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the seventh-generation coronavirus family causing viral pandemic coronavirus disease (COVID-19) across globe affecting millions of people. The objectives of this study are to (1) identify the major research themes in COVID-19 literature, (2) determine the origin, symptoms and modes of transmission of COVID, (3) recommend the intervention and mitigation strategies adopted by the Governments globally against the spread of COVID-19 and the traumatization among the public? and (4) study the possible drugs/treatment plans against COVID-19. A systematic literature review and comprehensive analysis of 38 research articles on COVID-19 are conducted. An integrated Research focus parallel-ship network and keyword co-occurrence analysis are carried out to visualize the three research concepts in COVID-19 literature. Some of our observations include: (1) as SARS-CoV-2's RNA matches ~ 96% to SARS-CoV, it is assumed to be transmitted from the bats. (2) The common symptoms are high fever, dry cough, fatigue, sputum production, shortness of breath, diarrhoea etc. (3) A lockdown across 180 affected counties for more than a month with social-distancing and the precautions taken in SARS and MERS are recommended by the Governments. (4) Researchers' claim that nutrition and immunity enhancers and treatment plans such as arbidol, lopinavir/ritonavir, convalescent plasma and mesenchymal stem cells and drugs including remdesivir, hydroxychloroquine, azithromycin and favipiravir are effective against COVID-19. This complied report serves as guide to help the administrators, researchers and the medical officers to adopt recommended intervention strategies and the optimal treatment/drug against COVID-19.

Is Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Still the Gold Standard Procedure for Indians? Mid- to Long-Term Outcomes from a Tertiary Care Center.

PURPOSE: Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is the oldest and most widely performed bariatric surgery worldwide. There is, however, a scarcity of mid- to long-term data of RYGB, especially from the Indian subcontinent. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was a single-center, retrospective analysis from patients who underwent RYGB between January 2009 and November 2014 from a tertiary care center in India. Percent of total weight loss (%TWL) was taken as the primary outcome of the study. Secondary outcomes included type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remission, comorbidity resolution, revisional surgeries, and complications related to RYGB at 1 year, at 3 years, and during the long term, following surgery. Postoperative visits took place at 1 and 3 years, while the long-term outcome was at median 8.3 years (range 5.4-11.2 years), with a follow-up of 92.4% (488/528), 80.5% (424/527) and 69.5% (363/522), respectively. RESULTS: Out of 528 patients studied, 56% were females. The mean body mass index (BMI) was 40.6 ± 6.9 kg/m2. The %TWL in the long-term follow-up was 21.8 ± 11.3%. T2DM remission rates at 1 year, at 3 years, and during the long term were 84.5%, 70.0%, and 60.0%, respectively. Preoperative HBA1c (p = 0.002) and insulin usage (p = 0.016) had a significant predictive effect on T2DM remission. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) improved significantly (p < 0.001). Early (< 30 days) and late (> 30 days) complications were observed in 2.3% and 4.3% of the patients, respectively. CONCLUSION: Weight loss during mid to long-term follow-up was maintained in the majority of the patients after RYGB. However, a small proportion had significant weight regain in the long term. T2DM, GERD, and other comorbidities were well improved after RYGB.

Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing the Outcomes of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery and Standard Recovery Pathways in Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy.

PURPOSE: The enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) pathway is an evidence-based perioperative pathway that results in less pain, earlier recovery, and lower complication rates. Studies to prove their efficacy over standard recovery pathways in the Indian population are scarce. Our study intends to compare the outcomes of these pathways in the Indian community focusing on hospital stay, postoperative pain, and time for rescue analgesia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a single-blinded RCT involving 112 patients who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). The groups were divided into ERAS and standard pathway arms by closed envelope technique. The primary outcome was the length of hospital stay, while the secondary outcomes included pain score; postoperative nausea, and vomiting (PONV); time for rescue analgesia; and ambulation. RESULTS: Of 112 patients included, 56 were allocated in the ERAS group, and the remaining 56 were included in the standard pathway group. We found no significant differences in the baseline characteristics between the two groups. Mean hospital stay was significantly lower in the ERAS group compared to the standard group (p = 0.003). In comparison to the standard group, ERAS patients were ambulated early, and the difference was highly significant (p < 0.001). Pain scores between the two groups showed a significant difference during the 4th hour and 8th hour. We also found a significant variation between the time for first rescue analgesia and the two groups (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Patients who followed ERAS protocol were found to have shortened hospital stay, decreased pain, early ambulation, and reduced need for rescue analgesia. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03191318.

Diffusion Properties of Normal-Appearing White Matter Microstructure and Severity of Motor Impairment in Acute Ischemic Stroke.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The effect of white matter hyperintensities as measured by FLAIR MR imaging on functional impairment and recovery after ischemic stroke has been investigated thoroughly. However, there has been growing interest in investigating normal-appearing white matter microstructural integrity following ischemic stroke onset with techniques such as DTI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-two patients with acute ischemic stroke and 36 without stroke were evaluated with a DTI and FLAIR imaging protocol and clinically assessed for the severity of motor impairment using the Motricity Index within 72 hours of suspected symptom onset. RESULTS: There were widespread decreases in fractional anisotropy and increases in mean diffusivity and radial diffusivity for the acute stroke group compared with the nonstroke group. There was a significant positive association between fractional anisotropy and motor function and a significant negative association between mean diffusivity/radial diffusivity and motor function. The normal-appearing white matter ROIs that were most sensitive to the Motricity Index were the anterior/posterior limb of the internal capsule in the infarcted hemisphere and the splenium of the corpus callosum, external capsule, posterior limb/retrolenticular part of the internal capsule, superior longitudinal fasciculus, and cingulum (hippocampus) of the intrahemisphere/contralateral hemisphere. CONCLUSIONS: The microstructural integrity of normal-appearing white matter is a significant parameter to identify neural differences not only between those individuals with and without acute ischemic stroke but also correlated with the severity of acute motor impairment.

Do Anti-Epileptic Drug modifications after first trimester of pregnancy influence fetal malformation or cognitive outcome?

OBJECTIVE: The management of Women With Epilepsy (WWE) in pregnancy is a challenge that demands balancing the risks of Major Congenital Malformation (MCM) on one hand with adequate seizure control on the other. While most studies have analysed the risks of Anti-Epileptic Drugs (AED) exposure in the first trimester, AED changes during the second and third trimester and their effects on fetal outcome has not been studied adequately. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data of WWE who were prospectively followed up and completed pregnancy with live birth under the Kerala registry of epilepsy and pregnancy (KREP) between 1998 and 2014 were analysed. The AED addition, dose escalation, unchanged continuation, dose reduction or stoppage during the second or third trimester in comparison to the first trimester was tabulated for each drug. The outcome measures evaluated were malformation status and Developmental Quotient (DQ) at one year as extracted from the clinical records of the registry. RESULTS: The first trimester AED exposure was nil for 231, monotherapy for 925 and polytherapy for 391 WWE. WWE on monotherapy in first trimester were more likely to remain on the same number of AEDs in second or third trimester than those who were on polytherapy (OR 3.1, 95% CI 2.2 - 4.46). AED naïve women had a higher likelihood (OR 16.7; 95% CI 10.9-25.8) of being started on AED than women on monotherapy being switched to polytherapy. At least one AED was reduced or stopped during second or third trimester more often in women on polytherapy (15.1%) than in women on monotherapy (3.7%) (OR 4.7; 95% CI 2.9-7.2). Malformation rates for the infants of women whose AED dosage was increased or added were not significantly different from those of others. There was no statistically significant change in DQ with increase in dose or addition of drugs in the second or third trimester. CONCLUSION: AEDs were reduced in a significant proportion of patients on polytherapy while more than a third of women who were not on AEDs in the first trimester were subsequently started on AEDs. Increase in dose or addition of AEDs after the first trimester is unlikely to influence malformation outcome but the potential adverse effect on the DQ needs to be explored on a larger set of data.

Spontaneous fetal loss in women with epilepsy: prospective data from pregnancy registry in India.

OBJECTIVE: To ascertain the risk of spontaneous fetal loss (SPFL) in women with epilepsy (WWE) on antiepileptic drugs (AED), and explore the association between specific AED usage and risk of SPFL. METHODS: We identified all SPFL (including stillbirths) among pregnancies registered at Kerala Registry for Epilepsy and Pregnancy between 1998 and 2015. Rates of SPFL were compared between the AED exposed and unexposed groups. RESULTS: There were 139 SPFL out of 1987 eligible pregnancies. The AED exposed had excess SPFL (7.4%, 134 out of 1809, Odds Ratio [OR] 2.77, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1.17-6.39) than AED unexposed (2.8%, 5 out of 178). The adjusted OR (95% CI) for SPFL for monotherapies with levetiracetam, phenobarbitone and clobazam were comparable to unexposed, while it was significantly higher for topiramate (OR 38.86, CI 5.02-301.19), lamotrigine (OR 13.33, CI 1.41-125.78), oxcarbazepine (OR 7.53, CI 1.54-36.89), valproate (OR 6.92, CI 1.70-28.18), phenytoin (OR 5.82, CI 1.43-23.73) and carbamazepine (OR 3.53, CI 1.15-10.90). With reference to levetiracetam, only topiramate had significantly higher SPFL (OR 11.14, CI 1.56-79.55). CONCLUSION: SPFL risk is increased in pregnancies with AED exposure, being least with levetiracetam and highest with topiramate.

Role of Preoperative Duplex Ultrasonography to Predict Functional Maturation of Wrist Radiocephalic Arteriovenous Fistula: A Study on Indian Population.

Radiocephalic arteriovenous fistula (RCAVF) is the first choice for native arteriovenous fistula (AVF). Preoperative vessel assessment with ultrasonography (USG) has been reported to enhance the outcome of native AVF, but data regarding its predictive value for functional maturation of RCAVF are scanty. We aimed to determine the role of preoperative duplex USG (DUS) for prediction of functional maturity of radiocephalic fistula in the wrist. The data from 173 patients were analyzed prospectively. The estimated duplex variable included size, patency, and continuity of cephalic vein and size, peak systolic velocity, and wall calcifications in radial artery at the wrist. The subjects underwent RCAVF creation and were reviewed 6-8 weeks post procedure for adequacy of maturation. Doppler variables between successful and failed maturation groups were compared. Successful functional fistula maturation was noted in 138 (80.9%) patients. Values of radial artery diameter, cephalic vein diameter, and peak systolic velocity were >2 mm, 2.2 mm, and 32.8 cm/s, respectively, for successful maturation of RCAVF in more than 90% of cases. Vascular calcifications were detected preoperatively in 15 diabetic patients and 9 (60%) of them had fistula failure. Preoperative DUS can provide a good prediction on functional maturation of RCAVF. Vascular calcifications were associated with high risk of maturation failure in diabetics.

In Vivo Assessment of the Impact of Regional Intracranial Atherosclerotic Lesions on Brain Arterial 3D Hemodynamics.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Intracranial atherosclerosis induces hemodynamic disturbance, which is not well-characterized, particularly in cerebral flow redistribution. We aimed to characterize the impact of regional stenotic lesions on intracranial hemodynamics by using 4D flow MR imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 4D flow MR imaging was performed in 22 symptomatic patients (mean age, 68.4 ± 14.2 years) with intracranial stenosis (ICA, n = 7; MCA, n = 9; basilar artery, n = 6) and 10 age-appropriate healthy volunteers (mean age, 60.7 ± 8.1 years). 3D blood flow patterns were visualized by using time-integrated pathlines. Blood flow and peak velocity asymmetry indices were compared between patients and healthy volunteers in 4 prespecified arteries: ICAs, MCAs, and anterior/posterior cerebral arteries. RESULTS: 3D blood flow pathlines demonstrated flow redistribution across cerebral arteries in patients with unilateral intracranial stenosis. For patients with ICA stenosis compared with healthy volunteers, significantly lower flow and peak velocities were identified in the ipsilateral ICA (P = .001 and P = .001) and MCA (P < .001 and P = .001), but higher flow, in the ipsilateral PCA (P < .001). For patients with MCA stenosis, significantly lower flow and peak velocities were observed in the ipsilateral ICA (P = .009 and P = .045) and MCA (P < .001 and P = .005), but significantly higher flow was found in the ipsilateral posterior cerebral artery (P = .014) and anterior cerebral artery (P = .006). The asymmetry indices were not significantly different between patients with basilar artery stenosis and the healthy volunteers. CONCLUSIONS: Regional intracranial atherosclerotic lesions not only alter distal arterial flow but also significantly affect ipsilateral collateral arterial hemodynamics.

Paediatric leptospirosis: A population based case-control study from Chennai, India.

The surveillance in Chennai identified 134 children and 443 adults clinically suspected for leptospirosis. Of these, 35 (26.1%) children and 118 (26.6%) adults had laboratory confirmed diagnosis for leptospirosis. The paediatric leptospirosis exhibited a higher frequency of classic features of Weil's disease. The prevalent serovar encountered was Icterohaemorrhagiae with no difference in the pattern of infecting serovars between the two groups. Further, confirmation of diagnosis was achieved by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with a positivity of 28.4% (specificity 96%). Univariate analysis showed significant association of paediatric leptospirosis with rat infestation (odds ratio 87.4). Thus, PCR facilitates early diagnosis of febrile illness among paediatric cases.

Neurointerventional management of carotid webs associated with recurrent and acute cerebral ischemic syndromes.

BACKGROUND: A carotid web can be defined as an endoluminal shelf-like projection often noted at the origin of the internal carotid artery (ICA) just beyond the bifurcation. Diagnosis of a carotid web as an underlying cause of recurrent ischemic stroke is infrequent and easily misdiagnosed as an atheromatous plaque. Surgery has traditionally been used to resect symptomatic lesions while there is no enough evidence supporting medical therapy as the sole management. To our knowledge there is only one report about carotid artery stenting (CAS) as a definite management of carotid web and no previous reports of acute large-vessel occlusions undergoing mechanical thrombectomy in the setting of carotid web as the etiology. CASE REPORT: We report two cases: The first presented with recurrent ischemic stroke in the same arterial territory and the other with an emergent left middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion that underwent endovascular mechanical thrombectomy in which initial computed tomographic angiograms (CTA) suggested carotid web etiologies. Following confirmation with digital subtraction angiography (DSA), both patients ultimately underwent endovascular carotid stenting instead of surgical resection for definitive carotid web treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Carotid webs are a rare cause of ischemic stroke in young and middle-aged adults that can readily be identified by CTA. Endovascular management may include emergent mechanical thrombectomy for large-vessel thromboembolic complications, and for definitive treatment with carotid stenting across the carotid web as an alternative to surgical resection and medical management for secondary stroke prevention.

An improved Pearson's correlation proximity-based hierarchical clustering for mining biological association between genes.

Microarray gene expression datasets has concerned great awareness among molecular biologist, statisticians, and computer scientists. Data mining that extracts the hidden and usual information from datasets fails to identify the most significant biological associations between genes. A search made with heuristic for standard biological process measures only the gene expression level, threshold, and response time. Heuristic search identifies and mines the best biological solution, but the association process was not efficiently addressed. To monitor higher rate of expression levels between genes, a hierarchical clustering model was proposed, where the biological association between genes is measured simultaneously using proximity measure of improved Pearson's correlation (PCPHC). Additionally, the Seed Augment algorithm adopts average linkage methods on rows and columns in order to expand a seed PCPHC model into a maximal global PCPHC (GL-PCPHC) model and to identify association between the clusters. Moreover, a GL-PCPHC applies pattern growing method to mine the PCPHC patterns. Compared to existing gene expression analysis, the PCPHC model achieves better performance. Experimental evaluations are conducted for GL-PCPHC model with standard benchmark gene expression datasets extracted from UCI repository and GenBank database in terms of execution time, size of pattern, significance level, biological association efficiency, and pattern quality.

Perfusion-based selection for endovascular reperfusion therapy in anterior circulation acute ischemic stroke.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Controversy exists about the role of perfusion imaging in patient selection for endovascular reperfusion therapy in acute ischemic stroke. We hypothesized that perfusion imaging versus noncontrast CT- based selection would be associated with improved functional outcomes at 3 months. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed consecutive patients with anterior circulation strokes treated with endovascular reperfusion therapy within 8 hours and with baseline NIHSS score of ≥8. Baseline clinical data, selection mode (perfusion versus NCCT), angiographic data, complications, and modified Rankin Scale score at 3 months were collected. Using multivariable logistic regression, we assessed whether the mode of selection for endovascular reperfusion therapy (perfusion-based versus NCCT-based) was independently associated with good outcome. RESULTS: Two-hundred fourteen patients (mean age, 67.2 years; median NIHSS score, 18; MCA occlusion 74% and ICA occlusion 26%) were included. Perfusion imaging was used in 76 (35.5%) patients (39 CT and 37 MR imaging). Perfusion imaging-selected patients were more likely to have good outcomes compared with NCCT-selected patients (55.3 versus 33.3%, P = .002); perfusion selection by CT was associated with similar outcomes as that by MR imaging (CTP, 56.; MR perfusion, 54.1%; P = .836). In multivariable analysis, CT or MR perfusion imaging selection remained strongly associated with good outcome (adjusted OR, 2.34; 95% CI, 1.22-4.47), independent of baseline severity and reperfusion. CONCLUSIONS: In this multicenter study, patients with acute ischemic stroke who underwent perfusion imaging were more than 2-fold more likely to have good outcomes following endovascular reperfusion therapy. Randomized studies should compare perfusion imaging with NCCT imaging for patient selection for endovascular reperfusion therapy.

ALK gene amplification is associated with poor prognosis in colorectal carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Recently, the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) has been found to be altered in several solid and haematological tumours. ALK gene copy number changes and mutations in colorectal cancers (CRCs) are not well characterised. We aimed to study the prevalence of ALK copy number changes, translocations, gene mutations and protein expression in 770 CRC patients, and correlate these findings with molecular and clinico-pathological data. METHODS: ALK gene copy number variations and ALK expression were evaluated by fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) and immunohistochemistry, respectively. RESULTS: Translocations of the ALK gene were not observed; 3.4% (26 out of 756) of the CRC patients tested had an increase in ALK gene copy number either amplification or gain. Interestingly, increased ALK gene copy number alteration was associated with poor prognosis (P=0.0135) and was an independent prognostic marker in multivariate Cox proportional hazards model. The study reveals a significant impact of ALK gene copy number alterations on the outcome of patients with CRC. CONCLUSION: The findings of our study highlight a potential role of targeting ALK in advanced CRCs by using ALK FISH and ALK IHC as a screening tool to detect ALK alterations. Based on these findings, a potential role of ALK inhibitor as a therapeutic agent in a subset of CRC merits further investigation.

Design and fabrication of eight zone vertical dynamic gradient freeze system for organic single crystal growth.

Design and construction of the vertical dynamic gradient freeze (VDGF) system operating in the temperature range from 50 °C to 500 °C for growing organic single crystals are described. The design of VDGF system consists of furnace, control system, translation assembly, and image capturing device. Furnace has been constructed with eight zones controlled independently by a dynamic temperature control system for achieving desired thermal environment and multiple temperature gradients, which are essential for the growth of organic single crystals. The transparent furnace enables direct observation to record and monitor the solid-liquid interface and growth of crystals through charge coupled device based video camera. The system is fully computerized hence it is possible to retrieve the complete growth and furnace history. In order to investigate the functioning of the constructed VDGF system for the growth of organic single crystals, a well known organic nonlinear optical single crystal of benzimidazole was grown. The crystalline quality and the optical transmittance of the grown crystal were studied.

Vibrational spectroscopic investigations, first hyperpolarizability, HOMO-LUMO and NMR analyzes of p-fluorobenzonitrile.

Quantum chemical density functional calculations were carried out for PFBN with the GAUSSIAN 09W using ab initio and Becke-3-Lee-Yang-Parr (B3LYP) functional. The observed FT-IR and FT-Raman vibrational frequencies are analyzed and compared with theoretically predicted vibrational frequencies. The geometries and normal modes of vibration obtained from DFT method are in good agreement with the experimental data. The first-order hyperpolarizability (ß) of the investigated molecule was computed using DFT calculations. The calculated HOMO and LUMO energies shows that charge transfer occur within molecule. The influences of nitrogen on the geometry of benzene and its normal modes of vibrations have also been discussed. The UV-Vis spectral analysis of PFBN has also been done which confirms the charge transfer of PFBN. The chemical shifts of H atoms and C atoms were calculated using NMR analysis.