Penning-Trap Mass Measurement of Helium-4.

Light-ion trap (LIONTRAP), a high-precision Penning-trap mass spectrometer, was used to determine the atomic mass of ^{4}He. Here, we report a 12 parts-per-trillion measurement of the mass of a ^{4}He^{2+} ion, m(^{4}He^{2+})=4.001 506 179 651(48) u. From this, the atomic mass of the neutral atom can be determined without loss of precision: m(^{4}He)=4.002 603 254 653(48) u. This result is slightly more precise than the current CODATA18 literature value but deviates by 6.6 standard deviations.

Biopsy-derived oral keratinocytes - A model to potentially test for oral mucosa radiation sensitivity.

Purpose: To establish stable in vitro growth of keratinocytes from very small biopsy specimens and successfully apply new test systems to determine their radiosensitivity. Materials and Methods: Oral mucosa biopsies (diameter: 1.7 mm) from 15 subjects were immobilized with custom-made cups onto culture plates. Outgrowing cells were tested for cytokeratin 5/14 and Ki67, expanded, radiated at different doses, and seeded onto circumscribed areas before being allowed to spread centrifugally. In this newly developed spreading assay, cell-covered areas were measured by image analysis. For statistical analysis, a linear mixed regression model was used; additionally, results were correlated to the radiation dose applied. Colony forming efficiency (CFE) was used to validate the results. DNA damage repair was analysed by gammaH2AX and 53BP1 foci quantification using immunofluorescence microscopy 24 h and 96 h after irradiation. Results: Stable keratinocyte growth continued for up to 7 weeks in 14 biopsies. Cells spread reliably from an initial 16.6 mm2 up to a median of 119.2 mm2 (range: 54.4-290). Radiated cells spread to only 100.7 mm2 (2 Gy; range: 55.3-266.7); 73.2 mm2 (4 Gy; 15-240.4); 47 mm2 (6 Gy; 2-111.9), and 22.7 mm2 (8 Gy; 0-80). Similarly, CFE decreased from 0.223 (0 Gy) to 0.0028 (8 Gy). Using an individual donor as a random factor, cell spread correlated with CFE, where radiation dose was the main driver (decrease by 0.50, adjusted for area). Upon irradiation with 6 Gy, radiation-induced DNA damage was increased after 24 h in all samples, and even after 96 h in 5 out of 7 samples, as detected by a higher number of gammaH2AX/53BP1 foci in irradiated cells (mean 3.7 for 24 h; mean 0.6 for 96 h). Conclusion: In vitro propagation of keratinocytes derived from a small biopsy is feasible. Radiation impairs cellular migration and proliferation, and the newly described spreading assay allows ranking for cellular radioresistance. The keratinocyte model also supports classical functional assays such as clonogenic survival and DNA double strand repair. The clinical relevance awaits upcoming investigations.

g Factor of Lithiumlike Silicon: New Challenge to Bound-State QED.

The recently established agreement between experiment and theory for the g factors of lithiumlike silicon and calcium ions manifests the most stringent test of the many-electron bound-state quantum electrodynamics (QED) effects in the presence of a magnetic field. In this Letter, we present a significant simultaneous improvement of both theoretical g_{th}=2.000 889 894 4 (34) and experimental g_{exp}=2.000 889 888 45 (14) values of the g factor of lithiumlike silicon ^{28}Si^{11+}. The theoretical precision now is limited by the many-electron two-loop contributions of the bound-state QED. The experimental value is accurate enough to test these contributions on a few percent level.

High-Precision Measurement of the Proton's Atomic Mass.

We report on the precise measurement of the atomic mass of a single proton with a purpose-built Penning-trap system. With a precision of 32 parts per trillion our result not only improves on the current CODATA literature value by a factor of 3, but also disagrees with it at a level of about 3 standard deviations.

Structural and reactivity insights into covalently linked Cu(i) complex-Anderson polyoxometalates.

The synthesis, crystallographic analysis and full characterization of the Cu(i) complex-functionalized Anderson polyoxomolybdate anions (nBu4N)[MMo6O18((OCH2)3CNCH(C47H37N2P2OCu)2)] (M = Mn3+, Fe3+, Co3+) is reported. For the first time, direct crystallographic evidence for the covalent attachment of a photoactive metal complex to an organo-functionalized polyoxometalate is obtained. Initial electrochemical and photochemical studies report fundamental properties and solution stability of the compounds.

Geographical differences in survival of dogs with non-Hodgkin lymphoma treated with a CHOP based chemotherapy protocol.

BACKGROUND: In humans geographical differences in the incidence and presentation of various cancers have been reported. However, much of this information has not been collected in veterinary oncology. AIM: The purpose of this study was to determine if a geographic difference in progression free survival exists for dogs with lymphoma treated within the US. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records of 775 cases of canine lymphoma from 3 US regions (west, south and north), treated with CHOP chemotherapy, were retrospectively evaluated. Cases were collected from referral institutions and were required to have received at least one doxorubicin treatment and have follow up information regarding time to progression. RESULTS: Significant differences in sex (p = 0.05), weight (p = 0.049), stage (p < 0.001), immunophenotype (p = <0.001), and number of doxorubicin doses (p = 0.001) were seen between regions. Upon univariate analysis, progression free survival (PFS) differed by region (p = 0.006), stage (p = 0.009), sub-stage (p = 0.0005), and immunophenotype (p = 0.001). A multivariable Cox regression model showed that dogs in the western region had a significantly shorter PFS when compared to the south and east. CONCLUSION: PFS was significantly affected by stage, sub-stage and phenotype.

A retrospective evaluation of lomustine (CeeNU) in 32 treatment naïve cats with intermediate to large cell gastrointestinal lymphoma (2006-2013).

Multi-drug chemotherapy protocols for feline lymphoma have demonstrated variable efficacy and tolerability. In phase I trials, lomustine has demonstrated efficacy for cats with lymphoma though its use for treatment naïve feline intermediate/large cell gastrointestinal (GI) lymphoma remains unknown. This study evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of lomustine for the treatment of feline GI lymphoma. Thirty-two cats with histologically or cytologically confirmed intermediate/large cell GI lymphoma were evaluated retrospectively. Factors assessed included clinical signs, hematologic/biochemical parameters and use of l-asparaginase at induction. A response rate of 50% (16/32), with median duration of response of 302 days (range 64-1450 days), was found. Median progression-free interval was 132 days (range 31-1450 days), with overall median survival time of 108 days (range 4-1488 days). History of hyporexia, presence of anaemia and dose of lomustine were significantly associated with progression-free survival. Overall, lomustine is a well-tolerated and effective treatment for feline GI lymphoma.

"CLICKable" azide-functionalized phosphonates for the surface-modification of molecular and solid-state metal oxides.

The covalent functionalization of metal oxide surfaces with organic ligands gives unique organic-inorganic hybrids. Here we report a bifunctional organic tether combining a phosphonate for metal oxide anchoring with an organic azide for attachment of organic groups. Stable binding of the tether to molecular and solid-state metal oxides is demonstrated and the subsequent "CLICKability" of the TiO2-anchored tether is shown. The phosphonate-azide reported could in future allow the general linkage of functional organic groups to metal oxides.

A supramolecular H-bond driven light switch sensor for small anions.

A cationic iridium complex with a 2,2'-bibenzimidazole ligand can act as a luminescent sensor for various anions. Strong H-bond supported ion pair bonding with an electron accepting dinitro-benzoate anion switches the luminescence "off". The luminescence of the sensor is switched back "on" when benzoate is replaced by competing H-bonded small anions, therefore leading to an enhanced sensitivity of the sensor system.

Optimized synthesis of a tert-butyl-phenyl-substituted tetrapyridophenazine ligand and its Ru(II) complexes and determination of dimerization behaviour of the complexes through supramolecular "Fingerhakel".

The synthesis of tpphz(tbp)2 (tpphz(tbp)2 = 3,16-di(tert-butyl-phenyl)-tetrapyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c:3'',2''-h:2''',3'''-j]phenazine) has been optimized by using a new synthetic route. The complexes Ru(tbp)2tpphz, Rutpphz(tbp)2, Rutpphz(tbp)2Ru and the reference compound Ru(tbp)2phen (where Ru = (tbbpy)2Ru, tbbpy = 4,4'-di-tert-butyl-2,2'-bipyridine and (tbp)2phen = 3,8-bis(4-tert-butyl-phenyl)-1,10-phenanthroline) have been synthesized and characterized. Crystal structures or structural motifs could be obtained for each intermediate and complex and for the first time a tpphz based uncomplexed ligand could be investigated in the solid state. The mononuclear complexes Ru(tbp)2tpphz and Rutpphz(tbp)2 form π­π stacked dimers in the solid state. The latter exhibits an interesting aggregation in the solid state with three π-interactions. Concentration dependent aggregation of these isomers in solution is observed with the aid of 1H-NMR investigations. Out of those dimerization constants (KD) could be calculated for the complexes Ru(tbp)2tpphz and Rutpphz(tbp)2. The values differ significantly. Photophysical and electrochemical properties of the presented complexes were investigated and compared with reference compounds. The tert-butyl-phenyl-substitution induces a stabilization of the 1MLCT and 3MLCT states localized on the phenanthroline part of the bridging ligand. The 3MLCT localized on the phenazine portion seems to be not or only to a minor extent influenced by these substituents.

Tuning of photocatalytic activity by creating a tridentate coordination sphere for palladium.

The synthesis and characterisation of an asymmetric potential bridging ligand bmptpphz (bmptpphz = 2,17-bis(4-methoxyphenyl)tetrapyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c:3'',2''-h:2''',3'''-j] phenazine) is presented. This ligand contains a 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) and a 2,9-disubstituted phen sphere and possesses a strong absorbance in the visible. Facile coordination of the phen sphere to a Ru(tbbpy)2 core leads to Ru(bmptpphz) ([(tbbpy)2Ru(bmptpphz)](PF6)2; tbbpy = 4,4'-di-tert-butyl-2,2'-bipyridine). UV-vis, emission, resonance Raman and theoretical investigations show that this complex possesses all properties associated with a Ru(tpphz) ([(tbbpy)2Ru(tpphz)](PF6)2; tpphz = tetrapyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c:3'',2''-h:2''',3'''-j] phenazine) moiety and that the ligand based absorbances in the vis-part also populate an MLCT like state. The coordination of a Pd-core in the new 2,9-disubstituted phen sphere is possible, leading to a cyclometallation. The tridentate complexation leads to changes in the UV-vis and emission behaviour. Furthermore, the stability of the Pd-coordination is significantly enhanced if compared to the unsubstituted Ru(tpphz). Ru(bmptpphz)PdCl proved to be an active photocatalyst for H2 evolution, albeit with lower activity than the mother compound Ru(tpphz)PdCl2.

Single incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

BACKGROUND: As surgeons embrace the concept of increasingly less invasive surgery, techniques using only a single small incision have begun to gain traction. Multiple case series managed by a single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SILC) have been published. The objective of this study is to describe the short-term outcomes of SILC in our institution. METHODS: A retrospective review was done for 51 patients who underwent SILC between 2009-2012. The operative time, surgical technique, conversion rate, and postoperative complications were reported. RESULTS: SILC was performed for 51 patients, all women, with a mean age of 35.6 years (range=19-62). Their body mass index(BMI) ranged from 16.8-35.6 kg m2 with a mean of 20.4. Twelve patients (23.52 %) had acute cholecystitis. The mean operating time was 58.6 minutes (range=45-95 min). Incidents were encountered in 6 patients (11.76%) and were related to intraoperative bleeding. There was a single conversion to the standard laparoscopic procedure (1.9%) and in 5 cases an accessory needle grasp was used (9.8%). Two patients (3.9%)presented postoperative complications (wound infections) and the mean hospital stay was 1.6 days. CONCLUSIONS: SILC is feasible and provides a promising alternative to natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery for scarless laparoscopic cholecystectomy. However, routine application of this novel technique requires an evaluation of its safety and cost effectiveness in larger studies.

Headaches after renal transplantation--a case report.

Headaches are one of the most common medical complaints. The differentiation of benign primary headaches from the small number of patients with secondary headaches may be challenging, but failure to recognize a serious headache can be fatal. We report the case of a 49-year-old renal transplant patient, who was admitted to hospital because of intractable right-sided headaches. Cerebral imaging was unremarkable. Not until 2 days later did the patient develop a rash of grouped vesicles located in the right dermatome C3. Consecutively cerebrospinal fluid tested positive for Varizella zoster virus (VZV), indicating VZV meningitis. Therapy was started with intravenous acyclovir with rapid improvement. Here in we have described an atypical case of VZV reactivation in a renal transplant patient, who initially presented with headaches without any skin manifestation. Because of their compromised immune system, transplant patients have a high risk for visceral involvement of VZV infections, which are a life-threatening emergency. Therefore, vaccination of seronegative patients should be part of the pretransplant workup. Accurate and fast diagnosis of infection is essential to immediately start antiviral therapy.

Perforation of Meckel's diverticulum by foreign body, a rare complication.

Meckel's diverticulum is a congenital disorder that results from an incomplete obliteration of the vitelline duct. Meckel's diverticulum may give rise to bleeding, intestinal obstruction and inflammation; however, its perforation by a foreign body is an extremely rare life-threatening complication. We report ona 37-year-old male presenting symptoms and signs of acute abdomen with an initial suspicion of acute appendicitis.However, the right diagnosis was made only during exploratory laparoscopy when the appendix was found to be normal,whereas Meckel's diverticulum was found to be inflamed and perforated by a chicken bone. The patient was treated successfully with laparoscopic resection of the diverticulum, and had an uncomplicated postoperative course.

[Severe maternal hepatopathies in the peripartum period--a case series with review of the literature focusing on pathogenesis and differential diagnosis]. / Lebensbedrohliche, maternale Leberaffektionen in der späten Schwangerschaft und im Wochenbett--eine Fallserie mit Überblick über Pathogenese und differenzialdiagnostische Abgrenzung.

BACKGROUND: A severe hepatopathy constitutes a serious threat during pregnancy and poses considerable challenges to the treating physicians. A broad spectrum of pregnancy-dependent or independent diseases like HELLP-syndrome, liver infection or acute fatty liver of pregnancy (AFLP) is characterized by these affections of the liver. In this study, we present a series of 3 cases with life-threatening hepatopathies and discuss the current state of the literature. A special focus is placed on pathogenesis and differential diagnosis. METHODOLOGY: Pathological, radiological and gynaecological/surgical procedures were performed according to the current German guidelines. Laboratory tests were conducted in the clinics' routine diagnostics section. The existing literature was reviewed via the US National Library of Medicine database "PubMed.gov". RESULTS: The first patient had been afflicted by a fulminant HELLP syndrome causing delivery after 32 weeks of pregnancy. Consecutively, she suffered a sub-total liver infarction followed by a severe coagulopathy and septic peritonitis. The second patient was diagnosed with HELLP syndrome at 36 weeks of pregnancy. The initially mild syndrome exacerbated after delivery leading to haemorrhagic shock and acute renal failure. In the third case, a woman with asymptomatic hepatitis B delivered in the 36th week of pregnancy. Post partum, her pre-existing condition worsened fulminantly resulting in sub-acute liver dystrophy and massive coagulopathy. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Whenever a hepatopathy occurs during pregnancy, several divergent diagnoses with severe implications and different aetiopathologies have to be considered. Diagnostic and therapeutic strategies have to be weighed quickly to enable a fast, interdisciplinary cooperation in order to prevent fatal outcomes.

Cutaneous vasculitis after renal transplantation: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous vasculitis is a rare symptom after renal transplantation. With a broad spectrum of differential diagnosis, the new appearance of a skin rash in transplanted patients can be challenging. CASE REPORT: We present the case of a 69-year-old man with palpable purpura, skin ulcerations, and diffuse arthralgias. He had a history of cadaveric renal transplantation owing to biopsy-proven isolated immunoglobulin (Ig)A nephropathy and never suffered from any skin manifestation before. Skin biopsy confirmed Henoch-Schoenlein purpura (HSP), which developed under maintenance immunsuppressive therapy with tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil. Renal biopsy showed recurrent IgA nephropathy with positive mesangial and capillary IgA staining. DISCUSSION: This is the first case to describe a new manifestation of HSP following renal transplantation owing to isolated IgA nephropathy. Here, we summarize the differential diagnosis of cutaneous vasculitis following renal transplantation. Moreover we give a short review of the recurrence of IgA nephropathy and HSP after renal transplantation followed by possible strategies for prevention and therapy of recurrent disease.

Reinvestigating 2,5-di(pyridin-2-yl)pyrazine ruthenium complexes: selective deuteration and Raman spectroscopy as tools to probe ground and excited-state electronic structure in homo- and heterobimetallic complexes.

The mono- (1) and dinuclear (2) ruthenium(II) bis(2,2'-bipyridine) complexes of 2,5-di(pyridin-2-yl)pyrazine (2,5-dpp), for which the UV/Vis absorption and emission as well as electrochemical properties have been described earlier, are reinvestigated here by resonance, surface enhanced and transient resonance Raman spectroscopy together with selective deuteration to determine the location of the lowest lying excited metal to ligand charge transfer ((3)MLCT) states. The ground state absorption spectrum of both the mono- and dinuclear complexes are characterised by resonance Raman spectroscopy. The effect of deuteration on emission lifetimes together with the absence of characteristic bipy anion radical modes in the transient Raman spectra for both the mono- and dinuclear complexes bridged by the 2,5-dpp ligand confirms that the excited state is 2,5-dpp based; however DFT calculations and the effect of deuteration on emission lifetimes indicate that the bipy based MLCT states contribute to excited state deactivation. Resonance Raman and surface enhanced Raman spectroscopic (SERS) data for 1 and 2 are compared with that of the heterobimetallic complexes [Ru(bipy)(2)(2,5-dpp)PdCl(2)](2+)3 and [Ru(bipy)(2)(2,5-dpp)PtCl(2)](2+)4. The SERS data for 1 indicates that a heterobimetallic Ru-Au complex forms in situ upon addition of 1 to a gold colloid.

Money is not enough: exploring the impact of social and cultural resources on youth health.

BACKGROUND: Findings on socioeconomic health differentials in youth remain fragmented with the role of cumulative and interaction effects of different forms of health resources not well understood. METHODS: European KIDSCREEN data were analysed to explore effects of material and non-material resources on subjective health in The Netherlands, Hungary, and the UK. RESULTS: Regression analysis revealed significant main effects of economic, social, and cultural resources on youth health. In the UK an interaction effect between economic and cultural resources indicated a conditional relationship between material and non-material health resources. CONCLUSIONS: Exploring the combined impact of economic, social, and cultural resources may contribute to our understanding of health differentials.