Amine assisted top-down delamination of the two-dimensional metal-organic framework Cu2(bdc)2.

A chemically assisted top-down method for the synthesis of MOF-nanoplates was developed applying amine based delamination agents. Applied on a well described model structure, the layered MOF Cu2(bdc)2(DMF)2 (bdc - 1,4-benzenedicarboxylate), two different strategies of amine assisted delamination turned out to be successful to obtain nanoplates. Particles with thicknesses of around 70 nm were obtained by direct delamination of crystals using octylamine. The surfactant (polyvinylpyrrolidone) assisted synthesis combined with a post-synthetic amine delamination step enabled a further reduction of the thickness of the MOF nanoplates down to 4-14 nm.

Metal-Organic Frameworks for Thin-Layer Chromatographic Applications.

Preparation of thin-layer chromatographic (TLC) plates based on metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) as porous stationary phases is described. DUT-67 (DUT = Dresden University of Technology), a zirconium based MOF, was used in combination with a fluorescent indicator as stationary phase for analyzing a small selection of a wide spectrum of relevant analytes. The successful separation of benzaldehyde from trans-cinnamaldehyde and 4-aminophenol from 2-aminotoluene is reported as a model system using optimized eluent mixtures containing acetic acid.

Cerebral air embolism after central dialysis line removal: the role of the fibrin sheath as portal (mechanism) of air entry.

We report a case of cerebral air embolism after central dialysis line removal and the role of the fibrin sheath as portal (mechanism) of air entry. This case has been documented with computed tomographic (CT) images of the partially air-filled sheath tract.

A method for calcium quantification by means of CT coronary angiography using 64-multidetector CT: very high correlation with Agatston and volume scores.

To find out whether calcium scoring of the coronary arteries (CAC scoring) could be carried out with a CT angiography of the coronary arteries (CTCA) in a single CT data acquisition. The Agatston and V130 scores for 113 patients were assessed. A calcium volume score (V600 score) was compiled from the CTCA data sets. Intra- and interobserver correlations were excellent (rho > 0.97). The intra- and interobserver repeatability coefficients were extremely low, increasing in magnitude from the V600 score to the V130 and Agatston scores. The V600 score underestimates the coronary calcium burden. However, it has a linear relation to the Agatston and V130 scores. Thus, they are predictable from the values of the V600 score. The V600 score shows a linear relation to the classic CAC scores. Due to its extremely high reliability, the score may be a feasible alternative for classic CAC scoring methods in order to reduce radiation dosages.

Kidney fusion anomalies revisited: clinical and radiological analysis of 209 cases of crossed fused ectopia and horseshoe kidney.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the morphological appearance of horseshoe kidneys (HKs) and crossed fused ectopia (CFE) and to assess the frequency and clinical significance of associated anomalies and diseases. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The findings and images of 209 patients with fused kidneys (FKs) were reviewed; in all, 244 scans from computed tomography (CT), 233 ultrasonograms and 89 micturition cysto-urethrograms, urograms, magnetic resonance images and angiograms were taken. RESULTS: HKs (found in one of 474 abdominal CT scans) and CFEs (found in one of 3078 CT scans) showed a high variability of vasculature that could not be classified. However, some generalized conclusions were possible about the renal vasculature (430 arteries in 103 kidneys). Variants of the most cephalad artery of both sides were rare. The second artery on the right had a pre-caval course. The origins of vessels located further caudal were more ventral. CFEs were anatomically different from HKs with respect to lower position, greater axial rotation, smaller pelvic width, more caudal origin, and fewer vessels, but not in accompanying anomalies. Severe anomalies or malformations were found in 23% of patients, with half of them in the urogenital system. Malformations were found considerably more often in children than in adults. There was no increased incidence of diseases such as stones or inflammation of the renal pelvis. CONCLUSION: Concomitant anomalies and diseases were equally frequent for HK and CFE, but less frequent than generally assumed. Individual cases of complex anatomical situations require special examination strategies, and CT appears to be the most reliable imaging method.

Yo-yo reflux in an incomplete duplex system causing severe hydronephrosis in a patient with contralateral renal agenesis.

This is a report of a case of a 26-year-old patient suffering from progressive renal insufficiency with a neurogenic bladder disorder due to a lipomyelomeningocele. She had renal agenesis on the left side and grade III hydronephrosis of both segments of a right duplex kidney with a bifid ureter joining further distal to the kidney. Both ureters were dilated. The cause was found to be a yo-yo reflux between the two halves of the kidney. Following bladder augmentation and pyelopyelostomy, renal insufficiency improved to stage III and has now been stable for four years. Due to the contralateral renal agenesis, the case is a unique illustration of the functional effect of the yo-yo reflux and pyelopyelostomy.

Endovascular therapy of distal anterior cerebral artery aneurysms-an effective treatment option.

BACKGROUND: Surgical treatment of APAs is associated with relatively high morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to illustrate the technical achievements of endovascular procedures in the distal anterior cerebral artery area, technical difficulties and how they can be overcome, and the outcome of endovascular treatment of APAs. METHODS: Between 1997 and 2006, of 49 patients with APAs at our institution, 29 were treated endovascularly (4.1% of all endovascularly treated aneurysms; F:M = 3.8; mean age, 52.8 +/- 11.5 years), and 12 were treated surgically. Twenty-one (72.4%) of the endovascularly treated patients had a subarachnoid hemorrhage. The mean observation period was 25 +/- 22.8 months. RESULTS: In 27 (93.1%) cases, complete occlusion of the aneurysm was achieved. The intervention led to 5 (17.2%) cases of minor complications with no neurologic deficits: 2 thromboembolisms, 1 local thrombus, 1 occlusion, and 1 recurrent hemorrhage. Mortality related to the intervention was 3.4%. There was no morbidity associated with the elective procedures. The dome-to-neck ratio is the main predictor of reperfusion. The most important factor impairing the outcome in terms of the GOS status is the presence of an intraparenchymal hematoma, followed by thrombembolic complications. CONCLUSION: Endovascular treatment of APAs is feasible, safe, and effective. Mortality and morbidity are comparable with surgical therapy. An intraparenchymal hematoma has a severe negative influence on the patient's condition after rehabilitation. In these cases, surgical intervention should be considered. In case of incomplete occlusion of the aneurysm, prompt reintervention is required.