[A retrospective cohort study of the effect of zolendronic acid on mandibular bone optical density in cancer patients]. / Issledovanie vliyaniya zolendronovoi kisloty na plotnost' nizhnei chelyusti u onkologicheskikh patsientov.

THE AIM THE STUDY: To analyze the density of the mandible in cancer patients during treatment with zoledronic acid. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort study included 45 patients with cancer aged 26-81 years (average age 55±12.88 years), of whom 14 patients had bone metastases (n=14) and took 4 mg of zolendronic acid once every 28 days. The patients underwent standard PET-CT examinations in the «whole body¼ mode, and the density of the mandible was examined on CT. Radiation therapy was performed by intracavitary administration of strontium 89 chloride; remote radiation therapy with cisplatin radiomodification. In the presence of bone metastases, patients received complex supportive therapy with zolendronic acid. The effect of zolendronic acid on the density of the mandible in the frontal and lateral sections was studied by multidimensional dispersion analysis. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences (p=0.002) were revealed for density indicators according to CT scans of the mandible in the frontal region against the background of zolendronic acid therapy. We attribute the absence of statistically significant differences for the density of the mandible in the lateral sections (p=0.101 and p=0.082) against the background of zolendronic acid therapy to a measurement bias. We attribute the absence of statistically significant differences in density indices against the background of hormonal, radiation, targeted and chemotherapy to the design of the study. CONCLUSION: Density measurement based on CT examination data can be recommended for use as an additional tool in assessing the effect of zolendronic acid on the density of the mandible. However, the method of measuring the density of the mandible in the lateral sections requires improvement to prevent measurement bias.

[Undifferentiated pancreatic carcinoma with osteoclast-like giant cells]. / Nedifferentsirovannaya kartsinoma podzheludochnoi zhelezy s osteoklastopodobnymi gigantskimi kletkami.

In the structure of malignant oncological diseases of the Russian population, pancreatic cancer (PCa) occupies the 10th place with a high mortality rate in case of late diagnosis, which is primarily due to the minimal clinical manifestations of this pathology and the absence of precancer as a potential substrate for screening. Undifferentiated pancreatic carcinoma with osteoclast-like giant cell (UC-OGC) is a rare histological variant of PCa with discussed bidirectional histogenesis (epithelial and mesenchymal), epithelial-mesenchymal transition in the tumor and variable prognosis depending on the predominant cellular component. A review of the literature reflecting debatable issues of origin, clinical and pathological characteristics and prognosis of UC-OGC, as well as a description of a clinical case is relevant due to the rare occurrence of this tumor in the routine work of pathologists and oncologists.

One dimensional magnetic resonance microscopy with micrometer resolution in static field gradients.

Magnetic resonance microscopy (MRM) is a valuable tool for spatially resolved studies. While it is desirable to address voxels in the general case, it is sufficient to resolve slices of the sample in many cases of practical importance, e.g., for layered structures or at planar surfaces. We demonstrate that use of high static field gradients of 73 T/m in combination with a specially designed probe head enable MRM with an ultrahigh resolution of ∼2 µm in one dimension. The key feature of the built probe head is a precise computer controlled adjustment of the sample position and orientation, which allows for an accurate alignment of the samples with respect to the gradient of the magnetic field. Since slice-wise scanning of extended samples with this high spatial resolution is time-consuming, we introduce a methodology to reduce the experimental time significantly. Unlike the usual approach, which involves elaborate hardware and software correction, experimental imperfections are removed by stepwise moving the sample in our case. We demonstrate the capabilities of high-resolution 1D MRM for a solid sample with a layered structure and a liquid droplet on a planar solid substrate.

1H NMR at Larmor frequencies down to 3Hz by means of Field-Cycling techniques.

Field-Cycling (FC) NMR experiments were carried out at 1H Larmor frequencies down to about 3Hz. This could be achieved by fast switching a high polarizing magnetic field down to a low evolution field which is tilted with respect to the polarization field. Then, the low frequency Larmor precession of the nuclear spin magnetization about this evolution field is registered by means of FIDs in a high detection field. The crucial technical point of the experiment is the stabilization of the evolution field, which is achieved by compensating for temporal magnetic field fluctuations of all three spatial components. The paper reports on some other basic low field experiments such as the simultaneous measurement of the Larmor frequency and the spin-lattice relaxation time in such small fields as well as the irradiation of oscillating transversal magnetic field pulses at very low frequencies as a novel method for field calibration in low field FC NMR. The potential of low field FC is exemplified by the 1H relaxation dispersion of water at frequencies below about 2kHz stemming from the slow proton exchange process.

Perspectives of Deuteron Field-Cycling NMR Relaxometry for Probing Molecular Dynamics in Soft Matter.

Due to the single-particle character of the quadrupolar interaction in molecular systems, (2)H NMR poses a unique method for probing reorientational dynamics. Spin-lattice relaxation gives access to the spectral density, and its frequency dependency can be monitored by field-cycling (FC) techniques. However, most FC NMR studies employ (1)H; the use of (2)H is still rare. We report on the application of (2)H FC NMR for investigating the dynamics in molecular liquids and polymers. Commercial as well as home-built relaxometers are employed accessing a frequency range from 30 Hz to 6 MHz. Due to low gyromagnetic ratio, high coupling constants, and finite FC switching times, current (2)H FC NMR does not reach the dispersion region in liquids (toluene and glycerol), yet good agreement with the results from conventional high-field (HF) relaxation studies is demonstrated. The pronounced difference at low frequencies between (2)H and (1)H FC NMR data shows the relevance of intermolecular relaxation in the case of (1)H NMR. In the case of the polymers polybutadiene and poly(ethylene-alt-propylene), very similar relaxation dispersion is observed and attributed to Rouse and entanglement dynamics. Combination with HF (2)H relaxation data via applying frequency-temperature superposition allows the reconstruction of the full spectral density reflecting both polymer as well as glassy dynamics. Transformation into the time domain yields the reorientational correlation function C2(t) extending over nine decades in time with a long-time power law, C2(t) ∝ t(-0.45±0.05), which does not conform to the prediction of the tube-reptation model, for which ∝ t(-0.25) is expected. Entanglement sets in below C2(t = τe) ≅ S(2) = 0.001, where τe is the entanglement time and S the corresponding order parameter. Finally, we discuss the future prospects of the (2)H FC NMR technique.

Synthesis of LaF3 nanosheets with high fluorine mobility investigated by NMR relaxometry and diffusometry.

Ionically conducting lanthanum fluoride (LaF3), displaying a nanoscopic lamellar structure, has been synthesized at the surface of an aqueous solution of LaCl3 and HF. The structure and the chemical composition of the conductor have been analyzed by SEM, electron probe microanalysis, X-ray powder diffraction, FTIR, and (19)F magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The fluorine dynamics have been studied by NMR diffusometry and relaxometry in a temperature range from room temperature up to 875 K. The fluorine self-diffusion coefficient of the nanostructured LaF3 is about two orders of magnitude larger than that of bulk LaF3. This novel material is highly promising for many typical applications of fluorine ionic systems.

Dynamics of [C3H5N2]6[Bi4Br18] by means of (1)H NMR relaxometry and quadrupole relaxation enhancement.

(1)H spin-lattice field cycling relaxation dispersion experiments in the intermediate phase II of the solid [C3H5N2]6[Bi4Br18] are presented. Two motional processes have been identified from the (1)H spin-lattice relaxation dispersion profiles and quantitatively described. It has been concluded that these processes are associated with anisotropic reorientations of the imidazolium ring, characterized by correlation times of the order of 10(-8) s-10(-9) s and of about 10(-5) s. Moreover, quadrupole relaxation enhancement (QRE) effects originating from slowly fluctuating (1)H-(14)N dipolar interactions have been observed. From the positions of the relaxation maxima, the quadrupole coupling parameters for the (14)N nuclei in [C3H5N2]6[Bi4Br18] have been determined. The (1)H-(14)N relaxation contribution associated with the slow dynamics has been described in terms of a theory of QRE [Kruk et al., Solid State Nucl. Magn. Reson. 40, 114 (2011)] based on the stochastic Liouville equation. The shape of the QRE maxima (often referred to as "quadrupole peaks") has been consistently reproduced for the correlation time describing the slow dynamics and the determined quadrupole coupling parameters.

[ALPPS in case of massive liver metastases].

It was presented the first experience of ALPPS technique using in treatment of massive liver metastases in the Urals. The technique allows to carry out surgical treatment without danger of development of post-operative liver failure. Also it permits to complete treatment during one hospitalization without stretching the therapeutic process in time.

Simultaneous measurement of very small magnetic fields and spin-lattice relaxation.

A field cycling (FC) NMR experiment is presented which allows for the simultaneous determination of very small magnetic fields down to about 3 µT and the concomitant measurement of nuclear spin-lattice relaxation times in these fields. The technique will enable broadband spin-lattice relaxation dispersion experiments down to about 100 Hz (1)H Larmor frequency. Limitations of its applicability are discussed.

[Immediate results of combined treatment for soft tissue sarcomas including intraoperative radiation therapy].

Nowadays the most popular and justified, from oncological positions, method of treatment for soft tissue sarcomas is a combined approach with the use of conservative surgery followed by postoperative radiation therapy. In this regard, intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) in a single dose of 10-20 Gy is a method that optimizes the role of radiation therapy in treatment of this pathology allowing precise localization of radiation zone within the "tumor bed", thereby minimizing damage of normal tissues and critical organs. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of IORT on the frequency and structure of post-operative complications. Testing group (n = 49) was compared to the group without IORT (n = 57) and group with only surgery (n = 171). According to the study it was not obtained statistically significant differences in the incidence of postoperative complications in the groups (p = 0,57), not marked influence on the structure of post-operative complications.

[Results of combined treatment with intraoperative radial therapy of soft tissue sarcoma].

The intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) in combined therapy of soft tissue sarcoma in a single dose 10-20 Gy is the method, which can optimize the role of radiation therapy in treatment of this nosology. This method allows exact localization of the irradiation zone in the frames of "tumor bed", thereby minimizing the damage of normal tissues and critical organs. The aim of the study was the influence of IORT on the rate and structure of postoperative complications and long-term results of treatment in the group under study (n = 49) in comparison with the group of combined treatment without IORT (n = 57) and the group of surgical treatment. No statistically reliable difference in the rate of postoperative complications in groups (p = 0.57) was obtained and there was no influence on the structure of postoperative complications. At the same time the statistically reliable increase of general survival rates (p = 0.025) and the survival without relapse in the main group (p < 0.025) were obtained. Thus, the application of IORT in combined treatment of soft tissue sarcomas showed the satisfactory profile of "surgical safety", provided the reliable increase of general survival rates and rates without relapse.

Long-Time Diffusion in Polymer Melts Revealed by 1H NMR Relaxometry.

We demonstrate that field-cycling 1H NMR relaxometry can be used as a straightforward method of determining translational diffusion coefficient D = D(M) in polymer systems. The 1H spin-lattice relaxation dispersion for polybutadiene of different molecular masses M (446 < M/(g mol-1) < 9470) is measured at several temperatures (233 < T/K < 408) in a broad frequency range. The diffusion coefficient D(T) is determined from the intermolecular contribution to the overall spin-lattice relaxation rate R1(ω), which dominates in the low-frequency range and follows a universal dispersion law linear in √ω. The extracted diffusion coefficients are in good agreement with the values obtained previously by field gradient NMR. The molecular mass dependence D = D(M) exhibits two power laws: D ∝ M-1.3±0.1 and ∝M-2.3±0.1. They show a crossover for M = 2300, a value that is close to the entanglement molecular mass Me of polybutadiene. The corresponding power-law exponents are close to the prediction of the tube-reptation model.

Rotational Resonance in milli-tesla fields detected by Field Cycling NMR.

Rotational Resonance (R(2)) between different spin Zeeman levels in samples of adamantane C(10)H(16) (homonuclear R(2)) and a mixture of C(10)H(16) and C(10)D(16) (both homonuclear and heteronuclear R(2)) has been studied. A Field Cycling NMR instrument was used to match the external field frequency ν(0) to a fixed frequency of sample rotation ν(r) at ν(r) = 40, 50 or 60 kHz. Rotational Resonance is observed at rational frequency ratios of ν(0)/ν(r), such as 12, 23, 32 and 1. The method may prove to become a useful tool for the determination of spin-spin distances in condensed matter.

NMR field-cycling at ultralow magnetic fields.

The paper describes some significant technical improvements of a home built NMR field cycling relaxometer [O. Lips, A. Privalov, S. Dvinskikh, F. Fujara, J. Magn. Reson. 149 (2001) 22-28] now allowing for fast switching of polarization fields (up to more than 1T) to evolution fields down to the sub-µT range. The most important instrumental details such as the description of an involved 3-dimensional resistive coil setup are given. Fields below about 5 µT can only be stabilized by incorporation of an active field drift and fluctuation compensation tool. In this way, the smallest 1H Larmor frequency obtained and measured so far has been 12 Hz.

[Preventive lymphadenectomy in complex treatment of melanoma of the skin, trunk and extremities].

Results of treatment of 90 patients with primary melanoma of the skin, trunk and extremities with stages T2-T4N0M0 were analyzed. Different strategies were used in relation to regional lymph nodes. It was found that prophylactic lymphadenectomy in terms of more than 4 weeks after excision of primary cutaneous melanoma reliably prolongs total and recurrence-free survival as compared with the method without fulfilling prophylactic lymphadenectomy. Prophylactic lymphadenectomy fulfilled in terms less than 4 weeks fails to have statistically significant influence on the results of treatment.

Fluorine dynamics in BaF2 crystal lattice as an example of complex motion in a simple system.

Fluorine relaxation profiles for a BaF(2) single crystal collected at several temperatures have been analyzed in terms of essentially different motional models: free rotational and free translational diffusion. The analysis has been performed to critically review the sensitivity of field dependent relaxation studies to mechanisms of molecular motions. The tested motional models do not realistically describe the fluorine dynamics within the crystal lattice. They have been chosen to attempt to answer quite fundamental questions regarding the feasibility of the field dependent nuclear spin relaxation studies to provide unique information on dynamic processes: 1. Is it possible to get information about the motional mechanisms by analyzing relaxation profiles collected in a broad frequency range? 2. To what extent is it possible to reasonably reproduce relaxation profiles in terms of unrealistic motional models? It has been concluded from the analysis that the rotational model leading to a single exponential correlation function explains the experimental data much better than the translational one. Validity regimes of the second order perturbation theory have been discussed in the context of the investigated system and the applied models.

Field cycling methods as a tool for dynamics investigations in solid state systems: recent theoretical progress.

In this paper physical mechanisms and theoretical treatments of polarization transfer and field-dependent relaxation in solid state systems, containing mutually coupled spins of spin quantum numbers I=12 (spins 12) and S1 (quadrupolar spins), are presented. First, theoretical descriptions of these effects are given in detail for an illustrative, simple system. Next, it is shown how to generalize the theories to much more complex spin systems. The polarization transfer and relaxation effects are illustrated by several examples. Typical misunderstandings regarding their physical origins are clarified. This paper reviews recent theoretical descriptions of the polarization transfer and relaxation phenomena. Its goal is to popularize the proper theoretical treatments with the intention to establish them as standard tools for analyzing field cycling data.

High temperature mechanical field-cycling setup.

A new design of a mechanical field-cycling setup, operating in the wide temperature range up to 1200 K has been implemented. The sample is moved by a stepping motor in the stray field of a superconducting magnet inside a furnace of homogeneous temperature profile. For a field range from 0.75 to 7 T (transfer length 24 cm), the transfer time is less than 100 ms. The temperature profile is homogenized to better than 1% of the absolute set temperature. The main objective of this design is to extend the T1 relaxation dispersion range covered by electronic field-cycling to higher frequencies.

[Expanded D2 lymphodissection in combined treatment of gastric cancer: unification of treatment approaches].

The authors present an analysis of results of using D2 operations in combined treatment of gastric cancer. Such volumes of operations combined with preoperative irradiation are not followed by greater number of complications and lethality. The incidence of progressing in terms more than a year proved to be considerably lower in the group of patients with combined treatment with D2 lymphodissection than in the groups without lymphodissection and preoperative radiation therapy.

Simultaneous effects of relaxation and polarization transfer in LaF3-type crystals as sources of dynamic information.

Fluorine nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spin-lattice relaxation dispersion has been measured for pure LaF(3) and La(1-x)Sr(x)F(3-x) for admixture concentrations x ranging from 0.01% up to 16%. The relaxation dispersion experiments have been carried out in a wide frequency range (20 kHz-40 MHz) at temperatures between 300 and 1400 K. The data have been analyzed using the recently published [J. Magn. Res. 179 (2006) 250] relaxation model for multispin systems of mutually interacting quadrupolar and dipolar nuclei. Rate constants of the fluorine ionic jumps within and among distinct fluorine sublattices have been extracted. Characteristic effects of the polarization transfer between fluorine and lanthanum spins have been observed and attributed to slow dynamics within one of the fluorine sublattices.