[Cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC for peritoneal malignancies in children]

Peritoneal tumour dissemination represents an advanced tumour stage and survival rates are usually low. In the past, cytoreductive surgery (CRS) combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) has been established in adults leading to increased survival rates in comparison to chemotherapy alone. CRS and HIPEC are indicated in primary peritoneal tumours such as mesothelioma and pseudomyxoma peritonei, and in peritoneal metastases from gastrointestinal and ovarian cancers in adults. The incidence of peritoneal surface malignancies in children seems to be lower than in adults, but the incidence is unknown. Nevertheless, peritoneal carcinomatosis/sarcomatosis may occur in patients suffering from desmoplastic small round cell tumour (DSRCT), soft tissue sarcoma (rhabdomyosarcoma, leiomyosarcoma, GIST or liposarcoma), as well as in patients with gastrointestinal cancers. CRS and HIPEC have been established as a novel treatment option in children suffering from peritoneal carcinomatosis/sarcomatosis in very few centres worldwide. This paper reviews the indications, treatment regimens, and pitfalls of this approach in children.

Topology of megagauss magnetic fields and of heat-carrying electrons produced in a high-power laser-solid interaction

The intricate spatial and energy distribution of magnetic fields, self-generated during high power laser irradiation (at Iλ^{2}∼10^{13}-10^{14}  W.cm^{-2}.μm^{2}) of a solid target, and of the heat-carrying electron currents, is studied in inertial confinement fusion (ICF) relevant conditions. This is done by comparing proton radiography measurements of the fields to an improved magnetohydrodynamic description that fully takes into account the nonlocality of the heat transport. We show that, in these conditions, magnetic fields are rapidly advected radially along the target surface and compressed over long time scales into the dense parts of the target. As a consequence, the electrons are weakly magnetized in most parts of the plasma flow, and we observe a reemergence of nonlocality which is a crucial effect for a correct description of the energetics of ICF experiments.

[Cardiac fibromyxosarcoma with bone metastases : palliative surgical treatment]

This article presents the unusual case of a 58-year-old woman with a low-grade cardiac fibromyxosarcoma which was primarily surgically resected and treated with adjuvant chemotherapy. A pulmonary metastasis as well as osteolytic metastatic destruction of the right iliac crest occurred 3 years after primary diagnosis and 2 years later a bone metastasis of the left distal femur was detected. Applying a palliative treatment concept resection of the pulmonary metastasis and an extralesional resection of the bone metastasis of the right iliac crest with plastic reconstruction were performed. Afterwards resection of the left distal femur metastasis and prosthetic reconstruction with distal femur replacement could also be realized. Despite an initial poor prognosis a high quality of life without essential functional limitations could be maintained for more than 6 years in this individual case.

Laboratory formation of a scaled protostellar jet by coaligned poloidal magnetic field

Although bipolar jets are seen emerging from a wide variety of astrophysical systems, the issue of their formation and morphology beyond their launching is still under study. Our scaled laboratory experiments, representative of young stellar object outflows, reveal that stable and narrow collimation of the entire flow can result from the presence of a poloidal magnetic field whose strength is consistent with observations. The laboratory plasma becomes focused with an interior cavity. This gives rise to a standing conical shock from which the jet emerges. Following simulations of the process at the full astrophysical scale, we conclude that it can also explain recently discovered x-ray emission features observed in low-density regions at the base of protostellar jets, such as the well-studied jet HH 154.

Dynamic MR urography in children with uropathic disease with a combined 2D and 3D acquisition protocol--comparison with MAG3 scintigraphy

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate combined two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) dynamic MR urography with respiratory compensation in children with anomalies of the genitourinary tract, allowing for computation of split renal function and assessment of urinary tract obstruction.

METHODS

Dynamic MR urography was performed in 53 children (3 months-16 years of age) with anomalies of the urinary tract. A protocol for dynamic MR urography and nephrography was implemented at 1.5 T using a navigator-triggered 2D TurboFLASH sequence. Split renal function and contrast-medium excretion were assessed after the bolus injection of 0.05 mmol kg(-1) body weight of gadolinium dimeglumine. In the excretory phase, a 3D gradient-echo data set with high spatial resolution was acquired. In all patients, mercaptoacetyltriglycine (MAG3) scintigraphy was obtained as a reference standard.

RESULTS

In all children, dynamic MR nephrography and urography could be performed with excellent compensation of breathing artefacts providing region of interest analysis in nearly identical kidney positions. The assessment of contrast-medium excretion into the ureter allowed for discrimination of functional from non-functional stenosis. Split renal function assessed by MRI showed an excellent agreement with the MAG3 reference standard with a correlation coefficient r = 0.95. Additionally recorded 3D data sets offered good depiction of anatomical anomalies in all patients.

CONCLUSION

The proposed protocol provides a robust technique for assessment of ureteral obstruction and split renal function with compensation of breathing artefacts, short post-processing time and excellent 3D spatial resolution.

ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE

The combined protocol of 2D and 3D MR urography is an efficient technique for assessment of renal morphology and function.

Characterisation of deuterium spectra from laser driven multi-species sources by employing differentially filtered image plate detectors in Thomson spectrometers

A novel method for characterising the full spectrum of deuteron ions emitted by laser driven multi-species ion sources is discussed. The procedure is based on using differential filtering over the detector of a Thompson parabola ion spectrometer, which enables discrimination of deuterium ions from heavier ion species with the same charge-to-mass ratio (such as C(6+), O(8+), etc.). Commonly used Fuji Image plates were used as detectors in the spectrometer, whose absolute response to deuterium ions over a wide range of energies was calibrated by using slotted CR-39 nuclear track detectors. A typical deuterium ion spectrum diagnosed in a recent experimental campaign is presented, which was produced from a thin deuterated plastic foil target irradiated by a high power laser.

Kristallisation und Strukturuntersuchung von Alkali-Parawolframaten / Crystallization and Structure Determination of Alkaline Metal-Paratungstates

The syntheses and crystal structures of the following paratungstates-Z with different alkaline cations are reported and discussed:

Na10[H2W12O42] · 20H2O (I), Na10[H2W12O42] · 27H2O (II), Na10[H2W12O47] · 28H2O (III), K10[H2W12O42] · 10H2O (IV), K6Na4[H2W12O42] · 13H2O (V), Cs6Na4[H2W12O42] · 16H2O (VI), Cs8Na2[H2W12O42] · 10H2O (VII), Cs8Na2[H2W12O42] · 12H2O (VIII), K3Na7[H2W12O42] · 24H2O (IX) and K5Na2[H2W12O42] · 12H2O (X). Priority has been set on the description of the coordination of the cations with the oxygen ligands H2W12O42 10- and H2O.

Ein neues Verfahren zur Darstellung von Thio- und Thioxowolframaten / A Novel Preparation of Thio- and Thioxotungstates

Salts of the anions WS4 2-, WOS3 2- and WO2S2 2- can be obtained from ethanol by sulfanolysis of tungsten(VI)oxidetetraethoxide, WO(OC2H5)4, in the presence of bases.

Darstellung von Peroxotantalaten durch Perhydrolyse von Tantal(V)-äthanolat / Preparation of Peroxotantalates by Perhydrolysis of Tantalum(V)ethoxide

Tetraperoxotantalates with organic cations as well as an oligomeric peroxopolytantalate were prepared for the first time by perhydrolysis of tantalum(V)ethoxide, Ta(OC2H5)5, in the presence of bases. Guanidinium, tert-butylammonium and cyclohexylammonium salts of tetraperoxotantalic acid crystallize from ethanol as relatively stable compounds. The cell constants of these compounds are determined. By perhydrolysis of the ester in petroleum ether the tert-butylammonium salt of a peroxododecantalic acid was obtained. The molecular mass of this water soluble compound was determined with the ultracentrifuge.

Die kristallinen Phasen der Alkalitrimolybdate / The Crystallinic Phases of the Alkali Trimolybdates

The structure of NaRbMO3O10 (1) was investigated. The compound crystallizes in the space group Pnma with the lattice param eters a = 7.589 Å , b = 7.579 Å , c = 15.489 Å.

Its anion chain is identical with that of Rb2MO3O10·H2O (2) but the packing is more close. Contrary to (2), (1) does not change into a monoclinic phase on heating. (2) is changed into the hydrate of (1 ) when treated with a solution of sodium chloride.

The lattice parameters of several alkali trimolybdates were determined from powder patterns.

The stepwise dehydration of the trimolybdate hydrates was studied by X-Ray, spectroscopical and thermoanalytical methods.

Transpapillary retrieval of a proximally migrated stent using a three-prong polyp retrieval device in a 2-years-old girl

Endoscopic retrieval of proximally migrated biliary stents is sometimes challenging. We report on the successful use of a three-prong colon polyp retrieval device in a two year old child.

Monochromatic short pulse laser produced ion beam using a compact passive magnetic device

High-intensity laser accelerated protons and ions are emerging sources with complementary characteristics to those of conventional sources, namely high charge, high current, and short bunch duration, and therefore can be useful for dedicated applications. However, these beams exhibit a broadband energy spectrum when, for some experiments, monoenergetic beams are required. We present here an adaptation of conventional chicane devices in a compact form (10 cm × 20 cm) which enables selection of a specific energy interval from the broadband spectrum. This is achieved by employing magnetic fields to bend the trajectory of the laser produced proton beam through two slits in order to select the minimum and maximum beam energy. The device enables a production of a high current, short duration source with a reproducible output spectrum from short pulse laser produced charged particle beams.

[Physical and cognitive capabilities among persons aged 65-79 years in Germany: results of the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Adults (DEGS1)]

In older age, physical and cognitive capabilities play an important role for independent living. For this reason, the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Adults (DEGS1) included the Timed Up and Go test (TUG) and a chair-rise test, balance tests, a measurement of hand grip strength and the Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST) in order to representatively describe physical and cognitive performance of older people in Germany. Among 1,853 persons 65-79 years of age who came to the study centre more than 90 % participated in the performance tests. The average time needed to complete the TUG and chair-rise tests were 10.7 and 11.8 s, respectively. On average, participants reached 3.9 of a maximum of 5 points in the balance tests (FICSIT4 protocol). Mean maximum grip strength was 32.3 kg. The mean number of correctly assigned symbols in the DSST was 43.8. In all functional capacity areas tested, performance declined with increasing age. There were differences by sex in the chair-rise test, hand grip strength and DSST. The objective measurement of physical and cognitive capabilities in DEGS1 contributes to describe the health status of older people with implications for health promotion and prevention. An English full-text version of this article is available at SpringerLink as supplemental.

Neutrophilic myeloid-derived suppressor cells in cord blood modulate innate and adaptive immune responses

Neonates show an impaired anti-microbial host defence, but the underlying immune mechanisms are not understood fully. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) represent an innate immune cell subset characterized by their capacity to suppress T cell immunity. In this study we demonstrate that a distinct MDSC subset with a neutrophilic/granulocytic phenotype (Gr-MDSCs) is highly increased in cord blood compared to peripheral blood of children and adults. Functionally, cord blood isolated Gr-MDSCs suppressed T cell proliferation efficiently as well as T helper type 1 (Th1), Th2 and Th17 cytokine secretion. Beyond T cells, cord blood Gr-MDSCs controlled natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxicity in a cell contact-dependent manner. These studies establish neutrophilic Gr-MDSCs as a novel immunosuppressive cell subset that controls innate (NK) and adaptive (T cell) immune responses in neonates. Increased MDSC activity in cord blood might serve as key fetomaternal immunosuppressive mechanism impairing neonatal host defence. Gr-MDSCs in cord blood might therefore represent a therapeutic target in neonatal infections.