Highly Sensitive, Easy-to-Use, One-Step Detection of Peroxide-, Nitrate- and Chlorate-Based Explosives with Electron-Rich Ni Porphyrins

Homemade explosives, such as peroxides, nitrates, and chlorates, are increasingly abused by terrorists, criminals, and amateur chemists. The starting materials are easily accessible and instructions on how to make the explosives are described on the Internet. Safety considerations raise the need to detect these substances quickly and in low concentrations using simple methods. Conventional methods for the detection of these substances require sophisticated, electrically operated, analytical equipment. The simpler chemical detection methods are multistep and require several chemicals. We have developed a simple, one-step method that works similarly to a pH test strip in terms of handling. The analytical reaction is based on an acid-catalyzed oxidation of an electron-rich porphyrin to an unusually stable radical cation and dication. The detection limit for the peroxide-based explosive triacetone triperoxide (TATP), which is very frequently used by terrorists, is 40 ng and thus low enough to detect the substance without direct contact via the gas phase. It is sufficient to bring the stick close to the substance to observe a color change from red to green. Nitrates and chlorates, such as ammonium nitrate, urea nitrate, or potassium chlorate, are detected by direct contact with a sensitivity of 85-350 ng. A color change from red to dark brown is observed. The test thus detects all homemade explosives and distinguishes between the extremely impact-, shock-, and friction-sensitive peroxides and the less sensitive nitrates and chlorates by color change of a simple test strip.

[Unilateral agenesis of pulmonal artery in adults: a rare disease frequently undiagnosed]

INTRODUCTION

Unilateral absence of a pulmonary artery (UAPA) in adults without any other cardiovascular anomalies is a very rare clinical entity. Usually UAPA in adults remains undetected because of the symptom-free clinical course. The most common symptoms are hemoptysis and recurrent pulmonary infections.

PATIENTS AND THERAPY

During 2006 - 2014 four adult patients with UAPA were diagnosed and treated in our institution. Recurrent pulmonary infections in combination with existing bronchiectasis and hemoptysis led to hospital treatment for three of the patients. In two cases, because of persevering hemoptysis and pathologically enlarged systemic arteries (intercostal, bronchial, diaphragm), pneumonectomy was indicated. Preoperative embolization of the enlarged arteries reduced the systemic arterial perfusion of the lung and led to minimal intraoperative blood loss.

DISCUSSION

UAPA in the adulthood can frequently lead to hypertrophic systemic arterial perfusion of the lung. This abnormal systemic perfusion in combination with the co-existing bronchiectasis and persevering hemoptysis can cause a life-threatening clinical scenario. A combined interdisciplinary treatment through pneumology, thoracic surgery and radiology is therefore indicated.

Quenching the anisotropic heisenberg chain: exact solution and generalized Gibbs ensemble predictions

We study quenches in integrable spin-1/2 chains in which we evolve the ground state of the antiferromagnetic Ising model with the anisotropic Heisenberg Hamiltonian. For this nontrivially interacting situation, an application of the first-principles-based quench-action method allows us to give an exact description of the postquench steady state in the thermodynamic limit. We show that a generalized Gibbs ensemble, implemented using all known local conserved charges, fails to reproduce the exact quench-action steady state and to correctly predict postquench equilibrium expectation values of physical observables. This is supported by numerical linked-cluster calculations within the diagonal ensemble in the thermodynamic limit.

Efficacy of different regimens of adjuvant radiochemotherapy for glioblastoma

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Background: Purpose/Objective(s): We retrospectively analyzed the impact of different temozolomide (TEM) regimens in a group of patients treated for glioblastoma compared to patients only receiving postoperative radiotherapy. Methods: Between 01/2000 and 12/2003, 75 consecutive patients underwent radiotherapy. 52 patients received exclusively radiotherapy, 17 patients radio-chemotherapy with low-dose TEM (20 mg/m2) given in 2 daily single doses in combination with an inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2, 6 patients radio-chemotherapy with high-dose TEM (50mg/m2) followed by adjuvant TEM (150–200mg/m2) for 5 days during each 28-day cycle up to 6 cycles. Patients were monitored with MRI every 8 weeks. Aggressive treatment for recurrent disease consisted of re-operation, re-irradiation (fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy 12 x 3 Gy) and/or chemotherapy. Results: The groups treated with high-dose TEM and low dose TEM showed the longest overall survival (OS) (median OS 21 months and 17 months, respectively). Median OS of 9 months for the radiation alone group was condiserably shorter. The same positive trend on prolonged OS was confirmed when either only patients submitted to maximally radical resection or for patients with KPS>70 were considered. No statistically significant difference was observed in terms of progression free survival (PFS). Conclusions: Patients treated with adjuvant TEM either inside or outside study protocols had survival times similar to other reports or randomized studies. The absence of influence of TEM on PFS could either depend on the unavoidable drawbacks and bias of retrospective investigations or on the definition of relapse used. Aggressive and early treatment for recurrent disease results in median survival times approaching 2 years.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

The Langerhans' cell histiocytosis (eosinophilic granuloma) of the cervical spine: a rare diagnosis of cervical pain

We present the case of a 44-year-old man who complained of cervical pain. He was treated with physiotherapy and analgetics. Because of persistent pain, computed tomography (CT) scan and MRI were performed. They revealed an osteolytic destruction of the fourth cervical vertebra. The patient was treated surgically for removal of the tumor and stabilization of his cervical spine. Histology of the osteolytic material led to the diagnosis of an eosinophilic granuloma of the cervical spine. This case report describes the incidence, clinical significance, background and therapy of an eosinophilic granuloma of the spine.

Association of histologic chorioamnionitis, increased levels of cord blood cytokines, and intracerebral hemorrhage in preterm neonates

The objective of this study was to investigate in a prospective study whether histological chorioamnionitis (ChA) is a risk factor predisposing for intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), and whether ICH is associated with a systemic fetal inflammation in preterm neonates with a gestational age <32 weeks. 106 neonates were studied; 20 (18.9%) suffered from ICH. ChA occurred significantly more often in neonates with ICH compared to neonates without ICH (70.0 vs. 36.0%, p = 0.006). Neonates with ICH had significantly higher median levels of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1beta, IL-6 and IL-8) compared to neonates without ICH (p < 0.001 for all comparisons). We conclude that the development of ICH in preterm infants is associated with both ChA and high levels of proinflammatory cytokines at birth.

Positron emission tomography reveals a leiomyosarcoma causing proteinuria

Obstruction of the renal veins may result in proteinuria and is frequently caused by thrombosis or tumorous processes. Since thrombosis and malignancy may occur simultaneously in the venous outflow of the kidneys, search for an underlying intraluminal tumor may be impeded by extensive thrombosis in the lumen of renal and caval veins. We report the case of a 30-year-old man with moderate proteinuria which was caused by an obstructing process of the vena cava inferior and the renal veins. While the obstructive mass was initially misdiagnosed as thrombosis, positron emission tomography helped to reveal the tumorous character of the lesion and fine-needle biopsy allowed rapid diagnosis of a leiomyosarcoma originating from the caval or renal veins. We conclude that undelayed diagnosis of the cause of renal and caval vein obstruction is facilitated by early positron emission tomography and subsequent fine-needle biopsy to identify possible tumorous lesions.

Congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation type 4

A 9-day-old boy presented in respiratory distress and with failure to thrive. The chest X-ray showed a hyperlucent area of the left lung. A resection of the markedly emphysematous segment 2 of the left upper lobe was performed assuming the emphysematous tissue was due to congenital lobar emphysema (CLE). Histological examination of the lung tissue, however, revealed a pattern consistent with congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation (CCAM) type 4. The therapy for CLE as well as for CCAM is similar, i.e., resection of the emphysematous tissue. As far as the prognosis is concerned, it is important to diagnose the exact type of malformation in order to exclude associated anomalies, as well as the risk of development of malignancies in later life. The frequency of associated malformations of CCAM type 4 is unknown. Although the risk for development of malignancies from CCAM type 4 is not clear at the moment, the possible development of malignancies justifies prompt resection shortly after diagnosis, even in asymptomatic patients. A life-long follow-up in those patients who had a resection of CCAM in early childhood is recommended.

Fatal arrhythmia in a juvenile athlete due to myocardial hypertrophy and infarction

This report is a case history of a 16-year-old highly trained athlete who suffered from ventricular fibrillation during exhaustive physical activity. After resuscitation and admission into hospital ECG revealed posterior wall infarction. Thrombolytic therapy was advised and ST-segment elevation reversed. Within 48 h cerebral edema evolved due to hypoxic brain damage and the subject deceased after 16 days despite prolonged maximum antiedematous therapy. Autopsy confirmed the diagnosis of concentric myocardial hypertrophy (total heart weight 568 g) without signs of coronary artery disease. Systemic inflammatory diseases and drug abuse were ruled out by lab studies, evidence for viral infection was not found. Thus, relative coronary insufficiency in regard to myocardial hypertrophy during excessive athletic activity must be viewed as cause for the fatal arrhythmia.

Pulmonary veno-occlusive disease, antiphospholipid antibody and pulmonary hypertension in an adolescent

Pulmonary veno-occlusive disease (PVOD) is a rare cause of pulmonary hypertension (PH); Antiphospholipid antibody (APL) is another known cause of pulmonary hypertension, due to recurrent pulmonary thromboembolism. The coincidence of both causes, PVOD and APL, without thromboembolism, in PH has not been reported previously in children. A 12.5-year-old boy presented with a one year history of fatigue. Pulmonary hypertension was diagnosed by echocardiography. Pulmonary function tests revealed a moderate restrictive pattern and elevated granulocytes were detected in bronchoalveolar lavage. An isolated high-titer APL was detected. Open lung biopsy established the diagnosis of PVOD, with no evidence of pulmonary thrombosis, but with accompanying interstitial and alveolar cellular infiltration. We speculate that APL may have played a role in the pathogenesis of PVOD. Prednisone++ improved the symptoms of the interstitial pneumonitis and was stopped; on follow up of 30 months, the patient ist in stable condition on therapy with nifedipin, phenprocoumon and digoxin.

CONCLUSIONS

PVOD and APL may be present simultaneously as a rare cause of PH. Interstitial pneumonitis may accompany PVOD and produce the leading symptoms. Open lung biopsy is essential for early establishment of the diagnosis.

Exposure to carbon black: a cancer risk?

Lung cancer is one of the most serious health problems in the industrial nations and is therefore of great public and scientific interest. Although inhalative cigarette smoking is without doubt the main cause for the increasing frequency of lung cancer, during recent years there has been more and more public interest in other substances in the environment or at the work place that are assumed to be potentially carcinogenic especially due to experiences with fibrous particles such as asbestos and their effects. Enhanced attention is also directed to inert or nuisance dusts such as carbon black. Evaluation of the possibly increased risk for humans should first be based on exact epidemiology data. In the absence of those data--as in the case of carbon black--experimental data in animals serve as the point of orientation, especially results gained in rats in long-term inhalation studies. Pathologic anatomy investigations of human lungs under similar exposure conditions, however, render results quite different from those obtained in rats and, thus, preclude ready interpretation of animal results to human risk assessment. This is particularly true for the development of lung tumors in rats under overload conditions as well as for certain tumor types not observed in human lung tissues. It is therefore quite understandable that many researchers propose to interpret the changes observed in rat lung tissues after inhalation of carbon black as rat-specific reaction mechanisms that cannot be applied to human tissues, which in the past have led to the wrong conclusions regarding human risk assessment due, among other factors, to incorrect experimental design and inaccurate nomenclature of tumorous lesions in rats.

Classification of cystic keratinizing squamous lesions of the rat lung: report of a workshop

An international workshop of toxicologic pathologists reviewed cystic keratinizing squamous lesions of the rat lung. These lesions develop in response to the chronic inhalation of diverse particulate materials. Controversy exists over the biological significance of these changes and their relevance to humans. For the first time, in one place, a group of pathologists analyzed slides from all available studies. The workshop reached a consensus as to classification of these unique pulmonary tissue responses and offers diagnostic criteria for application. Although additional research is needed, this working classification scheme should serve as a practical interim approach for pathologists and regulatory agencies.

Electron microscopy analysis of mineral fibers in human lung tissue

In the present study, lung samples from 126 autopsied cases were examined to determine the content of mineral fibers using analytical transmission electron microscopy (ATEM). The cases were divided into four groups (22 lungs of persons exposed to ambient environmental pollution, 32 cases of mesothelioma, 38 cases of primary lung cancer, and 34 asbestosis cases, 13 of these with additional pleural plaques). Fibers were counted, measured, and mineralogically identified using a combination of X-ray microanalysis and electron diffraction of the non-oriented fiber. Concentration of fibrous particles (defined as particles above 1 micron in length with roughly parallel long sides and an aspect ratio of 5:1 and greater) was calculated as fibers 10(6)/g dry lung weight. The concentration of chrysotile was found to be similar throughout the groups except for two cases in the asbestosis group with comparably high numbers of chrysotile. However, a remarkable difference for amphiboles could be observed between the groups. Asbestos bodies were mostly found in the asbestosis group. There was a rather good correlation between numbers of amphibole fibers and asbestos bodies, with an average ratio of 10:1. For comparison purposes between occupationally exposed/non-exposed individuals, a transition was found in the concentration range of 3-10(7) asbestos fibers/g dried lung weight.

Reactive lesions of the pleura. Immunohistochemical characterization

The visceral pleura of 8 lung tissue specimens with non-tumorous pleural lesions and of 10 specimens with secondary pleural infiltration of different primary tumours were tested by avidin-biotin-method with the following antibodies: anti-keratin KL1, anti-vimentin V9, anti-CEA (BMA 130c), HEA 125, Leu M1, HMFG 2 and anti-collagen type IV. In all cases anti-keratin positive subserosal cells could be proved. Activated mesothelial cells expressed vimentin additionally to keratin. The antibodies Leu M1, HEA 125 and BMA 130c (against CEA) showed no reaction in subserosal and mesothelial cells. With the antibody HMFG 2, however, a weak reaction could be observed. A distinction between reactive and neoplastic pleural lesions is not possible by using these antibodies. The antibodies LeuM1, HEA 125 and BMA 130c can be helpful for differential diagnosis in single cases with pleural carcinosis. The antibody against collagen type IV demonstrates newly developed basal membrane structures in areas with proliferating subserosal cells. Considering our results the entity of mesothelium and submesothelium is discussed with regard to the histogenetical aspect of mesothelioma.

[Pulmonary blastoma. Immunohistochemical characterization of heteromorphic tumor components]

The reaction pattern found in thirteen different pulmonary blastomas was tested with four different polyclonal and six different monoclonal antibodies using the avidin-biotin-reaction. Immunohistochemically, the tumours showed positive reactions, both with antibodies that are considered to be epithelial markers (K11, EMA), and with antibodies that indicate a differening mesenchymal differentiation (vimentine, desmine, protein-S100). It was not possible to label any tumour cells with the antibodies anti-beta-HCG, anti-NSE, anti-lysozyme or anti-CEA. The negative response of the CEA reaction can be useful for the differentiation from pulmonary adenocarcinoma, in particular in the case of tumours with highly differentiated glandular components.

[Asbestosis and the rheumatic lung. Medical insurance assessment of combined lung diseases]

A fibrosing pulmonary disease, which could not be further classified, was diagnosed in a 76-year-old woman who for 40 years had worked as a seamstress in the textile industry. For the last 16 years she had suffered from progressively increasing shortness of breath. She died three weeks after hospitalization during which she received intensive respiratory and circulatory supportive treatment. At post-mortem examination there was evidence of minimal asbestosis, of pulmonary manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis and of recurrent pulmonary thromboembolism, as well as of the consequences of two weeks of artificial ventilation during the terminal period. This constellation of histopathological findings was assessed in relation to the part played by her occupational disease. She had been previously awarded a pension as a recognized sufferer form asbestosis (50% reduction of earning power). The histopathological findings were not such--in view of the difficult diagnostic constellation while she was alive--as to contradict with a high degree of probability the finding that she had suffered from an occupational disease.

Adenocarcinoma of the lung. Immunohistochemical findings (keratin/CEA)

The reaction patterns in 80 adenocarcinomas of the lung were examined with PAP-method using a monoclonal antibody against keratin and one against carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and a polyclonal antiserum against CEA. Almost all tumors showed a positive reaction to the antibodies which, however, varied quantitatively. Even though a reliable correlation of positive immunohistochemical reaction with the different light microscopical types was not possible according to WHO subtypes and degrees of differentiation, specific localization of the reaction within the tumor cells was seen with increasing differentiation. There was no correlation between the immunohistochemical reactions and 14 clinically measured plasma CEA levels. The plasma CEA level not only depends on CEA production by the tumor but also on other factors.

[Bronchial carcinoma and pulmonary hypertension. Significance for lung resection]

In 227 patients with bronchial carcinoma whose forced expiratory volume was less than 2.5 l, measurements revealed a mild but significant rise in mean pulmonary arterial pressure at rest and on mild exercise (60 W). There was no clinically useful correlation between the degree of pulmonary hypertension and other measurable values, such as stage of the tumor or spirometric, whole-body plethysmographic, scintigraphic, electrocardiographic and blood-gas measurements. The degree of pre-operative pulmonary hypertension in 142 operated patients correlated with neither postoperative complications nor with post-operative mortality. Six months after lung resection there was a mild rise in pulmonary artery mean pressure among 30 patients, statistically significant only in those after pneumonectomy at rest. These results do not justify routine pre-operative right-heart catheterization. This should be reserved for patients with marginal ventilatory findings and cardiac risk factor.

Circulatory parameters of the retina in patients with lacunar stroke

Ophthalmological data were obtained in 40 patients presenting with lacunar stroke. The stroke was verified clinically as well as by computed tomography. Vision was tested and the visual field, intraocular pressure, retinal arteriovenous passage time, arm-retina time, and erythrocyte flow velocity in the conjunctival capillaries were all determined; ophthalmoscopy was also carried out. Microcirculatory parameters were obtained from 21 patients. Significant disturbances of the retinal arteriovenous passage time were observed, but there were no significant disturbances of the conjunctival erythrocyte flow velocity. The concurrently measured haemorheological parameters were all pathological with the exception of the haematocrit. Ophthalmoscopic examination revealed arteriosclerotic alterations in 38 of 40 patients. These angiological and rheological findings confirm the importance of disturbed microcirculation in lacunar stroke.

The haemorheological features of lacunar strokes

Clinical and haemorheological data were recorded in 40 patients with lacunar strokes confirmed clinically and by computed tomography. The following haemorheological variables were monitored: haematocrit, erythrocyte aggregation, erythrocyte deformability, plasma viscosity, fibrinogen concentration and yield shear stress. Clinically, most patients had case histories and features according to the description of Fisher. All haemorheological parameters with the exception of the haematocrit were pathological when compared with values obtained from a normal control group. In descending order of frequency the pathological changes were in erythrocyte aggregation, plasma viscosity and erythrocyte deformability.