Current state of hybrid solutions for aortic arch aneurysms.

Over recent years a new type of electron microscope - the environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM) - has been developed for the examination of specimen surfaces in the presence of gases. A detailed series of reports on the system has appeared elsewhere. A review summary of the current state and potential of the system is presented here.The gas composition, temperature and pressure can be varied in the specimen chamber of the ESEM. With air, the pressure can be up to one atmosphere (about 1000 mbar). Environments with fully saturated water vapor only at room temperature (20-30 mbar) can be easily maintained whilst liquid water or other solutions, together with uncoated specimens, can be imaged routinely during various applications.

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Recent applications of TEM to the study of interfaces

Proceedings, annual meeting, Electron Microscopy Society of America ◽

10.1017/s0424820100174679 ◽

1990 ◽

Vol 48 (4) ◽

pp. 308-309

Author(s):

C. Barry Carter

Keyword(s):

High Resolution ◽

Sample Preparation ◽

Grain Boundaries ◽

Diffuse Scattering ◽

Imaging Techniques ◽

Amorphous Material ◽

Contrast Imaging ◽

Current State ◽

Actual Nature ◽

High Resolution Images

This paper will review the current state of understanding of interface structure and highlight some of the future needs and problems which must be overcome. The study of this subject can be separated into three different topics: 1) the fundamental electron microscopy aspects, 2) material-specific features of the study and 3) the characteristics of the particular interfaces. The two topics which are relevant to most studies are the choice of imaging techniques and sample preparation. The techniques used to study interfaces in the TEM include high-resolution imaging, conventional diffraction-contrast imaging, and phase-contrast imaging (Fresnel fringe images, diffuse scattering). The material studied affects not only the characteristics of the interfaces (through changes in bonding, etc.) but also the method used for sample preparation which may in turn have a significant affect on the resulting image. Finally, the actual nature and geometry of the interface must be considered. For example, it has become increasingly clear that the plane of the interface is particularly important whenever at least one of the adjoining grains is crystalline.A particularly productive approach to the study of interfaces is to combine different imaging techniques as illustrated in the study of grain boundaries in alumina. In this case, the conventional imaging approach showed that most grain boundaries in ion-thinned samples are grooved at the grain boundary although the extent of this grooving clearly depends on the crystallography of the surface. The use of diffuse scattering (from amorphous regions) gives invaluable information here since it can be used to confirm directly that surface grooving does occur and that the grooves can fill with amorphous material during sample preparation (see Fig. 1). Extensive use of image simulation has shown that, although information concerning the interface can be obtained from Fresnel-fringe images, the introduction of artifacts through sample preparation cannot be lightly ignored. The Fresnel-fringe simulation has been carried out using a commercial multislice program (TEMPAS) which was intended for simulation of high-resolution images.

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Proteasome inhibitors as therapeutics

Essays in Biochemistry ◽

10.1042/bse0410205 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 41 ◽

pp. 205-218

Author(s):

Constantine S. Mitsiades ◽

Nicholas Mitsiades ◽

Teru Hideshima ◽

Paul G. Richardson ◽

Kenneth C. Anderson

Keyword(s):

Multiple Myeloma ◽

Drug Class ◽

Proteasome Inhibitors ◽

Cell Cycle Regulators ◽

Current State ◽

Intracellular Mechanism ◽

Ubiquitin Proteasome ◽

Proteasome Pathway ◽

Hodgkin's Lymphomas ◽

Clinical Research Data

The ubiquitin–proteasome pathway is a principle intracellular mechanism for controlled protein degradation and has recently emerged as an attractive target for anticancer therapies, because of the pleiotropic cell-cycle regulators and modulators of apoptosis that are controlled by proteasome function. In this chapter, we review the current state of the field of proteasome inhibitors and their prototypic member, bortezomib, which was recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of advanced multiple myeloma. Particular emphasis is placed on the pre-clinical research data that became the basis for eventual clinical applications of proteasome inhibitors, an overview of the clinical development of this exciting drug class in multiple myeloma, and a appraisal of possible uses in other haematological malignancies, such non-Hodgkin's lymphomas.

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Behavioral Genetics: Concepts for Research and Practice in Language Development and Disorders

Journal of Speech Language and Hearing Research ◽

10.1044/jshr.3805.1126 ◽

1995 ◽

Vol 38 (5) ◽

pp. 1126-1142 ◽

Cited By ~ 14

Author(s):

Jeffrey W. Gilger

Keyword(s):

Language Development ◽

Behavioral Genetics ◽

State Of The Art ◽

Genetic Research ◽

Great Promise ◽

Behavioral Genetic ◽

Fine Grained ◽

Future Goals ◽

Current State ◽

Research Designs

This paper is an introduction to behavioral genetics for researchers and practioners in language development and disorders. The specific aims are to illustrate some essential concepts and to show how behavioral genetic research can be applied to the language sciences. Past genetic research on language-related traits has tended to focus on simple etiology (i.e., the heritability or familiality of language skills). The current state of the art, however, suggests that great promise lies in addressing more complex questions through behavioral genetic paradigms. In terms of future goals it is suggested that: (a) more behavioral genetic work of all types should be done—including replications and expansions of preliminary studies already in print; (b) work should focus on fine-grained, theory-based phenotypes with research designs that can address complex questions in language development; and (c) work in this area should utilize a variety of samples and methods (e.g., twin and family samples, heritability and segregation analyses, linkage and association tests, etc.).

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Dilatation of the entire thoracic aorta in patients with bicuspid aortic valve: a magnetic resonance angiography study

VASA ◽

10.1024/0301-1526.34.3.181 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 34 (3) ◽

pp. 181-185 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

Westhoff-Bleck ◽

Meyer ◽

Lotz ◽

Tutarel ◽

Weiss ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Magnetic Resonance ◽

Magnetic Resonance Angiography ◽

Aortic Valve ◽

Pulmonary Artery ◽

Aortic Arch ◽

Thoracic Aorta ◽

Aortic Root ◽

Ascending Aorta ◽

Descending Aorta ◽

Severe Aortic Regurgitation

Background: The presence of a bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) might be associated with a progressive dilatation of the aortic root and ascending aorta. However, involvement of the aortic arch and descending aorta has not yet been elucidated. Patients and methods: Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) was used to assess the diameter of the ascending aorta, aortic arch, and descending aorta in 28 patients with bicuspid aortic valves (mean age 30 ± 9 years). Results: Patients with BAV, but without significant aortic stenosis or regurgitation (n = 10, mean age 27 ± 8 years, n.s. versus control) were compared with controls (n = 13, mean age 33 ± 10 years). In the BAV-patients, aortic root diameter was 35.1 ± 4.9 mm versus 28.9 ± 4.8 mm in the control group (p < 0.01). The diameter of the ascending aorta was also significantly increased at the level of the pulmonary artery (35.5 ± 5.6 mm versus 27.0 ± 4.8 mm, p < 0.001). BAV-patients with moderate or severe aortic regurgitation (n = 18, mean age 32 ± 9 years, n.s. versus control) had a significant dilatation of the aortic root, ascending aorta at the level of the pulmonary artery (41.7 ± 4.8 mm versus 27.0 ± 4.8 mm in control patients, p < 0.001) and, furthermore, significantly increased diameters of the aortic arch (27.1 ± 5.6 mm versus 21.5 ± 1.8 mm, p < 0.01) and descending aorta (21.8 ± 5.6 mm versus 17.0 ± 5.6 mm, p < 0.01). Conclusions: The whole thoracic aorta is abnormally dilated in patients with BAV, particularly in patients with moderate/severe aortic regurgitation. The maximum dilatation occurs in the ascending aorta at the level of the pulmonary artery. Thus, we suggest evaluation of the entire thoracic aorta in patients with BAV.

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Evaluation of aortic arch calcification in type 2 diabetic patients

VASA ◽

10.1024/0301-1526.34.2.113 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 34 (2) ◽

pp. 113-117 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Papanas ◽

Symeonidis ◽

Maltezos ◽

Giannakis ◽

Mavridis ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Coronary Artery Disease ◽

Coronary Artery ◽

Aortic Arch ◽

Diabetic Patients ◽

Type 2 Diabetic Patients ◽

Insulin Dependence ◽

Artery Disease ◽

Type 2 Diabetic ◽

Aortic Arch Calcification

Background: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the severity of aortic arch calcification among type 2 diabetic patients in association with diabetes duration, diabetic complications, coronary artery disease and presence of cardiovascular risk factors. Patients and methods: This study included 207 type 2 diabetic patients (101 men) with a mean age of 61.5 ± 8.1 years and a mean diabetes duration of 13.9 ± 6.4 years. Aortic arch calcification was assessed by means of posteroanterior chest X-rays. Severity of calcification was graded as follows: grade 0 (no visible calcification), grade 1 (small spots of calcification or single thin calcification of the aortic knob), grade 2 (one or more areas of thick calcification), grade 3 (circular calcification of the aortic knob). Results: Severity of calcification was grade 0 in 84 patients (40.58%), grade 1 in 64 patients (30.92%), grade 2 in 43 patients (20.77%) and grade 3 in 16 patients (7.73%). In simple regression analysis severity of aortic arch calcification was associated with age (p = 0.032), duration of diabetes (p = 0.026), insulin dependence (p = 0.042) and presence of coronary artery disease (p = 0.039), hypertension (p = 0.019), dyslipidaemia (p = 0.029), retinopathy (p = 0.012) and microalbuminuria (p = 0.01). In multiple regression analysis severity of aortic arch calcification was associated with age (p = 0.04), duration of diabetes (p = 0.032) and presence of hypertension (p = 0.024), dyslipidaemia (p = 0.031) and coronary artery disease (p = 0.04), while the association with retinopathy, microalbuminuria and insulin dependence was no longer significant. Conclusions: Severity of aortic arch calcification is associated with age, diabetes duration, diabetic complications (retinopathy, microalbuminuria), coronary artery disease, insulin dependence, and presence of hypertension and dyslipidaemia.

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Treatment of an asymptomatic penetrating aortic ulcer in a young patient

VASA ◽

10.1024/0301-1526/a000024 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 39 (2) ◽

pp. 175-179

Author(s):

Hakimi ◽

Geisbüsch ◽

Gross ◽

Hyhlik-Dürr ◽

Hausser ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Electron Microscopy ◽

Connective Tissue ◽

Aortic Arch ◽

Open Surgery ◽

Open Repair ◽

Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair ◽

Concomitant Disease ◽

Connective Tissue Disorders ◽

Penetrating Aortic Ulcer ◽

Pathological Analysis

We want to report and discuss the indication for open surgery for an asymptomatic penetrating aortic ulcer (PAU) in the era of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). A 31-year-old female presented with the diagnosis of an aneurysm in the distal aortic arch. With respect to the patients young age, the controversial status of connective tissue disorders and in the absence of concomitant disease, open repair was indicated. There was no proof of a mycotic plaque or connective tissue disease in the microbiological-, pathological analysis and at electron-microscopy. The patient was discharged on the thirteenth postoperative day. In spite of good preliminary results of TEVAR in PAU, in selective cases there is still an indication for open surgery.

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Endovascular management of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms and acute aortic dissections

VASA ◽

10.1024/0301-1526/a000760 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 48 (1) ◽

pp. 35-46

Author(s):

Stephen Hofmeister ◽

Matthew B. Thomas ◽

Joseph Paulisin ◽

Nicolas J. Mouawad

Keyword(s):

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms ◽

Rapid Identification ◽

Aortic Aneurysms ◽

Endovascular Interventions ◽

Current State ◽

Technological Advances ◽

Abdominal Aortic ◽

Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms ◽

Vascular Emergencies ◽

Aortic Dissections

Abstract. The management of vascular emergencies is dependent on rapid identification and confirmation of the diagnosis with concurrent patient stabilization prior to immediate transfer to the operating suite. A variety of technological advances in diagnostic imaging as well as the advent of minimally invasive endovascular interventions have shifted the contemporary treatment algorithms of such pathologies. This review provides a comprehensive discussion on the current state and future trends in the management of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms as well as acute aortic dissections.

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Aortic arch calcification is strongly associated with coronary artery calcification

VASA ◽

10.1024/0301-1526/a000415 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 44 (2) ◽

pp. 106-114 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Adem Adar ◽

Hakan Erkan ◽

Tayyar Gokdeniz ◽

Aysegul Karadeniz ◽

Ismail G. Cavusoglu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Coronary Artery ◽

High Risk ◽

Aortic Arch ◽

Chest Radiography ◽

Coronary Artery Calcification ◽

Independent Predictor ◽

Study Group ◽

Discriminative Performance ◽

Sensitivity Specificity ◽

Aortic Arch Calcification

Background: We aimed to investigate the association between aortic arch and coronary artery calcification (CAC). We postulated that low‐ and high‐risk CAC scores could be predicted with the evaluation of standard chest radiography for aortic arch calcification (AAC). Patients and methods: Consecutive patients who were referred for a multidetector computerized tomography (MDCT) examination were enrolled prospectively. All patients were scanned using a commercially available 64‐slice MDCT scanner for the evaluation of CAC score. A four‐point grading scale (0, 1, 2 and 3) was used to evaluate AAC on the standard posterior‐anterior chest radiography images. Results: The study group consisted of 248 patients. Median age of the study group was 52 (IQR: 10) years, and 165 (67 %) were male. AAC grades (r = 0.676, p < 0.0001) and age (r = 0.518, p < 0.0001) were significantly and positively correlated with CAC score. Presence of AAC was independently associated with the presence of CAC (OR: 11.20, 95 % CI 4.25 to 29.52). An AAC grade of ≥ 2 was the strongest independent predictor of a high‐risk CAC score (OR: 27.42, 95 % CI 6.09 to 123.52). Receiver operating characteristics curve analysis yielded a strong predictive ability of AAC grades for a CAC score of ≥ 100 (AUC = 0.892, P < 0.0001), and ≥ 400 (AUC = 0.894, P < 0.0001). Absence of AAC had a sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of 90 %, 84 % and 89 %, respectively, for a CAC score of < 100. An AAC grade of ≥ 2 predicted a CAC score of ≥400 with a sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of 68 %, 98 % and 95 %, respectively. Conclusions: AAC is a strong and independent predictor of CAC. The discriminative performance of AAC is high in detecting patients with low‐ and high‐risk CAC scores.

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