Comparison of double-filtration plasmapheresis (DFPP) versus heparin-mediated extracorporeal LDL-precipitation (HELP)-apheresis in early-onset preeclampsia.

Objectives: Preeclampsia (PE) is a major cause of maternal and fetal mortality, and preterm birth. Previous studies indicate that lipid-apheresis may prolong pregnancy, namely heparin-mediated extracorporeal LDL-precipitation (HELP)- and dextran sulfate cellulose (DSC)-apheresis. We now report on double membrane plasmapheresis (DFPP) in early-onset preeclampsia (eoPE).

On the validity of fluorimetric intracellular calcium detection: Impact of lipid components.

We investigated the effects of different lipids on the activity of the angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R). As calcium plays a key role in the signaling of the AT1R, we used the calcium-sensitive fluorescence indicators fura-2 to detect intracellular calcium release upon stimulation with the agonist angiotensin II. At first sight, cells preincubated with Very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) showed a reduced calcium release triggered by angiontensin II compared to untreated control.

Crystallization of ropivacaine and bupivacaine when mixed with different adjuvants: a semiquantitative light microscopy analysis.

Introduction: Amino-amide local anesthetics precipitate when mixed with some commonly used adjuvants, carrying the risk of perineural or vascular crystal deposition. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether crystallization occurs with routinely used local anesthetic-adjuvant combinations and if a relation with the solution's pH exists.

Methods: All substances used in this trial were first visually investigated undiluted under tenfold magnification.

The impact of dexamethasone as a perineural additive to ropivacaine for PECS II blockade in patients undergoing unilateral radical mastectomy - A prospective, randomized, controlled and double-blinded trial.

Study Objective: Dexamethasone is commonly used as an adjuvant to local anesthetics to prolong duration of peripheral nerve blocks with minimal side-effects. The present study investigates the efficacy of dexamethasone added to ropivacaine 0.2% as compared to ropivacaine 0.

Reversible Shielding and Immobilization of Liposomes and Viral Vectors by Tailored Antibody-Ligand Interactions.

Controlling the time and dose of nanoparticulate drug delivery by administration of small molecule drugs holds promise for efficient and safer therapies. This study describes a versatile approach of exploiting antibody-ligand interactions for the design of small molecule-responsive nanocarrier and nanocomposite systems. For this purpose, antibody fragments (scFvs) specific for two distinct small molecule ligands are designed.

[Neuraxial Morphine for Postoperative Analgesia after Caesarean Deliveries].

The use of neuraxial morphine, in combination with nonopioid analgesic regimens for postoperative analgesia after Caesarean deliveries is common practice, especially in the Anglo-American world. Neuraxial morphine offers a longer-lasting superior analgesia than intravenous opioids or patient-controlled analgesia. If neuraxial anaesthesia is being used for a caesarean delivery, it may be recommended to concomitantly administer neuraxial morphine for the postoperative analgesia.

Beta-amyloid peptides(1-42) and (1-40) in the cerebrospinal fluid during pregnancy: a prospective observational study.

To evaluate changes in concentrations of selected biomarkers, neurotrophic factors, and growth factors in the cerebrospinal fluid during pregnancy. A prospective observational study was conducted in 32 pregnant women undergoing gynecological and obstetrical surgery under spinal anesthesia in a university hospital. Beta-amyloid(1-42) and beta-amyloid(1-40) peptides, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor, and vascular endothelial growth factor were analyzed in cerebrospinal fluid using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Cerebrospinal beta-amyloid peptides(1-40) and (1-42) in severe preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome - a pilot study.

During pregnancy, substantial alterations in cerebral plasticity, vascular remodeling and neuronal growth occur in the maternal brain. We investigated whether concentrations of selected neurodiagnostic biomarkers in the cerebrospinal fluid of women with preeclampsia/HELLP syndrome differ from those in healthy controls using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique. We found that tau protein concentrations (p = 0.

[Hypotension induced by spinal anesthesia during cesarean section : Current treatment concepts].

Arterial hypotension during cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia can cause maternal and fetal adverse effects. Therefore, current guidelines recommend the continuous and preferably prophylactic use of vasopressors, emphasizing the use of alpha-agonists, such as phenylephrine. Besides a left lateral uterine displacement either an intravenous colloid preloading or a crystalloid co-loading is recommended.

C-Shaped Scotoma after Complicated Cesarean Section: A Case of Acute Macular Neuroretinopathy.

Acute macular neuroretinopathy (AMN) is a rare retinal disease that produces transient or permanent visual impairment and occurs predominantly in young, Caucasian women of childbearing age. It is often characterized by wedge-like macular lesions. Although the cause of AMN is unknown, recent research suggests a microvascular etiology.

Apheresis as emerging treatment option in severe early onset preeclampsia.

Based on an early suggestion by Winkler et al. 2003 and a subsequent successful study by Wang et al. 2006 using lipid apheresis (LA) in 9 patients with preeclampsia to prolong pregnancies, the use of apheresis as therapeutic option in severe early onset preeclampsia has received increasing attention.

National survey of obstetric anaesthesia clinical practices in the republic of Austria.

Background: The aim of this study was to describe the current obstetric anaesthetic practices in Austria by performing a comprehensive questionnaire survey.

Methods: A questionnaire was sent via email to key anaesthesiologists from obstetric anaesthesia departments of 81 hospitals registered at the Austrian Ministry of Health.

Results: Of 81 departments contacted, 65 (80%), covering 84% of annual births in Austria, responded to the 82-question survey.

Treatment of very preterm preeclampsia via heparin-mediated extracorporeal LDL-precipitation (H.E.L.P.) apheresis: The Freiburg preeclampsia H.E.L.P.-Apheresis study.

Objective: Soluble Fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) is thought to be causative in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia (PE) and specific removal of sFlt-1 via dextran sulfate cellulose (DSC)-apheresis was suggested as cure to allow prolongation of pregnancy in preterm PE. However, in addition a deranged lipoprotein metabolism may impact endothelial and placental function in PE. Lipoprotein-apheresis by heparin-mediated extracorporeal LDL-precipitation (H.

Optimizing Antitumor Efficacy and Adverse Effects of Pegylated Liposomal Doxorubicin by Scheduled Plasmapheresis: Impact of Timing and Dosing.

Background: Nanoscale drug delivery systems accumulate in solid tumors preferentially by the enhanced permeation and retention effect (EPR-effect). Nevertheless, only a miniscule fraction of a given dosage reaches the tumor, while >90% of the given drug ends up in otherwise healthy tissues, leading to the severe toxic reactions observed during chemotherapy. Once accumulation in the tumor has reached its maximum, extracorporeal elimination of circulating nanoparticles by plasmapheresis can diminish toxicities.

Lipoprotein turnover and possible remnant accumulation in preeclampsia: insights from the Freiburg Preeclampsia H.E.L.P.-apheresis study.

Background: Preeclampsia is a life-threatening disease in pregnancy, and its complex pathomechanisms are poorly understood. In preeclampsia, lipid metabolism is substantially altered. In late onset preeclampsia, remnant removal disease like lipoprotein profiles have been observed.

Cerebrospinal fluid levels of tau and phospho-tau-181 proteins during pregnancy.

Objectives: During pregnancy various interactions occur between structural alterations of the maternal brain and placental metabolism. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether cerebrospinal fluid concentrations of tau and phospho-tau-181 protein vary during normal pregnancy and in women with preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome.

Study Design: We measured cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers, tau and phospho-tau-181 protein levels in 90 pregnant women electively assigned for regional anaesthesia during pregnancy or for cesarean section using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.

Systemic confounders affecting serum measurements of omega-3 and -6 polyunsaturated fatty acids in patients with retinal disease.

Background: Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have a highly anti-angiogenic effect in animal models. However, the clinical relevance of omega-3PUFAs in human retinal pathologies remains unclear. The ARED 2 study found no effect of omega-3 PUFA supplementation on progression of age related macular degeneration (AMD).

Accumulating nanoparticles by EPR: A route of no return.

Nanoparticle-based drug delivery to ease anticancer therapy relies primarily on the enhanced permeability and retention effect (EPR). The leaky vascular structure in tumors allows extravasation of nanoparticles, often termed passive targeting. Long term retention of nanoparticles is attributed to the lack of lymphatic drainage, and unidirectional extravasation has been implied.

Molecular MRI in the Earth's Magnetic Field Using Continuous Hyperpolarization of a Biomolecule in Water.

In this work, we illustrate a method to continuously hyperpolarize a biomolecule, nicotinamide, in water using parahydrogen and signal amplification by reversible exchange (SABRE). Building on the preparation procedure described recently by Truong et al. [ J.

Nonlinear Bell Inequalities Tailored for Quantum Networks.

In a quantum network, distant observers sharing physical resources emitted by independent sources can establish strong correlations, which defy any classical explanation in terms of local variables. We discuss the characterization of nonlocal correlations in such a situation, when compared to those that can be generated in networks distributing independent local variables. We present an iterative procedure for constructing Bell inequalities tailored for networks: starting from a given network, and a corresponding Bell inequality, our technique provides new Bell inequalities for a more complex network, involving one additional source and one additional observer.

Quantum Nonlocality with Arbitrary Limited Detection Efficiency.

The demonstration and use of nonlocality, as defined by Bell's theorem, rely strongly on dealing with nondetection events due to losses and detectors'inefficiencies. Otherwise, the so-called detection loophole could be exploited. The only way to avoid this is to have detection efficiencies that are above a certain threshold.