Multi-temporal assessment of a wildfire chronosequence by remote sensing.

The study aimed to develop a methodological framework to identify forest ecosystems affected by wildfires and evaluate their recovery chronologically. To do this remote sensing analysis, sites with burn scars were selected based on various criteria (fire severity, affected area, vegetation and soil type, slope, aspect, and one-time occurrence of wildfire in the last 23 years). Spectral vegetation indices (VIs) from satellite imagery were used to estimate burn severity and vegetation cover changes.

Consolidating the Role of Mutated ATP2B2 in Neurodevelopmental and Cerebellar Pathologies.

Plasma membrane calcium ATPases (PMCAs) encoded by ATP2B genes have been implicated in Mendelian diseases with ataxia, dystonia, and intellectual disability. Work to date has shown that ATP2B2 (encoding PMCA2) is required for synaptic function and Purkinje-cell integrity in the cerebellum. A recent case series has linked ATP2B2 to a novel entity, characterized by neurodevelopmental and movement phenotypes, in only seven individuals.

Interdisciplinary solutions and collaborations for wildfire management.

The Earth system has long lived with fires, but the impact of climate change on fire regimes has led to extreme wildfire events with higher intensity and faster spread. This has effects on ecosystems and resources, air pollution, and, ultimately, human societies. Facing these compounding challenges require interdisciplinary solutions and collaborations.

Assessing ammonium pollution and mitigation measures through a modified watershed non-point source model.

Watershed water quality modeling is a valuable tool for managing ammonium (NH) pollution. However, simulating NH pollution presents unique challenges due to the inherent instability of NH in natural environment. This study modified the widely-used Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model to simulate non-point source (NPS) NH processes, specifically incorporating the simulation of land-to-water NH delivery.

Treatment of symptomatic popliteal artery lesions: An obituary of the GORE® TIGRIS® vascular stent.

Background: The popliteal artery is highly exposed to biomechanical stress, which is the primary factor associated with stent failure. However, information on the optimal endovascular treatment for the popliteal artery is lacking.

Objective: To report the efficacy of the GORE® TIGRIS® Vascular Stent for the endovascular treatment of popliteal artery lesions.

Anti-DNA-IgM Favors the Detection of NET-Associated Extracellular DNA.

During inflammatory responses, neutrophils enter the sites of attack where they execute various defense mechanisms. They (I) phagocytose microorganisms, (II) degranulate to release cytokines, (III) recruit various immune cells by cell-type specific chemokines, (IV) secrete anti-microbials including lactoferrin, lysozyme, defensins and reactive oxygen species, and (V) release DNA as neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). The latter originates from mitochondria as well as from decondensed nuclei.

No NETs no TIME: Crosstalk between neutrophil extracellular traps and the tumor immune microenvironment.

The tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) controls tumorigenesis. Neutrophils are important components of TIME and control tumor progression and therapy resistance. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) ejected by activated neutrophils are net-like structures composed of decondensed extracellular chromatin filaments decorated with a plethora of granules as well as cytoplasmic proteins.

Neutrophil extracellular traps drive epithelial-mesenchymal transition of human colon cancer.

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are extracellular structures, composed of nuclear DNA and various proteins released from neutrophils. Evidence is growing that NETs exert manifold functions in infection, immunity and cancer. Recently, NETs have been detected in colorectal cancer (CRC) tissues, but their association with disease progression and putative functional impact on tumourigenesis remained elusive.

Embolization of Type 2 Endoleaks in the Abdominal Aorta Using Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol Copolymer.

Background:  Type 2 endoleaks (T2EL) are the most frequent complication following endovascular aortic repair. Multiple studies primarily deal with the technical and clinical success of the embolization of persisting T2EL, thereby revealing controversial outcomes. Current reports rarely focus on the detailed execution of such a complex interventional procedure with respect to the difficult anatomic setting.

Multicentre experience with an iliac fenestrated device.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to present a multicentre experience of technical results and mid-term follow-up using a custom-made iliac fenestrated device (Terumo Aortic, Inchinnan, Renfrewshire, UK) for the treatment of iliac aneurysms and endoleaks.

Methods: A multicentre retrospective evaluation of 22 patients (3-12 per institution) with either an iliac artery aneurysm or endoleak treated with an iliac fenestrated device was performed. Data were gathered from 3 departments of vascular and endovascular surgery at 3 European institutions.

Safety aspect of intraoperative, local urokinase lysis in patients with acute lower limb ischemia.

Background: Acute lower limb ischemia (ALI) is associated with a high risk of limb loss and death.

Objective: The present study evaluates the safety of intraoperative, local urokinase lysis in patients with ALI and crural artery occlusion.

Methods: A total of 107 patients (115 legs) were treated surgically for ALI with additional intraoperative urokinase lysis to improve the outflow tract.

[Management of Visceral Artery Aneurysms with Preservation of Organ Perfusion: More Than Twenty Years Experience].

Background: Visceral artery aneurysms (VAA) are rare and often incidental findings. Indications for treatment are symptomatic patients, pseudoaneurysms and a true aneurysm of diameter of ≥ 2.5 cm for mesenteric arteries and ≥ 3 cm for renal artery aneurysms.

Spinal movement and dural sac compression during airway management in a cadaveric model with atlanto-occipital instability.

Purpose: To analyze the compression of the dural sac and the cervical spinal movement during performing different airway interventions in case of atlanto-occipital dislocation.

Methods: In six fresh cadavers, atlanto-occipital dislocation was performed by distracting the opened atlanto-occipital joint capsule and sectioning the tectorial membrane. Airway management was done using three airway devices (direct laryngoscopy, video laryngoscopy, and insertion of a laryngeal tube).

Pulmonary and circulatory parameter guided anesthesia in patients with ischemic stroke undergoing endovascular recanalization.

Background And Purpose: Endovascular recanalization in ischemic stroke is often performed under general anesthesia. Some studies have shown a detrimental effect of general anesthesia. The reasons are unknown.

ABO blood group IgM isoagglutinins interact with tumor-associated O-glycan structures in pancreatic cancer.

Purpose: The ABO gene locus is associated with the risk of developing pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) resulting in an increased incidence in individuals with non-O blood groups. Up to 90% of PDAC specimens display alterations in mucin type O-GalNAc glycosylation. Because aberrant O-GalNAc glycans (Tn and T antigen) are structurally related to blood group A and B glycans, we investigated the role of IgM isoagglutinins in PDAC.

Ultrasonic dissection versus conventional dissection techniques in pancreatic surgery: a randomized multicentre study.

Objective: : This prospective randomized multicenter trial was performed to assess the potential benefits of ultrasonic energy dissection compared with conventional dissection techniques in pancreatic surgery.

Background: : Surgical procedures for tumors of the pancreatic head involve time-consuming manual dissection. The primary hypothesis was that use of ultrasonic tissue and vessel dissection would lead to substantial saving in operative time during pancreatic resection.

VEGF: a surrogate marker for peripheral vascular disease.

This study aims to evaluate the value of VEGF as a surrogate marker for peripheral vascular disease (PVD). Prior to treatment, serum VEGF levels were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in 293 PVD patients. Risk factors and clinical parameters of PVD were documented.

Contrast harmonic imaging ultrasound and perfusion imaging for surveillance after endovascular abdominal aneurysm repair regarding detection and characterization of suspected endoleaks.

Objective: Is Contrast Harmonic Imaging (CHI) comparable to computed tomography angiography (CTA) scan in detecting and characterizing suspected endoleaks after endovascular abdominal aneurysm repair in a non-selected group including reintervention procedure and branched endografts in daily practice?

Material/methods: In a prospective study computed tomography angiography (CTA) and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) were performed in 30 consecutive patients (26 males, 4 females, mean age: 72 years, range: 38-87) with suspected endoleaks in follow-up (mean 13 months, range: 1-95) after endovascular abdominal aneurysm repair or procedure in dissection or penetrated ulcer of the aorta (25 infrarenal, 5 suprarenal stent grafts, mean aortic diameter 56 mm, range: 27-98). CTA was supposed to be gold standard for determining the presence of endoleaks (multislice CT, collimation 16 x 0.75 mm, 100 ml of iodized contrast agent bolus).

Pre-surgical evaluation of ICA-stenosis using 3D power Doppler, 3D color coded Doppler sonography, 3D B-flow and contrast enhanced B-flow in correlation to CTA/MRA: first clinical results.

Aim: Pre-surgical evaluation of the extent of internal carotid artery stenosis (ICA) according to NASCT criteria using digital 3D ultrasound methods.

Material/methods: In a prospective study, 25 patients (54-88 years, mean 75) with neurological deficits and the diagnosis of ICA stenosis underwent pre-surgical ultrasound examination using Color Coded Duplex Sonography (CCDS), 3D CCDS, 3D power Doppler, 3D B-flow, contrast enhanced 3D B-flow, and CTA/MRA. Ultrasound was performed by an experienced examiner with a multifrequency linear transducer (6-9 MHz, Logiq 9, GE).

Clinical outcome and quality of life after upper extremity arterial trauma.

We assessed the long-term clinical outcome of 33 patients treated for arterial trauma of the upper extremity at the Regensburg University Medical Center between 1996 and 2004. Along with clinical parameters, the Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score and the Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36) score of each patient were collected at the time of follow-up. Findings of the clinical assessment were compared to results obtained with the DASH score and the SF-36 questionnaire.

Evaluation of microcirculation of free flaps of the lower leg by contrast harmonic imaging (CHI) with time intensity curve (TIC) analysis.

Purpose: The aim of the prospective study was to evaluate the macro- and microcirculation in the center and periphery of free flaps with high resolution vascular ultrasound.

Material: Fifteen patients with free parascapular flaps after lower limb trauma were examined six months postoperative. All ultrasound investigations were performed by one experienced examiner with a multi-frequency linear transducer (5-9 MHz, Logiq 9, GE).

Retrojugular versus ventrojugular approach to carotid bifurcation for eversion endarterectomy: a prospective randomized trial.

Objectives: The aim of this prospective randomized study was to demonstrate the comparability of retrojugular access for carotid eversion endarterectomy compared to the conventional ventrojugular procedure.

Patients And Methods: Due to the expected minor and major complication rate of 5% in patients undergoing carotid surgery, a patient cohort of 600 study patients was planned. All patients underwent standard preoperative and postoperative assessment including clinical investigation and fiberoptic laryngoscopy.

Intraarterial gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography of the renal arteries in humans: feasibility, contrast agent reduction, and accuracy for detection of stenoses.

Objective: Feasibility of intraarterial MR angiography of the renal arteries and comparison of the accuracy of intraarterial MR angiography with selective intraarterial digital subtraction angiography (DSA) for detection of stenoses.

Materials And Methods: Ten consecutive patients (mean, 68 years) with suspected renal artery stenosis underwent a digital subtraction angiography and an intraarterial gadolinium-enhanced MR angiography, performed on a 1.5-T system.