Jessica Nilsson

Artificial neural networks in pancreatic disease.

An artificial neural network (ANNs) is a non‐linear pattern recognition technique that is rapidly gaining in popularity in medical decision‐making. This study investigated the use of ANNs for diagnostic and prognostic purposes in pancreatic disease, especially acute pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer.

Bis- and tris(pyridyl)amine-oxidovanadium complexes: Characteristics and insulin-mimetic potential

Two novel vanadium complexes, [V(IV)O(bp-O)(HSO4)] (1) and [V(IV)O(bp-OH)Cl2] x CH3OH (2 x CH3OH), where bp-OH is 2-{[bis(pyrid-2-yl)methyl]amine}methylphenol, were prepared and structurally characterised. EPR spectra of methanol solutions of 2 suggest exchange of Cl- for CH3OH and partial conversion to [VO(bp-OH)(CH3OH)3]2+. Speciation studies on the VO2+-bpOH system in a water/dmso mixture (4:1 v/v) revealed [VO(bp-O)(H2O)n]+ as the dominating species in the pH range 2-7. The insulin-mimetic properties of 1 and 2, [V(IV)O(SO4)tpa] (3), [V(IV)O(pic-trpMe)2] (5) and the new mixed-ligand complexes [V(V)O(pic-trpH)tpa]Cl2 (4Cl2) and [V(V)O(pic-OEt)tpa]Cl2 (6Cl2), tpa = tris(pyrid-2-yl)methylamine, picH-trpH = 2-carboxypyridine-5-(L-tryptophan)carboxamide (picH-trpMe is the respective tryptophanmethyl ester), pic-OEt = 5-carboethoxypyridine-2-carboxylic acid, were evaluated with rat adipocytes, employing two lipolysis assays (release of glycerol and free fatty acids (FFA)), respectively and a lipogenesis assay (incorporation of glucose into lipids). The IC50 values for the inhibition of lipolysis in the FFA assay vary between 0.41 (+/-0.03) (5) and 21.2 (+/-0.6) mM (2), as compared to 0.81 (+/-0.2) mM for VOSO4.

Fibrolipomatous hamartoma in the median nerve in the arm - an unusual location but with MR imaging characteristics: a case report

Fibrolipomatous hamartoma of the median nerve are usually located distally in the forearm and may have characteristic features on MR imaging. Here we report a patient with an extensive fibrolipomatous hamartoma at an unusual location proximally in the arm, where a preoperative MR imaging was pathognomonic and diagnosis was verified by an incisional biopsy. We suggest that MRI should be performed in cases with nerve dysfunction without an obvious cause after a thorough clinical examination.

Salicylamide and salicylglycine oxidovanadium complexes with insulin-mimetic properties.

Reaction of N-(2-hydroxybenzyl)-N-(2-picolyl) glycine (H(2)papy) with VOSO(4) in water gives the oxidovanadium(V) oxido-bridged dimer [{(papy)(VO)}(2) μ-O)] (1). Similarly, reaction of N-(2-hydroxybenzyl) glycine (H(2)glysal) with VOSO(4) gives [(glysal)VO(H(2)O)] (2) and reaction of salicylamide (Hsalam) with VOSO(4) in methanol gives [(salam)(2)VO] (3). The crystal structure of the oxido-bridged complex 1 is reported. The insulin-mimetic activity of all three complexes was evaluated with respect to their ability to phosphorylate protein kinase B (PKB). The speciations of complexes 1 and 2 were studied over the pH range 2-10. Complex 1 shows greater stability over the whole pH range but only 2 and 3 exhibit an insulin-mimetic effect.

Treatment of proximal interphalangeal joint fractures by the pins and rubbers traction system: a follow-up

Abstract A fracture of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint at the base of the middle phalanx is rare, but is a challenge to treat. Posttraumatic osteoarthritis is a known complication causing impaired hand function and disability. The aim of the present retrospective study was to evaluate characteristics and outcome of complex PIP joint fractures treated by the pins and rubbers traction system (PRTS). Medical records of 42 patients with fractures treated with a PRTS in 1999–2010 were reviewed, and followed-up by questionnaires (QuickDASH, CISS, self-composed questionnaire). Eighteen of the 42 were clinically examined. The fractures were divided into three types of fractures: volar lip, dorsal lip, and pilon fractures. The volar lip fracture was most frequent (26/42; dorsal lip 3/42; pilon 13/42). Most fractures were sport-related (19/42; 45%) and males predominated (M:F ratio = 1.8). All fractures united. Infection occurred in 17/41 (41%) cases. Radiological signs of posttraumatic osteoarthritis were found in 25/41 (61%) patients. In 18/42 patients, where a clinical evaluation was performed, 66% of contralateral total active range of motion (TAM), 93% grip strength, and 100% pinch strength were achieved. The volar lip fracture had the best outcome according to the self-reported QuickDASH and CISS score and regained 77% of contralateral TAM. Fractures of the PIP joint in the middle phalanx can be treated with the PRTS, but reduced mobility, grip strength, infection, and osteoarthritis are seen. The device is well tolerated by the patients, easy to apply, and with ready accessible materials for the surgeon.

Hexakis(tetra-aqua-sodium) deca-vanadate(V) dihydrate.

The title compound, {[Na(H2O)4]6[V10O28]·2H2O}n, crystallized from a H2O/THF/CH3CN solution (pH ca 6) containing equimolar amounts of NaVO3 and N-(2-hydroxybenzyl)-N-(2-picolyl)glycine. In the crystal structure, the decavanadate [V10O28]6− anion ( symmetry) is coordinated, via four terminal oxide ligands of V centres, to two dinuclear [{Na(H2O)3}2(μ-H2O)2]2+ units. Interconnection of these aquasodium-ion-sandwiched decavanadates to chains parallel to [001] is effected by μ-[{Na(H2O)3}2(μ-H2O)2]2+ units, bridging adjacent decavanadates via O=V. The structure is consolidated by an extensive network of O—H⋯O hydrogen bonds.