The Petrov type of the five-dimensional Myers-Perry metric

We point out that the Myers-Perry metric in five dimensions is algebraically special. It has Petrov type \underline{22}, which is the Petrov type of the five-dimensional Schwarzschild metric.Comment: 4 pages, 1 figur

The Tachyon Potential in Witten's Superstring Field Theory

We study the tachyon potential in the NS sector of Witten's cubic superstring field theory. In this theory, the pure tachyon contribution to the potential has no minimum. We find that this remains the case when higher modes up to level two are included.Comment: Latex, 10 pages, 1 figure, published version, comments added regarding the absence of the twist-invariance and the singular behaviour of the potentia

Level Four Approximation to the Tachyon Potential in Superstring Field Theory

We compute the tachyon potential to level 4 in NS superstring field theory. We obtain 89% of the conjectured vacuum energy.Comment: Latex, 8 pages, 1 figure, published version, references change

Toy Model for Tachyon Condensation in Bosonic String Field Theory

We study tachyon condensation in a baby version of Witten's open string field theory. For some special values of one of the parameters of the model, we are able to obtain closed form expressions for the stable vacuum state and for the value of the potential at the minimum. We study the convergence rate of the level truncation method and compare our exact results with the numerical results found in the full string field theory.Comment: 17 pages, 1 figur

Development of a nanocrystalline Paclitaxel formulation for HIPEC treatment

To develop a nanocrystalline paclitaxel formulation with a high paclitaxel-to-stabilizer ratio which can be used for hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). Paclitaxel (PTX) nanocrystals were prepared via wet milling using Pluronic F127(A (R)) as stabilizer. The suitability of paclitaxel nanosuspensions for HIPEC treatment was evaluated by analyzing the cytotoxicity of both stabilizer and formulation, and by determining the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and bioavailability. The effect on tumor growth was evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at day 7 and 14 after HIPEC treatment in rats with peritoneal carcinomatosis of ovarian origin. Monodisperse nanosuspensions (+/- 400 nm) were developed using Pluronic F127(A (R)) as single additive. The cytotoxicity and MTD of this nanocrystalline formulation was similar compared to Taxol(A (R)), while its bioavailability was higher. MRI data after HIPEC treatment with a PTX nanocrystalline suspension showed a significant reduction of tumor volume compared to the non-treated group. Although no significant differences on tumor volume were observed between Taxol(A (R)) and the nanosuspension, the rats treated with the nanosuspension recovered faster following the HIPEC procedure. Nanosuspensions with a high paclitaxel-to-stabilizer ratio are of interest for the treatment of peritoneal carcinomatosis of ovarian origin via HIPEC

Disulfiram inhibition of cyanide formation after acetonitrile poisoning

Context: Cyanide poisoning may be caused by acetonitrile, a common industrial organic solvent and laboratory agent. Objective: To describe the potential use of disulfiram in treating acetonitrile poisoning in a human clinical case and to further study its effect in human liver microsomes in vitro. Case details: A 30-year-old man initially presented with a cholinergic toxic syndrome following ingestion of aldicarb. Toxicological analysis revealed coingestion of ethanol. He subsequently developed severe metabolic acidosis caused by the cyanogenic compound acetonitrile which was erroneously interpreted as acetone in the chromatogram. After three treatments with hydroxocobalamin (5 g i.v.) and sodium thiosulfate (12.5 g i.v.) on days 2, 3, and 5, he had transient improvement but recurrent lactic acidosis. Treatment with disulfiram was associated on day 7 with resolution of metabolic acidosis and slowing of the decrease in acetonitrile concentration. He recovered from acetonitrile toxicity completely. The time course of acetonitrile, thiocyanate, and cyanide concentrations suggested that disulfiram inhibited cyanide formation. Results: In vitro experiments with human liver microsomes showed the cyanide concentration was significantly lower after incubation with acetonitrile and disulfiram than acetonitrile alone (a mean 60% reduction in cyanide level). Discussion: Although disulfiram was given late in the course of the poisoning it is possible that it contributed to the recovery

Recommendations for the use of bioresorbable vascular scaffolds in percutaneous coronary interventions

Background To eliminate some of the potential late limitations of permanent metallic stents, the bioresorbable coronary stents or ‘bioresorbable vascular scaffolds’ (BVS) have been developed. Methods We reviewed all currently available clinical data on BVS implantation. Results Since the 2015 position statement on the appropriateness of BVS in percutaneous coronary interventions, several large randomised trials have been presented. These have demonstrated that achieving adequate 1 and 2 year outcomes with these first-generation BVS is not straightforward. These first adequately powered studies in non-complex lesions showed worse results if standard implan- tation techniques were used for these relatively thick scaffolds. Post-hoc analyses hypothesise that outcomes similar to current drug-eluting stents are still possible if aggressive lesion preparation, adequate sizing and high-pressure postdilatation are implemented rigorously. As long as this has not been confirmed in prospective studies the usage should be restricted to experienced centres with continuous outcome monitoring. For more complex lesions, results are even more disappointing and usage should be discouraged. When developed, newer generation scaffolds with thinner struts or faster resorption rates are expected to improve outcomes. In the meantime prolonged dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT, beyond one year) is recommended in an individu-alised approach for patients treated with current generation BVS. Conclusion The new 2017 recommendations downgrade and limit the use of the current BVS to experienced centres within dedicated registries using the updated implantation protocol and advise the prolonged usage of DAPT. In line with these recommendations the manufacturer does not supply devices to the hospitals without such registries in place

Development of a Nanocrystalline Paclitaxel Formulation for Hipec Treatment

To develop a nanocrystalline paclitaxel formulation with a high paclitaxel-to-stabilizer ratio which can be used for hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). Paclitaxel (PTX) nanocrystals were prepared via wet milling using Pluronic F127(A (R)) as stabilizer. The suitability of paclitaxel nanosuspensions for HIPEC treatment was evaluated by analyzing the cytotoxicity of both stabilizer and formulation, and by determining the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and bioavailability. The effect on tumor growth was evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at day 7 and 14 after HIPEC treatment in rats with peritoneal carcinomatosis of ovarian origin. Monodisperse nanosuspensions (+/- 400 nm) were developed using Pluronic F127(A (R)) as single additive. The cytotoxicity and MTD of this nanocrystalline formulation was similar compared to Taxol(A (R)), while its bioavailability was higher. MRI data after HIPEC treatment with a PTX nanocrystalline suspension showed a significant reduction of tumor volume compared to the non-treated group. Although no significant differences on tumor volume were observed between Taxol(A (R)) and the nanosuspension, the rats treated with the nanosuspension recovered faster following the HIPEC procedure. Nanosuspensions with a high paclitaxel-to-stabilizer ratio are of interest for the treatment of peritoneal carcinomatosis of ovarian origin via HIPEC