Development and application of novel NMR methodologies for the in situ characterization of crystallization processes of metastable crystalline materials

In this contribution we report on the development and application of modern NMR approaches for the in situ characterization of the crystallization of metastable materials. The work was performed within the framework of the DFG priority programme SPP 1415 “Crystalline Non-Equilibrium Phases”. As one of the goals of this project, the development of a NMR methodology which enables an analysis of local structural motifs on short (1–2 Å) and extended (2–6 Å) length scales without the need for fast magic angle spinning (MAS) has been defined, since the enormous centripetal forces which occur during fast sample rotation (up to 107 g) may intervene with the chemical or physical process which is being monitored. To achieve this goal, we developed a magic angle turning probe and pulse sequences allowing to trace the isotropic chemical shifts and heteronuclear dipolar couplings and hence the determination of structural motifs on short and intermediate length scales. With the implementation of novel inductive heating approaches the range of accessible rotation frequencies for in situ high temperature NMR measurements has been enlarged, now covering the νMAS range of 0–10 kHz with an accessible temperature of up to 700°C. Application of NMR methodologies for the characterization of crystallization processes and the structure and dynamics of novel phases, partially in joint collaborations within the priority program, are also reported

Brainstem disconnection: two additional patients and expansion of the phenotype

Brainstem disconnection (BD) is a rare posterior fossa abnormality defined by the nearly complete absence of a brainstem segment with the rostral and caudal brainstem portions connected only by a thin cord of tissue. The outcome is poor and the majority of children die within the first 2 months of life without achieving developmental milestones. We report on the cases of two children with BD and a prolonged spontaneous survival. Neither patient required intubation or mechanical ventilation and each survived longer than 2 months (one child died at the age of 8 months, the other is alive at the age of 4.5 years). In addition, patient 1 is the only child with BD reported so far who achieved some developmental milestones. Although the long-term neurodevelopmental outcome of BD remains unfavorable, the expansion of the phenotypic spectrum may be important in terms of counseling

Research briefings: the 'Effects of transfusion thresholds on neurocognitive outcome of extremely low birth-weight infants (ETTNO)' study: background, aims, and study protocol

Background: Infants with extremely low birth weight uniformly develop anemia of prematurity and frequently require red blood cell transfusions (RBCTs). Although RBCT is widely practiced, the indications remain controversial in the absence of conclusive data on the long-term effects of RBCT. Objectives: To summarize the current equipoise and to outline the study protocol of the 'Effects of Transfusion Thresholds on Neurocognitive Outcome of extremely low birth-weight infants (ETTNO)' study. Methods: Review of the literature and design of a large pragmatic randomized controlled trial of restrictive versus liberal RBCT guidelines enrolling 920 infants with birth weights of 400-999 g with long-term neurodevelopmental follow-up. Results and Conclusions: The results of ETTNO will provide definite data about the efficacy and safety of restrictive versus liberal RBCT guidelines in very preterm infants