Imaging low-mass planets within the habitable zone of α Centauri.

Giant exoplanets on wide orbits have been directly imaged around young stars. If the thermal background in the mid-infrared can be mitigated, then exoplanets with lower masses can also be imaged. Here we present a ground-based mid-infrared observing approach that enables imaging low-mass temperate exoplanets around nearby stars, and in particular within the closest stellar system, α Centauri. Based on 75-80% of the best quality images from 100 h of cumulative observations, we demonstrate sensitivity to warm sub-Neptune-sized planets throughout much of the habitable zone of α Centauri A. This is an order of magnitude more sensitive than state-of-the-art exoplanet imaging mass detection limits. We also discuss a possible exoplanet or exozodiacal disk detection around α Centauri A. However, an instrumental artifact of unknown origin cannot be ruled out. These results demonstrate the feasibility of imaging rocky habitable-zone exoplanets with current and upcoming telescopes.

[Cholesterol embolism: an often unknown disease; a report of two cases]. / La maladie à embols de cholestérol: une pathologie souvent méconnue; à propos de deux cas.

We report on a case of post-invasive acute renal insufficiency and a case of acute necrotizing pancreatitis, both histologically proven to have been caused by cholesterol embolisms. A survey of the literature with discussion of diagnostic and therapeutic options is given.

[Pulmonary silicosis and glomerular nephropathy. Apropos of 1 case]. / Silicose pulmonaire et néphropathie glomérulaire. A propos d'un cas.

A 43-year-old stone cutter with 13 years of exposure to silica developed a pulmonary silicosis and a glomerulonephritis with moderate renal failure. Renal biopsy demonstrated in light microscopy a segmental and focal mesangial proliferation and in electron microscopy distinct alterations of the proximal tubular cells. Renal histology suggest silica may play a part in the pathogenesis of renal damage. Clinicians should therefore include silica exposure in the differential diagnosis of unexplained glomerulonephritis.

Pharmacokinetic study of torasemide in humans: an overview of its diuretic effect.

A new diuretic drug, torasemide, after oral or i. v. administration of 20 mg to six normal volunteers showed good bioavailability (greater than 91%). Its biologic half-life is about 2.5 h with a distribution volume of 180 ml/kg and a body clearance of 0.8 ml/min kg. The renal excretion represents only 25% of the total drug elimination. The excretion of water, sodium, potassium, and chloride parallels the renal excretion of torasemide. The diuretic action has a duration of 6 h, reaching its maxima during the 1st h after i. v. administration an during the 2nd h after oral administration.