Production and Physical-Mechanical Characterization of Peat Moss (Sphagnum) Insulation Panels.

Peat moss (sphagnum) is a commonly used sealant, fill, and insulation material in the past. During the efforts to rewet drained moors due to ecological considerations, the technical use of peat moss (sphagnum farming) again became the focus of attention. In the framework of this investigation, insulation panels consisting of peat moss, bound with urea formaldehyde, were produced. Panels manufactured in a wet process and mats bound with textiles were also fabricated. The specimens' thermal conductivity, water vapor diffusion resistance, modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity, internal bond, compression resistance, water absorption, and thickness swelling were measured. Physical-mechanical properties were adequate with the resin-bound panels, but not with wet process panels. Moss mats had good characteristics for cavity insulation purposes. The thermal conductivity of the moss panels and mats was found to be lowest with a density of 50 kg/m3, accounting for 0.04 W/m·K. The results show that peat moss is a promising resource for production insulation panels, because their thermal conductivity and mechanical stability are comparable to other insulation materials.

Results of bilateral nerve sparing laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection for testicular cancer.

PURPOSE: We evaluated the feasibility and early oncological outcome of a laparoscopic nerve sparing bilateral retroperitoneal lymph node dissection. The surgical technique is described. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From July 2004 to December 2007 a total of 42 patients with nonseminomatous germ cell tumor (21 with stage I, 2 with stage IIA marker negative and 19 with post-chemotherapy stage IIB disease) underwent transperitoneal bilateral laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection. The sympathetic trunk and postganglionic nerves were identified, and lymphatic tissue was dissected between the nerves. Patients with clinical stage I and IIA disease that was lymph node positive at laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection did not receive additional chemotherapy. RESULTS: Surgery was successfully completed in all patients and no conversion to open surgery was necessary. Mean operative time was 323 minutes. No intraoperative complications occurred. Of patients with stage I and marker negative stage IIA disease active tumor was found in 5 retroperitoneal lymph node dissection specimens, and no patients had recurrence. Of 19 patients with post-chemotherapy stage IIB disease teratoma was found in the lymphatic tissue in 4 (21.0%). No retroperitoneal recurrence was observed. Pulmonary metastases developed 9 months after surgery in 1 patient with stage I disease and negative retroperitoneal histology, and were treated successfully. All patients are currently free of disease at a mean followup of 17.2 months. Antegrade ejaculation was preserved in 36 patients (85.7%). CONCLUSIONS: Bilateral nerve sparing laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection is feasible and associated with low morbidity if performed by experienced hands. The oncological efficacy of this approach is promising and currently under evaluation.

Increasing patient comfort by optimized postoperative administration of intravesical mitomycin C.

OBJECTIVE: To report a prospective controlled study to compare the acceptance of two different ways of administering intravesical mitomycin C, as the immediate intravesical administration of chemotherapy after surgery decreases the risk of recurrence in patients with superficial bladder cancer, but response rates are variable, partly because of inadequate drug delivery and thus an adequate administration time is important for optimum oncological efficacy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between October 2004 and June 2005, 60 patients were divided after transurethral resection of superficial bladder cancer into two groups. Both groups received an intravesical instillation of 40 mg mitomycin C diluted in 40 mL distilled water at

Early results of bladder-cancer screening in a high-risk population of heavy smokers.

OBJECTIVE: To report first results of an early bladder-cancer detection programme, and to evaluate the detection rate and the diagnostic value of the tests used. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Urine samples of 183 screened subjects with a history of smoking of > or =40 pack-years were collected for analysis with a urinary dipstick test for haematuria, the nuclear matrix protein-22 test (BladderChek, Matritech, Inc., Newton, MA, USA), voided urine cytology and a molecular cytology test (UroVysion, Abbott Molecular Inc., Des Plaines, IL, USA). Participants with at least one positive test result had a further evaluation including cystoscopy and radiological imaging. The subjects' risk factors, test results and histological findings were analysed. RESULTS: In all, 75 subjects had at least one positive test result and were evaluated further; abnormal histological findings were detected in 18 (24% of those who had cystoscopy, 9.8% of the original 183), 15 of those in the urinary bladder, with pTaG1 (one), carcinoma in situ (two), dysplastic lesions (11) and one an inverted papilloma. In the upper urinary tract, two urothelial tumours (pTaG1 and pTxN2G3) and one renal cell carcinoma (pT1G2) were detected by computed tomography. In summary, six of 183 subjects (3.3%) had a histologically confirmed malignant tumour and another 12 (6.6%) were identified with a possible pre-cancerous lesion of the urinary tract. The urinary dipstick, BladderChek, cytology and UroVysion detected (i.e. were true-positive in) nine (50%), one (6%), seven (39%) and 11 (61%) of the 18 tumours found, while they failed to detect nine (50%), 17 (94%), 11 (61%) and seven (39%) of these lesions, respectively. Omitting the urine dipstick test, the BladderChek, cytology or UroVysion from the test setting could have spared 40, five, two or one subjects(s) from unnecessary invasive interventions; however, three, none, two or six lesions, would have been missed. More positive screening tests per subject was associated with a higher probability of a (pre)-malignant lesion. CONCLUSION: Screening a high-risk group with a history of smoking of > or =40 pack-years showed a significant proportion (3.3%) with malignancy. These first results are encouraging and warrant continuation of the screening programme. In this series the most efficient screening tool was the combination of UroVysion, cytology and urinary dipstick testing. Of special scientific interest will be the follow-up of those patients with a possible pre-cancerous lesion.