Evaluation of a small-bore needle arthroscope for diagnosis and treatment of medial coronoid disease in dogs: a pilot study with short-term assessment.

CASE HISTORY: Dogs (n = 15) that were presented to a single veterinary teaching hospital with elbow dysplasia-associated lameness between September 2021 and May 2022, and were determined to require arthroscopy based on imaging results, were prospectively recruited into the study. The median duration of lameness was 4 (min 1, max 24) months. CLINICAL FINDINGS: Various breeds were represented with a median body weight of 31.6 (min 15, max 46.4) kg and median age at presentation of 14 (min 8, max 83) months. Results of imaging modalities (CT) were consistent with medial coronoid disease with fissured or fragmented medial coronoid process in all dogs. ARTHROSCOPIC FINDINGS: Feasibility of the needle arthroscopy (NA) procedure was firstly assessed in a preliminary cadaveric study in forelimbs (n = 10) collected from 10 adult dogs euthanised for reasons unrelated to the study. Elbow exploration was performed through a medial approach beginning with NA (1.9 mm 0° angle scope) followed by standard arthroscopy (SA; 2.4 mm 30° angle scope). The quality and extent of visualisation (scored through the number of anatomical structures visualised) were recorded and statistically compared. As the cadaver study indicated that NA allowed safe inspection of all structures in medial/caudal compartments, this procedure was then used in the dogs requiring treatment. In the clinical setting, elbow exploration was successful in all dogs and the treatment (removal of osteochondral fragments) was performed without requiring conversion into SA. One month after surgery, all dogs had an improvement in their lameness score (0-5) and 12/15 dogs were no longer lame. There was a reduction in Canine Orthopaedic Index scores measured a median of 99 (min 47, max 180) days after surgery (24 (IQR 19.5-31.5)) compared to the pre-operative period (49 (IQR 46.5-57); p < 0.001). CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Needle arthroscopy-assisted removal of osteochondral fragments was performed in all dogs with satisfactory short-term clinical outcome. NA is a feasible technique for diagnosis and lesion assessment in dogs with a fissured or fragmented coronoid process. Larger clinical studies with longer follow-up are necessary to validate the NanoScope operative arthroscopy system as an alternative strategy to SA for video-assisted treatment of medial coronoid disease.

[Laparoscopic transposition of lower polar vessels for pyelo-ureteral junction obstruction: preliminary experience]. / Transposition des vaisseaux polaires pour syndrome de la jonction pyélo-urétérale : expérience préliminaire.

AIM OF THE STUDY: Lower pole vessels are a classical cause of PUJO even in children. The "gold standard" in the management of PUJ obstructions remains a dismembered pyeloplasty as described by Anderson and Hynes. However, some authors have developed an alternative procedure to this approach with encouraging results. The aim of our study was to evaluate our preliminary results concerning laparoscopic vascular hitch for crossing vessels. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective, monocentric study of all patients managed by this technique from January 2010 to December 2012. RESULTS: Eleven patients (7 boys, 4 girls) were managed by laparoscopy at a mean age of 10.7 years (5.4-17). They were referred to our center for clinical symptoms (intermittent pain 7, high blood pressure 1, UTI 1), antenatal diagnosis or accidental discovery. Obstruction was confirmed by MAG3 nephrogram and the presence of obstructive vessels by tomodensitometry or MRI. Mean operative time was 90.2minutes (48-184). Seven patients over 11 were strictly managed by laparoscopic transposition of lower pole vessels. Four required a classical video-assisted dismembered pyeloplasty due to a potential intraluminal stenosis. The latter were suspected by a distension test with furosemid in all four cases. Mean follow-up was 12.9±3 months. Nine patients over 11 were totally non symptomatic, whereas 2 still present mild intermittent pain. In all cases, ultrasound scans show an improvement of the pelvic dilatation. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic transposition of lower pole vessels is a suitable and feasible alternative for the management of obstructive PUJ. Our preliminary experience emphasizes the need for a precise preoperative selection of patients along with a per operative evaluation of the obstruction. Further experience seems required to improve our criteria in this indication. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 5.

Review of stationary phases for microelectromechanical systems in gas chromatography: feasibility and separations.

This review covers the recent development of stationary phases for chip-based gas chromatography (GC). Portable systems for rapid and reliable analysis are urgently needed. One way to achieve this is to miniaturize the entire analysis. Because the column is the central component of the GC system and determines the feasibility and quality of separation, this review focuses on stationary phases reported in the literature and their use in different fields during the last two decades, with emphasis on different methods for introducing the stationary phase into the GC column.

Sputtered alumina as a novel stationary phase for micro machined gas chromatography columns.

Silica and graphite sputtering have previously been reported as novel solid stationary phase deposition techniques for micro gas chromatography columns. As a conventional solid stationary phase in gas chromatography, compatible with sputtering yet so far unreported, alumina was evaluated in this study. Alumina sputtered semi-packed micro columns were fabricated (including an activation step) and proved able to separate a mixture of volatile alkanes (C1-C4 with isomers) in less than 1 min. Kinetic and a thermodynamic evaluation led to calculation of 4,500 theoretical plates for ethane in 1.1 m (HETPmin = 250 µm) and a Gibbs free energy for propane of 30.2 kJ mol(-1), making this stationary phase's properties very close to those observed with silica-sputtered micro columns.

Finney and Jaboulay pyloroplasties for the treatment of benign gastric outlet lesions in dogs and cats: technique and outcome in 13 cases (2015-2024).

OBJECTIVES: To describe the use, complications and outcome of Finney or Jaboulay pyloroplasties for the treatment of benign gastric outlet lesions in dogs and cats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The medical records of dogs and cats surgically treated with Finney or Jaboulay pyloroplasty for benign gastric outflow tract disease in three institutions between January 1, 2015 and August 31, 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Eight dogs and five cats were diagnosed with benign obstructive or perforating gastric outlet lesions, including chronic hypertrophic pyloric gastropathy (n = 4), perforating pyloro-duodenal peptic ulcer (4), sub-obstructive pyloro-duodenal eosinophilic sclerosing fibroplasia (2) and antral or proximal duodenal obstructive mass (3). Nine cases were treated using hand-sewn Finney pyloroplasty and four cases were treated using stapled Jaboulay pyloroplasty. No major complications were recorded. Cases were followed for a median of 16.1 [11 to 29.6] months. At the last follow-up, the outcome was excellent in all cases, with no clinical signs recorded and no medical treatment required. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This case series suggests that Finney and Jaboulay pyloroplasties were safe and effective procedures for the surgical treatment of benign obstructive or perforating gastric outlet lesions in dogs and cats.

Description of serum symmetric dimethylarginine concentration and of urinary SDS-AGE pattern in dogs with ACTH dependent hyperadrenocorticism.

Serum symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) and patterns of urinary protein separated by sodium dodecyl sulfate agarose gel electrophoresis (SDS-AGE) have not been investigated as biomarkers in dogs with ACTH-dependent hyperadrenocorticism (ADHAC). This exploratory prospective study aimed to evaluate SDMA, serum creatinine (sCR), and SDS-AGE in dogs with ADHAC with and without proteinuria (ADHAC-P and ADHAC-nP, respectively). Thirty-five pet dogs classified as ADHAC-P (n=16), ADHAC-nP (n=6) and healthy (n=13) were included. Renal biomarkers were evaluated in all dogs at diagnosis. Baseline concentration of SDMA was not significantly different between the three groups (P = 0.15) whereas sCr was significantly lower in dogs in ADHAC dogs compared to healthy dogs (88.0 µmol/L [70.4-132.6; 79.2-114.4]) whether they had proteinuria or not (P = 0.014 and 0.002, respectively). However, baseline concentrations of sCr and SDMA were not significantly different between dogs with ADHAC-P dogs (SDMA, 8 µg/dL [5-12; 7-9]; sCr, 57.2 µmol/L [35.2-212.2; 52.8-92.4]) and ADHAC-nP dogs (SDMA, 8.5 µg/dL [7-13; 8-10]; sCr, 70.4 µmol/L [61.6-79.2; 61.6-70.4]) (P = 0.35 and P = 0.41, respectively). Proteinuria in dogs with ADHAC-P was mainly of glomerular origin (SDS-AGE pattern: glomerular in 10/16 dogs; mixed glomerular/tubular in four dogs). In our study, SDMA was neither significantly different in dogs with ADHAC whether they were proteinuric or not, nor between ADHAC and healthy dogs. Urinary electrophoresis provides additional information to the UPC and further investigations are needed to determine whether it may help identify dogs with ADHAC-P requiring specific antiproteinuric treatment.

Temperature-programmed sputtered micromachined gas chromatography columns: an approach to fast separations in oilfield applications.

In a previous study, a new stationary phase deposition technique for micromachined gas chromatography columns was presented. The rerouting of the sputtering technique to this purpose enabled collective and reproducible fabrication of microcolumns in a silicon wafer. Silica-sputtered micromachined columns showed promising separations of light alkanes in isothermal conditions. In order to go beyond the limitations of isothermal separations, the columns were equipped with sputtered platinum filaments to enable high-speed and low-power temperature programming. The separation performances of temperature-programmed silica- or graphite-sputtered microcolumns were investigated: a separation of light alkanes (C1-C5) was completed in 9 s, and heavier alkanes (until C9), cyclic, isomeric, and unsaturated hydrocarbons were also successfully separated. Versatility of these microcolumns was demonstrated with a high-temperature C1-C2 separation and a C1-C5 separation with nitrogen as carrier gas instead of helium. By matching the requirements of a gas chromatography-based monitoring sensor, in terms of low-cost and industry-ready fabrication process, fast temperature programming and analysis, low power consumption, and good versatility (ambient temperature, carrier gas), these columns should be used in various applications related to oilfield gas analyses.

Ultrafast carbon nanotubes growth on recycled carbon fibers and their evaluation on interfacial shear strength in reinforced composites.

The global demand for products manufactured with carbon fibers (CFs) has increased in recent years; however, the waste generated at the end of the product lifetime has also increased. In this research, the impact of the addition of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on the interlaminated resistance of recycled carbon fibers (RCFs) was studied. In this work, a recycling process of the composite material was applied via thermolysis to obtain the CFs, followed by the growth of CNTs on their surface using the Poptube technique. The recycling temperature were 500 °C and 700 °C; and ferrocene and polypyrrole were used to grow CNTs on CFs surface. CNTs were verified by Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Finally, to determine the interlaminar resistance, a double cantilever beam (DCB) test was performed. The results indicate that with Poptube technique, CNTs can be grown on RCFs using both impregnations. Thermolysis recycling process at 500 °C allowed CFs without resin residues and without visible damage. The DCB tests showed a decrease in the fracture resistance in mode I loading of 34.9% for the polypyrrole samples and 29.3% for the ferrocene samples compared with the virgin carbon fibers (VCFs) samples with a resistance of 1052.5 J/m2.

[Cross-sectional imaging of peripheral involvement in psoriatic arthritis]. / Nouvelle imagerie des atteintes périphériques du rhumatisme psoriasique.

The purpose of this article is to: 1) describe the main plain film, ultrasound and MR imaging features of peripheral involvement in psoriatic arthritis, 2) describe the advantages of ultrasound and MRI at the early stages of the disease; 3) describe how to use MRI and ultrasound in order to assess response to tumor necrosis factor-alpha blocker therapy.

[Clear-cell sarcoma of the kidney: about a paediatric case]. / Sarcome à cellules claires du rein : à propos d'un cas pédiatrique.

Clear-cell sarcoma of the kidney (CCSK) is a rare malignant tumor of childhood, known for its aggressiveness, its tendency to recurrence and to metastasis to bone. We report an observation of a child of 48 months carrying a large abdominal mass. The diagnosis of the SCCR was made on biopsy, since imaging remained uncertain as to the renal origin of the mass. Indeed, our observation underlines the difficulty of its diagnosis. Excepting the morphological aspect, there is no criterion for its recognition. Its prognosis has been improved by the new treatments.

A microfluidic device for digital manipulation of gaseous samples.

Digital microfluidics is known for fine manipulation of sub-millimeter samples, with applications from biological sample preparation to diagnostic testing. Unfortunately, until now, it has been only limited to liquid phases. In this paper, we present a new system based on a digital microfluidic platform (DMFP), which is able to digitally manipulate gaseous samples, such as alkanes from n-hexane to n-nonane. The DMFP relies mostly on interconnected micropreconcentrators (µPCs) to trap and release the samples depending on their controlled temperature. We show that the DMFP is capable of performing all basic operations of digital microfluidics: trapping/releasing and moving samples, adding samples and separating samples. As a first example of a more complex programmable use of our DMFP, we measured the breakthrough volume of alkanes on a Tenax TA adsorbent. The results were consistent with tabulated values obtained with standard laboratory instruments. This DMFP promises great possibilities for more complex programmable gas microfluidics digital devices and the development of new digital gas sample preparation and analysis methods.

[Computed tomography in children with cystic fibrosis: The role of an expiratory protocol]. / Scanner thoracique chez l'enfant atteint de mucoviscidose : intérêt d'un protocole en expiration séquentielle pour réduire la dose d'irradiation.

INTRODUCTION: Chest computed tomography (CT) is essential to monitor lung disease in children with cystic fibrosis, but it involves recurrent exposure to ionizing radiation. The aim of this study was to compare the current complete CT protocol (volumetric end-inspiratory plus sequential expiratory acquisition) to a sequential expiratory acquisition protocol alone in terms of image analysis and ionizing radiation dose. METHODS: Seventy-eight CT scans from 57 children aged 5 to 18 years old were scored on the complete protocol images and on the expiratory sequential images only. Each CT protocol was scored independently, using the Brody scoring system, by two paediatric radiologists. RESULTS: Correlations between the Brody global scores of the two different CT protocols were very good (r=0.90 for both observers), for the bronchiectasis score (r=0.72 and 0.86), mucus plugging score (r=0.87 and 0.83), and expiratory trapped air (r=0.96 and 0.92). Total ionizing radiation dose was reduced, with the measured dose length product (DLP) reduced from 103.31mGy.cm (complete protocol) to 3.06mGy.cm (expiratory protocol) (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: An expiratory chest CT protocol was accurate in diagnosing early signs of CF disease and permitted significant reduction of radiation dose. This protocol would allow spacing out of complete CT scanning with its higher radiation dose and should be considered for the monitoring of lung disease severity in children with CF.

Assessing the management of pediatric bone and joint infections according to French guidelines.

BACKGROUND: Short treatments for acute bone and joint infections (BJI) are recommended. We implemented a protocol in 2009 to improve diagnosis and bacteriological documentation, and to shorten antibiotic therapies as per French guidelines (French Pediatric Infectious Disease Group, GPIP). METHODS: To assess the impact of the new clinical protocol for BJI, we conducted a retrospective study from January 1st, 2006 to August 31st, 2012. Two successive cohorts were compared, before and after protocol implementation. All children suspected of community-acquired BJI were included. Confirmed osteomyelitis and septic arthritis required a positive bacterial isolate; otherwise, cases were considered probable. We compared clinical, biological, and radiological data; duration of antibiotic therapy and hospital length of stay; and complications and sequelae. RESULTS: A total of 377 children with suspected BJI were included. The bacteriological identification improved from 32% to 44% when patients were completely evaluated. Isolated bacteria were Staphylococcus aureus (53%), Kingella kingae (17%), Streptococcus pyogenes (15%), and Streptococcus pneumoniae (8%). Before protocol implementation, 70% of patients had a central venous line versus 9% after implementation. Mean duration of IV antibiotics (11 days versus 6 days), mean duration of total antibiotic therapy (45 days versus 32 days) and mean hospital length of stay (13 days versus 7 days) had significantly improved. CONCLUSION: Improvement in bacteriological diagnosis and shorter antibiotic regimens lead to shorter hospital length of stays with no additional morbidity. Simplifying the protocol and better diffusion among health professionals should contribute to shortening BJI treatment duration.

Low expression of ANT1 confers oncogenic properties to rhabdomyosarcoma tumor cells by modulating metabolism and death pathways.

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most frequent form of pediatric soft-tissue sarcoma. It is divided into two main subtypes: ERMS (embryonal) and ARMS (alveolar). Current treatments are based on chemotherapy, surgery, and radiotherapy. The 5-year survival rate has plateaued at 70% since 2000, despite several clinical trials. RMS cells are thought to derive from the muscle lineage. During development, myogenesis includes the expansion of muscle precursors, the elimination of those in excess by cell death and the differentiation of the remaining ones into myofibers. The notion that these processes may be hijacked by tumor cells to sustain their oncogenic transformation has emerged, with RMS being considered as the dark side of myogenesis. Thus, dissecting myogenic developmental programs could improve our understanding of RMS molecular etiology. We focused herein on ANT1, which is involved in myogenesis and is responsible for genetic disorders associated with muscle degeneration. ANT1 is a mitochondrial protein, which has a dual functionality, as it is involved both in metabolism via the regulation of ATP/ADP release from mitochondria and in regulated cell death as part of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore. Bioinformatics analyses of transcriptomic datasets revealed that ANT1 is expressed at low levels in RMS. Using the CRISPR-Cas9 technology, we showed that reduced ANT1 expression confers selective advantages to RMS cells in terms of proliferation and resistance to stress-induced death. These effects arise notably from an abnormal metabolic switch induced by ANT1 downregulation. Restoration of ANT1 expression using a Tet-On system is sufficient to prime tumor cells to death and to increase their sensitivity to chemotherapy. Based on our results, modulation of ANT1 expression and/or activity appears as an appealing therapeutic approach in RMS management.

Scanning microscopy of dissociated tissue cells.

A method is described for studying by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) all the surfaces of fully differentiated cells from intact tissues. Thus, cell faces normally hidden from view are exposed and made available for SEM examination. This is achieved by fixing the tissue in OSO4 and then soaking it in a 1% solution (in water) of boric acid. After different periods of time, varied according to particular tissue, slight mechanical pressure will cause the fixed tissue to dissociate into its component cells. These are then made to adhere to a substrate and are taken through critical point drying, etc., for examination. Observations are reported on the topography of whole hepatocytes, adsorptive cells of the intestinal epithelium, proximal tubule cells of the rat kidney, mammary tumor cells of the mouse, and rat sarcoma cells. Several other tissues are reported to dissociate when similarly treated, but for each the procedure must be slightly modified.

Epidermal growth factor inhibits cytoskeleton-related changes in the surface of parietal cells.

The effect of epidermal growth factor (EGF) on gastric acid secretion was correlated with the morphological changes of the apical pole of rat parietal cells studied by transmission electron microscopy. Gastric acid secretion was stimulated by histamine, carbachol, pentagastrin, and insulin-induced hypoglycemia, and estimated by continuous recording of pH variations of gastric luminal perfusate. EGF inhibits acid secretion in these conditions. The action of the hormone also results in the arrest or reversal of the changes in shape undergone by parietal cells as they go into secretion. In view of the evidence involving cytoskeletal elements in the generation of these structural alterations, our observations suggest that the action of EGF on gastric acid secretion may be a consequence of a general effect of this hormone on cytoskeletal function.

[A one-year survey of an emergency released group O red blood cell stock used by a surgical treatment center]. / Evaluation sur un an de l'utilisation d'un dépôt de sang d'urgence vitale immédiate.

OBJECTIVES: Evaluation of a blood storage of six concentrates red blood cells of groupe O RH:-1KEL:-1 in a surgical emergency treatment center. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All patients transfused with this concentrates; main points of utilisation are analysed. CONCLUSION: The concentrates, used by the anaesthesiologists, are part of the treatment strategy care in case of severe bleeding.

[High resolution MR imaging of the skin: normal imaging features]. / IRM haute résolution de la peau: aspects normaux.

PURPOSE: To describe the qualitative and quantitative MR imaging features of normal skin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-one normal subjects underwent MR evaluation on a 1.5 Tesla magnet using a dedicated coil. Several skin sites were evaluated (back at the scapular level, posterior calf and inferior heel). Two pulse sequences were acquired: a SE T1W and a gradient-echo sequence (FIESTA). Qualitative and quantitative analysis was performed for all three sites. RESULTS: In normal subjects, the different skin layers (callus, epidermis, dermis, hypodermis and pilosebaceous follicles) can be separated and measured on MR. Epidermis and hypodermis are hyperintense whereas dermis is hypointense. Our results confirm the presence of qualitative and quantitative variations between different skin regions. In some cases, a differentiation between papillary and reticular dermis can be achieved. Pilosebaceous follicles and the deep vascular network were clearly depicted on the FIESTA sequence. Measurements for each skin layer were compared based on sex, site and MR pulse sequence. CONCLUSION: MRI provides evaluation of the different skin layers, epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis, and their different components.

[Shoulder radiography: useful radiographic views in current practice]. / Radiographies de l'épaule: les incidences utiles en pratique courante.

The purposes of this paper are: 1) to review the different radiographic projections commonly used to explore shoulder pathology; 2) to propose a practical approach for radiographic evaluation of the shoulder, adapted to the main clinical situations; 3) to recognize the different imaging features of the most frequent shoulder diseases.

Osteochondritis dissecans of the knee.

Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the knee is an idiopathic, focal, subchondral-bone abnormality that can cause instability or detachment of a bone fragment and overlying articular cartilage, with subsequent progression to osteoarthritis. The diagnosis is usually made during adolescence. Mechanical factors play a major role in the pathophysiology of OCD. When the radiographic diagnosis is made early in a patient with open physes, healing can often be obtained simply by restricting sports activities. The degree of lesion instability can be assessed by magnetic resonance imaging. When the lesion remains unstable and the pain persists despite a period of rest, surgery is indicated. Arthroscopic exploration is always the first step. Drilling of the lesion produces excellent outcomes if the lesion is stable. Unstable lesions require fixation and, in some cases, bone grafting. Defects must be filled, depending on their surface area. Although many surgical techniques are available, the therapeutic indications are now standardized.