Solar-Driven Thermocatalytic Synthesis of Octahydroquinazolinone Using Novel Polyvinylchloride (PVC)-Supported Aluminum Oxide (Al2O3) Catalysts.

The chemical industry is one of the main fossil fuel consumers, so its reliance on sustainable and renewable resources such as wind and solar energy should be increased to protect the environment. Accordingly, solar-driven thermocatalytic synthesis of octahydroquinazolinone using polyvinylchloride (PVC)-supported aluminum oxide (Al2O3) as a catalyst under natural sunlight is proposed in this work. The Al2O3/PVC catalysts were characterized by FT-IR, SEM, BET, XRD, and XPS techniques. The obtained results indicate that the yield and reaction time can be modified by adjusting the molar ratio of the catalyst. To investigate the stability of the catalyst, the spent catalyst was reused in several reactions. The results indicated that, when a 50% Al2O3 catalyst is employed in an absolute solar heat, it performs exceptionally well in terms of yield (98%) and reaction time (35 min). Furthermore, the reaction times and yield of octahydroquinazolinone derivatives with an aryl moiety were superior to those of heteroaryl. All the synthesized compounds were well characterized by FT-IR, 1H-NMR, and 13C-NMR. The current work introduces a new strategy to use solar heat for energy-efficient chemical reactions using a cost-effective, recyclable environmentally friendly PVC/Al2O3 catalyst that produces a high yield.

Endoscopic treatment of anterior glottic webs according to Lichtenberger technique and results on 18 patients.

Anterior glottic webs are most frequently acquired and result in a major vocal handicap. Many treatment modalities have been reported in the literature. None of them achieves perfect morphological or functional results. We present our series treated by an endoscopic technique based on CO(2) laser section of the web, mitomycin application and placement of a temporary silastic stent. We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 18 consecutive patients with anterior webs treated at our university hospital between 2003 and 2010. The endoscopic technique consisted of the section of the web with the CO(2) Acublade system, immediate application of mitomycin C and placement of a silastic stent. No tracheostomy was required. The stent was removed 3 weeks later. Patients had a vocal evaluation pre and postoperatively. It consisted of a video-stroboscopic examination, the global score of the Voice Handicap Index, the global and roughness scores of the perceptive voice evaluation according to Hirano, acoustic and aerodynamic parameters. Eighteen patients were included in the study with a mean age of 46 years (min. = 5, max. = 76). Twenty-two percent were women. All patients had postoperative speech therapy. The mean follow-up is 48.4 months (3-87 months). At the last follow-up, none of the patients had recurrence of the laryngeal web. The grade G of dysphonia significantly decreased from 2 to 1 (p = 0.035). CO(2) laser resection of anterior webs with mitomycin C application and placement of a silastic stent for 3 weeks induces a good morphological result with absence of web reformation but without substantial voice improvement observed in our series.

Laryngeal Kaposi sarcoma: case report and literature review.

PROBLEM/OBJECTIVE: Kaposi sarcoma is the most frequently-occurring neoplasm in AIDS patients. Laryngeal localization is infrequent. We discuss the management options for laryngeal Kaposi sarcoma based on a literature review. CASE REPORT: A 42 year old, HIV-positive male receiving HAART therapy presented with mild hoarseness and sore throat. Fiberoptic laryngeal examination identified a small purple lesion in the right ventricular fold. He underwent biopsy under general anaesthesia. The lesion was histologically diagnosed as a Kaposi sarcoma. Systemic treatment was pursued, but 6 weeks later the patient developed severe dysphagia and acute airway obstruction when the lesion became glotto-supraglottic and obstruced the airway. Transoral tumour vaporization with a CO2 laser was performed in the emergency department. Post-operative chemotherapy was administered. Three months later, the patient was completely asymptomatic and the laryngeal examination was normal. CONCLUSION: Transoral CO2 laser vaporization combined with chemotherapy is a valid option for managing obstructive laryngeal Kaposi sarcoma.

[Breast reconstruction with superior gluteal artery perforator (SGAP) flap without intraoperative setup change. About eight cases]. / Reconstruction mammaire par lambeau de superior gluteal artery perforator (SGAP) sans changement d'installation. À propos de huit cas.

INTRODUCTION: The superior gluteal artery perforator flap (SGAP) typically requires a peroperative change of the patient's position that increase the duration time of the procedure and the hospitalization. The aim of this study is to present our serie of eight consecutive SGAP flaps without setup change, and to precise the surgical technique we used. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective series of eight consecutive SGAP flaps performed between September 2001 and March 2010. All these flaps were performed without peroperative setup change. We studied the number of perforators used and their origins, the type of recipient vessels, the duration time of the procedure and the hospitalization. We also analyzed the morphological and functional outcomes for the donor site. RESULTS: All eight flaps were raised on a single septo-cutaneous perforator located between the gluteus maximus and gluteus medius muscles. The internal mammary vessels were chosen as recipients in all cases. The average duration time of the operation was 6 hours and 5 minutes. We report one flap loss. No functional or morphological complications were reported on the donor site. The morphological results on the reconstructed breast were satisfactory or very satisfactory in most cases. CONCLUSION: A satisfying breast reconstruction can be achieved with the SGAP flap without changing setup. The use of the septo-cutaneous branch between the gluteus maximus and gluteus medius muscles lengthens the pedicle and reduces the surgery time by facilitating the dissection. SGAP is therefore another autologous technique for breast reconstruction with low morbidity, when a DIEP flap cannot be harvested.

[Intra-uterine fetal death by knife: case report]. / Mort foetale intra-utérine par arme blanche (à propos d'un cas).

INTRODUCTION: Opened injuries by knife are rare in pregnant women and are responsible of foetal death in most cases. OBSERVATION AND COMMENTARY: We report a case of a 27-years woman, in her 8th months of pregnancy, victim of three knife punchs in her right iliac fossa. An emmergent laparotomy revealed deep wounds in the uterus and its right vascular pedicles, and a right external iliac artery lesion. Hysterectomy was performed and the extracted fetus was dead. He had two wounds in skull and back. Foetal death is common in opened knife injuries especially at the end of pregnancy. On one hand, the fetus has an abdominal situation that expose him to penetrating lesions. On the other hand, the uterus is richly vascularized during this period of pregnancy, thus any uterine or pedicular wound could result in a maternal hemorrhagic shock and hence a poor foetal and maternal prognosis. CONCLUSION: Knife injuries in pregnant women could compromise the foetal prognosis. Managmanent should be early and requires a close collaboration between resuscitators, obstetricians and vascular surgeons.

Mesoporous Tungsten Trioxide Photoanodes Modified with Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Quantum Dots for Enhanced Oxygen Evolution Photo-Reaction.

Nanostructured photoanodes are attractive materials for hydrogen production via water photo-electrolysis process. This study focused on the incorporation of carbon quantum dots doped with nitrogen as a photosensitizer into mesoporous tungsten trioxide photoanodes (N-CQD/meso-WO3) using a surfactant self-assembly template approach. The crystal structure, composition, and morphology of pure and N-CQD- modified mesoporous WO3 photoanodes were investigated using scanning electron and transmission microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Due to their high surface area, enhanced optical absorption, and charge-carrier separation and transfer, the resulting N-CQD/meso-WO3 photoanodes exhibited a significantly enhanced photocurrent density of 1.45 mA cm-2 at 1.23 V vs. RHE under AM 1.5 G illumination in 0.5 M Na2SO4 without any co-catalysts or sacrificial reagent, which was about 2.23 times greater than its corresponding pure meso-WO3. Moreover, the oxygen evolution onset potential of the N-CQD/meso-WO3 photoanodes exhibited a negative shift of 95 mV, signifying that both the charge-carrier separation and transfer processes were promoted.

Bilateral pneumothoraces hasten mortality in AIDS patients receiving secondary prophylaxis with aerosolized pentamidine. Association with a lower Dco prior to receiving aerosolized pentamidine.

We have administered aerosolized pentamidine (AP) to 48 AIDS patients for secondary prophylaxis of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP). Pentamidine 60 mg was administered by ultrasonic nebulization (Fisoneb) five times during the first two weeks and then every two weeks. The mean follow-up was 343 +/- 22 days. PCP recurred in ten patients, 297 +/- 33 days after starting AP therapy. All responded to anti-Pneumocystis therapy but two patients died of unrelated reasons (20 percent mortality). Five patients developed bilateral pneumothoraces 260 +/- 35 days after starting AP therapy. Recurrence of PCP could be documented in only one patient. All died 66 +/- 27 days after the onset of the first pneumothorax. Only 5 of 33 patients without recurrence of pneumonia or pneumothorax died during the study period (15 percent mortality). No association was found between the development of pneumothorax and age, smoking, previous respiratory or infectious problems, time from last PCP and the initiation of AP therapy, and treatment duration of last PCP. Patients with pneumothoraces had a significantly lower Dco (58.6 +/- 2.6 percent predicted) prior to AP therapy than patients with recurrence of PCP without pneumothoraces (81.1 +/- 2.1 percent predicted) or patients with no recurrence of PCP (67 +/- 2.5 percent predicted) (p less than 0.05, ANOVA). In conclusion, bilateral pneumothoraces are associated with a hastened mortality in patients receiving AP for secondary prophylaxis of PCP. Low Dco before AP therapy is associated with an increased risk of bilateral pneumothoraces in patients treated with AP for secondary prophylaxis of PCP.

Lung and chest wall mechanics in mechanically ventilated COPD patients.

By use of the technique of rapid airway occlusion, the effects of inspiratory flow, volume, and time on lung and chest wall mechanics were investigated in 10 chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients mechanically ventilated for acute respiratory failure. We measured the interrupter resistance (Rint), which in humans reflects airway resistance; the additional resistances due to time constant inequality and viscoelastic pressure dissipations within the lungs (delta RL) and the chest wall; and the static and dynamic elastances of lung and chest wall. We observed that 1) static elastances of lung and chest wall in COPD patients were similar to those of normal subjects; 2) Rint of the lung was markedly increased and flow dependent in COPD patients, whereas Rint of the chest wall was negligible as in normal subjects; and 3) in COPD patients, delta RL was markedly increased at all inflation flows and volumes, reflecting increased time constant inequalities within the lungs and/or altered viscoelastic behavior. The results imply increased dynamic work due to Rint and delta RL and marked time dependency of pulmonary resistance and elastance in COPD patients.

Partitioning of work of breathing in mechanically ventilated COPD patients.

In 10 sedated paralyzed mechanically ventilated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients, we measured the inspiratory mechanical work done per breath on the respiratory system (WI,rs). We measured the tracheal and esophageal pressures to assess the lung (L) and chest wall (W) components of WI and used the technique of rapid airway occlusion during constant-flow inflation to partition WI into static work [Wst, including work due to intrinsic positive end-expiratory pressure (WPEEPi)], dynamic work due to airway resistance, and the additional resistance offered by the respiratory tissues. Although the patients were hyperinflated, the slope of the static volume-pressure relationships of the lung did not decrease with inflation volume up to 0.8 liter. WI,W was similar in COPD patients and normal subjects. All components of WI,L were higher in COPD patients. The increase in Wst,rs was due entirely to WPEEPi. Our data suggest that, during spontaneous breathing, COPD patients would probably develop inspiratory muscle fatigue, unless continuous positive airway pressure were applied to reduce WPEEPi.

Flow resistance in mechanically ventilated patients with severe neurological injury.

In 5 mechanically ventilated patients with severe neurological injury (SNI), we measured the respiratory system's flow resistance (Rrs) over a range of inspiratory flows between 0.2 to 2 L/s, at inflation volumes (delta V) ranging from 0.1 to 1 L. Under baseline ventilatory conditions (V = 1 L/s; delta V = 0.95 L), we also partitioned Rrs into airway resistance (Raw) and the additional resistance offered by the tissues of the lung and chest wall (delta Rrs). At all inflation volumes, Rrs decreased hyperbolically with increasing flow but was higher than in normal anesthetized paralyzed subjects (N). At V of 1 L/s and delta V of 0.5 L, Rrs was significantly greater in SNI than in N (7.7 +/- 1.5 v 4.2 +/- 0.5 cm H2O/L/s; P < .01). This discrepancy was due to higher Raw in SNI. Indeed, at V of 1 L/s, Raw (mean +/- SEM) was significantly higher in SNI than in N (4.0 +/- 0.9 v 2.4 +/- 0.2 cm H2O/L/s; P < .001), whereas delta Rrs did not differ significantly. The increased Raw in SNI was due to the fact that these patients were therapeutically hyperventilated (PaCO2 = 30.4 +/- 4.2 mm Hg) and as a result their airways were bronchoconstricted. We conclude that in the intensive care unit setting, hyperventilated patients with severe neurological injury can not be considered to be adequate controls in terms of Rrs and Raw, because hypocapnia induces an increase of Raw and consequently also in Rrs (= Raw+delta Rrs).

[Pregnancy in rudimentary uterine horn: diagnostic and therapeutic difficulties]. / Grossesse sur corne utérine rudimentaire: difficultés diagnostiques et aspects thérapeutiques.

Ectopic pregnancy in a rudimentary uterine horn is extremely uncommon. Implantation of one embryo in the uterine cavity and of another in a rudimentary uterine horn is an extremely uncommon form of twin pregnancy. The authors report three cases of pregnancies in a rudimentary uterine horn. One was associated to a heterotopic pregnancy in the other eutrophic horn. Through these three cases, they report the risks incurred and the difficulties of the assumption of responsibility of this type of pathology, on the diagnostic as well as therapeutic level. But generally underline the interest of echography especially endovaginale and the coelioscopy in the early diagnosis of this type of uterine malformation.

[Amniotic adhesions. A case report]. / Maladie des brides amniotiques. A propos d'un cas.

Amniotic adhesions occur in a wide variety of foetal malformations and can involve the limbs, the cranio-caudal region and the trunk. They usually occur after premature rupture of the aminos membranes. We report a case of amniotic adhesions diagnosed late at 37 weeks gestation.

[Delivery of large baby after cesarean section: role of trial of labor. Apropos of 355 cases]. / Accouchement du gros bébé sur utérus cicatriciel : la place de l'épreuve utérine.

OBJECTIVE: Our goal is to determine whether a trial of labor in women with suspected fetal macrosomia would be a valuable alternative to elective repeat cesarean. MATERIAL: and methods: Based on retrospective analysis of 355 women with previous cesarean section who delivered macrosomic infants (> or =4,000g), we tried to determine the impact of fetal weight on a trial of labor. The outcomes of trial of labor with fetal macrosomia were compared on the one hand to those of elective repeat cesarean and on the other hand to those of trial of labor with normal birth weight (<4,000g). RESULTS: The trial of labor was conducted in 297 cases (83,7%), and had led to vaginal birth in 189 cases (63,6%). There were 4 uterine ruptures (1,3%) and 8 uterine dehiscences (2,7%) among the women who underwent a trial of labor. In this group, there were 4 perinatal deaths (1,3%) related in one case to uterine rupture, and 2 brachial plexus injuries related to shoulder dystocia after vaginal birth. Perinatal and maternal outcomes of trial of labor were similar to those of elective repeat cesarean. A trial of labor was more associated with scar separations and lower success rate if the infant weighed 4,000g or more. CONCLUSIONS: It appears that the use of trial of labor for delivery of large baby with prior cesarean section was associated with lower success rate and the maternal and fetal risks could be increased. However, carefully others controlled studies are necessary to establish the appropriate management in this setting.

[Pelvic lymphocele: report of a case and review of the literature]. / Lymphocèle pelvienne: un diagnostic à ne pas méconnaître! A propas d'un cas et revue de la littérature

Lymphadenectomy for pelvic cancer can lead to complications, particularly lymphocele. We report a case of pelvic lymphocele, which occurred in a patient who underwent surgery for stage IIa cervical carcinoma after preoperative radiotherapy. The intervention consisted in colpohysterectomy, with lymphadenectomy without peritonisation. Five months later she developed dysuria and pelvic pain. Ultrasound and computed tomography showed a pelvic lymphocele complicated by renal insufficiency. Kidney function was re-established after intraperitoneal marsupialisation. One year later the patient was in good clinical condition with no disorder of kidney function.

[Severe neonatal myasthenia with arthrogryposis]. / Myasthénie néonatale sévère avec arthrogrypose: à propos d'un cas et revue de la littérature.

Maternal myasthenia gravis has been associated with the presence of neonatal myasthania and sometimes fetal congenital anomalies. The purpose of this paper is to present an infant with multiple deformations born to a mother with myasthenia gravis. The infant presented with arthrogryposis multiplex and pulmonary hypoplasia. The new born died within the first day of life. Twenty-seven other cases of neonatal myasthenia with arthrogryposis have been reported. Twenty-two of them were stillborn or died. The surviving children needed ventilatory assistance for a long period.

[Subcapsular hematoma of the liver. Six cases and review of the literature]. / Hématome sous-capsulaire du foie. A propos de 6 cas et revue de la littérature.

Defined as a blood collection under the Glisson capsule, the subcapsular haematoma of liver is a rare complication of pre-eclampsia. We observed 6 cases of subcapsular haematoma of the liver in the Gynaecology-Obstetrics ward of the Ibnou Rochd University Hospital in Casablanca, Morocco. Age range was 18 to 39 years. Five of the patients were multiparous. All except one had at least one sign of pre-eclampsia. The diagnosis was made post-partum in 5 cases and was only confirmed intra-operatively in 6 cases. The treatment was tamponing-drainage of the peritoneal cavity in 3 cases, ligature of the hepatic artery in 2, and in one case with rupture of the liver, no therapy could be performed. There were 3 maternal deaths and 2 foetal deaths. These results were compared with those in the literature to determine the epidemiologic, diagnostic, therapeutic and prognostic characteristics of the subcapsular haematoma of the liver. The prognosis is poor and requires early diagnosis and treatment. Effective prevention of this severe complication should be based on correct screening and care for pregnant patients with hypertension.

[Mammary tuberculosis: a series of 14 cases]. / Tuberculose mammaire.

OBJECTIVES: We examined cases of mammary tuberculosis in order to determine the different modes of presentation and analyze diagnostic difficulties. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 14 cases of mammary tuberculosis treated at the Ibn Rochd University Hospital in Casablanca over a 16 year period. RESULTS: Patient age ranged from 16 to 65 years. Contact with a contaminated person was recognized in 2 cases. The predominant clinical presentation was a tumor formation (12 cases) which sometimes simulated cancer. Axillary nodes were observed in 10 cases with 1 case of fistulization. Mammography suggested cancer in 3 cases. The diagnosis of mammary tuberculosis was based on pathology findings in 14 cases (2 biopsies, 12 peroperative specimens) and isolation of bacilli from pus in one case. Medical treatment was given. Surgery was associated as needed (abscess drainage, residual lesions). Except for one death due to tuberculous meningoencephalitis, clinical course was favorable with ad integrun breast recovery. DISCUSSION: Mammary tuberculosis is uncommon and often produces a pseudoneoplastic presentation. Pathology confirmation is required for diagnosis.

[Phyllodes tumors of the breast. Forty one cases]. / Tumeurs phyllodes du sein. A propos de 41 cas.

Phyllode tumors of the breast are fibroepithelial tumors similar to fibroadenomas but with a predominant conjunctive tissue component. The aim of this work was to determine the specific diagnostic, therapeutic and prognostic features of this tumor. A retrospective series of 41 cases was collected in the gynecology-obstetrics ward from 1980 to 1991. The analysis of this series showed the following characteristics: incidence of phyllode tumors was 0.46% of all breast tumors. Mean age at diagnosis was 30 years, in 75.6% of the women were in a period of reproductive activity. Mean delay between the first clinical signs and diagnosis was 20 months. Mean size was 12 cm Diagnosis was confirmed at pathology examination in all cases. The tumor was classed grade 1 and 2 in 65.9% of the cases, grade 3 in 9.8%, grade 4 in 17.1%. Surgical treatment alone was used in all cases with large tumorectomy (48%), simple mastectomy (30%), and total mastectomy with node dissection (22%). After a follow-up of 1 to 7 years, there were 3 deaths and 11 local recurrences requiring reoperation. In the remaining cases, the outcome was favorable without recurrence or metastasis. These results together with those reported in the literature show that histological confirmation is required for the diagnosis of phyllode tumors. Surgical treatment alone is required with wide exeresis because of the voluminous tumor formation the age of the patient and the histological grade. Finally, prognosis depends on the histological characteristics of the conjunctive tissue component of the tumors.