Environmental control of terpene emissions from Cistus monspeliensis L. in natural Mediterranean shrublands.

The large amount of volatile organic compound (VOC) emitted by vegetation modifies air quality contributing to both tropospheric ozone and secondary organic aerosol production. A better understanding of the factors controlling VOC emissions by vegetation is mandatory in order to improve emission estimates derived from tropospheric chemistry models. Although the Mediterranean shrublands are particularly abundant and rich in emitting species, their emission potential is poorly known. Focusing on a VOC-emitting shrub species widespread in the Mediterranean area (Cistus monspeliensis L.), we measured and analysed its emissions of terpenes taking into account the age of individuals, the season of sampling and the soil type. Sampling was done under natural environmental conditions. Species of the genus Cistus are frequently reported to be storing species, although we found only one stored monoterpene and three sesquiterpenes in very low amount. Major emitted compounds were alpha-pinene and beta-myrcene. Total terpene emissions were not influenced by plant age but emission of some individual terpenes was positively correlated with age. A strong seasonal effect was evidenced. A larger amount of terpenes was emitted during spring and summer than during fall and winter. Summer emission rates were nearly 70 times higher than winter emission rates. Total and individual terpene emissions were influenced by soil type; emissions on siliceous substrate were ca. seven times higher than those on calcareous substrate. In conclusion, it appears clearly that environmental factors such as soil nature and season should be taken into account in order to achieve improved modelling of terpene emissions by shrub species.

[Computerized tomography and preoperative evaluation of cancers of the esophagus. Apropos of 54 anatomo-radiological comparisons]. / Tomodensitométrie et bilan préchirurgical des cancers de l'oesophage. A propos de 54 confrontations anatomo-radiologiques.

The authors report their experience in the study of esophageal carcinoma before surgery by CT. Computed tomography is essential to establish the local extension of the tumor process and thus to allow a better therapeutic management.

[Severe arterial complications of radiosurgical treatment of uterine cancer. Apropos of 7 cases]. / Complications artérielles graves des traitements radiochirurgicaux des cancers de l'utérus. A propos de 7 cas.

Complications in 7 of 350 patients receiving radio-surgical treatment of uterine cancer were severe hemorrhages from a large pelvic arterial trunk. The often complex clinical aspects and therapeutic conduct are discussed, as well as etiological factors of these accidents. These complications are more likely to occur in patients with large, secondary infected tumors treated by extensive and difficult surgery (enlarged lymphadenocolpophysterectomy) and high dose radiotherapy. They are provoked by necrotizing arteritis lesions for which the most effective hemostatic procedure is ligature of the trunk involved, the emergency situation usually excluding a more sophisticated embolization technique. The problem of revascularization of the lower limbs may then arise, for which only an extrafocal bypass appears possible. These hemorrhagic complications could be prevented perhaps by certain precautions during therapy.

[Gas dissection of the vertebral body or the vertebral intrasomatic space phenomenon. Physiopathological arguments]. / La dissection gazeuse du corps vertébral ou phénomène du vide intrasomatique vertébral. Arguments physiopathologiques.

Some features concerning the ischemic origin of the gaseous dissection of the vertebral body and the physiopathology of the necrose, are considered in the adult: --in the way, the anterior topography of vaccum phenomenon is on the model of the arterial distribution in the vertebral body, implying ischemic origin of gaseous dissection; --further, two cases of intravertebral vaccum cleft, noticed after minor trauma, suggest the major role of fractures at the origin of ischemia.

[Early diagnosis of staphylococcic infection in epidural space : radiologic contribution (author's transl)]. / Diagnostic précoce d'une épidurite staphylococcique. Apport de la radiologie.

Infection of the épidural space was demonstrated on clinic (cauda equina compression) and radiology. Three investigations are considered and compared : Dimer X radiculography, lumbar phlebography, duroliopaque myelography. The transfemoral arcending lumbar catheterization of the epidural veins precise the compression by staphylococcic external pachymeningitis. No liquid is introduced in cerebro spinal fluid : there is not risk of infectious arachnoiditis. Myelography with positive contrast (duroliopaque: ethyl monoiodostearate) is much attractive but it is a procedure not easy to perform, even badly tolerated by the patient. For these reasons the lumbar phlebography, easily performed, can be realised in first intention.

[Gastric mucosa and anti-inflammatory agents. A comparative study by fibroscopy]. / Muqueuse gastrique et anti-inflammatories Etude comparative par fibroscopie.

A comparison was made between the gastroduodenal lesions observed by fibroscopy in a group of 47 patients treated with anti-inflammatory drugs for rheumatic conditions and a group of 50 controls. All patients had clinical symptoms of the stomach or duodenum. A statistical study show that the two groups were similar as regards age, sex and clinical signs. Besides ulcers the gastroduodenal lesions were acute and/or chronic. Among acute gastritis forms distinction is made between superficial, muco-erosive and haemorrhagic gastritis. The study showed the very high frequency of lesions of acute gastritis in rheumatic patients, especially of the antral and muco-erosive types, whereas the incidence of gastroduodenal ulcers was no higher than in the controles. An important finding is that acute gastritis is not favoured by pre-existing chronic gastritis.