Non-invasive microwave multifrequency radiometry used in microwave hyperthermia for bidimensional reconstruction of temperature patterns.

Microwave radiometry, used routinely since 1984 for non-invasive temperature measurements during hyperthermia sessions for superficial tumours treatment has proven its efficiency for temperature control. From radiometric temperature measurements in two frequency ranges (around 1 and 3 GHz) and superficial (or cutaneous) temperature measurements achieved during hyperthermia sessions, a numerical method to obtain the two-dimensional thermal profile has been developed and implemented. This method is based on hyperthermia simulation from the bioheat equation, the absorbed microwave power calculation in the medium taking into account the radiative diagram of the applicator, and the calculation of radiometric temperatures. From these experimental measurements (radiometric and superficial temperatures, heating power, dielectric and thermal characteristics), a program to determine the bidimensional distribution of temperature during the hyperthermia session has been developed, tested and used during and after clinical treatments.

Development of controlled Nd:YAG laser for medical applications.

Several medical fields are concerned with applications of thermal lasers such as neodymium-doped, yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG), argon, and CO2. However, quantification of the necrotic volume of Nd:YAG laser-induced damage is not possible at the time of treatment. Mathematic models and feedback control can help to optimize Nd:YAG laser treatments. We therefore formulated mathematic models for coagulation processes and developed an intelligent Nd:YAG laser system with closed-loop feedback control. Surface temperature evolution proved to be valuable data for real-time control of coagulation and ablation. Infrared thermometry provided the noncontact measurement of temperature. A computer stored the temperature data calculated by the mathematic model. Deviations of surface temperature during the treatment beyond established tolerances causes the Nd:YAG laser system to adjust the laser power automatically.

Thermal effects of lasers on dental tissues.

The thermal effects of Nd:YAG, argon, and CO2 laser beams are observed on enamel, dentin, and dental pulp by means of computerized infrared thermography and thermocouple. This study shows that the Nd:YAG laser beam deeply diffuses through the enamel and dentin to the pulp. The argon laser effects are inconsistent depending on whether the enamel surface is cleaned, but after cleaning, the superficial and deep temperatures are low. With the CO2 laser, the enamel and dentin surfaces reach very high temperatures, but only low temperatures are measured in the pulp chamber.

[Processing of cephalometry: Delaire's architectural and structural analysis]. / Traitement de la céphalométrie. Application à l'analyse architecturale et structurale de Delaire.

This work purpose a performing system for the Cephalometry: Cephor a software for Delaire's analysis. From a radiography, we draw outlines on graphic tablet. Following in a short time, we obtain results: precise diagnosis permitting to establish a care plan. This care plan is indicated on the screen where we can simulate correction from a choised therapeutic (osteotomy for example). Moreover, this soft ware allows to survey numerically and graphically a treatment, allows to use others methods (Tweed, Ricketts, Steiner). Technological advantages rest on a hard gain of time and a precision gain. The large handiness of this system allows reproducible measures easily. Therefore, we own with this software an improvement and a performing system.

Raman studies of structural rearrangements induced in human plasma lipoprotein carotenoids by malondialdehyde.

Raman and resonance Raman spectra of plasma lipoproteins +/- malondialdehyde were studied at concentrations which block the normal receptor-mediated uptake by cells. The strong resonance Raman bands at about 1010, 1162 and 1530 cm-1, due to the presence of carotenoids in the lipoproteins, are envisaged as structural probes. High resolution resonance Raman spectra of the 1500-1600 cm-1 region reveal multiple features suggesting the coexistence of several structural populations of beta-carotene whose precise assignment is complex. When plasma lipoproteins are reacted with malondialdehyde, a complex change occurs in the resonance Raman banding of beta-carotene in the 1500-1600 cm-1 region. Malonaldehyde (MDA) also modifies the acoustical region (70-200 cm-1 of low density lipoprotein (LDL) lipids. We suggest that malondialdehyde association with plasma lipoproteins alters the lipid structure via apoprotein or apoprotein/lipid associations.

Resonance Raman spectra of beta-carotene in native and modified low-density lipoprotein.

Low-density lipoproteins isolated between density 1.02 and 1.063 g/cm3 from normal fasting human plasma, show strong resonance Raman spectra due to the presence of beta-carotene. Three intense bands, at 1010, 1160 and 1530 cm-1, are assigned to the stretching vibrations of -C-CH3, = C-C = and -C = C- bonds, respectively, of beta-carotene. High-resolution spectra of the 1500-1600 cm-1 region reveal multiple features, suggesting the coexistence of several structural populations of beta-carotene. The modifications of lipoproteins with pH and temperature (30 degrees-42 degrees) change the resonance Raman spectra of beta-carotene. The specific binding of LDL at pH 7.0 by fibroblast cells is suppressed. Our experiments thus suggest that physical and chemical perturbations of plasma lipoproteins modify the lipid-protein interactions and thereby alter the configurational distribution of beta-carotene molecules within these particles.

Noncompetitive enzyme-linked immunoassay for apolipoprotein B in serum.

We used a noncompetitive enzyme-linked immunoassay to measure apolipoprotein B (apo-B) concentration in human plasma. Goat anti-lipoprotein B immunoglobulins were adsorbed to the surface of polystyrene balls. After washing, this solid-phase antibody was incubated with antigen (plasma from normal or hyperlipoproteinemic fasting subjects), washed, and then incubated with peroxidase-labeled goat anti-lipoprotein B IgG. After a last washing, we measured the bound label, which provided a direct measurement of the antigen. Under optimized assay conditions, the minimum detectable concentration was 50 ng per assay. The assay may be used to measure apo-B in different lipoprotein fractions (low- or very-low-density) and yields values that compared favorably with those obtained by electroimmunoassay (r = 0.86). The assay offers several advantages over existing techniques: sensitivity, specificity, simplicity, avoidance of radioisotopes, and potential for use with monoclonal antibodies.

Automatic diluter for bacteriological samples.

The described apparatus, carrying 190 tubes, allows automatic and aseptic dilution of liquid or suspended-solid samples. Serial 10-fold dilutions are programmable from 10(-1) to 10(-9) and are carried out in glass tubes with screw caps and split silicone septa. Dilution assays performed with strains of Escherichia coli and Bacillus stearothermophilus permitted efficient conditions for sterilization of the needle to be defined and showed that the automatic dilutions were as accurate and as reproducible as the most rigorous conventional dilutions.

Simultaneous measurement of plasma apolipoproteins A-I and B by electroimmunoassay.

We describe a simplified electroimmunoassay for quantification of human apolipoproteins A-I and B on prepared plates. A solution of agarose at 55 degrees C, containing hydroxyethylcellulose and antibodies, is poured onto a plastic film and allowed to gel. Wells are punched in the gels and the plates are dried for storage. Before use, they are rehydrated and buffered. We use succinylated Sudan Black to prestain lipoprotein fractions of plasma. After electrophoresing samples of plasma or standards for 3 h at 4 degrees C at 12.5 V/cm, we measure the peak heights and read the results from a standard curve prepared by using calibrated sera of known apolipoprotein B and A-I content as secondary standard. The within- and between-assay coefficients of variation were less than 4% in all cases. Results correlated well with those obtained by classic electroimmunodiffusion. Subjects with confirmed atherosclerotic lesions had significantly (p less than 10(-9)) lower ratios of apolipoprotein A-I to apolipoprotein B, compared with ratios in controls.

[Development of elastin of human aortas during ontogenesis]. / Evolution de l'élastine d'aortes humaines au cours de l'ontogénèse

The formation of the elastic fiber was followed up in nine human aortas from foetus or newborn. During this period of ontogenesis an evolution of the elastic residue with increasing age was observed. There was a decrease in the association of structural glycoproteins or microfibrils with elastin. The insolubility of elastin increased with age, together with the increasing crosslinkage of the fiber, characterized by the ratio (sum of desmosines/lysine).