Experimental and theoretical investigation of 2D nanoplatelet-based conversion layers for color LED microdisplays.

In the field of augmented reality, there is a need for very bright color microdisplays to meet the user specifications. Today, one of the most promising technology to manufacture such displays involves a blue micro-LED technology and quantum dots-based color conversion layers. Despite recent progress, the external power conversion efficiencies (EPCE) of these layers remain under ∼25%, below the needs (>40%) to reach a white luminance of 100,000 cd/m2. In this work, we have synthesized CdSexS1-x nanoplatelet-based conversion layers for red and green conversion, and measured their absorption properties and EPCE performances with respect to layer thickness. On this basis, a model was developed that reliably predicts the layer EPCE while using only few input data, namely the layer absorption coefficients and the photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of color photoresist. It brings a new insight into the conversion process at play at a micro-LED level and provides a simple method for extensive optimization of conversion materials. Finally, this study highlights the outstanding red conversion efficiency of photoresist layers made of core-double shell CdSexS1-x nanoplatelets with 31% EPCE (45% external PLQY) for 8 µm-thick conversion layer.

sRAGE alleviates neutrophilic asthma by blocking HMGB1/RAGE signalling in airway dendritic cells.

Receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) plays a role in inflammatory reactions. The soluble form of RAGE (sRAGE) acts as a decoy to inhibit interactions of RAGE with advanced glycation end products such as High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1). We have demonstrated that HMGB1 directs Th17 skewing by regulating dendritic cell (DC) functions in a previous study. However, the protective effects of HMGB1 blockade with sRAGE in the development of neutrophilic asthma remain unclear. Here, we showed that allergen challenge decreased expression of sRAGE in a murine model of neutrophilic asthma, correlating well with neutrophil counts and interleukin (IL)-17 production. When HMGB1 signalling was blocked by intratracheal administration of sRAGE before sensitisation, HMGB1 expression, neutrophilic inflammation, and Th17-type responses were reduced significantly. Anti-asthma effects of sRAGE were achieved by inhibition of RAGE and IL-23 expression in airway CD11c+ antigen-presenting cells. Finally, we showed that sRAGE inhibited Th17 polarisation induced by recombinant HMGB1 (rHMGB1)-activated dendritic cells (DCs) in vitro. Adoptive transfer of rHMGB1-activated DCs was sufficient to restore airway inflammation, whereas transfer of rHMGB1 plus sRAGE-activated DCs significantly reduced neutrophilic inflammation. Thus, sRAGE prevents Th17-mediated airway inflammation in neutrophilic asthma at least partly by blocking HMGB1/RAGE signalling in DCs.

Adenosine Triphosphate Promotes Allergen-Induced Airway Inflammation and Th17 Cell Polarization in Neutrophilic Asthma.

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is a key mediator to alert the immune dysfunction by acting on P2 receptors. Here, we found that allergen challenge caused an increase of ATP secretion in a murine model of neutrophilic asthma, which correlated well with neutrophil counts and interleukin-17 production. When ATP signaling was blocked by intratracheal administration of the ATP receptor antagonist suramin before challenge, neutrophilic airway inflammation, airway hyperresponsiveness, and Th17-type responses were reduced significantly. Also, neutrophilic inflammation was abrogated when airway ATP levels were locally neutralized using apyrase. Furthermore, ATP promoted the Th17 polarization of splenic CD4+ T cells from DO11.10 mice in vitro. In addition, ovalbumin (OVA) challenge induced neutrophilic inflammation and Th17 polarization in DO11.10 mice, whereas administration of suramin before challenge alleviated these parameters. Thus, ATP may serve as a marker of neutrophilic asthma, and local blockade of ATP signaling might provide an alternative method to prevent Th17-mediated airway inflammation in neutrophilic asthma.

The pulmonary nodule "discovered" by pneumonia: a case report.

The number of patients diagnosed with pulmonary nodules increased as more patients with high risk of lung cancer choose low-dose computed tomography (CT) scans for the screening of cancer. Clinicians might get two questions from the patients: what is the definite diagnosis of the nodule? What should we do? We have already got many guidelines trying to solve these problems. There are also several prediction models for pulmonary nodules. However, guidelines are not suitable for all types of patients, and the reality of patients is more complicated. Here we reported a 58-year-old man with a lung nodule in the right upper lobe, which was occasionally found during a period of pneumonia. We suggested two periods of follow-up, and the patient was also admitted to a clinical trial about circulating tumor cells (CTCs). He finally accepted surgical excision with a pathologic diagnosis of adenocarcinoma. This case suggests that: we might suggest CT surveillance for patients with solid nodules about 8 mm maximum diameter; three-dimensional reconstruction of CT scans could provide more information about the details of nodules; CTCs counts of peripheral blood could be considered as a potential clue for malignancy.

Recurrent "pneumonia" in left lower lobe lasting for 8 years: a case report.

Bronchioloalveolar carcinoma (BAC) is a unique lung neoplasm with variable forms, such as single nodular, multifocal and lobar pneumonic types. The pneumonic type BAC is often difficult to differentiate from pneumonia. Here we present a case of 63-year-old Chinese male, who had recurrent cough, white sputum with pneumonic lesions in left lower lobe. He suffered from lung biopsies for three times, and finally diagnosed as high differentiated adenocarcinoma 8 years later. He was treated with four cycles of pemetrexed and cisplatin, and four cycles of docetaxel and nedaplatin. However, he did not achieve disease stabilization and is still under follow up. This case suggests that, pneumonic type adenocarcinoma may radiographically and clinically resemble infectious pneumonia. Lack of fever and leukocytosis, no response to antibiotics, air bronchogram, and accompanied nodules or patches in computed tomography (CT) scans should raise suspicion about the diagnosis of pneumonia. Lung biopsy might be the only means of ruling in a diagnosis of BAC.

Towards microfluidic reactors for in situ synchrotron infrared studies.

Anodically bonded etched silicon microfluidic devices that allow infrared spectroscopic measurement of solutions are reported. These extend spatially well-resolved in situ infrared measurement to higher temperatures and pressures than previously reported, making them useful for effectively time-resolved measurement of realistic catalytic processes. A data processing technique necessary for the mitigation of interference fringes caused by multiple reflections of the probe beam is also described.

Anti-HMGB1 neutralizing antibody ameliorates neutrophilic airway inflammation by suppressing dendritic cell-mediated Th17 polarization.

We demonstrate that high mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1) directs Th17 skewing by regulating dendritic cell (DC) function. First, our in vitro studies reveal that recombinant HMGB1 (rHMGB1) activates myeloid DCs to produce IL-23 in vitro, and rHMGB1-activated DCs prime naïve lymphocytes to produce the Th17 cytokine IL-17A. Second, we demonstrate that anti-HMGB1 neutralizing antibody attenuates HMGB1 expression, neutrophilic inflammation, airway hyperresponsiveness, and Th17-related cytokine secretion in vivo by using a murine model of neutrophilic asthma induced by ovalbumin (OVA) plus lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Furthermore, anti-HMGB1 neutralizing antibody decreases the number of Th17 cells in lung cells and suppresses the production of IL-23 by lung CD11C(+) APCs. Finally, we show that intranasal adoptive transfer of rHMGB1-activated DCs was sufficient to restore lung neutrophilic inflammation and the Th17 response in a DC-driven model of asthma, whereas the transfer of rHMGB1 plus anti-HMGB1-treated mDCs significantly reduced these inflammation phenotypes. These data suggest, for the first time, that HMGB1 drives the DC-polarized Th17-type response in allergic lung inflammation and that blocking HMGB1 may benefit the attenuation of neutrophilic airway inflammation in asthma.

Growth inhibition by novel liposomes including trehalose surfactant against hepatocarcinoma cells along with apoptosis.

Novel liposomes composed of L-α-dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) and trehalose surfactant (DMTreCn) were produced by the method of sonication in buffer solution. The thickness of fixed aqueous layer of DMTreCn was larger than that of DMPC liposomes and increased in a dose-dependent manner. The remarkable inhibitory effects of DMTreCn on the growth of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (Hep-G2 and HuH-7) cells were obtained along with apoptosis, without affecting the growth of normal cells. DMTreCn induced apoptosis of Hep-G2 and HuH-7 cells through the activation of caspase-3, 8 and 9. Release of cytochrome c from mitochondria and activation of Bcl-2 family protein (BAX) were recorded, indicating that DMTreCn induced apoptosis of Hep-G2 and HuH-7 cells through mitochondrial pathway via BAX. It is noteworthy that the remarkable inhibitory effects of DMTreCn on the growth of human HCC cells were obtained along with apoptosis for the first time.

Análisis de los factores que influyen en la pérdida hemática en la nefrolitotomía percutánea: registro de la Asociación Española de Urología sobre la posición supina / Analysis of the Factors Affecting Blood Loss in Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy: A Registry of the Spanish Association of Urology in the Supine Position

Objetivo: La nefrolitotomía percutánea (NLP) es la técnica mínimamente invasiva de elección para el tratamiento de la litiasis renal mayor de 2 cm. El objetivo de este estudio es analizar los diferentes factores que influyen en el descenso de hemoglobina durante el procedimiento, realizado en posición supina. Material y métodos: Realizamos un estudio prospectivo multicéntrico observacional de la nefrolitotomía percutánea en posición supina, basado en el registro de la AEU. Se estudian los diferentes factores que influyen en el descenso de hemoglobina: datos demográficos y antropométricos, comorbilidad asociada, localización y tamaño de la litiasis, variantes anatómicas y aspectos técnicos del procedimiento. Resultados: Desde septiembre de 2008 hasta diciembre de 2012 se han registrado 397 NLP en posición supina, realizadas en 15 centros españoles. El descenso medio de hemoglobina fue 2,3 ± 1,5 g/dl y la tasa de transfusión de 5,5%. No hubo diferencias significativas en el descenso de hemoglobina entre varones y mujeres, IMC ni por grupos de edad. Tampoco existen diferencias entre los pacientes con antecedentes cardiovasculares, diabetes, HTA o tratamiento anticoagulante. El tamaño y la localización de la litiasis no influyen de forma significativa en la pérdida hemática. La duración del procedimiento (> o < 120 min), técnica de punción (ecografía, fluoroscopia), el tipo de dilatación del trayecto percutáneo (Alken, balón o Amplatz) y la ausencia de catéter de nefrostomía final (tubeless) no afectaron al descenso de hemoglobina. Únicamente el número de trayectos percutáneos (≥ 2) y el acceso a través de un cáliz medio tuvieron repercusión estadísticamente significativa en la pérdida hemática (p = 0,03 y p = 0,01 respectivamente) (AU)

Conclusiones: La NLP en posición supina es un procedimiento mínimamente invasivo para el tratamiento de litiasis renales múltiples y de gran tamaño (> 2 cm), que implica escasa pérdida hemática, con mínima tasa de transfusión de hemoderivados. Los únicos factores relacionados con mayor descenso de hemoglobina fueron el número de accesos percutáneos y la localización del trayecto en el cáliz medio (AU)

Objective: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is the minimally invasive procedure of choice for removing renal stones larger than 2 cm. This study has aimed to identify the different variables that might influence decrease of hemoglobin during the surgery performed in supine position. Material and methods: A prospective, multicenter, observational study of supine PCNL, based on the Spanish Association of Urology database, was analyzed. The different preoperative and postoperative factors that might affect the decrease of hemoglobin were assessed: demographics and anthropometric data, comorbidities, size and location of the stones, anatomical variants and technical aspects of the procedure. Results: From September 2008 to December 2012, 397 supine PCNL procedures performed in 15 Spanish centers were registered. Mean hemoglobin decrease was 2.3 ± 1.5 g/dl and overall blood transfusion rate was 5.5%. No statistically significant differences were found between genders, body mass index (BMI) and age in terms of blood loss. There were also no differences between patients with cardiovascular, hypertensive, diabetic and anticoagulant treatment background. Blood loss was not significantly influenced by stone size and location. Technical aspects of the procedure as operative time (> 120 min ≤), access to the pelvi-caliceal system (ultrasound, fluoroscopy), percutaneous tract dilation technique (Alken, balloon or Amplatz) or placement of nephrostomy (tube versus tubeless) were not associated with differences in pre-op/post-op hemoglobin. Only multiple percutaneous tracts (≥ 2) and middle calix access were statistically significantly (P = 0.03 and P = 0.01) related with less blood loss (AU)

Conclusions: PCNL in supine position is a minimally invasive procedure for removal of large (≥ 2 cm) and multiple renal stones, with a low incidence of blood loss and minimal transfusion rate. Multiple percutaneous tracts and middle calix puncture were the only statistically significant variables associated with decrease in hemoglobin levels (AU)

Analysis of the factors affecting blood loss in percutaneous nephrolithotomy: a registry of the Spanish Association of Urology in the supine position.

OBJECTIVE: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is the minimally invasive procedure of choice for removing renal stones larger than 2 cm. This study has aimed to identify the different variables that might influence decrease of hemoglobin during the surgery performed in supine position. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective, multicenter, observational study of supine PCNL, based on the Spanish Association of Urology database, was analyzed. The different preoperative and postoperative factors that might affect the decrease of hemoglobin were assessed: demographics and anthropometric data, comorbidities, size and location of the stones, anatomical variants and technical aspects of the procedure. RESULTS: From September 2008 to December 2012, 397 supine PCNL procedures performed in 15 Spanish centers were registered. Mean hemoglobin decrease was 2.3±1.5 g/dl and overall blood transfusion rate was 5.5%. No statistically significant differences were found between genders, body mass index (BMI) and age in terms of blood loss. There were also no differences between patients with cardiovascular, hypertensive, diabetic and anticoagulant treatment background. Blood loss was not significantly influenced by stone size and location. Technical aspects of the procedure as operative time (> 120 min ≤), access to the pelvi-caliceal system (ultrasound, fluoroscopy), percutaneous tract dilation technique (Alken, balloon or Amplatz) or placement of nephrostomy (tube versus tubeless) were not associated with differences in pre-op/post-op hemoglobin. Only multiple percutaneous tracts (≥2) and middle calix access were statistically significantly (P=.03 and P=.01) related with less blood loss. CONCLUSIONS: PCNL in supine position is a minimally invasive procedure for removal of large (≥2 cm) and multiple renal stones, with a low incidence of blood loss and minimal transfusion rate. Multiple percutaneous tracts and middle calix puncture were the only statistically significant variables associated with decrease in hemoglobin levels.

Novel liposomes composed of dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine and trehalose surfactants inhibit the growth of tumor cells along with apoptosis.

Novel liposomes composed of L-α-dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) and trehalose surfactant (DMTre) were produced and inhibitory effects of DMTre on the growth of human colon carcinoma (HCT116) and gastric carcinoma (MKN45) in vitro were examined. The remarkably high inhibitory effects of DMTre on the growth of HCT116 and MKN45 cells were obtained without affecting the growth of normal cells. The thickness of fixed aqueous layer of DMTre was larger than that of DMPC liposomes and increased in a dose-dependent manner. The induction of apoptosis by DMTre was revealed on the basis of flow cytometric analysis. DMTre induced apoptosis through the activation of caspases and mitochondria via Bax. It is noteworthy that remarkable inhibitory effects of DMTre on the growth of human colon and gastric carcinoma cells leading to apoptosis were obtained for the first time.

El aprendizaje de la nefrolitectomía percutánea en posición supina. Estudio observacional multicéntrico / Learning of percutaneous nephrolithotomy in supine position. An observational multicenter study

Objetivo: Estudiar prospectivamente los resultados operatorios y las complicaciones de la nefrolitectomía percutánea (NLP) en posición supina para valorar la dificultad de su aprendizaje y cómo afecta la experiencia a los resultados. Establecer una comparación relativa con los datos publicados en la literatura acerca de la posición en prono. Material y métodos: Estudio prospectivo observacional multicéntrico sobre NLP en posición de Valdivia o en su variante de Galdácano. Se recogen variables demográficas y variables específicas dependientes de la litiasis. Se valoran aspectos técnicos, tiempo quirúrgico, tasa de éxito y complicaciones según la clasificación de Clavien-Dindo. Resultados: Desde septiembre de 2008 a junio de 2011 se han registrado 335 NLP en posición supina realizadas en 13 centros españoles. La proporción hombre/mujer fue 1:1,28 y la edad media 51,3 + 14,5 años; 211 (63%) casos fueron realizados por urólogos con experiencia de > 50 casos y 124 (37%) por urólogos con menos experiencia. El tiempo operatorio medio fue 113,3±46,4min, 106,6±38,2 en experimentados vs. 124,9±56,2 en noveles (p<0,002). No se detectó diferencia en el tamaño medio de la litiasis, pero en el grupo con experiencia se trató una mayor proporción de casos coraliformes y de litiasis múltiples que en el grupo novel (p<0,001). La tasa de éxito evaluada como ausencia total de restos litiásicos fue 69,6%, sin diferencias entre grupos (68,2 vs. 71,8%). En 102 (30,6%) pacientes hubo litiasis residual, precisando tratamiento complementario 60 (17,9%). La tasa relativa de éxito global fue 82,1% y la tasa de complicaciones 25,4%, sin detectarse diferencias entre grupos. No obstante, el grupo novel presentó mayor número de complicaciones mayores (p>0,001). Conclusión: La NLP en supino está teniendo una rápida y consolidada difusión en nuestro entorno, y su efectividad y seguridad parece equivalente a la descrita en la literatura para la NLP en prono. Resulta posible conseguir buenos resultados con una modesta curva de aprendizaje. La tasa de complicaciones mayores asociadas al procedimiento disminuye con la experiencia (AU)

Objective: To prospectively study the post-operative results and complications of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) in supine position to assess difficulty of learning it and how experience affects the results. To establish a relative comparison with the data published in the literature on the prone position. Material and methods: A prospective observational multicenter study on PNL in Valdivia position or in its Galdakao variant was performed. Demographic variables and specific variables related to the lithiasis were collected. Technical aspects, surgery time, success rate and complications according to the Clavien-Dindo classifications were assessed. Results: A total of 335 PNL in supine position conducted in 13 Spanish centers were registered from September 2008 to June 2011. The man: woman ratio was 1:1.28 and mean age 51.3 + 14.5 years. 211 (63%) cases were performed by urologists with experience in > 50 cases and 124 (37%) by urologists with less experience. Mean operation time was 113.3±46.4min, 106.6±38.2 for the experienced ones vs. 124.9±56.2 in the novice ones (P<0.002). No difference was detected in the mean size of the lithiasis. However, in the experienced group, there was a greater proportion of coraliform cases and multiple lithiasis than in the novice group (P<0.001). Success rate evaluated as total absence of lithiasic residuals was 69.6%, without differences between groups (68.2 vs. 71.8%). In 102 (30.6%) patient had residual lithiasis and 60 (17,9%) required complementary treatment. Relative global success rate was 82.1% and complications rate 25.4%, without detecting differences between groups. However, the novel group had more major complications (P>0.001). Conclusion: The PNL in supine position is obtaining rapid and consolidated diffusion in our setting and its effectiveness and safety seems to be equivalent to that described in the literature for PNL in prone position. It is possible to obtain good results with a modest learning curve. The rate of greater complications associated to the procedure decreases with experience (AU)

[Learning of percutaneous nephrolithotomy in supine position. An observational multicenter study]. / El aprendizaje de la nefrolitectomía percutánea en posición supina. Estudio observacional multicéntrico.

OBJECTIVE: To prospectively study the post-operative results and complications of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) in supine position to assess difficulty of learning it and how experience affects the results. To establish a relative comparison with the data published in the literature on the prone position. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective observational multicenter study on PNL in Valdivia position or in its Galdakao variant was performed. Demographic variables and specific variables related to the lithiasis were collected. Technical aspects, surgery time, success rate and complications according to the Clavien-Dindo classifications were assessed. RESULTS: A total of 335 PNL in supine position conducted in 13 Spanish centers were registered from September 2008 to June 2011. The man:woman ratio was 1:1.28 and mean age 51.3+14.5 years. 211 (63%) cases were performed by urologists with experience in >50 cases and 124 (37%) by urologists with less experience. Mean operation time was 113.3 ± 46.4 min, 106.6 ± 38.2 for the experienced ones vs. 124.9 ± 56.2 in the novice ones (P<.002). No difference was detected in the mean size of the lithiasis. However, in the experienced group, there was a greater proportion of coraliform cases and multiple lithiasis than in the novice group (P<.001). Success rate evaluated as total absence of lithiasic residuals was 69.6%, without differences between groups (68.2 vs. 71.8%). In 102 (30.6%) patient had residual lithiasis and 60 (17,9%) required complementary treatment. Relative global success rate was 82.1% and complications rate 25.4%, without detecting differences between groups. However, the novel group had more major complications (P>.001). CONCLUSION: The PNL in supine position is obtaining rapid and consolidated diffusion in our setting and its effectiveness and safety seems to be equivalent to that described in the literature for PNL in prone position. It is possible to obtain good results with a modest learning curve. The rate of greater complications associated to the procedure decreases with experience.

Psychological distress and mental health service contact of unaccompanied asylum-seeking children.

BACKGROUND: Evidence is emerging that psychological problems, particularly symptoms of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, are more prevalent in unaccompanied asylum-seeking children (UASC) than their accompanied peers. However, little is known about help seeking and mental health service (MHS) utilization in this group, and how this relates to their psychological needs. This study aims to describe the level of psychological distress among a group of UASC and the pattern of MHS contact. METHOD: Socio-demographic data on 71 UASC residing in London was obtained and self-report questionnaires were completed regarding trauma events (Harvard Trauma Questionnaire), general psychological distress [Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ)], post-traumatic stress symptoms (Impact of Event Scale), depressive symptoms (Birleson Depression Self-Rating Scale for Children) and contact with MHS (Attitudes to Health and Services Questionnaire). RESULTS: UASC were mainly male (n = 48, 67.6%), Black African (n = 39, 54.9%) and their median age was 17 years (interquartile range = 15; 17). They had been living in the UK for a median of 18 months. Eight (11.3%) scored on the SDQ borderline/abnormal range for total symptoms, but this was 21 (29.6%) using the SDQ emotional subscale. Forty-seven (66.2%) were at high risk for post-traumatic stress disorder and nine (12.7%) at high risk for depressive disorder. Only 12 (17%) had MHS contact. Predictors of MHS contact were depressive symptoms and duration of time in the UK. CONCLUSIONS: UASC had a high level of emotional symptoms, especially post-traumatic stress symptoms. However, only a small proportion of UASC were in contact with MHS. This suggests a high level of MHS under-utilization, and reasons for this are discussed.

[Invasive aspergillosis after near-drowning: case reports and review of the literature].

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the clinical presentations and disease courses of invasive aspergillosis (IA) in patients after near-drowning. METHODS: The clinical data of 3 cases of invasive aspergillosis after near-drowning from Oct. 2005 to Aug. 2010 in this hospital were retrospectively analyzed, and the related literature was reviewed. RESULTS: There were 1 male and 2 female patients, aged from 18 to 72 years. All of them had been immunocompetent before drowning. Two patients drowned because of traffic accident, and 1 fell in sewage by accident. All of the 3 patients were intubated because of acute respiratory failure, and received broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy. One had transient leucopenia, and 2 patients received glucocorticoid therapy. The condition of the 3 cases deteriorated 9 to 11 days after near-drowning. Aspergillus was isolated from sputum samples of 2 patients at the same time. Thoracic CT findings included multiple nodules, consolidation and cavity formation. Multiple abscesses in cerebral parenchyma were found in 1 patient with invasive cerebral aspergillosis. One patient died, whose lungs, cerebral parenchyma, myocardium and kidney were all infected by aspergillus. The other 2 patients, whose infection limited to the lungs, had a positive prognosis. Using the terms "aspergillosis" and "near-drowning" a PUBMED search yielded 7 articles, published between 1984 and 2010. Using the terms "invasive pulmonary aspergillosis" and "near-drowning", searching Wangfang data and CHED data, encompass 1 article, published in 2009. In all of the 8 articles, there are 5 final diagnosis cases and 3 clinical diagnosis cases. CONCLUSIONS: IA was very rare in immunocompetent hosts but had been reported in previously healthy individuals after near-drowning. Aspergillosis might develop 1 to 2 weeks after near-drowning, and the prognosis was poor in patients with central nervous system involvement.

Diagnostic efficiency and complication rate of CT-guided lung biopsy: a single center experience of the procedures conducted over a 10-year period.

BACKGROUND: Computed tomography (CT)-guided transthoracic lung biopsy is a well-established technique for the diagnosis of pulmonary lesions. The objective of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic efficiency and complication rate of CT-guided lung biopsy in a Chinese population. METHODS: CT-guided cutting needle lung biopsies were performed in our institution on 1014 patients between January 2000 and October 2010. A chest radiograph was taken after the biopsy. Data about basic patient information, final diagnosis, and complications secondary to biopsy procedure (pneumothorax and bleeding) were extracted. RESULTS: The diagnostic efficiency of CT-guided lung biopsy was 94.8%; only 53 patients did not get a final diagnosis from lung biopsy. Final diagnoses found 639 malignant lesions (63.0%) and 322 benign lesions (31.8%). Pneumothorax occurred in 131 patients and 15 required insertion of an intercostal drain. Small hemoptysis occurred in 41 patients and mild parenchymal hemorrhage occurred in 16 patients. The overall complication rate was 18.5%. CONCLUSIONS: CT-guided cutting needle biopsy of pulmonary lesions is a relatively safe technique with a high diagnostic accuracy. It can be safely performed in clinical trials.

Development of multistage distillation in a microfluidic chip.

Although there has been a lot of work on the development of microchemical processing systems such as micro-reactors and micro-sensors, little attention has been paid to micro-separation units, and in particular, microscale distillation. In this paper, various silicon-glass microscale distillation chips with different channel configurations were fabricated and tested. A temperature gradient was setup across the chip by heating and cooling the two ends. The feed was located at the middle of the microchannel. Arrays of micropillars were incorporated in order to guide the liquid flow. It was found that the separation performance was promoted by increasing the length of the microchannel. However, this created an imbalance of the liquid flows at the two sides of the microchannel and caused flooding. This hydrodynamic limitation was addressed by incorporating micropillars on both sides of the channel. The most efficient microdistillation chip consisted of a microchannel with 600 microns width and 40 cm length. Experimental results showed high efficiency for the separation of a 50 mol% acetone-water mixture when the heating and cooling temperature were 95 °C and 42 °C respectively. The concentrations of acetone were 3 mol% in the bottom stream and 95 mol% in the distillate, which was equivalent to at least 4 equilibrium stages at total reflux conditions. Furthermore, a 50 mol% methanol-toluene mixture was separated into nearly pure toluene in the bottom stream and 75 mol% methanol in the distillate. The performance of the microdistillation unit was reproducible in repeated tests.

Fisioanimal

O Fisioanimal é um centro completo de fisioterapia, sendo que através deste site, criado pela Dra. Maira R. Formenton, tem por objetivo divulgar a fisioterapia veterinária, assim como suas aplicações e evidenciar seus benefícios, trazendo diversas informações aos proprietários de animais e aos profissionais da área.

Pólipo fibroepitelial vesical en infancia / No disponible

El pólipo fibroepitelial es una neoplasia benigna de origen mesodérmico que puede originarse a lo largo de todo el epitelio genitourinario, desde cálices a uretra. Es poco frecuente en el aparato genitourinario y excepcional en la vejiga de niños. Se presenta un caso en paciente de 10 años que debutó con cuadro de hematuria monosintomática, diagnosticado mediante ecografía y tratado por resección transuretral. Se discute la bibliografía disponible sobre el tema (AU)

Fibroepithelioma polyps is a being mesodermic neoplasia, that arise anywhere along the genitourinary tract, from calyx to urethra. Althought it's common in another sites, it isn't in the genitourinary surface and it's excepcional in the children's bladder. We present a ten years old man who presented gross haematuria, diagnosticated by ecography and treated endoscopically. This disease's available literature is discused subsequently (AU)

Oat-cell carcinoma of the prostate. Diagnosis, prognosis and therapeutic implications.

BACKGROUND: Any carcinoma of prostatic origin which is not an acinary adenocarcinoma of the prostate is considered to be an atypical carcinoma. One member of this group of atypical prostatic tumors is the oat-cell carcinoma, or small cell carcinoma (SCC) of the prostate. This variety of carcinoma constitutes the histologic basis of <1% of all prostatic neoplasms. METHODS: Between 1992 and 1997, four patients were diagnosed with SCC of the prostate at our hospital. In 3 of the 4 cases, the histopathological diagnosis was pure SCC, and in the 4th case there was a component of prostatic adenocarcinoma associated with the SCC. At the time of diagnosis, extracapsular extension of the tumor was present in all 4 cases, with T3 or higher stages in all of them (T(3A)N(0)M(1), T(3A)N(0)M(0), T(3B)N(0)M(1), and T(4)N(0)M(0)). Because of the presence of extracapsular extension, radiotherapy and radical surgery were ruled out for all 4 patients. They were all offered systemic chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide (1 g/m(2)), doxorubicin (50 mg/m(2)) and vincristine (1.2 mg/m(2)). This therapeutic protocol was carried out in only 2 cases. RESULTS: Survival was <1 year in the 3 patients with pure SCC, and the patient with a mixed tumor is alive with detectable disease 9 months after diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: This poor vital prognosis in SCC stresses the need for early diagnosis a timely and appropriate therapeutic intervention in this condition.