Comparison of high-frequency and ultrahigh-frequency probes in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy.

OBJECTIVES: High-frequency ultrasound (HFUS 18-20 MHz) performed on patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) shows a focal enlargement, particularly in the proximal segments of upper-arm motor nerves. Ultrahigh frequency ultrasound (UHFUS 30-70 MHz), having a higher spatial resolution, enables a better characterization of nerve structures. The aim of this study was to compare the two ultrasound probes in the evaluation of motor nerve characteristics in CIDP patients. METHODS: Eleven patients with definite or probable CIDP underwent an ultrasound evaluation of median and ulnar nerves, bilaterally. Nerve and fascicle cross-sectional area (CSA), vascularization, and echogenicity were assessed. RESULTS: Nerve and fascicle CSA were increased in the proximal segments, especially in the median nerve, in 9/11 patients and in 10/11 patients at the HFUS and UHFUS evaluations, respectively. A statistically significant difference between CSA values obtained with the two probes was found only for fascicle values. UHFUS allowed for a more precise estimation of fascicle size and number than the HFUS. We were able to identify nerve vascularization in 4/11 patients at UHFUS only. CONCLUSION: UHFUS gives more detailed information on the changes in the internal nerve structure in CIDP patients. In particular, it permits to better characterize fascicle size and morphology, and to have a precise estimation of their number. Its frequency range also allows to evaluate nerve vascularization. SIGNIFICANCE: Ultrasound evaluation could become an adjunctive diagnostic tool for CIDP. Further studies are needed to validate the examined parameters as biomarkers for the evaluation and follow-up of CIDP patients.

Impact of transmitted HIV-1 drug resistance on the efficacy of first-line antiretroviral therapy with two nucleos(t)ide reverse transcriptase inhibitors plus an integrase inhibitor or a protease inhibitor.

Objectives: To examine the impact of transmitted drug resistance (TDR) on response to first-line regimens with integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs) or boosted protease inhibitors (bPIs). Methods: From an Italian observational database (ARCA) we selected HIV-1-infected drug-naive patients starting two NRTIs and either an INSTI or a bPI, with an available pre-ART resistance genotype. The endpoint was virological failure (VF; plasma HIV-1 RNA >200 copies/mL after week 24). WHO surveillance drug resistance mutations and the Stanford algorithm were used to classify patients into three resistance categories: no TDR (A), TDR but fully-active ART prescribed (B), TDR and at least low-level resistance to one or more prescribed drug (C). Results: We included 1365 patients with a median follow-up of 96 weeks (IQR 54-110): 1205 (88.3%) starting bPI and 160 (11.7%) INSTI. Prevalence of TDR was 6.1%, 12.5%, 2.6% and 0% for NRTI, NNRTI, bPI and INSTI, respectively. Cumulative Kaplan-Meier estimates for VF at 48 weeks were 11% (95% CI 10.1%-11.9%) for the bPI group and 7.7% (95% CI 5.4%-10%) for the INSTI group. In the INSTI group, cumulative estimates for VF at 48 weeks were 6% (95% CI 4%-8%) in resistance category A, 5% (95% CI 1%-10%) in B and 50% (95% CI 30%-70%) in C (P < 0.001). Resistance category C [versus A, adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 12.6, 95% CI 3.2-49.8, P < 0.001] and nadir CD4 (+100 cells/mm3, aHR 0.6, 95% CI 0.4-0.9, P = 0.03) predicted VF. In the bPI group, VF rates were not influenced by baseline resistance. Conclusions: Our data support the need for NRTI resistance genotyping in patients starting an INSTI-based first-line ART.

Optimal electrode diameter in relation to volume of the cochlea.

The volume of the cochlea is a key parameter for electrode-array design. Indeed, it constrains the diameter of the electrode-array for low-traumatic positioning in the scala timpani. The present report shows a model of scala timpani volume extraction from temporal bones images in order to estimate a maximum diameter of an electrode-array. Nine temporal bones were used, and passed to high-resolution computed tomography scan. Using image-processing techniques, scala timpani were extracted from images, and cross-section areas were estimated along cochlear turns. Cochlear implant electrode-array was fitted in these cross-sections. Results show that the electrode-array diameter is small enough to fit in the scala timpani, however the diameter is restricted at the apical part.

[Elastography shows promise in testicular cancer detection]. / Apport de l'élastographie en temps réel pour la caractérisation des masses testiculaires.

PURPOSE: Elastography is a novel imaging technology that shows promise in the identification of anatomic structures. The widespread use of ultrasound for screening testicular tumors in patients with cancer risk factors highlights unclassified testicular micronodules. We investigated the ability of elastography to accurately diagnose testicular nodules. MATERIAL: Patients with clinical testicular nodules were assigned to undergo elastography in a prospective study. The imaging was carried out by a single radiologist using a static elastography unit with a 9-14MHz frequency linear transducer, to identify hardness score, loss of architecture of testicular parenchyma, and surrounding effect. When orchidectomy was required, the corresponding specimens were subjected to hematoxylin and eosin staining for histologic correlation. RESULTS: We imaged 34 testicular lesions: 26/34 (76%) malignant tumors and 8/34 (24%) non-tumor lesion including 4 hematomas, 3 orchitis and 1 ischemia. Se, Sp, PPV and NPV of hardness in elastography in differentiating between malignant and benign tissue was found to be 96.2%, 37.5%, 83%, and 75%, respectively. Further, for recognizing cancer, the loss of architecture of the testicular parenchyma detecting in elastography was 92.3%, 75%, 92.3%, and 75%, respectively, and the surrounding effect was 84.6%, 87.5%, 95.6% and 63.6%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Elastography may be a promising tool at diagnosing testicular tumor when the loss of architecture and the surrounding effect were present. Further studies are needed to evaluate whether the utility of elastography is worth pursuing to identify of unclassified testicular micronodules. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

[Salvage HIFU after radiotherapy and salvage radiotherapy after HIFU in locally recurrent prostate cancer: Retrospective analysis of morbidity]. / Traitements de rattrapage par HIFU après radiothérapie première et par radiothérapie après HIFU première dans la récidive locale du cancer de prostate: analyse rétrospective de la toxicité

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the toxicity of therapeutic sequences High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU)-salvage radiotherapy (HIFU-RT) or radiotherapy-salvage HIFU (RT-HIFU) in case of locally recurrent prostate cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nineteen patients had a local recurrence of prostate cancer. Among them, 10 patients were treated by HIFU-RT and 9 patients by RT- HIFU (4 by external beam radiotherapy [EBR] and 5 by brachytherapy [BRACHY]). Urinary side effects were assessed using CTCAE v4. RESULTS: At the time of the initial management, the median age was 66.5 years (53-72), the median PSA was 10.8ng/mL (3.4-50) and the median initial Gleason score was 6.3 (5-8). Median follow-up after salvage treatment was 46.3 months (2-108). Thirty percent of the patients in the HIFU-RT group and 33.3 % of the patients in the RT-HIFU group, all belonging to the sub-group BRACHY-HIFU, had urinary complication greater than or equal to grade 2. Among all the patients, only 1 had grade 1 gastrointestinal toxicity. CONCLUSION: BRACHY-HIFU sequence seems to be purveyor of many significant urinary side effects. A larger database is needed to confirm this conclusion.

Initial management of necrotizing external otitis: errors to avoid.

OBJECTIVES: Diagnostic and therapeutic practice guidelines have been established for classical forms of benign otitis externa. However, these guidelines do not include unusual forms of the disease, especially "invasive" otitis externa. No consensual diagnostic flow diagram has been published in the literature, which frequently results in delayed diagnosis and inappropriate primary care management. The objective of this study was to analyse the primary care management practices of malignant otitis externa (MOE). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study of 22 cases of MOE managed in our tertiary care centre over a 6-year period (2004-2010). RESULTS: All but one of the patients presented a systemic or local predisposing factor. The mean interval between onset of the first symptoms and referral to our tertiary care centre was 13weeks (range: 1 to 12months); 77% of patients were referred by a private ENT specialist, 14% were referred by a an emergency department and 9% were referred by a hospital department. Seventeen patients (81%) had received one or more courses of inappropriate systemic antibiotics during this interval (oral in 15 cases, parenteral in two cases, multiple treatments in 13 cases). The mean duration of each course of antibiotics was 12days (range: 7 to 21days). All patients also received local antibiotic ear drops (aminoglycosides or fluoroquinolones). CONCLUSIONS: The practice audit constantly revealed delayed management of MOE, often resulting in inappropriate antibiotic prescriptions. Publication of practice guidelines for primary and secondary care practitioners therefore appears to be essential.

Different methods for monitoring intensity during water-based aerobic exercises.

The aim of this study was to compare different measurement techniques (indirect calorimetry, IC; heart rate monitoring, HR; an activity monitoring system, AH; rates of perceived exertion, RPE) to estimate physical activity intensity (light, moderate, vigorous) during water-based aerobic exercises (WE). Twelve healthy young women performed five common WE of 10-min duration at three frequencies in an indoor swimming pool. Data recorded from the 5th to 9th minute of exercise were averaged to obtain mean [Formula: see text] (IC), HR and AH values; RPE was recorded at the end of each WE. Oxygen uptake was also estimated from HR data using three different [Formula: see text] versus HR regression equation models. Significant correlations (p < 0.001) were found for the indirect methods that used HR, RPE and AH data regressed as a function of [Formula: see text] (IC); the highest correlations were found between the measured values of [Formula: see text] (IC) and those estimated from the three [Formula: see text] versus HR equations (R > 0.7 in all cases). An ANOVA test showed no significant differences between all predicted and measured [Formula: see text] values; however, when the Bland & Altman analysis was considered, AH data showed the larger explained variances (95% CI) and the larger standard errors. These data indicate that the most accurate way to estimate physical activity intensity during WE is based on HR measurements.

Exercise intensity of head-out water-based activities (water fitness).

The aims of this study were: (i) to measure the exercise intensity (EI) of the most common water-based exercises (WE) at different movement frequencies (f1 = 1.8-2.0 Hz; f2 = 2.0-2.2 Hz; f3 = 2.2-2.4 Hz) and at a standardize movement's amplitude; (ii) to measure EI during a combination (MIX) of these WE. Five WE were selected: "running raising the knees high" (S); "jumping moving the legs sideways" (SJ); "jumping moving the legs backward and forward" (FJ); "alternate forward kicks" (FK); "alternate sideways kicks" (SK). Twelve physically active women were asked to perform these WE at the three frequencies, as well as a combination (MIX) of the WE. EI increased significantly (p < 0.01) with increasing frequency; as an average, for all WE: VO2 ranged from 18 to 25 ml kg(-1) min(-1), HR from 102 to 138 bpm, RPE from 9.8 to 14.4 (at f1 and f3, respectively). In terms of % VO2max, EI ranged from 37 to 54% for S, was similar for SJ and FJ (31-43%) and for FK and SK (47-63%) at f1 and f3, respectively. Thus, a given EI can be attained either by changing the type of exercise and/or the frequency of the movement. The combination of exercises did not change (in terms of VO2, HR and RPE) the intensity of each exercise performed separately. These data can be utilized to control, in terms of exercise type and frequency, the intensity of a proposed water-based activity.

Occupational asbestos exposure and digestive cancers - a cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Although the role of asbestos in the genesis of mesothelioma and primary bronchopulmonary cancers has been established, results from studies focusing on the relationship between occupational exposure to asbestos and digestive cancer remain contradictory. AIM: To determine whether occupational asbestos exposure increases the incidence of digestive cancers. METHODS: Our study was a retrospective morbidity study based on 2024 subjects occupationally exposed to asbestos. The incidence of digestive cancer was calculated from 1st January 1978 to 31st December 2004 and compared with levels among the local general population using Standardized Incidence Ratios. Asbestos exposure was assessed using the company's job exposure matrix. RESULTS: Eighty-five cases of digestive cancer were observed within our cohort, for an expected number of 66.90 (SIR = 1.27 [1.01; 1.57]). A significantly elevated incidence, particularly notable among women, was observed for peritoneal mesothelioma, independently of exposure levels. A significantly elevated incidence was also noted among men for cancer of small intestine and oesophagus, for cumulative exposure indexes for asbestos above 80 fibres/mL x years. A significantly elevated incidence of cancer of the small intestine was also observed among men having been exposed to asbestos for periods in excess of 25 years and for mean exposure levels in excess of 4 fibres/mL. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests the existence of a relationship between exposure to asbestos and cancer of the small intestine and of the oesophagus in men.

Incidence of digestive cancers and occupational exposure to asbestos.

While the role of exposure to asbestos in the development of several cancers such as mesotheliomas and bronchopulmonary cancers is now well established, the possible relationship between digestive cancers, other than peritoneal mesotheliomas, and occupational exposure to asbestos is still controversial. The great majority of the studies are based on mortality data. The aim of the study was to analyse the relationship between digestive cancer incidence and occupational exposure to asbestos in a population of subjects for whom precise occupational exposure data and precise incidence data were available. The population consisted of salaried and retired workers from a company using asbestos to manufacture fireproof textiles and friction materials. There were 1454 men (79.9%) and 366 women (20.1%). A cumulative exposure index and a mean exposure concentration in fibres/ml for each subject were calculated with the aid of an in-house job-exposure matrix. The number of cases of digestive cancer observed was compared with the expected and Standardized Incidence Ratio (SIR) was estimated. Precise occupational exposure data allowed us to study the dose-response relationship between asbestos exposure and risk of digestive cancer using Cox model. Fifty-six digestive cancers occurred in the study population over the 18-year follow-up period for 48.4 expected (SIR = 1.16 [0.87-1.50]). Comparing with incidence in the county, SIR was not significant for any of the digestive localization, but for peritoneum. However, even after taking into account the potential confounders via the Cox model, there was a significant dose-response relationship between the occurrence of digestive cancers and the mean exposure concentration, even after exclusion of peritoneum cancers. Our study provides initial evidence suggesting a relationship between occupational exposure to asbestos and the risk of digestive cancer: first, it is a study of incidence although the risk evidenced is not significant; secondly, a dose-effect relationship is demonstrated in the whole population. However, these preliminary results require confirmation by more powerful studies focusing on larger series.

Asbestos bodies in the sputum of asbestos workers: correlation with occupational exposure.

A cross-sectional medical survey including collection of three consecutive sputum samples was carried out among 270 retired workers of a textile and friction materials factory, in order to investigate the relationship between asbestos body identification and asbestos exposure. The individual cumulative asbestos exposure, determined by means of a plant-specific job-exposure matrix based on asbestos air measurements in the workshops, proved to be heavy with a mean cumulative exposure of 217 fibres x mL(-1) x yr. Macrophages and asbestos bodies were identified in sputum samples by light microscopy. The lung origin of the sputum, suggested by the presence of macrophages and/or asbestos bodies, was confirmed in 82.6% of subjects, and 53% of these samples were positive for asbestos bodies. The prevalence of asbestos bodies was not related to sex, smoking status or latency. Conversely, multivariate analysis showed a positive relationship with cumulative exposure, duration and intensity of exposure to asbestos, as well as age and time since retirement. These findings suggest that sputum analysis for asbestos bodies may remain a relevant and noninvasive marker of heavy occupational exposure to asbestos, even years after retirement. Owing to the new perspectives in lung cancer screening, it might contribute to the identification of high-risk subjects.

Pseudomembranous aspergillus bronchitis in a double-lung transplanted patient: unusual radiographic and CT features.

Pseudomembranous aspergillus bronchitis is considered as an early form of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis, a well-known airway infection in immunocompromised patients. Radiologic features concerning invasive aspergillosis of the airways have been reported. However, we describe here an unusual feature of invasive aspergillus bronchitis, never reported to date, observed in a double-lung transplanted patient. Chest radiograph and CT revealed significant peribronchial thickening without any parenchymal involvement.

[Rolled atelectasis and asbestosis. Apropos of 26 patients]. / Atélectasie par enroulement et amiante. A propos de 26 patients.

Round atelectasis (AE) is a benign form of respiratory problem which develops due to fixing of the visceral pleura. This lesion for which the principal cause is exposure to asbestos may pose problems of differential diagnosis with bronchopulmonary cancer. In a cohort of 286 patients suffering from benign asbestos related pleural disease the diagnosis of round atelectasis was made on computerized tomography in 26 patients (31 AE) on the following criteria: rounded opacities of less than 7 cm in diameter situated at the periphery of the lung in contact with a thickened pleura with an acute angle linking the pleura and the opacity, a reduction of lung volume on the side of the atelectasis and the presence of a "comet tail sign". These patients were investigated to specify the circumstances of the occurrence, including their symptomatology, the changes in lung function, the topography of the round atelectasis and the associated radiological signs. Intense exposure to asbestos either continuous or discontinuous was found in 19 patients; 20 patients presented with some respiratory symptoms (dyspnoea 15/26, cough 11/26 and chest pain 9/26) but the reduction in lung function was moderate (7 had restrictive ventilatory trouble, 4 obstructive problems and a mixed problem in 1). The preferred localisation for round atelectasis was in the inferior lobes in the posterior basal lateral vertebral area (26/31) which may explain their being frequently missed on the standard radiograph (only one case of round atelectasis was visible on the straight chest radiograph in our study). An understanding of the pathology and the computered tomographic characteristics are now well defined and should enable an unnecessary diagnostic thoracotomy to be avoided which besides has no justification from the functional point of view.