Excitation of fountain and entrainment instabilities at the interface between two viscous fluids using a beam of laser light

We report on two instabilities, called viscous fountain and viscous entrainment, triggered at the interface between two liquids by the action of bulk flows driven by a laser beam. These streaming flows are due to light scattering losses in turbid liquids, and can be directed either toward or forward the interface. We experimentally and numerically investigate these interface instabilities and show that the height and curvature of the interface deformation at the threshold and the jet radius after interface destabilization mainly depend on the waist of the laser beam. Analogies and differences between these two instabilities are characterized.

Inline high frequency ultrasonic particle sizer

This paper reports the development of a new method of particle sizing in a liquid. This method uses high frequency focused ultrasounds to detect particles crossing the focal zone of an ultrasonic sensor and to determine their size distribution by processing the reflected echoes. The major advantage of this technique compared to optical sizing methods is its ability to measure the size of particles suspended in an opaque liquid without any dedicated sample preparation. Validations of ultrasonic measurements were achieved on suspensions of polymethyl methacrylate beads in a size range extending from a few micrometer to several hundred micrometer with a temporal resolution of 1 s. The inline detection of aggregate formation was also demonstrated.

De novo kidney graft tumors: results from a multicentric retrospective national study

De novo tumors in renal allografts are rare and their prevalence is underestimated. We therefore analyzed renal cell carcinomas arising in renal allografts through a retrospective French renal transplant cohort. We performed a retrospective, multicentric survey by sending questionnaires to all French kidney transplantation centers. All graft tumors diagnosed after transplantation were considered as de novo tumors. Thirty-two centers participated in this study. Seventy-nine tumors were identified among 41 806 recipients (Incidence 0.19%). Patients were 54 men and 25 women with a mean age of 47 years old at the time of diagnosis. Mean tumor size was 27.8 mm. Seventy-four (93.6%), 53 (67%) and 44 tumors (55.6%) were organ confined (T1-2), low grade (G1-2) and papillary carcinomas, respectively. Four patients died of renal cell carcinomas (5%). The mean time lapse between transplantation and RCC diagnosis was 131.7 months. Thirty-five patients underwent conservative surgery by partial nephrectomy (n = 35, 44.3%) or radiofrequency (n = 5; 6.3%). The estimated 5 years cancer specific survival rate was 94%. Most of these tumors were small and incidental. Most tumors were papillary carcinoma, low stage and low grade carcinomas. Conservative treatment has been preferred each time it was feasible in order to avoid a return to dialysis.

Adjuvant tamoxifen in breast-cancer-treatment in postmenopausal women - occurrence of thromboembolic complications

Of 441 postmenopausal breast cancer patients who received adjuvant tamoxifen, 19 had thromboembolic accidents (4.3%). All were in remission when thrombosis occurred. One patient died of bilateral pulmonary embolism. In the other cases, thromboembolic disorders were found to be reversible after the withdrawal of tamoxifen and anticoagulant treatment. Some patients had a history of vascular disorders, and others required prolonged bed rest which may have contributed as an aggravating circumstance to thrombotic events. Our study suggests that thromboembolic risk factors as well as potential vascular disorders induced by aggravating conditions have to be carefully examined in postmenopausal patients treated by adjuvant tamoxifen therapy. This is especially true in women with lobular breast cancer and aged more than 60 years.

[Radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) without postoperative bladder catheter: study about 14 cases]

OBJECTIVES

To report the feasibility of radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) without postoperative bladder catheter.

MATERIAL & METHODS

We report our experience in 14 patients (mean age 62 [48-75]) who underwent radical retropubic prostatectomy for localised prostatic adenocarcinoma from May 2006 to January 2010. The surgical technique was performed as classically described, without bladder neck preservation (tennis-racket closure), with or without nerve sparing (JP). The criteria that led us not to drain were the satisfactory urethral length, a tension-free anastomosis performed on a bladder catheter with separate sutures, and a lack of anastomotic leack after bladder filling with 200cc.

RESULTS

The mean hospital stay was 4 days (3-8). Ten patients (71.4%) needed intermittent bladder catherism four times (1-11) before starting micturitions, without any technical difficulties. No anastomic leack was reported. Nine patients (64.3%) were continent leaving the hospital. With a mean follow-up of 30 months (5-48), all of 14 patients (100%) were perfectly continent. No anastomotic stricture was reported.

CONCLUSION

RRP without postoperative bladder catheter was feasible, with no other early or late complication associated. Early and late continence were perfect (100% at 2 years).

Actinides and decay products in selected produce and bioindicators in the vicinity of a uranium plant

Cypress needles collected at the edge of the Malvési uranium facility (SW France) exhibit enhanced activities of actinides and some decay products (uranium, americium, plutonium, (230)Th, (226)Ra) compared to a remote site. These enhanced activities resulted from the release of U via smokestacks and passive release from former artificial ponds located inside the nuclear site. Enhanced activities are also observed in selected produce (wheat, lettuce, fruits) sampled from the edge of the site. However, excess actinides measured in wheat grains in 2007 are inconsistent with the activities and the uranium ratio measured in the soils. This result suggests that the studied annual crops were contaminated mainly through the short-term release of airborne actinides, and that other transfer pathways, such as, uptake through the roots or adhesion of soil particles, were negligible.

[Male stress urinary incontinence: medium-term results of treatment by sub-urethral bone anchored sling InVance™]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the functional and urodynamic results of a compressive sub-urethral sling with bone anchoring InVance™.

METHODS

One hundred and six successive patients were operated with this system between August 2004 and March 2009. Urinary incontinence was classified according to the number of daily protections. All the patients have benefited from a clinical, endoscopic and urodynamic pre and post-operative evaluation. The results were classified in four groups, at three months and at one year, according to whether the patients were dry (A), very improved (B), little improved (C), or with no improvement (D).

RESULTS

The average age of the patients during the installation of the strip was 67.4 years (46-82). At three months, the rate of dry (A) or very improved patients (B) was of 81.2% (A=75.5%; B=5.7%), and at one year: 75.5% (A=61%; B=14.5%). At three months, the rate of patients little improved (C) or not improved (D) was of 18.8% (C=16%; D=2.8%), and at one year: 24.5% (C=20.3%; D=4.2%). These results deteriorated according to the initial rank of incontinence II, III, and I. Six patients (5.7%) were explanted because of a prosthetic infection which perished at an average of 9 months (3-18). Infection was linked to operative time (p=0.02), and patients age. No osteitis nor urethral erosion were noted. There was a significant rise in the pressures of maximum fence at rest and maximum urethral pressures in reserve (p=0.01). At one year, score ICIQ-UI SF decreased overall by 7.1 points.

CONCLUSION

The medium-term results of under-urethral supporting with bone anchoring InVance™ are very encouraging. This technique presents an acceptable morbidity and a good tolerance. It can be proposed in first intention for a urinary incontinence whatever the rank is, even if the effectiveness is particularly present in incontinences of rank I and II.

[Signet-ring cell primitive bladder carcinoma: a rare and aggressive tumor]

We report the case of a single patient suffering of a primary signet-ring cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder. This histological subtype of primary bladder cancer is very rare. We thus want to emphasize on its pathological specificity in order to improve the postoperative strategic treatment, knowing it is a rare but very aggressive kind of tumor.

[Renal colic "ischemic" of renal infarction: A plea for routine helical CT in emergency]

OBJECTIVES

Through a retrospective cohort, to analyse causative factors of acute renal infarction and specific therapeutic. Recall the need to carry a computerised tomoraphy (CT) in any flank pain suggestive of renal colic can hide a renal infarct.

METHOD

Over a period of 24 months (2008-2009), we have compiled six patients admitted for acute lumbar pain reported in renal colic and showing a renal infarction. We report the risk factors for cardiovascular disease, the clinical presentation, and the interest of heparin therapy started early in the recovery of renal function. We emphasise the need for abdominal-pelvic CT in emergency before a renal colic pain associated with injection of contrast medium if no stone obstacle is identified.

RESULTS

Five patients had risk factors for cardiovascular disease including one personal history of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism and two, a family history of myocardial infarction. Five patients were treated early with LMWH, and for one the herapin was started at 72 hours of onset of symptoms. In all cases, no effect on renal function was noted.

CONCLUSION

Renal infarction is a rare but probably underestimated, occurring on land known cardiovascular often. The abdominopelvic CT without injection is increasingly practiced in front of abdominal pain syndromes, it seems imperative to complete the review by the injection of contrast material if stone obstruction is unconfirmed. Early management by herapin appears to improve the complete recovery of renal function.

[Radiotherapy influence, about results of the InVance(®) male sling in men with stress urinary incontinence]

AIMS

To study impact of previous radiotherapy on urodynamic parameters, continence and complication rate, after prosthetic implantation with InVance® device.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We included 106 patients between August 2004 and March 2009. We stratified urinary incontinence according to pads daily used, in grade I (one to two pads), II (three to four), or III (more than four or condom catheter use). We compared one group of 24 patients with previous radiotherapy (R) to 82 control patients (T) without one. Follow-up was made at three and six postoperative months and then annually. Results were classified into: no leaks, improved or failure.

RESULTS

Mean follow-up was 14.8 months (median=12.8) in group R and 12.4 months (median=8.8) in group T. At three postoperative months, continence was achieved in 62.5% patients from group R and in 77% patients in group T (P: ns). At 12 months, results on continence were respectively 52.6% in group R and 63.2% in group T (P: ns). Six patients were explanted because of an infection (5.7%), among which two in group R (8.3%) and four in group T (4.8%). Infection was significantly linked to operative time (P: 0.02).

CONCLUSION

Previous radiotherapy has no impact on urodynamic parameters and continence, on short- and mid-term analysis, after implantation of a bone-anchored suburethral sling with InVance® device, preferentially patients with mild to moderate incontinenec urinary.

Internal temperature measurement of an ytterbium doped material under laser operation

Temperature of the pumped volume of an ytterbium doped material has been measured while laser action is taking place. This is achieved by recording green emissions at 530 and 550 nm from Er3+ impurities. These emissions result from energy transfer upconversion processes between Yb3+ and Er3+. Experiments performed on a Yb3+:CaGdAlO4 crystal show the effect of pump power and laser wavelength on the sample internal temperature. Temperature variation along the sample length has also been measured. This method can complement data obtained by thermal cameras which can only access surface temperatures in most laser materials.

Primary diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of the mandible. A case report

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma is the most common type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma and is characterized by the appearance of rapidly developing tumor lesions in the lymph nodes, spleen, liver, bone marrow or other organs. Primary extranodal presentations of this entity in bone are rare (5% of all extranodal lymphomas) and their initial manifestation is usually in the form of a single bone lesion. This paper addresses a case of a 62-year-old male diagnosed with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in the mandible. The patient had left mandibular swelling with intermittent paresthesia of the left lower lip and chin, without apparent neck adenopathies. No other locations were identified in the several exams performed, and the final diagnosis was an asymptomatic diffuse extranodal large B-cell lymphoma (IE-A) in the body of the left mandible. Four cycles of chemotherapy were given according to the R-CHOP protocol (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone) plus external radiotherapy targeted to the involved site, resulting in complete remission of the tumor. Such lesions are fairly uncommon in daily clinical practice. However, considering their severity and the importance of an early diagnosis, such conditions should be included in the differential diagnosis of bone lesions in the orofacial region.

Isotopic evidence of natural uranium and spent fuel uranium releases into the environment

Uranium and plutonium isotopes were measured in soils, sediments and waters in an area subject to the past and present discharges from the uranium conversion plant of Malvési (France). The isotopes (236)U and (239)Pu are well known activation products of uranium and they prove to be powerful tracers of spent fuel releases in soils and sediments. On the other hand (234)U and (238)U activities measured in waters can be used to distinguish between releases and background uranium sources. Such findings contribute to improve the monitoring of the actinides releases by nuclear fuel facilities (mining sites, conversion, enrichment and fuel plants, reprocessing plants).

Investigation of low 5-year relative survival for breast cancer in a London cancer network

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer 5-year relative survival is low in the North East London Cancer Network (NELCN).

METHODS

We compared breast cancer that was diagnosed during 2001-2005 with that in the rest of London.

RESULTS

North East London Cancer Network women more often lived in socioeconomic quintile 5 (42 vs 21%) and presented with advanced disease (11 vs 7%). Cox regression analysis showed the survival difference (hazard ratio: 1.27, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.15-1.41) reduced to 1.00 (95% CI: 0.89-1.11) after adjustment for age, stage, socioeconomic deprivation, ethnicity and treatment. Major drivers were stage and deprivation. Excess mortality was in the first year.

CONCLUSION

Late diagnosis occurs in NELCN.